This week we're picking back up on our Galatians series as we further consider what it looks like practically to live by the Name of Jesus. Paul likens himself to being in the anguish of childbirth as he seeks to see Christ formed in those who know Jesus. May we be people who have our characters transformed to look more and more like him!

This week we'll celebrate that Jesus didn't simply die on the cross to be left in the ground motionless and lifeless. No! Three days later, just as he said, he rose from the grave with glorious power! Now, this same resurrection power is available to all who believe in, call on, are baptized in, and live by the Name of Jesus Christ!

In this final week of our "Tenebrae" series, we’ll be tackling the other three statements of Jesus on cross that we’ve not yet explored. "Woman, your son…[son] your mother," "I thirst," and "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." By considering these phrases of the crucifixion, our hope is that this would change how we approach and celebrate the resurrection this year!

This week we'll explore two more phrases from Christ in the midst of the darkness. "Father, forgive them, they don't know what they do" and the marvelous "It is Finished!" will provide hope and encouragement for our moments when we sin and turn from the Lord.

Easter is almost here! But of course, before the Resurrection came the Crucifixion. On the darkest day in history – a day when the sun itself actually stopped shining – Jesus Christ was brutally tortured and killed. But into this darkness, he spoke powerful words. Words of compassion and grace, forgiveness and faithfulness. For thousands of years, Christians have reflected on the 7 statements of Christ on the cross. (Some do so at services called Tenebrae – Latin for “darkness” – held during the last few days before Easter). Join in as we examine his words and remind ourselves once again that, even in the deepest darkness, the light of Jesus shines!

In the early years after Jesus' earthly ministry, his followers faced huge challenges to their faith. Rampant persecution. Widespread confusion and even conflict about how this diverse family of believers (Jew/Gentile, slave/ free, male/female) should relate to the Jewish roots of their faith. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia to remind them of the one true gospel: being right with God is through faith alone in Christ alone. He celebrated the beauty of this good news and the freedom it brings - freedom with a purpose! Today we, too, need to remind ourselves that Jesus + anything = a false gospel. Join in as we delight in the beauty of the True Gospel and experience the freedom and transformation it brings.

There is frankly a LOT of discussion about the relationship of the "Law" to believers in Jesus Christ. To muddy the waters more, there is a question about which law we're talking about - the Mosaic law (given to Jews at Mount Sinai) which has both ritual and moral laws, the books of the law (Genesis to Deuteronomy), the law that is the whole of the OT, the law of Christ (coming in chapter 6!), or the royal law (James 2:8). Paul will help us understand the purpose and beauty of the law as we continue in chapter 3 this week.

Paul continues to remind the Galatians (and us as we eavesdrop) that the gospel and the Holy Spirit are only received by faith. We can be confident that the curse of sin no longer lands on us because, by faith, Jesus has become cursed in our place. We no longer fear the doom and sting of sin, but can delight in the Spirit's presence in our lives! Truly, we don't DO anything to earn this, but rather Jesus has DONE this on our behalf.

This week we'll discover what could be considered a key verse in Galatians as Paul explains, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (2:20). What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? How are we no longer living, but Christ is living in us? What does it look like to live by faith? We'll tackle this and other truths as we continue our journey through Galatians!

As we launch into chapter 2, Paul continues to vehemently contend for the gospel of grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone. We'll see how he highlights the beauty of the gospel and then explore the incredible implications for the times when we have absolutely blown it through our sin and disobedience. For those times of sorrow and regret, the gospel of grace gives us the right to pass out of darkness and live in the light!