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!

To begin this letter, Paul has been addressing the distortion of the gospel. As he continues, he'll be highlighting the true gospel's divine origin and power to change a life (his own, for instance). We'll have the opportunity to hear Paul's own story about how the gospel radically transformed his life and how that transformation brought God much glory!

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.

In John 17 we get a glimpse into the heart of Jesus as he prays to the Father for us. What does he pray? What does it tell us about God? How can it change us?