Podcasts about read galatians

We continue our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions May 4 1. What were some things you were taught about the Old Testament growing up? How did that shape your view of the Torah? 2. The Hebrew word *Torah* means "instruction" or "direction." How does this definition affect how we should approach the first five books of the Bible? 3. Why do you think God gave Israel such specific and unusual laws (like not mixing fabrics or seeds)? 4. How does viewing the Torah as both a religious and cultural-political document help us better understand its purpose? 5. How does Genesis 15:6 challenge the idea that Old Testament believers were saved by following laws? 6. What does it mean that “belief is busy”? How do we see this concept illustrated in both the Old and New Testaments? 7. Why do you think it was so difficult for early Jewish Christians to accept Gentiles into the church without requiring them to follow the Torah? 8. Read Galatians 2:11–16 again. What do you learn about how Paul viewed justification (being made right with God)? 9. Have you ever seen modern parallels to the “circumcision group” mentality— where people are expected to follow extra rules to be considered truly “Christian”? 10. What are some ways we may still misread or misapply Scripture today by ignoring its original context? 11. Dallas Willard said, “Grace is not against effort. It is against earning.” How does this statement help us balance faith and works in our daily walk? 12. In what ways did Jesus “fulfill” the Torah rather than abolish it? (Matt. 5:17)

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Follow Jesus the suffering King into the greater gain of his kingdom.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 9:18-27.1. Imagine Jesus standing before you today and asking, “Who do you say that I am?” How would you answer that question? 2. Jesus describes himself as the “Son of Man” in verse 26. It was a title used in the Old Testament to mean human. With that, read Daniel 7:13-14, which expands the term. Using that background, what did Jesus mean when he said he was the “Son of Man.”3. In Luke 9:24, Jesus says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” What does it look like to lose your life for the sake of Christ? 4. What's one area of your life where you're more self-centered than Christ-centered?5. How can this group encourage you to become more Christ-centered in that area? 6. Who have you seen “lose their life” for the sake of Jesus? What did (or does) that look like for them? 7. What hope does this passage give us when we feel like we're losing out in this world because we're following Christ? 8. In what ways would following Jesus now be unpopular or met with opposition?9. Read Galatians 2:20 and Titus 2:11-14. How do the truths in these passages empower us to take up our cross and follow Christ? 10. The whole notion of taking up your cross and following Jesus may seem crazy to those who don't trust in Jesus. If an unbelieving friend or family member were to ask why you've chosen to deny yourself and follow Christ, what would you say to them? Prayer

Picturea woman in a dimly lit Palestinian home, realizing one of her ten silver coinsis missing. These coins were more than money, they formed a headband worn by abride, a symbol of her marriage, like a wedding ring. Losing one was a crisis.So, she lights a lamp, grabs a broom, and searches every corner, sweeping awaydust and peering into shadows. When she finally finds that glinting coin, herjoy overflows.  Inthe first parable of Luke 15, the shepherd seeking the lost sheep shows usJesus, the Good Shepherd, pursuing a foolish lost sinner far from God. Thissecond parable, the lost coin, offers another layer. The coin, still in thehouse but hidden in the dirt, can picture a believer who has lost theirusefulness to God, perhaps through sin, neglect, distraction, or carelessness.  Thewoman represents the Holy Spirit, who brings the light of God's Word to exposehidden sin, sweeps the heart clean through conviction, and restores thebeliever to fellowship with the Lord. Every person, sinner or saint, bearsGod's image, like a coin stamped with a king's likeness. Even when sin marsthat image, God sees their worth and pursues them. Jesussays heaven rejoices when one sinner repents, but this parable also hints atthe joy when a believer is restored. Angels celebrate when a lost soul comes toChrist or when a wayward Christian returns to God's purpose. This challenges usto see everyone, unbelievers and struggling believers alike, as precious toGod, worth seeking and restoring. Thisparable reveals God's heart for both the lost sinner and the believer who'sdrifted. If you feel far from God today, maybe as a believer who's lost yourspiritual fire, know that the Holy Spirit is searching for you, ready torestore you with the light of His Word. If you're walking closely with God,you're called to join this mission.  Peoplearound you, friends, coworkers, or even fellow Christians, may be like thatlost coin, in God's house but not shining for Him. You can help by sharing thetruth of Scripture, praying for their restoration, or encouraging them toreturn to fellowship. (Read Galatians 6:1-5). Thisalso challenges our attitudes. The religious leaders grumbled when Jesuswelcomed sinners. Jesus was saying that God actually searches for lost sinners!No wonder the scribes and Pharisees were offended, for there was no place intheir legalistic theology for a God like that. They had forgotten that God hadsought out Adam and Eve when they had sinned and hidden from God (Gen. 3:8-9).In spite of their supposed knowledge of Scripture, the scribes and Phariseesforgot that God was like a father who pitied his wayward children (Ps.103:8-14).  Dowe ever judge those who've wandered, whether unbelievers or believers caught insin? God pursues both with equal love, and we must too. Let's be vessels of theHoly Spirit, bringing light and hope to those who need it. James ended hisepistle with these words: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from thetruth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner fromthe error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins”(James 5:19-20). Challenge: Bea light this week and identify one person who seems far from God, either anunbeliever or a believer who's drifted. Pray for them daily, asking the HolySpirit to shine His light and restore them. Look for one chance to showkindness, share a Scripture, or invite them to reconnect with God, maybethrough a conversation or a church invitation. Then, watch for God to work andbe ready to rejoice when He does. Prayer:Lord,thank You for pursuing us when we're lost, whether as sinners or believerswho've wandered. Fill us with Your Spirit to shine Your Word and restore othersto You. Give us boldness this week to pray, love, and reach out. May we joinheaven's joy over every restored soul. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Even though the Holy Spirit is in us...we can grieve him. We can ignore him. We can go our own way. We can be in sin. We can not listen to the one who is guiding us. We can not choose to follow him." — Natalie AbbottToday's episode:  Today Natalie Abbott is talking very practically about what it means to remain in Jesus and for him to remain in us. She answers how it is that Jesus is in us—whether his presence in us is experiential, emotional, symbolic or something more. She also unpacks the two specific ways that believers are to remain in Jesus. Finally, she encourages believers to share the abundant life we receive from Jesus with our friends. This month's memory verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5Memorize with us: The Dwell Differently monthly membership is the easy button for Scripture memory. Join us today!Support Our Show: We love hearing what you think and it helps other people find our show. Links from today's show: Check out Natalie and Vera's new teen Bible study, Dwell on These Things. Dig even deeper into God's Word (and memorize it!) in Natalie and Vera's Bible study and book: Dwell on These Things and Dwell Differently. Read more about the mutual indwelling of the Father, Son and Spirit here.Read Galatians 5 for more on what it looks like to walk in step with the Holy Spirit.Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Are you still trying to earn your freedom, working hard to complete what Jesus has already finished? In this message from the book of Galatians, we uncover the truth of the gospel—Jesus paid it all. Our chains are gone, not by our effort, but by faith in Him alone.Join us as we explore the life-changing reality that we are free and forgiven, not just for a moment, but forever. Let's learn together what true faith looks like and how to walk in the freedom Christ has given us.Read Galatians and dive deeper into God's amazing grace.#JesusPaidItAll #Galatians #FreedomInChrist #FaithNotWorks #GraceAlone

PSALM 35 1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. 3 Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation." 4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. 5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; 6 may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. 7 Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, 8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. 10 My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” 11 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. 15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. 17 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. 19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. 20 They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. 21 They gape at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it." 22 O Lord, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. 24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. 25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. 27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” 28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long. FROM THE LESSON Schadenfreude - it is a German word that literally means "harm-joy" and has come to mean "the pleasure that is derived from another's misfortune." Imprecatory Psalms - to imprecate is a word that means to utter a curse against someone or something. The imprecatory psalms are psalms which call for God's judgment to fall down on the wicked. Of the 150 psalms in our Bible, anywhere between 14-28 of them are put in this category of imprecatory psalms. Three Things to Know about Imprecatory Psalms: 1 Complaint is a good and necessary thing. 2 Cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience. 3 Cursing becomes blessing at the cross. Three Responses to Reading Psalm 35: 1 We agree with David that cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience. 2 We admit that cursing is God's right response to my sin and disobedience. 3 We allow this reality to motivate us to tell others about the cross of Jesus Christ.  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 One of the primary things David is wrestling with in this psalm is schadenfreude. Read verses 15-16, 19, 24, and 26. People were rejoicing over his misfortune. How have you seen or experienced this in your life?  2 Read verses 17 and 22. Biblical complaint is communicating with God about the tension created between what we know about God's character and how we feel about our circumstances. Talk about Biblical complaint with your group. 3 Read verses 4-6 and 26-27. How do you hear these words of cursing from David? Have you ever felt like this toward anyone else? Does knowing that cursing is God's right response to sin and disobedience help you to better understand his words? 4 Read Galatians 3:13-14. Cursing becomes blessing at the cross. Discuss this gospel reality with your group.  5 Read over the three responses to reading Psalm 35 that are listed in the section above. Which one of these responses did you connect with the most this morning? 

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | November 24, 2024 Referenced Scripture: Matthew 7:13-27, Mark 1:14-15, Ephesians 5:15-18, Galatians 5:25 Reflection Questions: 1. How can someone know if they are genuinely a follower of Jesus? (on the Narrow road or the Wide road). 2. According to the Sermon on the Mount, what are some fruit(s) that we should expect in our lives as we become more deeply rooted in Jesus? 3. Read Matthew 7:21-23- 21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'-What thoughts/emotions/questions does this text bring up for you? What makes this text potentially unsettling? 4. How can it be possible to have apparent fruit in our lives when we are not truly rooted in Jesus? How is it that we can live self deception? 5. How can we know for sure that we are doing the will of the Father? How can we learn to hear and respond to the voice of God in our life? 6. How have you experienced God speaking to you through the Holy Spirit? 7. Read Galatians 5:25-Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.-What is the next step that the Spirit is asking you to take right now? What's your next step? Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman 

I have a very distinct memory related to my life as a young blonde Alaskan of German-Norwegian descent amidst a literal sea of dark-skinned, black-haired Filipinos. Growing up overseas in the city of Manila forced a superficial but sharp contrast of appearances that triggered an existential question in my young brain: “Why am I like me and not like them?” Why was I born to Randy and Marla Weisser? Why was I born in America? Why was I born with my specific color and complexion? Why was I born with my specific set of traits? Why was I born into a Christian home? My still developing brain began to wrestle with this truth; I didn't have much say in choosing the life that I was given. I began to wonder about the ways of a God who made decisions about me before I even was. I began to question the methods of a God who decided about my life without consulting me. Seems like a lot of power. And then somewhere along the road of my life, those feelings and thoughts began to shift. I went from wrestling with a God who dictates my very existence, to wrestling with the responsibility of creating the life I wanted. Somehow, without conscious awareness, I shifted from a deeply felt and fearful awe of God who is in control, to a sense of dread and defeat. Why? Because it was now up to me. I don't know that I thought this so much as I felt it, as I gradually agreed to carry the weight of my own merit, my own worth. I have heard the same experience described to me many times by others. “It's up to me.” In this message, I have some good news for you if you are carrying this kind of weight. Read Galatians chapter 3 and 4 before you listen. I pray that God will meet you and that you will hear His kind promise; “You are FREE.” Pastor Aaron Weisser

Trying to be good enough by following the Law? It's a losing battle. In this message from Galatians 2-3, Paul unveils some eye-opening truths about true godliness and the real power for upright living. Suffering under the Law is a curse, and dying to it is crucial for pleasing God and experiencing genuine joy and peace. Under the Law, sin thrives. But under grace, sin loses its grip on you! This epic New Testament passage also features some multiple-choice questions from Paul, and the answers might just blow your mind. Ready to ditch law-keeping and embrace the freedom of living by faith? Click through to watch the full message. It's a perspective shift you won't want to miss! Discussion Questions for Galatians 2-3: 1. Read Galatians 2:19. Why did you have to die to the Law in order to live to God? 2. Read Galatians 2:20. Why are there two I's in this verse? What does each refer to? 3. Read Galatians 3:2-3. What are the two multiple choice questions Paul asks his readers? And what are the answers to these questions? 4. Read Galatians 3:10. Why is being under the Law a curse? 5. Read Galatians 3:12 and react to this statement: The Law is not of faith. 6. Read Galatians 3:13-14 and react to this statement: Jesus became a curse for me so that I could receive the Spirit by faith. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1258/29

Discussion Questions for Galatians 2-3: Read Galatians 2:19. Why did you have to die to the Law in order to live to God? Read Galatians 2:20. Why are there two “I's” in this verse? What does each refer to? Read Galatians 3:2-3. What are the two multiple choice questions Paul asks his readers? And what are the answers to these questions? Read Galatians 3:10. Why is being under the Law a curse? Read Galatians 3:12 and react to this statement: The Law is not of faith. Read Galatians 3:13-14 and react to this statement: Jesus became a curse for me so that I could receive the Spirit by faith.

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | September 1, 2024 Reflection Questions: 1. Read Galatians 5:22-23 & Colossians 3:12-15. 2. Which one or two of the fruits of the Spirit listed in these two passages would you say you do the best job living out in your day to day life? 3. Which one or two of the fruits of the Spirit listed in these two passages would you say is an area you want to continue to grow in? 4. Read Galatians 5:13-14. What principles does Paul emphasize before he shares the fruits of the Spirit that help us cultivate a lifestyle promoting the fruits of the Spirit? 5. The sermon outlined a link between a simple life, margin and investment in relationships. Which of those things are aligned with our culture and which are not? Which are represented by your current lifestyle and which are not? What’s your next step? Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman

You are a threat to the enemy because God has predestined you, and though it may not seem like it, you are on course for Greatness! Don't ever think about giving up. Keep going. Read Galatians 6:9 and be encouraged to never grow weary when doing good because at the proper time, you will reap the harvest if you do NOT give up.Note: “necessary.” can be purchased as a paperback via Amazon. The audiobook can also be purchased on my new mentorship website at UnlockingGreatness.comListen to Unlocking Greatness Podcast with Zenja Glass on your favorite streaming platform! Now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, and More. Much love,Z.Unlocking Greatness Podcast with Zenja GlassVisit https://www.UnlockingGreatness.com to join the “necessary. Retreat” Much love,Z.

Read Genesis 2: 15-17.1. What is a boundary and why are boundaries important?2. Pastor Mick told a story about a farmer putting up a fence. In whatways are boundaries ways of both “fencing in” and “fencing out”?3. What boundary did God set for Adam and Eve? What happened whenthey ignored the boundary? What can we learn from this?4. Read Proverbs 3: 5-6. What does this tell us about obeying theboundaries God sets for us, even if we don't fully understand why theyare important? What could happen if we don't adhere to God'sboundaries?5. Read Isaiah 55: 8-9. Have you ever applied this kind of logic whensetting boundaries for your own kids/grandkids? What does this meanfor your own relationship with God?6. In what ways can boundaries provide freedom?7. How can we better see boundaries as gifts from God? (Hint: thinkabout Sabbath)8. Read Galatians 5: 13. How does Paul instruct us to use our freedom?How might this relate to boundaries?9. Pastor Mick described boundaries as being like guard rails. What didhe mean by that? Do you agree? Why/why not?Prayer of the Week:Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of boundaries. Weconfess that we don't always like them, much less obey them, but we aregrateful for them. Please help us to do better at setting and living withinhealthy boundaries, and make your presence known to us even as weexperience the consequences of living outside of those boundaries. Guideus, Lord, toward living the lives you have created us to live, lives that areabundant and eternal. Help us receive your gifts of boundaries with joy,praise and thanksgiving as we allow them to shape our lives in accordancewith your will. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who livesand reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

-Share a favorite or least favorite trip with your family growing up. -Read Mark 3:31-35. In a strong familial society, how do you think the disciples would have felt about Jesus words and actions here? -In what ways do we and do we not treat our church community as “family?” What are aspects of a family we want to emulate and aspects we want to avoid? -Read Galatians 3:26. What do you think it may have felt like for the members of the early church who did not have Jewish heritage to be welcomed into God's family. What does it mean for us to be “heirs of Christ?” Live it out: Think of someone you know in our community that you could welcome in like family. Discuss who that might be and consider how you might reach out: a phone call, coffee, or meal together.

RATE! REVIEW! FOLLOW! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com ○ Read: Romans 1:16-32 ○ Lesson 1: "the righteous will live by faith." § Righteous can be defined as: acting in accord with divine or moral law; free from guilt or sin § Righteousness means right relations between man and God ○ In verses 18-32, Paul lays out how the wicked live, and explains that God's wrath has been revealed against sinful humanity § God has made what may be known about Himself, plain to us □ Verse 20…"For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." ® God has revealed himself not only in history but also in the beauty and order we experience in the His created world. ® Read Psalms 19:1-6 ® Read Acts 14: 15-17 □ Verse 21…"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile (completely ineffective) and their foolish hearts were darkened." § Part of God's wrath involves abandoning individuals to the consequences of their wickedness □ It says 3 times in verses 24-32 that "God gave them over…" . God won't take your free will away ○ Read Habakkuk 4:2 (NLT) § ""Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God."" ○ Read Zephaniah 2:3 (NLT) § "Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you- protect you from his anger on that day of destruction." ○ Read Galatians 3:11 (NLT) § "So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" ○ Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV) § "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." ○ Remember the lesson: the righteous will live by faith. When judgement day comes, those who believe will stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Jesus ○ Read Isaiah 61:10 § "I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels." ○ And those who are godless are under God's wrath. Do not be misled, thinking that being a "good person" or doing "good things" is enough ○ Read Isaiah 64:6 We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

What would most people say Christians do? Pray, read the Bible, make disciples, give generously, forgive, love, serve, go to church, and share the gospel. In our new series, “ABIDE”, JP looks to John 15 to focus our thoughts on a true disciple is one who abides in Jesus and fruit is produced. We also learn when we are pruned, bring it to God and trust him to teach you to abide in Him and bear more fruit. John 15:1-8 The Father prunes fruitful branchesThe Son produces fruitThe fruit of the Spirit proves a disciple Life Group Questions:Read Galatians 5:22 – 23 and share with your group what is easy fruit for you and what is hard fruit?When was a time you experienced pruning and you felt so near to the Father learning to abide in Him?What did God do in your life when you experienced pruning and produced more fruit? 

What would most people say Christians do? Pray, read the Bible, make disciples, give generously, forgive, love, serve, go to church, and share the gospel. In our new series, “ABIDE”, JP looks to John 15 to focus our thoughts on a true disciple is one who abides in Jesus and fruit is produced. We also learn when we are pruned, bring it to God and trust him to teach you to abide in Him and bear more fruit. John 15:1-8 The Father prunes fruitful branchesThe Son produces fruitThe fruit of the Spirit proves a disciple Life Group Questions:Read Galatians 5:22 – 23 and share with your group what is easy fruit for you and what is hard fruit?When was a time you experienced pruning and you felt so near to the Father learning to abide in Him?What did God do in your life when you experienced pruning and produced more fruit? 

RATE! REVIEW! FOLLOW! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions: caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes: ○ Colossians 3 (NLT) § Colossians 3: 1-4 § Think about the things of heaven… □ Read Philippians 4:8 § Colossians 3: 5-17 § So put to death the sinful, earthly things…. And put on your new nature □ Read 2 Corinthians 5: 14-17 □ Read Galatians 3:26-29 § Clothe yourselves with… (think of the Fruits of the Spirit) § Live peacefully and in harmony with each other □ Read Galatians 5:22-23 § Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives □ Read Ephesians 2:4-10 § Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of Jesus □ Read 2 Corinthians 5:20- "So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead. 'Come back to God!'" § Colossians 3: 18-4:1 § Paul calls out 6 groups of people- (this section is very similar to what Paul wrote in Ephesians) □ Wives submit ® Submit means "to yield oneself to the authority or will of another; to permit oneself to be subjected to something ® Read Ephesians 5:21-24 ® Submission requires humility □ Husbands love ® Read Ephesians 5:25-33 □ Children obey ® Ephesians 6:1-3 □ Fathers don't aggravate ® Read Ephesians 6:4 □ Slaves obey & work willingly ® Read Ephesians 6:5-8 □ Masters be just and fair ® Read Ephesians 6: 9 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

·       Ecclesiastes 3:11b -He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  ·       What is beyond death? ·       John 14:1  -“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  ·       Don't be agitated.  Trust God and trust me – how we tell you to live and what we tell you that lies beyond. ·       2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  ·      Jesus is telling us heaven is about being with God. ·       Heaven is not about you; it is being with your Heavenly Father.   ·       3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  ·       People go to heaven because Jesus takes them there.  ·       …that you also may be where I am.  ·       Dallas Willard – If I walk with Jesus, I think when I die, it might take me some time to realize I'm dead.  ·       Matthew 25:41 - Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ·       Dallas Willard – “The only reason there is a hell is because God makes provision for what people want and hell is simply the best God can do for some people.” ·       C.S. Lewis – “There are only two kinds of people – those who say, “Thy will be done” to God; or those to whom God says, “Thy will be done.”  ·       Galatians 6 - 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ·       Heavenly Father, what am I sowing?  What will I reap? Life Group Resources Starter Question: Tell about someone you believe is in heaven.  Why do you believe they are there? Going Deeper:  1.     Read John 14:1 2.     Have you lost someone you love to death?  Was your heart troubled?  How did you deal with it? 3.     Jesus invites us to believe in our Heavenly Father and in him.  How would your belief in Jesus change your attitude about death? 4.     Read John 14:2 5.     Imagine going to God's house and being shown your room.  What will that be like?  What will Jesus have prepared for you? 6.     Read John 14:3 7.     What would your life look like, if like Dallas Willard, you sought to follow Jesus so closely, you would not immediately know you had died? 8.     Read Galatians 6:7-8. 9. What would a life look like that sows flesh seed?  What would a life look like that sows seed that pleases the Spirit?

Here's my latest message that reveals the inherent problem with being under the Law. You'll also discover how the Ten Commandments and even the Sermon on the Mount play a role in revealing humanity's inability to keep God's true standard. Furthermore, we'll uncover the liberty believers can expect from God's grace and how this newfound freedom actually empowers us to say no to sin. Check out this message. I believe it will ignite a passion for living in the freedom that Christ has secured for you. Enjoy! Discussion Questions for 101 Bible Questions Freedom: 1. Read Galatians 3:10 and James 2:10. What's the issue with humans being under the Law? 2. Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-10 and Romans 7:7-8. How do we know the Ten Commandments are included in the issue? 3. How does the Sermon on the Mount factor in? 4. Read Galatians 4:4-5 and Hebrews 9:16-17. When did the New Covenant really begin? 5. Read Galatians 3:23-25 and Romans 10:4. What is the believer's relationship to the Law? 6. Read Romans 6:14 and Galatians 5:18. What can the believer expect now under God's grace? Why? 7. Read Titus 2:11-14. In your own words, how does the grace of God teach us to say no to sin? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1258/29

Here's my latest message that reveals the inherent problem with being under the Law. You'll also discover how the Ten Commandments and even the Sermon on the Mount play a role in revealing humanity's inability to keep God's true standard. Furthermore, we'll uncover the liberty believers can expect from God's grace and how this newfound freedom actually empowers us to say “no” to sin. Check out this message. I believe it will ignite a passion for living in the freedom that Christ has secured for you. Enjoy! Discussion Questions for “101 Bible Questions” – Freedom: Read Galatians 3:10 and James 2:10. What's the issue with humans being under the Law? Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-10 and Romans 7:7-8. How do we know the Ten Commandments are included in the issue? How does the Sermon on the Mount factor in? Read Galatians 4:4-5 and Hebrews 9:16-17. When did the New Covenant really begin? Read Galatians 3:23-25 and Romans 10:4. What is the believer's relationship to the Law? Read Romans 6:14 and Galatians 5:18. What can the believer expect now under God's grace? Why? Read Titus 2:11-14. In your own words, how does the grace of God teach us to say “no” to sin?

When we are angry, we end up doing or saying things that we regret. That's because our anger does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). In this episode, let's recall the importance and role of the Holy Spirit as our Life Coach in order to help us realize the steps we can take to being more like Christ.   Read: Galatians 5:22–23; John 14:15–18; James 1:19–20; Luke 6:32–36   Poetry jam feedback: https://forms.gle/faQo7x6scE4bghQi6   Bible Study Sign up: https://forms.gle/qqukxBcKqpFtpqEb8   Submit a Question of a Topic Suggestion: https://www.un-associated.com/askchurchboy/   If you feel led, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to UN-ASSOCIATED HERE.  

RATE! REVIEW! FOLLOW! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions: caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes: ○ Galatians 5:22-23 ○ 1st and foremost, remember that these Fruits of the Spirit are all characteristics of God • Gentleness ○ Gentleness- the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered; softness of action or effect ○ An exert from a devotional by Lauren Abraham: ○ A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. It requires great strength and self-control. Gentleness comes from a state of humility. Therefore, someone who lacks gentleness is often prideful and easily angered, or feels the need for revenge. (From ) ○ Gentleness is the humble and meek attitude of wanting to help others instead of wanting to be superior to them- an attitude that flows from a spirit of real love. ○ (Humility- a modest or low view of one's own importance.) ○ God's gentleness is characterized by love, grace, mercy and judgement. • Gentleness demonstrated by Jesus ○ Read Luke 5:27-31 ○ Read Luke 6: 35-36 ○ Read Luke 10:30-37 ○ Read John 8:1-11 • What about Us? ○ Read Philippians 2:1-8 ○ Read Philippians 4:5- Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. ○ Read Colossians 3:12-13 ○ Read Galatians 6:1-2 Hebrews 13:8- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

  Signs Various passages April 23, 2023 I. Introduction: A. Last week we began our red bus tour of the book of John. We took one complete trip around the book with a map/chart in hand and a narrator/me pointing out key areas to us! 1. Today we want to get off at our first point of interest that we want to explore a bit more closely. 2. That is the area of signs. B. Turn to John 20:30-31 1. We learned last week that John's purpose in writing this book was very clear – read v30-31 a) First, that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God b) Second, in believing we might have life through Jesus 2. But he also shows us in these verses the vehicle/means he uses to get us to believe. a) Look back again and read 30-31a - signs/these b) It was signs that Jesus had performed. C. So what is a sign? 1. If I am driving on an expressway and I see a sign that says Chicago this way and Detroit that way, that sign points me in a specific direction. a) The sign is not Chicago or Detroit, but the sign points me to Chicago and Detroit 2. Turn to John 2 so we can see how John defines a sign. This is the section where at the wedding Jesus does the miracle of turning the water into wine. Read v2:11 – 2 a) John is clearly equating Jesus' miracles with being a sign. b) Just l as we saw in John 20:30-31 this sign did what it was supposed to do, it manifested Jesus' glory and resulted in his disciples believing in him. Read 2:23 • The miracle is the supernatural act itself. John, in this book, is using those miracles as II. Signs to prove who Jesus is A. We learn in John 20:30-31 that John is using these miracles to point us to, certify, convince, prove, validate, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. B. In John 3:2 Nicodemus confirms that the signs are doing exactly what they are supposed to do – 1. Read John 3:1-2 2. Nicodemus said these signs confirm that God is with him. C. Even Peter stated in his sermon on Pentecost that Jesus' miracles were designed to show and prove who he was. Read Acts 2:22 1. Attesting means to show that something is true, to prove it. 2. Peter says God was using the miracles to prove to them/us who Jesus was. D. It is interesting to note the even when the apostles and their close associates performed miracles it was to validate them as God's messengers and the message they were bringing. 1. Read 2 Corinthians 12:12 – it was a proof as to who the true apostles of Jesus Christ were. So just like the miracles validate Jesus as the Messiah, the miracles validated the apostles as messengers sent by God. 2. God also used the miracles as proof that their messages was from God read Hebrews 2:1-4. a) Jesus spoke a very important message, eternally significant message from God. Those who heard Jesus speak it, the apostles took his message to others b) God was working right alongside the apostles as they delivered that message testifying, that is validate confirming, endorsing and bearing witness about their message by miracles. 3 • So John used Jesus' miracles to validate/prove who Jesus was and that his message was “from” God. These miracles were signs to III. Prove Jesus was the Christ the Son of God! A. Jesus' miracles were signs, proofs that he was who he said he was! We see this repeatedly in the book of John. 1. In John 4, after Jesus supernaturally told the Samaritan woman at the well all about her life without having met her beforehand. Listen to what she told her friends. Read 4:29 2. In John 5, we saw on Easter after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath who had been lame for 38 years that Jews accused Jesus of making himself equal with God by claiming God as his Father! a) Jesus said it is true he is equal to God and stated that he does nothing but what God does, he does everything God does and does it in the same way. b) Then he goes on to give others who give testimony to who he is. He starts with John the Baptist (1) Then he says this in 5:36 – read (2) The works/miracles that he does testify about who he is. 3. After Jesus fed over 5000 people with just a few fish and loaves listen to what the people said - read John 6:14 a) Shortly after this, Jesus goes into a long discourse using this miracle to talk about himself as the true bread of God that has come down from heaven to give life and many departed from him because his words were hard to accept. Read 6:67-69 4. Listen to the crowd's response when he was teaching at the Feast of Booths. Read John 7:31 5. Chapter 10 where Jesus claims his oneness with the Father – essentially a claim to be God! (1) Read 10:30-33 (2) In response to this, Jesus claims to be the Son of God and it is his works miracles as proof that he is God the Son and is one with the Father. Read 10:36-39 4 (3) We see the same idea that his miracles are a witness or proof that he is God. 6. Listen to chapter 11 with the raising of Lazarus from the dead a) Mary had sent word to Jesus that her brother Lazarus was dead. Listen to what Jesus said to his disciples after hearing this. Read 11:14-15; b) Listen to the response of the people after Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead! Read 11:41-45, B. While Jesus' miracles were designed to be proof of who he was so that they would believe at the same time, it drove those who opposed him into deeper unbelief and resistance against him. 1. Note the response of the Jewish leaders – read 11:47-48; 53,57; 12:10-11, 12: 37-38 C. The key reason why these miracles prove that Jesus is the Christ is because the miracles that Jesus did were samplings of the miracles that will take place in the Messiah's future kingdom…. 1. Turn to Matthew 11:2. Read v2-6 a) Are you the expected one? The Messiah? The Christ? b) Jesus answered not by saying go tell him that I am but rather by an even stronger argument than words, tell him about the miracles I have done. (1) Heard of show and tell? This is the show portion of that. c) This is why Jesus answered that way. Turn and read Isaiah 35:3-4 (1) V4 is that time in the future when Jesus will come and judge the nations and then set up his earthly kingdom! d) Now listen to v5-6 (1) Jesus was saying tell him that I am doing, the very miracles that Isaiah said the Messiah would do. 2. Turn to Matthew 12:22-23, the crowds of common folk associated the miracles Jesus did with the Messiah who is also called the “Son of David” D. Jesus' miracles, the supernatural acts that God did through him, were meant to be signs to prove to them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God so that they could believe in him and have eternal life! 5 1. If you read through the gospel of John with this in mind you will see it popping out repeatedly in the book and will deepen your conviction regarding who Jesus is and how a person receives his life! • You cannot talk about miracles today without raising in people's minds the question IV. Do miracles still happen today? A. My answer is yes but you need to walk with discernment because not all miracles come from God 1. When you study miracles, you will see that people who did not know Jesus, false prophets, the antichrist, the false prophet of the antichrist, and even demons did miracles. 2. Read Matthew 24:24. 3. Revelation tells us that miracles are what the false prophet will use as signs to deceive people into following the antichrist. Read Revelation 19:20 4. Therefore, we need discernment when it comes to miracles in our day. B. God still does miracles today. Read Galatians 3:5 C. When we read the rest of the New Testament after getting through the historical books of the gospels and Acts, we learn that the emphasis of the miracles is on miracles of the heart! 1. The miracle of salvation, the miracle of a transformed life, and the miracle of the Spirit of Christ living his life through us moment by moment - day by day producing in us a life that has no explanation except God. D. Actually, if you properly understand the Christian life you know that it is not a difficult life to live, rather it is impossible. The whole Christian life is a miracle. Every moment of the Christian life is designed to be supernatural and life changing but not necessarily “externally spectacular.” E. However, God does not just do internal miracles. Let me tell you about two different woman here at MVC, who had verified cancer by medical testing. 1. Sandy – one came and asked the elders to anoint her with oil and pray that God would heal her. The next time she went back to doctors, they validated through medical testing that her cancer was gone. 6 2. Rose – another woman had the same story but it was during a worship portion of our service as she was worshipping God that she had a strange sensation come over her. Next time to the doctor, the cancer was gone. F. I cannot think of a better way to close than to thank God for the great miracles he does for us out of his lovingkindness! Read Psalm 136:3-4

RATE! SHARE! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions: caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Listen and enjoy! Let me know what you think! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel- Can I Be Real? Podcast Follow me on Instagram- @raee.michele Join the South of Gaza Community Facebook Group to receive daily Bible scriptures and encouragement on your Facebook timeline! RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE! Show Notes: ○ The exact date it was written is unknown; Paul wrote it either during his 1st or 2nd missionary journey to Galatia ○ The church at Galatia likely faced heavy Greek and Roman cultural influences, which would have been confusing for the new converts. Many members of a legalistic Jewish party taught that salvation for Gentiles must include Jewish circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law. ○ Paul rejects the legalistic view and strongly defends that a person is justified by faith in Christ alone, not by the works of the law. • Read ○ Galatians 1 § Galatians 1:1-10 (read in CJB) § What is the Gospel or Good News? □ Paul says it in verses 3 & 4 □ Read: Romans 3:20-26 □ Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 § Any gospel other than this, is not the gospel at all! □ Read: 2 Peter 2:1-2 § Galatians 1:11-24 § In these verses, Paul defends that he was called by God, not by humans, nor was he taught by the apostles, but that he received the gospel message directly from a revelation from Jesus □ Paul tells of his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) □ Some think that Paul spent some time in solitary during those 3 years, but the Bible is not conclusive; regardless, Paul was preaching the gospel in Damascus before he became personally acquainted with Peter and James --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

BACK TO GALATIANS – Free in Christ means ALIVE in Christ. You and I have been made free, but not free from responsibility, but free from enslavement to SIN, the DEVIL and this WORLD. We are now slaves of the perfect master, our friend and savior Jesus Christ. We are freed to SERVE, and freed to LOVE, and freed to actually GET ALONG with each other. As we WALK in the Spirit, we enjoy an entirely new kind of LIFE, known for its joy, peace, kindness, service to others and love. READ Galatians 5 – the entire chapter in preparation for this Sunday, focusing on Verses 13-18.

Welcome back! RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Show Notes: ○ James 3:13-18 ○ James 3:13 § Read NLT: “If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” § This sounds like something out of Proverbs: □ Read- ® Proverbs 15:33 ® Proverbs 19:11 ® Proverbs 24:3-4 ○ James 3:14-16 § James calls this “worldly wisdom” demonic and evil because it is selfish and flesh-driven § It started in the garden, when Adamo and Eve took it upon themselves to listen to the whispers of satan rather than the command of God § If you aren't living by the power of the Holy Spirit, then you are living according to the flesh or our sinful nature □ Paul refers to satan as “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” in Ephesians 2:2 □ Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 □ Read Galatians 5:19-21 ○ James 3:17-18 § That was worldly wisdom and this is Godly wisdom § James says it is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, sincere and good fruit (starting to sound like the fruits of the spirit, and like the fruit or good deeds that our faith should begin to produce in us § Remember in James 1:5, he says “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” § Pay attention to some of these promises in these verses □ Ask for God's wisdom and he will give it to you □ Peacemakers who sow in peace will reap a harvest of righteousness Listen and enjoy! Let me know what you think! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel- Can I Be Real? Podcast Follow me on Instagram- @raee.michele Join the South of Gaza Community Facebook Group to receive daily Bible scriptures and encouragement on your Facebook timeline! RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rachel398/message

The social Gospel – which isn't social OR gospel. Paul's strongest words and some of the most pointed in the New Testament about what to say about False Teachers. READ Galatians 5:7-12 and see if you can discover how teachers today are not of God, hindering the truth, contaminating the Church, even persecuting the saints, resulting in God's judgment and being cut off from God's people. STRONG WORDS and a huge help for us today

Welcome back! RATE, REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE! Show notes: ○ James 2:14-26 ○ James 2:14-17 § What good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no good deeds? § Remember, James just got done telling the believers to NOT show favoritism because by doing so, you dishonor the poor and break the royal law of "love your neighbor as yourself" § He just said in verse 12, "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom…" § James goes into an example- you see a brother or sister in need of clothes and food and all you do is tell them "go in peace; keep warm and well fed" but you don't actually DO anything to address their present physical needs…James says what's the point § Then James makes the statement: "in the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" □ Some may think, but wait, I thought Paul said something contrary to that in Ephesians ® Read Ephesians 2:8-10 ◊ We were created to do good works, not for salvation, but as a response to it ◊ As a response to the love God showed us FIRST; as a response to the grace and mercy shown to us ○ James 2:18-19 § Read John 15: 5-8 § Read Galatians 5:22-23 □ The fruit or evidence that we are in fact remaining in Jesus, that we are truly his disciples is in how we conduct ourselves and show the love of God by our love of others ○ James 2:20-26 § Abraham, Rahab and some many others put their money where their mouth was, so to speak § Read Hebrews 11:1, 6-8, 17-19,31 □ Chapter 11 goes on and on with the "by faith…" statements… ○ I don't want to overwhelm you but there are so many more scriptures that support the faith & action statements that James is making….(read Matthew 25:31-46 on your own time) ○ But I want you to walk away with this: you are saved by grace through faith, to do good works…this is how we show the world that we are truly Jesus followers ○ Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 Listen and enjoy! Let me know what you think! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel- Can I Be Real? Podcast Follow me on Instagram- @raee.michele Join the South of Gaza Community Facebook Group to receive daily Bible scriptures and encouragement on your Facebook timeline! RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rachel398/message

Hello and welcome back! RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE! Show Notes: ○ James 2:1-13 ○ James 2:1-9 § Believers must not show favoritism  § God does NOT show favoritism and that is not new and it doesn't only show up in the new testament. That's old testament…that's law (Remember, James is writing to Jewish believers who would have been very familiar with the law) □ (appears in Exodus and Leviticus, and deals with not showing partiality, especially in a lawsuit) □ We can relate to that today…we see innocent people convicted or receive unfair sentences, often times because they couldn't afford a good lawyer or they were up against someone or a corporation that had an army of lawyers, taking advantage of those less fortunate § But James uses the specific example of a rich man and a poor man coming into the meeting, the assembly…and challenges our hearts on how we would treat each one?  □ Read Galatians 2:1-6 (…Paul had spoken with some esteemed Jewish leaders and remember, some of the Jews were saying that Gentile believers had to be circumcised according to the old law, despite being under the new covenant…go read Romans 2 & 3 for more!)  □ Now go back to James 2:3-4 ® Have you not discriminated and become judges with evil thoughts?  ® I don't think James is talking about treating everyone like they are your best friend. But I do think he is talking about treating everyone with love, respect, and humanity  □ Reread James 2:5-9 ® Read Luke 16:19-21 (pause, then pick back up) 22-25 ® Remember how James 1:27 ended….religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is to look after orphans and widows and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world…  ○ James 2:10-11 § For whoever keeps the law but stumbles over one point is a lawbreaker □ Flush idea out with a few examples then go read Romans 3: 20-24 ○ James 2:12-13 § Speak and act as one judged by the new covenant that gives freedom…judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement □ Read Luke 6:35-38 □ Read Matthew 18:23-35 Listen and enjoy! Let me know what you think! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel- Can I Be Real? Podcast Follow me on Instagram- @raee.michele Join the South of Gaza Community Facebook Group to receive daily Bible scriptures and encouragement on your Facebook timeline! RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rachel398/message

Love One Another John 15: 9-13 January 22, 2023 I. Introduction: A. Jesus said some very radical things at times where you might wonder did Jesus really say that. Did he really mean that? 1. What we are going to look at today could fit in that category because the truth is so mind blowing you cannot help but say “really?” B. We are jump starting this year with a three-week series regarding the new discipleship paradigm we are using at MVC. Pastor Mike spoke of that last week as our three key lenses for looking at discipleship is Be, Become, Do 1. Be with Jesus 2. Become like Jesus 3. Do what Jesus did • This morning's message we will see two of those lenses – being and doing. Turn in your Bibles to John 15:9 where we find this truth …. II. Being A. Read John 15:9 – 1. Did you catch that? a. In the exact same way that the Father loves Jesus, is the way that Jesus loves us! 2. The words “just as” is a marker of similarity, comparison, something being in accordance with something else, a. Here the similarity, the comparison is in the area of love. Jesus' love for us as being in accordance with the same love that the Father has for him! b. In other words, Jesus loves each one of us in the same way and with the same love with which the Father loves him. c. So the kind of love which the Trinity shares with each other is the same kind of love that Jesus shares with us! 3. Turn to John 17:26 where we see a very similar idea expressed. Read. a. The love with which the Father loved Jesus would be in us as well. b. So not only would we experience that Trinitarian love but we would also express it back to Jesus! 4. As mind blowing as that is, and no matter how bad you feel about yourself and what you think about God's love for you. This is how much Jesus loves you and me! B. But the passage and truth does not stop there. Read 15:9c-10 1. This is the being part of the passage as we see we are to abide, remain in Jesus love. 2. Abide means to remain. He is actually commanding us to stay within the realm of his love. Do not step outside of that but stay there and bask in it! Be in Jesus' love 3. Then he tells us that the way we remain in his love is the same way that he remains within the Father's love – by walking in obedience to Jesus' commands. C. So there is the catch – Jesus only loves me if I walk in obedience and I have fallen way short of that. No!! 1. Note Jesus has already told us that he loves us in the same way the Father loves him – that love precedes my obedience or disobedience. 2. So while God's love for us is not dependent upon our behavior or obedience, the ongoing enjoyment of that love is dependent upon our obedience. Read v11. 3. How many of you have been to Niagara Falls before? God's love is like the falls - his extravagant love lavished upon us a. But as we move away from the Falls to the parking lot and drive away we are no longer under the influence of that splash or mist. b. There are only two ways to walk away from experiencing the joy of God's love being lavished on us. 1. Rather than remaining in it, staying there and enjoying Jesus' love we try to earn it. 2. The other is blatant disobedience. a. A little stumble or mistake or the growing pains of a Christian learning to walk with Jesus is not what he is referring to here. b. But rather an intentional turning my back on and walking away from him in disobedience. i. Then guilt and shame take over rather than the enjoyment of Jesus' love for us! • Next is the doing portion of the passage as Jesus tells us what we are to do with this amazing love we are to remain within. III. Do A. Jesus takes this teaching a step further in the next verse. Listen 1. Read v 12 2. This special kind of love is not just something that is between me and Jesus but actually is supposed to spread to one another. a. The exact same kind of love with which the Father loves Jesus, is the exact kind of love with which Jesus loves us and is the exact kind of love with which we are to love one another in the body of Christ. b. This amazing kind of love starts with the Father to Jesus and from Jesus to us and from us to one another! B. We see this same truth earlier when Jesus was speaking to them. Read John 13:34 1. The newness of the command is not to love one another that they had heard before. 2. The newness of the command is the standard that Jesus attaches to that love – love one another just as, in the same way that I love you! C. Then he finally explains what this love looks like. 1. Read v13 2. This love is a sacrificial love. A love that cost you personally in order for you to bless/benefit someone else 3. Just like it cost the Father the sacrifice of his own Son to love us it will cost us the sacrifice of something precious to us to love each other in the same way that God loved Jesus and Jesus loves us!!!! D. So this whole section could be summarized like this “Jesus loves us the same way the Father loves him thus we should love each other like that as well!” • So what do we do with all of this? IV. Application A. If you are struggling personally with enjoying God's love for you – you need to know that the ability to experience and enjoy this kind of love is a work of the Holy Spirit deep within one's heart which comes about in the context of prayer. 1. Read Ephesians 3:14-19. 2. If you are personally struggling with experiencing God's love at the core of your being more than trying to figure it out, counsel it out or even study it out begin to pray about the Holy Spirit doing this supernatural work in your life. 3. Romans 5:5 tells us it is the Holy Spirit who pours out within our hearts the very love that God has for us! Romans 5:5 B. This is a very high standard regarding the way we love one another – the same way he loved us. That bar is set too high for me and I have failed at that many times. 1. The capability to love like that does not come from me but it is within me. Maybe better said than “it” is within me – “he” is within me – the Spirit of Jesus expresses his very love through me to others! 2. It is Christ living in me. It is Jesus expressing his love through me. Read Galatians 2:20 3. So what I do is walk moment by moment not trying hard to love like Jesus did but rather trusting and depending upon the one who lives in me to express that through me. C. A special word for MVC regarding loving others – Paul tells the church in 1 Thessalonians 4:10 that they are loving one another well but he wanted them to excel still the more in their love! I believe MVC is doing it well but I also want to encourage us to excel still the more in our love. 1. Often I hear people tell me what a welcoming and friendly place MVC is. I think it is true! But there is a big difference between a church that is friendly and good at loving our friends and one where people can actually make friends that they can build relationships with and loving those who are outside our circles (who may have come to MVC for twenty years already) or are new to MVC in just the last twenty days. 2. Actually the world can do that as well as we do! Listen to what Jesus said – read Matthew 5:46-47 3. Our responsibility to love one another the same way that Jesus loved us expands beyond just our friends and we need to be available to love those outside our circles and those new to MVC in a way that is more than just being friendly. 4. I can tell you from experience as a pastor who gets to know those who are outside our clicks and those new to MVC there is richness that comes to us when we include them in our lives and circles. a. Illustration of us being in missionary housing in the Amazon (those younger not the online shopping link) coming out for breakfast and Kim wanting to sit with these two older women. I was too cool for the old ladies. b. Turned out these two ladies were the ladies that followed Elizabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint in living with and ministering to the Acua Indians in Tonampare, Ecuador right in the middle of the Amazon. c. It turned out to be the most exciting and interesting breakfast I ever had in my life as they told us story after story about living and ministering in that place for decades! D. Our Sabbath small groups provide an opportunity to learn how to be with Jesus but a byproduct of that is the opportunity love others at MVC who are new people to us that desperately long to experience that love and connect with us; and for us to enrich our own lives as we meet them! 1. Josh …

As we begin our new series in Galatians we started our time in Galatians by reading through the whole book together. The big message; we are no longer slaves and Christ has set us free.

Introduction: Jesus is Worthy... (Hebrews 3:1-6) Of my constant Attention . (Heb 3:1) Of my constant Honor and Respect . (Heb 3:2-4) Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Of my constant Perseverance and Faithfulness . (Heb 3:5-6) Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Hebrews 3:1-6What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What does it mean/look like to “consider Jesus” on a daily basis? (Heb. 3:1) How do you want to grow as a student of God's Word this year?How can you show the Lord the respect and honor that He deserves? In what ways do you find yourself dishonoring the Lord right now?Read Galatians 6:9 - In what ways are you tempted to give up right now? What are some practical steps that you can take this week to strengthen your perseverance and faithfulness?BreakoutPray for one another

I sat down for the umpteenth Sunday service. Same row. Same struggle. Same insecurity. Never perfect enough...or perhaps just never enough. I was exhausted by the hamster wheel of performance and anticipated leaving church just like I'd come in. Until...“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” "Did I hear that right?" I quickly turned my Bible's pages to Galatians 5:16. "Aha!" I had read this verse beginning to end many times. But all this time, the way I lived it out was backward. All. This. Time. I had been living as though Paul's letter to the Galatian church implored, “But I say, do not gratify the desires of the flesh, and then you can say you walk by the Spirit.” Catch the difference? It's a big one.I looked around to see if anyone else was ready to start a dance party. The truth was suddenly clear: I didn't have to run faster. I could stop running! I didn't have to hide. I knew God was inviting me off my hamster wheel...and out of my cage too.Let me explain. For years, I walked with Christ (“by the Spirit”) like this...Work really hard. Do better than others. Then you will be named valedictorian. Work really hard. Do better than others. Then you will get the job.Work really hard. Do better than others. Then you will win the scholarship.Give and get. Work and receive. But Galatians 5:16 says the only power to overcome these insecurities and misplaced identities comes from Jesus Christ's Spirit. It's His power. We cannot catch it, claim it, or contain it apart from the work of Christ. If you've put your trust in Jesus, the Spirit of Jesus lives inside you. “So I say, walk by the Spirit.” You don't need to prove yourself. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave for you, you are counted worthy in God's sight. You are named Child of God. You already got the job. You already won. • Kelly Carlson• Do you ever find yourself trying to power through a struggle in order to earn or prove your worth? God loves you so much, it was worth it to Him to go to the cross for you. In Christ, you've already received God's acceptance (Romans 15:7; 1 John 4:19). • Read Galatians 5:13-26. What are the acts of the flesh? What are the fruits of the Spirit? Why is it important that the only way we can resist the acts of the flesh—and instead produce the fruits of the Spirit—is by the Spirit's power? So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

Read Galatians 4:3-5Pastor and author Tim Keller says, “If we impose our understanding of schedule & timing on Jesus, we will struggle to feel loved by Him.” Galatians tells us that God caused his son to be born, “when the fullness of time had come.” His timing is intentional in sending Jesus, in salvation, and even in the days of our lives. God knows what he is doing, but our view of things is so limited that it can be hard for us to trust sometimes. This time of year, remembering that Jesus' birth was planned and came to pass at the “fullness of time,” can help us continue to trust God and persevere in faith.Discussion QuestionsHave you ever struggled to trust God's timing?Do you have a testimony about a time when God's timing proved to be just right?Talk about God's perspective and sense of timing compared to our own.Pray that God would help you have an eternal perspective, to trust in him in the here and now and to hope for the time when he will make all things new.Read Chapter 2 of Is Christmas Unbelievable: Can we take the Bible seriously?Family Activity Time to bake those Christmas goodies! In any baking recipe every ingredient has a purpose. For example, in a cake flour gives the structure, eggs bind the ingredients, baking powder and baking soda make it rise, fats like butter and oil make it less chewy, and sugar sweetens and keeps it moist. Every part has a purpose, and the time spent in the oven matters too. In the Christmas story, we know that all the details are important. They speak of things that were prophesied that then came to pass. The Bible also tells us that Jesus was born at the exact right time in history. Why didn't he come earlier to lead the people instead of Moses or King David? Why didn't he wait until later when your grandparents were little or even now? We don't really know, but God does. In the book of Galatians it's called, “the fullness of time.” This means the time was just right. Ask kids what would happen if we took our Christmas goodies out of the oven too soon. What would happen if we left them in too long? Have you ever burned the cookies before? When your treats are ready to taste, thank God together that he sent Jesus when he knew that the time was just right!

Enjoy this archived episode! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!: The discomfort of tribulations can feel like endless suffering. This week we learn that God allowing pain in our lives will help our growth as Christians. There is growth in the Gutter! It is in the gutter that the fruits are the Spirit are most evident!   Read: Galatians 5:22-23 Watch full video episode here: https://youtu.be/u7KFjUT4d2g If led, please consider making  a tax-deductible donation to our ministry HERE.

Have you ever felt like you disappointed God? Do you have feelings of guilt and shame? Guilt is such an interesting feeling. It's a feeling that makes us think we are doing God a favor by separating ourselves from Him. But that could not be further from the truth. This week we challenge these unfavorable feelings with a reminder of God's word and His redeeming power.   Read: Galatians 5:1; John 8:2-11 If led, please consider making  a tax-deductible donation to our ministry HERE. Submit a Question or Topic Suggestion to Ask Kendra HERE

The Book of Psalms opens with a two-part invitation for you and me to walk in God's way–the way that leads to abundant life. In Psalm 2, we meet God's Messiah and are called to take refuge in Him, finding in Him stability, shelter, and true joy. Tune in to dig into Psalm 2 with me–and pray God's Word back to Him! Want to study Psalm 2 further? Here are a few questions and passages to consider: Read Jeremiah 5:5 and Hosea 11:1-11, especially verses 1-4. How did the people of Israel view their redemption? How did God view it? Do you ever view your relationship with God as oppressive or His commands as burdensome? What does God's Word to Israel in Hosea 11 teach you about His love for you? Read Psalm 59, paying special attention to verses 5-8. What does David do when facing trouble? How does God respond to the situation? What parallels do you see to Psalm 2? How does this psalm encourage you? Consider again what Eugene Peterson writes in his book, “Answering God”: “Far more is involved here than simply asserting God's sovereignty. We need a way, a convincing, usable, accessible tool for realizing the largeness of God in the midst of the competing bigness of the world. If we fail here, prayer will be stunted; we will pray huddled and cowering. Our prayers will whimper.” Does the bigness of the world affect your prayers? How should God's reign change your view of your current struggles and worries? Read Micah 5:4 and Zechariah 9:10. What do these verses teach about Messiah's reign? Read Galatians 4:1-10 and Romans 8:1-25. What is our status as believers in Christ? What does this mean for us at present? What does it mean for the future? Read Luke 7:37-39. Why did the woman treat Jesus this way? Are there any treasures you're holding onto, whether good or bad, that are drawing you away from total devotion to Christ? How can you pray Psalm 2 this week to help you worship Jesus with trembling joy? How can you pray for those in your life who don't know Christ using Psalm 2 this week? How can you pray Psalm 2 for the rulers of the world?

This episode is a sequel to "Manifestation Doctrine: Can Believers Practice Tarot Cards and Astrology?" we are joined by our friend Dena Williams (aka Dee) as we talk about her new book Scribes Over Signs. This book details ways to combat new age spirituality and serves as a reminder of God's holiness. We hope this episode can help you identify any of the ways witchcraft might have subtly entered your life or the life of your loved ones. Please stay prayed up and vigilant in the truth.   Read: Galatians 5:19-21  Order Dee's new book, Scribes Over Signs HERE.

We are continuing in our series "LEARNING TO BREATHE: 50 Days in the Holy Spirit" by considering what it means to walk in the Spirit. In this message, Mark shares about two common trappings in the spiritual life, and how we can know if we are walking in the Spirit. GALATIANS 5:13-25 www.thevineaustin.org/holyspirit DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Discuss last week's experience with breath prayers. What were you take-aways? 2. Mark shared two trappings of the spiritual life. How would you define the law and the flesh? Though they seem like opposites, what do they have in common? 3. Read Galatians 5:13-25 and consider what it must had been like for this first generation church who did not have church history or theological training. What would have been your take away from these instructions? 4. Consider the list of fruits from the Spirit. Which fruit do you hope to grow in your life?

To all of my dreamers out there, don't get tired of working hard and doing well. If God gave you a promise hold tight to it because you are almost there!   Read: Galatians 6:9 If led, please consider donating to our ministry HERE.

"Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read: Galatians 6:9-10 Pray: that we would not grow weary of doing good. Sing: Mighty to Save - Michael W Smith"

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read: Galatians 6:9-10 Pray: that we would not grow weary of doing good. Sing: Mighty to Save - Michael W Smith

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read: Galatians 6:9-10 Pray: For Mission Enterprise and that We would be good stewards of everything God has given us.

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read: Galatians 6:9-10 Pray: For Mission Enterprise and that We would be good stewards of everything God has given us.

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read: Galatians 6:9-10 Pray: For Mission Enterprise and that We would take opportunities to serve others.

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read: Galatians 6:9-10 Pray: For Mission Enterprise and that We would take opportunities to serve others.

As the aerobics class finished, I grabbed my bag and stormed to the locker room. "Why, God?" I pleaded. "Why do I have to deal with this?" Near the end of the workout session, the instructor had made a rude remark about a member of a popular boy band. Over the microphone she had been using to call out exercises, the aerobics teacher had referred to this person by a homosexual slur. She laughed and, a few minutes later, wrapped up the session. None of the other class members seemed surprised by the teacher's comment. But I sensed the Lord nudging me to speak up. I didn't want this responsibility. It was too complicated. I understood God's teaching about the kind of marriage that honors Him: gospel-centered marriage between one man and one woman. Our feelings might point us away from God's best for our lives, but His instructions about sex and marriage remain (Ephesians 5:31-33). So, how should I address this with the aerobics instructor—especially when I believed she might also be a follower of Jesus? A couple days later, I attended a class with the same instructor. At the end of the session, I waited for the room to empty and then approached her with shaking hands and a quavering voice. I asked if she remembered her comments about the singer and then told her I was a Christian. I mentioned I had certain beliefs about marriage and sexuality, but I also believed God tells us to treat others with love— including in our speech. She listened well, seemed embarrassed about her previous nasty remark, and thanked me for bringing it to her attention. In pursuing this difficult conversation with my instructor, I sought to love her by telling her the truth. Because of the grace Jesus has shown us, we can demonstrate His forgiveness and do good to all people, even those we might disagree with. Because, in love, Jesus died and rose again for my aerobics instructor...for the boy band singer...and for me. • Allison Wilson Lee • How do you think God teaches us to treat others who don't believe what we believe? • Read Galatians 6:10. How should we approach Christians who are speaking in unwholesome ways? How does the forgiveness Jesus gives affect the way we have those conversations? • What are some of the difficulties in balancing speaking the truth while doing so with love? Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)