Throughout the history of the church, there has been a conflict between grace and works. In this passage, Paul looks to two sons of Abraham born by two different women and points to how they allegorically represent these two paths. On one side, you have freedom, grace, and God’s promises. On the other side, you have slavery, law, and man’s works.
Category: preaching
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Sermon: Become as I am – Galatians 4:12-20
We live in a world where there is a lot of religious chatter, and many opinions. It can be hard to sift through it to get to truth. In this passage, Paul expresses his concern for the Galatian Christians who had been led away from the truth of the gospel by false teachers who had instead preached a self-serving message.
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Sermon: James, Paul, and Abraham – James 2:14-26
James and Paul both wrote letters in the New Testament, but when we consider their theology, they can appear to be preaching a different message. Paul says that justification is by faith alone. James says that faith without works is dead. In this message, we look at how the teachings of both men are true and point us to the gospel.
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Sermon: Curses and blessings – Galatians 3:10-14
The law brings curses but the good news of the gospel is that Jesus is cursed so that those who could not follow the law can be blessed. Paul has already said that the law cannot save a person (Galatians 2:16), but in this passage, he explains why the law cannot save. Because we cannot follow it.
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Sermon – The Only New Year’s Resolution that matters
During Israel’s history, the Israelites had lost the promised land and the temple had been destroyed. In the Book of Haggai, they’ve returned to the land and 20 years have past. The Israelites have not yet started rebuilding the temple. They were putting their own wants and desires over the will of God. For Christians, we must start with God.