Finished up our Series of Messages on the New Testament book of Galatians yesterday at Bridge Church. I had a lot of fun tracking through it this Spring and found myself again convicted, changed, and reassured by the Word of God. Here are a few highlights from the series:

• The Gospel = Jesus’ sacrificial death, because of our helplessness to save ourselves, for our rescue from sin’s penalty. Galatians 1:3-4
• Distorted and Different Gospel –  1) “To be right with God you have to become a __________.” Doesn’t matter what goes in the blank. 2) Jesus + __________. Adding to the work of Christ.
• When you see the real Gospel you realize that nothing in your past is sufficient for salvation. Galatians 2:1-14
• Christianity is about BEING, not DOING. It’s about who you are because of what Christ has done, not WHAT you do. Galatians 2:15-21.
• If you say, “I’ve got to do more to be saved” (go to church, be a good person, recycle, etc.), what you are saying is that Christ life, death, and resurrection was insufficient and ineffective.
• Two ways to live: 1) By the Law – “I’m trying to be a good person.” 2) By the promise – “Understanding that I can’t be accepted by God on my own, I put all my hope in Christ’s accomplishments. Galatians 3:13-14.
• In Christ, there is POWER TO BECOME something brand new. Not based upon what you look like or what you do. Galatians 3:26-29; John 1:12-13.
• Practical Outcomes of a False Gospel: Idolatry, Disunity, Impure Motives for serving. Galatians 4:8-20
• Legalism is a lethal dose of self-salvation and pride. The Gospel shocks self with its irrational generosity and free grace.
• You might be a legalist if: 1) You devalue the work of Christ and love of God, 2) You feel an obligation for you and others to be perfect, 3) You feel a sense of insecurity with God because you are not perfect, 4) You hinder and belittle the growth and progress of others, 5) You’re offended by the thought of loving and serving sinners as Christ did. Galatians 5:1-15
• A legalist can’t trust God to change someone from the inside out.
• The Spirit of God produces “whatever it takes” and “I don’t care who you are” kinda love. Galatians 5:22-23.
• The Set Free life means death to impression management, death to risk management, and death to self-salvation and self-reliance. Galatians 2:20, 5:24, 6:14.

Download individual messages here, or subscribe to our podcast on Itunes.