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“The Gospel’s Origin, & Its Impacts” - Galatians 1:11-24
Galatians 1:11+12 The gospel IS Jesus. The gospel isn't just a message or good news. Nor is the gospel just a historical event. But the gospel is rooted in a Person - the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul's experience here, is rather unique - as he’s somewhat of an anomaly when it comes to how the gospel is typically heard, and responded to. Certainly it’s more normative for a person to hear or learn of the gospel, and then to respond to it in faith (as both are gracious works of the Spirit/God)... Which is oftentimes carried-out through human agents - although, not always. Something else that we’re to glean from all of this is that we’re to maintain the perspective that unless the Spirit is at work in the hearts and minds of others, as well as through us in our attempts to share Christ, the gospel, or the truths and principles of God’s Word - then our efforts will be made in vain. “Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without the wind, branches without sap, and are like coals without fire - we are useless.” “A glove cannot do anything by itself; but when a hand is in it, the glove can do many things. It isn’t the glove, but the hand in the glove, that acts. The Christian is like a glove - as it’s the Holy Spirit in us, the hand, who does the work… And we must make room for the hand so that every finger in the glove, is filled.” Prayer is fundamental in all of this. “These are The Seven Major Ministries of the Holy Spirit: 1 - He convicts unbelievers of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-11). 2 - He regenerates or causes us to become believers (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23-25; James 1:18). 3 - He indwells and baptizes the believer (I Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9; John 14:16; I Corinthians 12:13). 4 - He seals us (Ephesians 1:13-14; & 4:30). 5 - He imparts gifts (I Corinthians 12: 7-11). 6 - He fills the believer (Ephesians 5:15-21; Galatians 5:16). 7 - He causes us to bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).” How we need to have an awareness of, and a relationship with the Holy Spirit; and how we need to be in tune with Him. There are times when we see in Scripture that the “Spirit of Christ” and the “Holy Spirit”, are used interchangeably (along with the “Spirit of God”) - which shouldn't surprise us when we think of the Triunity of God. Acts 16:6+7 - “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them”. Romans 8:9+10 - “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit - if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” Galatians 1:11+12 Galatians 1:13-16 Because of the gospel, God sets us apart - calls us by grace - and reveals Jesus in us - so that we will proclaim Him. 1 Pet.2:9-12 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession - so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who has called you out of darkness, into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers, to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.” “As forgiven sinners, all Christians are ‘ex-cons’ who praise the One Who has called us out of darkness; and when our lives are characterized by honorable conduct and good works, they are strong evidence for truth to those who speak against us.” Galatians 1:17-24 The gospel compels us to know Christ more deeply, and to know Him at His word - while also calling us to be on mission, bringing Him glory. Conversion by Christ, leads to connection to Christ, resulting in communicating Him to others - bringing Him glory. Galatians 1:23 The end result of biblical ministry isn't larger buildings, bank accounts, and social media followers/influence. Galatians 1:24 “When all is said and done, Michelangelo’s Moses creation was still, and just a piece of stone… Lifelike, yes - but mere stone, designed to bring honor and glory to its creator, the artist.” In a similar sense, we are mere flesh - designed to bring glory and honor to our Eternal Creator through the gifts and talents that He has so graciously given us. **Benediction: Colossians 3:23+24 - “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord and not for people - knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Pastor Chris |
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Capital City Baptist Church is an international, English speaking church in Mexico City that exists to know God and make Him known. Our hope is that people will come to know Jesus and in turn, develop as Christ followers who will help others to follow Christ.
As a church, we seek to love God as well as one another. We also desire to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are passionate about the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ, and we value God’s word as we teach it, sing about it, pray it and desire to live by its truths. We hope that you will come and visit our church in order to experience the truth and love of Jesus Christ; and may God bless you as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Him. In Christ’s Love, Pastor Chris Hudson |
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We have a place for every age group.
Come visit us!
CALLE SUR 138 ESQ. BONDOJITO
LAS AMERICAS 01120 MEXICO CITY |
MAIN: (55) 5516-1862
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