Freedom & Fellowship

Burdens & Boasting

March 6, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 6

In the final chapter of Galatians, Paul explains what living in unity, harmony, and in gospel community looks like, all while emphasizing the personal responsibility we all bear for our own actions. Here he will give us instructions on preserving the integrity of the local church as well as remind us of some fundamental biblical principles about how our actions impact our lives and the lives of the people around us. And then Paul will draw it all together by closing the letter with an appeal to the cross. In this message, Pastor Ben challenges us to understand how Spirit-driven gospel community works, reminds us of some fundamental truths about human life and responsibility before closing with the centrality of the cross.

Unity in Community

February 27, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 5:2–26

In Galatians 5, Paul warns believers submitting to circumcision will tear the gospel-given family of Abraham apart. This whole chapter is about unity. In this message, Pastor Ben summons Calvary Christians to embody the Spirit-driven life that promotes the unity of God’s new kingdom community.

Inheritance & Exclusion

February 20, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 4:21—5:1

In this text, the apostle Paul uses the Old Testament Law to compel the Galatian believers to exclude the Judaizing agitators from the church. Paul has been laying a foundation for judgment against the Judaizers. And his judgment is severe: Cast out the agitators. Defend the truth and the integrity of the gospel. Even if it means that you have to explicitly remove these unrepentant gospel corrupters from the church. In this message, therefore, Pastor Ben aims to help us to see that the gospel is not just whatever we want it to be. We do not get to define the terms of kingdom inclusion. As in chapter 2, what we do, how we act, the choices we make in terms of toleration of sin in the church betrays what we actually think of the gospel itself. The purpose of this message, then, is to urge the church to wisdom, clarity, and conviction when it comes to defending the gospel both in theory and in practice.

The Elements of Idolatry

February 13, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 4:8–20

Before issuing a stirring personal appeal to the Galatian believers, Paul explains that submitting to Torah will put them under the covenant curses and thus return them to the enslaving idols from which they were freed by Christ. In this message, Pastor Ben explains the dangers of idolatry and issues a personal appeal to Calvary Christians to reject the slavery of idolatry and urgently pursue Christian formation through devotion to, and discipleship in, the local body of Christ.

No Longer Slaves

February 6, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 4:1–7

In Gal. 4.1-7, the Apostle Paul continues to explain the difference between the old covenant Law of Moses and the supremacy of new covenant Messiah faith. And he warns the Galatian believers that turning to the Law, after receiving the gospel, is like Israel going back to Egypt after being freed from its slavery. It might help you avoid some difficult situations in the short term, but it does so at the cost of your freedom in Christ. It makes no sense. And to go back to slavery would be fatal. In this message, Pastor Ben challenges us to put away our enslaving idols and to ask ourselves if we are truly living in the freedom of Christ’s gospel. Here we will be confronted all over again with the wonder of God’s saving plan as we marvel, together, at who Jesus is. And for those who are living in slavery, we pray God will use this message to make you sons and daughters of God through Christ.

Purpose in the Promise

January 30, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 3:15–29

In Gal. 3.15-29, the Apostle Paul continues explaining the role of the Law in God’s purposes in light of the prior, and standing promises He made to Abraham. In this message, Pastor Ben aims to deepen our understanding of God’s Word and God’s plan through both the Old and New Covenants. And as we see the unity of God's purpose both in the promise and in the covenant, God's Word will enrich our affections for Christ and our obedience to Christ.

The Centrality of Faith by the Power of the Spirit

January 23, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 3:1–14

In the first half of chapter 3, Paul is going to dive even deeper into his argument for the sufficiency of Christ. Paul explains that the heirs of Abraham are those who receive the Spirit of God through faith in Christ. In this message, Pastor Ben will take us, with Paul, into the ancient Word to see and understand God’s rescue plan for the world and how God’s promise to Abraham is the key to that rescue. Listeners are urged to become part of Abraham’s forever family by turning to Christ by faith and receiving God's life-giving Spirit.

Gospel Transformation

January 9, 2022 • Ben Kimmell • Galatians 1:11–24

In the second half of Galatians 1, Paul continues to defend his own standing as an authentic apostle, and he will defend the integrity of the gospel he preached. But the most compelling reason for the truth of the gospel is the transformation it made in Paul’s own life. In this message, Pastor Ben will challenge us with the reality that the gospel is not a matter of mere words and principles, but of life-saving power and personal transformation.

Calvary Baptist Church | Perry, FL

The Book of Galatians