Galatians: Remaining Faithful - Cornerstone Christian Fellowship

A Life Marked By Christ - Sunday Sermon

May 21, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 6:11–18

Paul began this letter by defending his apostleship and he closes his letter by demonstrating his apostleship. He does so by admitting his weakness (large letters/poor eyesight) instead of emphasizing his strengths; his willingness to be persecuted instead of avoiding it through compromise; through the crucifixion of the world to him (rejecting the world's values) and him to the world (being rejected by man). Following the law is nothing, being transformed by the gospel is everything. The one who bore the marks of Jesus in his body can be trusted as a true apostle and therefore, communicator of divine truth that we can base our lives upon.

Sowing to the Spirit - Sunday Sermon

May 14, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 6:11–18

When we sow to the Spirit we are investing our very lives towards the things of the Spirit. This sowing leads to eternal life. This doesn't mean we can buy our salvation, it means we will reap an abundant life that is part of the eternal life that Jesus promises us.

Bearing Burdens - Sunday Sermon

May 7, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 6:11–18

In Christ's body, we are called to bear one another's burdens. Caring for one another when a person struggles is a great expression of love. But this takes discernment and we need to be careful not to create unhealthy dependencies because each person must be willing to carry their own load.

Ministry of Restoration - Sunday Sermon

April 30, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 6:1–10

The implications of the gospel should lead us to care for one another. This impacts the way we deal with sin in the body of Christ, how we bear with one another, how we see ourselves and others, and how we provide for those who teach us God's word. We also have the assurance that we will reap a harvest as we persevere in following the Lord.

In Step with the Spirit - Sunday Sermon

April 23, 2023 • Elder Mike Tam • Galatians 5:16–26

Christians have been given new life because of the Spirit's work in applying Christ's atoning work on their behalf. Yet the battle against our flesh continues and the only way to defeat it is to stay in step with the Spirit.

Set Free - Sunday Sermon

April 16, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 5:1–15

Christians are set free from the burden of completely following the law, an impossible requirement to meet. Yet this legalistic teaching can creep into our souls so we must be vigilant and wise to recognize its presence. The cross/gospel will always offend those who proudly think they can stand righteous before the Lord. But freedom from the law does not mean we live indulging our flesh, instead we are called to exercise our faith by loving and serving others.

Gospel Foreshadowed - Sunday Sermon

April 2, 2023 • Pastor Daryl Siu • Galatians 4:21–31

Paul draws parallels from the Old Testament to enlighten us about New Testament teaching. Hagar and Sarah; Ishmael and Isaac; Flesh and Promise; Slave and Free. Each of these foreshadow the gospel and gives us insight into the difference between the law and grace.

Adopted Into God's Family - Sunday Sermon

March 26, 2023 • Elder Tim Ng • Galatians 4:1–20

Through the gospel, we've been adopted into God's family and have become heirs of all of the rights and privileges of being His children. Having been given such a place of honor, it makes no sense for us to deny grace and return to good works as a basis for our salvation. We need to discern whose voice we will listen to and avoid those who would place themselves above God's word (make much of them).

Promise Vs. Law - Sunday Sermon

March 19, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 3:15–29

How should the Law that was given to Moses be understood in relation to the promises made to Abraham? Our relationship with the Law must be informed by understanding the purpose of the Law.

Sanctification by Faith - Sunday Sermon

March 12, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 3:1–14

It makes no sense to begin our relationship with God by faith and then to turn to the works of the law as a means of growth. We begin by grace through faith and we mature by grace through faith. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives and the miracles that He works are not done because we follow the law, but because of our faith. It is because of faith that we have become partakers in the ancient promise made to Abraham, the father of our faith.

Living Faith - Sunday Sermon

March 5, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 2:15–21

Paul argues that our salvation is based on grace through faith in Christ. As Christ followers, our sin should never suggest that Christ promotes sin. We need to make the distinction between our perfect Lord and His sinful followers. Going back to a theology of good works nullifies Christ's death. Instead, authentic faith joins with Paul in the understanding that we've been crucified with Christ and we've died to our old selves and now live for God.

Holding Our Convictions - Sunday Sermon

February 26, 2023 • Stephen Lu • Galatians 2:11–14

Paul had to deal with a situation that threatened the very message of the gospel - Peter's shying away from eating with Gentiles out of fear of what the Jewish legalists might think.

Ministering Side by Side - Sunday Sermon

February 19, 2023 • Karen Lee • Galatians 2:1–10

Paul went to Jerusalem to explain the gospel he had been preaching. In doing so he demonstrated a submissive heart to those who had been established leaders in the church - Peter, James, and John. By meeting with them they also could minister in unity, acknowledging that Paul had a unique ministry to the Gentiles while the others had a unique ministry to the Jews. Yet they both wanted to remember to bring the gospel to the poor.

Authentic Conversion - Sunday Sermon

February 12, 2023 • Gordon Tsai • Galatians 1:11–24

Paul shared how he had been so zealous for his Jewish heritage and religion that he was a persecutor of the church. Yet God called him and set him apart even before he was born to be a herald to the Gentiles. While our conversions may not be as dramatic, they still need to be authentic. A changed life is the best evidence that a person has truly encountered Christ and placed their faith in Him.

No Other Gospel - Sunday Sermon

February 5, 2023 • Pastor Joe Yoshihara • Galatians 1:1–10

Some of the Galatian Christians had moved away from the pure gospel of grace and adopted another gospel. But there can only be one true gospel so we need to be careful that our doctrine is sound because a false gospel cannot save us.