Galatians 4: Life With the Father

Life of Faith Church

Galatians 4: Life With the Father

August 28, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 3:26–29, Galatians 4:1–6, Romans 8:12–17, 1 John 4:16–18, Luke 15:11–31

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Discover the true nature of our Abba Father and what it means to be a son or daughter in God’s family. Pastor Mark discusses our true identity in Christ, shaking off the weight of our past—formed by our experiences, pains, and the identities handed to us by the world.

But when you surrender to Jesus, you are not just asking for a better life; you are choosing to die to your old self and be reborn in Him. The Kingdom of God supersedes any identity from your upbringing, career, or social status. The moment you say "yes" to Jesus, you move from darkness to light, becoming a son or daughter of God with a new identity and inheritance.

Jesus didn’t come just to make you a better person; He came to transform you into a son or daughter in union with the Father. This revelation shifts you from living out of obligation to living out of love and partnership with God. He is not a distant judge but a loving Father who wants to be in relationship with you. The perfect love of God drives out fear, and understanding how deeply you are loved by Him is the key to overcoming fear and experiencing true freedom.

In the story of the prodigal son, we see a Father who was less concerned about what was lost and more concerned about being reunited with His child. No matter how far you’ve strayed, God’s love and favor are always there, waiting for you to return. Your status as a child of the Most High God grants you rights, favor, and the best robe of righteousness—not because of your actions, but because of who you belong to. Embrace your identity in Christ and live in the fullness of His love and grace.

Was That God?

October 2, 2024 • Wendy Anger • Galatians 5:16–18, Romans 8:14–15, Romans 7:14—8:1, John 10:27, 1 Samuel 16:1–13

Pastor Wendy Anger invites us on a journey of discovering God’s voice and being led by the spirit. As born again believers we have the advantage of the Holy Spirit living inside of us to guide and direct us. Knowing for sure that God is speaking to us, that we hear from Him and we follow His voice. Walking in the Spirit is a powerful journey rooted in God's Word. As you read His Word, you'll begin to recognize His voice, discerning His lead from what is not of Him. The foundation of this walk is simple: God is good, and Satan is bad. Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but everything we speak should reflect God's goodness, bringing encouragement. Settle in your heart that any thought contradicting God's goodness is invalid. Walking in the Spirit is about hearing from God and allowing Him to lead you. Praying in the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, brings wisdom and clarity. While it may feel like nothing is happening initially, as you persist, God’s promptings become clearer. It's a mighty force, and by giving God the opportunity through prayer, you’ll see His direction unfold. Spending time in His Word and fellowship with other believers is key to sharing testimonies and encouraging one another. Take a cue from 12-year-old Jesus, who spent time in the temple asking questions and growing in wisdom and favor with God and man. As you immerse yourself in the Word, God’s voice will become familiar, and He will not lead you astray. The benefits of walking in the Spirit include prosperity, financial provision, and freedom from stress and anxiety. Even when it feels mechanical, declaring God’s truth over your situation will transform your heart as you begin to believe it. God cannot direct you unless you are moving. He leads step by step, just as He guided Samuel in anointing a new king. Don't stumble at God's promises—count Him faithful. Let peace be your compass, and pursue love in all you do. For every situation, there is a word and a promise. Don’t focus on the problem, but on the Word, the light, and Jesus.

Galatians 5

September 25, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Romans 13:6, Romans 5:17, Galatians 5, Romans 8:31–37

Galatians 4: Get Rid of the Slave

September 18, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 4:21–31, Ephesians 2:8–9, Genesis 16:1–4, Genesis 15:1–6, Hebrews 12:18–24

Continuing our verse-by-verse teaching through Galatians, Pastor Mark explores the dangers of a lack mindset rooted in self-effort and religious obligation. Many believe they must work harder or become better to experience God's blessings, but this is the wrong starting point. Salvation and God’s gifts are not earned through human effort; they are freely given. Paul’s letter to the Galatians warns us that relying on works will only frustrate the grace of God. "If I work, I’ll never receive what I’m trying to achieve," because God's blessings cannot be earned. Like Abram, we often focus on what we lack or try to control our circumstances, but God calls us to change our perspective—step outside of our limited view and see His limitless provision. When we operate in the flesh, we compare, criticize, and strive, like Hagar despising Sarah. But grace teaches us to live free from the burden of self-effort. True freedom comes when we stop trying to help God fulfill His promises through our own strength. God’s grace, not the law, enables us to live righteously. The moment you accept Jesus, you receive everything you need for life and godliness. You are already made whole, complete, and perfect in Him. What if, instead of striving, you believed that truth and let your actions flow naturally from that belief? Transformation begins with believing who God says you are—dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give