Sermons About Gentiles
Galatians 3.6-9: Blessed to be a Blessing
Have you ever sat in traffic for a long time due to an accident or construction? You most likely have. The roadblock is usually due to some problem on the road that needs to be cleaned up or fixed. This week we look at Paul as he addresses a gigantic roadblock in the plan of God. God intended to bless the whole world through Abraham’s family, but Israel, the promise-bearers, were not only themselves failing, but getting in the way of the wider fulfillment. This is what is still continuing in Paul’s day and specifically in Galatia. Let’s be honest. We miss out on God’s blessings because we get in the way. We cause many roadblocks to the blessings of God due to trying to do things on our own. Paul writes to the Galatians concerning this problem and how God dealt with it. God is still faithful to His promises. The question is, will we trust Him?
0 Amens
Galatians 2.11-21: Representing Jesus in the Ministry of Reconciliation
We continue to look at the opposition between Paul and Peter. This was so important to the church at Antioch, to the Galatians and the advancement of the gospel of grace. Today we also deal with conflict, opposition and being stand-offish, which were all present in Galatians 2. This is important for us and the advancement of the gospel of grace just as it was then.
0 Amens
Galatians 2.11-16: No more masquerading
The scene changes from Jerusalem to Antioch and the mood also changes as Paul confronts Peter. The reason for the public opposition is Peter's double-mindedness and double standards. He would regularly eat and fellowship with Gentiles (the uncircumcised), but as some Jewish leaders from Jerusalem arrive in Antioch Peter withdraws from the Gentiles. His hypocrisy causes others to wear mask as well including Barnabas. Andrew Peterson has said in one of his great songs, the church is the second coming of the Pharisees. At times, that is very true and so it was on this day in Antioch. May we apply and live what we profess to belileve. The gospel of grace, the soul of man and the glory of God is at stake. So, let's throw off the masks.
0 Amens
Prayers And Our Narcissism
Jesus teaches that our prayers are too often about our vanity or self-absorption.
0 Amens
Ephesians 3: the Mystery Uncovered
An exploration of the mystery of the new humanity in Christ
0 Amens
Acts 11 : Breaking Barriers - All People Everywhere Can Be Clean
It is in the book of Acts that we read of non-Jews coming to faith in Jesus. This was not totally unusual even during the OT times (Rahab, Ruth). But such cases were sort of an “exceptionâ€. The Jewish Church leaders probably viewed the conversion of the Samaritans and the Ethiopian as exceptions as well. BUT no one in the early Jewish Church was prepared for the flood of Gentiles that would soon make up a majority of the Church. See, an old barrier existed between Jews and Gentiles – a legal barrier which did not allow a Jew to step foot into the home of a Gentile – God-fearer or not! This barrier seemed destined to remain for eternity. Luke tells us that it was Peter who crossed over that barrier and declared it had been made obsolete by the cross. Jewish Christians should not see Jesus as the savior of Jews alone, but see Jesus as an international savior, one who came to bleed and die for Gentiles of many languages and colors.
0 Amens
