Pastor Steve Thompson's podcast

5 Attributes of Christ.

The Reality of Christ is something that can't be taught but it can be described.  We have hope in Christ.  The definition of "hope" as a possibility or as a prospect.

Joseph takes Jesus & Mary to Egypt.  When God makes Himself more fully known, the impossible becomes possible.  

The beginning of the spiritual battle of darkness.  As time progresses, a new battle forms.

The eternality of Jesus.  The activity of the preincarnate Jesus.

The resurrection is part of the complete plan.  It is part of the restoration of all things.

The church isn't a fellowship group; it has become a new type of temple.

The word "sanctification" means "set apart".  This is true for all believers, regardless of different degrees of spiritual growth.  True believers are set apart because of the Advocate that was sent in the Holy Spirit who dwells in all true believers.  The Gospel brings about the new covenant of grace.

The fundamental design of creation has been altered.  There is spiritual warfare that lays ahead, there will be perpetual struggle between satanic forces & mankind.  The consequences of sin affect women & the marriage relationship.  The ground is also cursed as a result of sin.  The physical body becomes mortal.  

The Glory of God in creating man & marriage.  What is unique is that the unity found in the relationship of marriage can only be found in the unity of the triune God.  The Glory of God is around even if sin has affected the ability to understand it.  Then what Moses discovered about the Glory of God.

The creation of man & woman.  This includes the unique ways that God created them.  We also see God's intent for marriage.

God made man in His image.  Being made in the image of God expects that we possess certain non-material characteristics that would be present in God.  God created the rest of creation as well as man and woman on the sixth day.  Nothing else was needed.

How does God show His glory through His creation.  How His glory shines in each day of creation.

Why do definitions matter?  What do we mean when we say "Glory of God"?  

Paul was very concerned as he was writing this letter.  He wanted to restate that circumcision was not part of salvation.  Paul explained that true boasting is in the cross and not in circumcision.  Symbolism means nothing in light of being a new creation and circumcision was a symbol of the Law.

The support structure within the church.  Since the church is no longer under the Law, offering/giving is now free will.  However, if people in the church are being selfish (living in the flesh), they are not supporting the pastor/teacher like they should be.  Do you sow in the flesh or spirit?  Where you sow, there will you reap.

Walking in the Spirit brings the task of aiding other believers in their walk.  There is a different approach for other believers' sins.  The one who is a believer is "restored".    

Genesis 3:1-7, Romans 5:12 - The Fall of Adam brings the curse of sin. The differences between living by the Spirit and living in the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit listed.

Gen. 2:21, 3:1-7, 6:12 2 Chron. 32:8 Psalm 78:37-39 Jer. 17:5 Ez. 36:25-27 Rom. 7:14-18; 8:9-10 Phil. 3:4-8

Through Christ, we have freedom from the Law but do not freedom to sin.

Faith is about Jesus and so is freedom.  The Galatians are considering getting circumcised because false teachers have told them they have to.  Paul clarifies that circumcision is not a spiritual thing and that being under the Law was far more complicated than just being circumcised. 

The illustration of differences by looking at the two sons of Abraham.  Review of Genesis 16:1-6 for the analogy of the two sons.  Paul then illustrates two theological paths, thus not mixing the Law with the Gospel.

Paul is teaching the Galatians to leave works righteousness, reminding them that their relationship with the Law changed they embraced Christ.

Galatians had embraced the Judaizers' teaching.  Paul explained that that the Law was the equivalent to the elementary teachings of Paganism.  The Law was not a bad thing but showed us the need for a Savior.

We are adopted as "Sons of God", where there is no distinction between male or female, classes, Jew or Gentile.