Fear No One

Galations 2:11-14

Peter and Paul have issues here and Peter is corrected by Paul. Peter was fearing man more then God. God had already shown Peter that the Gentiles were to be accepted into the church through a heavenly vision in Acts 10. Peter was even dragging other church leaders into sin with him.

We can get into the same type of hypocracy if we are not careful. Clicks form between members of the body all the time because we like to hang out and be around like minded people. But when we begin to do this and shune those within the church that don't have your gifting or upbringing or heritage, then we sin against the body of Christ. We bring division instead of unity.

Use this example to love one another and promote unity within our family. Expose division as the sin it is and don't fear any man if they are in sin. We need to honor God first. 

Pastor Patrick

Calling Confirmed

Galations 2:1-10

Paul recounts a time when he went to the leaders of the church to confirm the gospel message he had been taking to the Gentiles. Apparently all was good and they were an encouragement to Paul and his ministry. There were some who tried to come in and rob them of their freedom in Christ by demanding that Titus, one of Paul's companions on this trip, Be circumcised. 

How often do we do this same type of thing to new believers in the church today?  Back then, 2000 years ago, a Jew was not to even sit and eat a meal with a gentile. We tell new believers all the time to stop hanging out with your old friends. We are your family now, we say. Or if someone is not conforming to the way we believe they should posture themselves during prayer or not raising their hands during worship. We have all kinds of religious traditions that are nothing more then a added burden to one another and has nothing to do with living in a true relationship of intimacy with Jesus. 

Let us encourage one another to live a life of intimate relationship with God, through His Holy Spirit. In so doing we can shake of the bonds of religion and ceremony and be free to worship with our lives as a living sacrifice to God. You are called to God and your confirmation is sure. We don't need a pastor or great man of God to tell us this fact. God has called you!

Pastor Patrick

Here is Your Calling

Galations 1:11-24

The worlds culture preaches conformity and tollorance. We are to accept each other's philosophy as truth according to them, even when that philosophy is not theirs. Compromise is on the menu and we as Christians are expected by the world to keep our mouths shut and be tolerant of others beliefs and lifestyle. 

The false religions of Islam and Mormonism are prime examples of what Paul is addressing here in Galations. When someone speaks of God, are we talking about the same God? As far as God as the uncreated, creator of the universe is concerned.  But, that is about the only similarity. By the time of Mohamed the bible was canonized and he was more then aware of it, he rejected it. Nothing about these and other religions have a gospel. They reject Gods word and his Son. They reject the trinity, Mohamed called the angel Gabriel the Holy Spirit.

We should be praying and live in peace with those of differing beliefs. The key to helping those who have been deceived by the lord of this world is through relationship. So the next time you meet a person of a different faith don't try and get out of there. Make an effort to find some common ground and begin the relationship that could save their soul. This is your calling!

Pastor Patrick

Sacrifice of Self

Galatians 1:6-10

It happens all the time. A hurt and broken person comes to the alter and calls on the name of Jesus to rescue them from their sins and self. Then within a short period of time they begin to change and their life transforms. Before you know it they have learned a whole new language (christianeze) which they speak with their new friends. Life is looking better and joy and peace are the character displayed.

In time little things begin to irritate you about the new friends and leaders that are in your life. Their not doing things the way you think they should. They don't raise their hands when they worship. They are not posturing themselves the way they should when they pray. They don't pray before they eat every time. You begin to become critical and the grace that rescued you from the clutches of hell and death no longer is your hearts desire. The idolatrous religious spirit has come in and become your savior. 

When you take our eyes off of Jesus your heart naturally will divert its attention to the person in the mirror. This was the warning in Galations for you. Two founders of the two largest false religions in the world both said an angel appeared to them, Mohamed said the angel Gabriel appeared to him and Joseph Smith said the angel Moroni appeared to him. The problem is that the gospel that they are saying was given them is different then the one originally given us by God. They both deny the deity of Jesus Christ. 

Keep your eyes and heart on Jesus. Life may not be without its trials and concerns but you will have a perfect peace and joy that only someone can have when you are in the best relationship of your life. A passionate and exciting, fulfilling life for all eternity. So, don't allow your ears to be tickled by the false teachers preaching a gospel different then the one given to you. Do not be lead astray by the gospel of comfort. There is no such gospel and its idolatrous and self seeking, putting yourself up on the cross as the sacrifice for your soul. That sacrifice is rejected by God. 

Pastor Patrick

Start with Jesus

Galatians 1:1-5

We get right into the nuts and bolts of the gospel message in verses 4. The true gospel results in changed lives. Jesus gave his life in order to rescue us from this world of evil. We understand that Jesus died for us, but the gospel is a deeper message of not just redemption but also of sanctification. This is a work of God in us to separate us from the world and purify us. This is evident in a person who has truly believed on Jesus for their salvation and accepted Gods plan. We call it fruit and will get into the details of this fruit later in the book. 

Pastor Patrick

Waging War

Ephesians 6:10-18

We are soldiers in the army of God! This means we are to fight. But I thought we were to be people of love and forgiveness? We are and these things go hand in hand. When we go to war there is a enemy and that is the first thing you need to do is identify the enemy so you know who you are fighting against. We see that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

Do you belive that there are evil rulers and spirits in an unseen world? If not, how do you wage war against something you don't see or believe in? This is why so many people are defeated in their Christian walk, they don't know who the enemy is and fight against the body of Christ instead of Satan and our evil worldly desires. God is faithful to give us the weapons we need to fight the good fight. 

Pastor Patrick

Honor

Ephesians 6:1-9

Cooperation is the central theme here. Honor is an important virtue and the reason is because it comes from the heart. Some of us just recognize the good in others and acknowledge it through our word and deeds. If you get around people and all you can think is how stupid they are or why do I need to be around this person, then your heart is selfish. I'm sure Jesus could easily think the same way about you, but He dosnt feel that way about you. You see, being selfish is not Cristlike and this what you are called to be is like Christ. 

Pastor Patrick

We Become One

Ephesians 5:22-33

This is an amazing passage from Gods word. It calls us to unity. It can be easy to get sidetracked here with the woman submit to your husband stuff, and while that is an important part of life in marriage we can not discount the remainder of the teaching that husbands need to be ready to die for their wife. This is the kind of love that has been given to us. However, while a submissive wife is counter-cultural today, she was not so in Paul’s time. Moreover, while a self-sacrificing and loving husband sounds quite appropriate in our culture, he was radically counter-cultural in Paul’s time. 

We are to be one with Christ. This is the primary teaching here. As the church we are the bride, the wife, and are instructed to submit to our Lord ( husband ). It is when we open our hearts and see the truth of Gods word and make it personal that transformation led by the Holy Spirit takes place. My prayer for you today is that you are transformed a little bit today into the image of our Lord Jesus. 

Pastor Patrick

Sinners are Going to Hell

Ephesians 5:3-20

There seems at times to be a lot of don't be like this or do that stuff going on. Well, we humans are a corrupt and sinfull people. Despite what you think, we are not good natured. We are self centered and focused on our own desires and pleasures. Paul is not saying that people who have practiced these evil things can't be saved. It's the people that do practice them that will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Look at what it says in 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 

We have a hope through Jesus. We can celebrate. 

Pastor Patrick

Ready to Die?

Ephesians 5:1-2

There is no question if you are a disciple of Christ that we are to love.  Love each other and our God. But, what does that really look like?  Paul shares that here in these verses. Love is sacrificial. Yes, Jesus shows the way of obedience to the Father as our greatest example. Jesus also shows us our greatest example of love in the fact that he sacrificed his life for you and me. The question is are you in a place to return that love? 

Here in America we have not had to deal with much persecution. I have a feeling that's about to change in this generation. Our very existence as a Christian will be put to the test and you must be at a place in your walk with God where your ready to give your life for the name of Jesus. If you are not in that place in your walk with God then you better get there. There is no reason to serve Jesus if you are not willing to die for Him other then just being religious. Once a gun is put to your head the real heart of a person is revealed. If you deny Jesus, he will deny you. People say, but he knows my heart and I love him but don't wanna die. Yes, Jesus knows your heart and that it is selfish if you deny Christ over death, you have no chance of redemption. This is a hard word but a true word. Love you and hope that you receive this word.

Patrick Burns

Separate Your Actions

Ephesians 4:17-32

Do not live as the Gentiles do? What does that mean? Look around at the culture we live in here in America. A culture where abortion ( the murder of babies ) is mostly being used as a form of birth control. Gay marriage and the homosexual lifestyle is an accepted norm. Society overall is self centered and driven by the selfish ambitions of all. Even in the body of Christ we see this philosophy creeping in, a philosophy of tollorance and compromise. God has called each person to a life of purity and holiness. That is what Paul means when he says not to live as the Gentiles do. The unbelievers in the world live in a willful disobedience to God. They refuse to acknowledge God through the hardness of their hearts. When they set their hearts upon the gratification of their lusts, what can be expected but the most abominable sensuality and lewdness, and that their horrid enormities will abound? This is the character of the worldly. 

We are not to live this way. In vs22 it says "throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception." You are set apart for holiness and purity. Your desires are to be the desires of God. What are the desires of God. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Pastor Patrick

Baby or Adult

Ephesians 4:7-16

Yes we are all given gifts for the carrying out of the ministry God has commissioned you with. You may not even be operating in that gift yet or even know what those gifts are yet.. Well if you read a little further you will see where the gifts are put to use are to build up those that are babies in Christ. You might be thinking, I'm not a baby in Christ. Well is your life looking like that of Jesus'? Or does it look like a mess, one day happy next day sad, very little joy and the joy you get is based on the worlds rewards? If you lost your house and job today would you rejoice each and everyday till it was restored to you? If not, then you are not leaning on JESUS for your joy and peace but are a baby in Christ and you are letting life's circumstances decide your life's journey. 

Pastor Patrick

Called to Maturity

Ephesians 4:1-6

Okay now we are going to look at how to apply and live the teachings from the last three chapters.  We, the church, are called to mature in Christ. That word called continues to come up. Most Christians don't like that word because with the word called comes responsibility and accountability. No matter who you are, you are called to serve, and God has gifted some to be the ones to equip you and I to do the work of the ministry. These gifts mentioned in verse 11 will be birthed in you through discipleship and then you will start equipping others. 

Pastor Patrick

Fullness of God

Ephesians 3:14-21

Paul prays that we not only have the knowledge of Christ's love but experience His love as well. An experience must include the five senses. I want to encourage you to experience God today and everyday through the knowledge He has given you. God is more then ready to accomplish this in you. How? You ask, get alone with Him in that secret place.

Pastor Patrick

Mystery Revealed

Ephesians 3:1-13

Right in the middle of his prayer, Paul goes of on a rabbit trail. He talks about a mystery. A mystery is something that once was concealed and now revealed in context with what Paul is communicating here. The fact that he was called to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. The church is the agency of the divine mission and includes us Gentiles now... 

Pastor Patrick

One

Ephesians 2:11-22

God wants to reconcile. His action is one of working to bring us into relationship with himself. Paul is sharing with his readers here under inspiration of the Holy Spirit how even though the rest of the world other then the Jews had no promise of reconciling with God, now through Jesus we do. All a part of Gods plan and it pleases him that we are to become one body in Him. 

Pastor Patrick