Freedom In Christ: People with a Promise

by | Jul 14, 2019

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

SERMON TEXT:  Galatians 3:23-29

But before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. So the law was our chaperone until Christ, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a chaperone. In fact, you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Indeed, as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is not Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one and the same in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants and heirs according to the promise.

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Bible Readings

FIRST LESSON:  Zechariah 13:7-9

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,
and against the man who is my associate, declares the LORD of Armies.
Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,
and I will turn my hand against the little ones.
This will take place in the whole land, declares the LORD:
Two thirds of those who remain in it will be cut off and perish,
but one third will be left in it.
I will put that third into the fire,
and I will refine them as silver is refined,
and I will test them as gold is tested.
They will call on my name, and I will answer them.
I will say, “This is my people.”
And they will say, “The LORD is my God.”

SECOND LESSON:  Galatians 3:23-29

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VERSE OF THE DAY:  Galatians 4:6

Because we are his children, God has sent the spirit of his Son into hearts, crying “Abba! Father!

GOSPEL: Luke 9:18-24

One time when Jesus was praying alone and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “‘John the Baptist,’ but others say, ‘Elijah,’ and others say ‘one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” He gave them a strict command not to tell this to anyone. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law. He must be killed and be raised on the third day.” Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”