The Well

I don’t understand it, but–for some–legalism is more appealing than freedom.  For some, freedom–and the abscence of an imposed structure–feels frightening and they find comfort in a restrictive system of rules and regulations.

Don’t agree . . . then explain to me the rapid growth of cults and Islam around the world. 

This makes no sense for the liberated soul, but–for one who feels drawn to legalism–having someone tell you what to do, how to do it, and when to do it, feels liberating.  When you rely on someone else to run your life it frees you from the pressure of making decisions on your own.

I don’t feel drawn to legalism.  In fact, it repels me, so I like what I read in Galatians.  In Galatians Paul is confronting legalism and urging Christians to be free.  In chapter one he identifies a couple of the keys to finding freedom.

 On Sunday night I’m going to talk about those keys.

We’d like everyone to read Galatians 1 before coming to The Well on Sunday night . . . but, as you know, you’re free to do whatever you want to do.  :)

Blessings!

Arron

Matt’s thoughts on Galatians 1

Who do you please? That question can be answered many different ways. For some, most of their day is spent trying to please their boss; do your work, get a cup of coffee, comment on his new tie, work a few minutes over time. Some it’s their spouse; clean the house, do the dishes, prepare dinner, provide for the family, bring home flowers. Or maybe it’s your friends; wear the right clothes, give them a ride home, pay for their lunch. Again I ask, who do you please?

In Galatians 1, Paul asks the Churches at Galatia the same question, “For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God?” (1:10) Unfortunately, at this time and place the churches at Galatia were starting to fall to the beliefs of “Judaizers”, Jewish leaders who would teach and encourage Christians to revert back to Jewish customs and laws. Call it good salesmanship, call it peer pressure, call it wanting to be popular, call it whatever….. bottom line is that the people of the Church at Galatia became more concerned about pleasing people and less concerned about pleasing God.

What I love about Paul is the way he follows up his questions and comments. Paul’s doesn’t just throw out some deep theological statement and hope that everyone reading will understand and make commitments to deepen their relationship with Christ. No, he relates everything back to his life so the readers know that Paul has been there and done that and that a life pleasing to Christ IS the answer.

Starting in Galatians 1:11, Paul tells his story. He tells about the time in his life when he aimed to please man and the result being the mass genocide of Christians. He talks over the fact that all he desired was to please those that brought him up, that taught him the laws of the Jewish faith. And look what it got him, a career as a murderer. But then he talks about the grace that he received in Christ, the encounter he had with God and the result of a life pleasing to God. ” And they glorified God because of me.” (1:24) From people pleasing to God pleasing, from murderer to worship leader, from emptiness to fulfillment, from feared by men to loved by God. Paul pleased God!

Who do you please? Is it people? Are you leading a questionable life so someone will give you a pat on the back or high-five? Or, do you please God? Do you live a life that causes people that know you (and even some that don’t) to glorify God? Strive for a “God Pleasing” life!

Matt

When I pick up God’s Word I expect to hear something that will make me a better man, husband and father.  Oftentimes I read about how God feels, thinks and acts, as well as what He expects from me.  When handling this small book, initially written to converted Jewish Christians in Galatia, I’m confronted with many of my own misconceptions.  Maybe you could relate to several of these same challenges….. 

Moo’s misconception:  It’s rare, but occasionally I think that I can take care of myself and be “good enough”.

Biblical fact: Jesus Christ came here to give Himself to rescue us… because we cannot rescue ourselves at all. (Gal. 1:4)   

Moo’s misconception:  If “spiritual” people, or those I respect, applaud my actions then God does as well.

Biblical fact: Serving our Savior doesn’t guarantee the admiration of others (Gal. 1:10). 

Moo’s misconception: People rarely change.

Biblical fact: Paul was changed.  I was changed.  Anyone can be changed with the grace that God gives (Gal. 1:13ff). 

Moo’s misconception:  I don’t need that much time to “train” and develop discipline spiritually, I’ve been doing this Christianity deal for a while now.

Biblical fact: Paul was a Pharisee (he grew up studying the Scriotures)…. And even he needed time to “train” before he was completely ready for God’s purpose (Gal. 1:18). 

I look forward to digging into this book with you at The Well Sunday nights this summer!  Hope you take the time to see what God has to say to you through His Word.

-Moo Hadden

Sermon: The Kingdom

Sermon: Who’s Your Daddy?

Last night at The Well we talked about two things…. Dealing with our Divine Daddy and Leaving a Legacy.  With it being Father’s Day I felt that it was appropriate to look at how our Divine Daddy protects, provides and pursues us.   We all have just one life and I believe that God wants us to use it to leave a godly legacy on those around us.  It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, married or single, a parent or not…. we as beleivers should be in the business of leaving a godly legacy by protecting, providing and pursuing those we’ve been entrusted with! 

 Arron will be back next week, we look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.  Remember The Well is for all who thirst….

-Moo Hadden

Hey gang!

@ The Well this week I’m going to lay a challenge out for the men of The Well to Man Up!  This sermon will have something for everyone, but is especially designed to challenge the men of The Well to be godly men. If you are a man, know a man, are dating a man, want to marry a man, are a man wanting to be a great husband, are a woman wanting a great husband, are a father, have a father, want to be a father, want to be married to a father, etc. . . . then the message at The Well this week is for you! 

Make sure to invite someone to come to The Well with you this week, because The Well is for all who thirst.

Blessings!

Arron