Monthly Archives: September 2021

True Freedom (Sept 20)

Posted on September 20, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

(where one fails to find the freedom or allow others to walk in freedom) and license (where one abuses the freedom). Paul has no time for either. Continue reading →

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Who is Waiting? (Sept 19)

Posted on September 19, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

passage reminds us that sometimes the reason we are waiting is because God is waiting for us. Continue reading →

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Christ Formed In You (Sept 18)

Posted on September 18, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul points us to the alternative: Christ being formed in them—Christ living his life out through them.  It’s a life lived by grace through faith. It’s a life of freedom and joy. And it’s all found in a dynamic, ongoing, intimate relationship with Jesus. As we spend time with him, as we pursue spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study, we are formed spiritually. We become more and more like Jesus. Continue reading →

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Practicing His Presence

Posted on September 17, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Prayer begins as we open our heart to Jesus. We worship, we adore, we share our heart’s deepest burdens and longings, we confess, we listen, we intercede, we ask, we enjoy his presence. We say, “Amen.” Continue reading →

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The Real Thing (Sept 16)

Posted on September 16, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

he real thing—the heart of the gospel—is Christ living in you and me. The key to living the Christian life is not trying hard to live by the rules in my own strength and power. It is all about a grace based relationship with the one who loves me most—Jesus. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Be careful of any system that adds requirements to the gospel. One common form of such a system is legalism. Legalism attempts to place people in bondage to a religious system of rules and to take away the freedom that flows from a relationship with Christ. The legalist focuses on appearances—trying hard to impress others (and presumably, God) by how well they keep the rules. It is a system filled with pride and judgment. It is a dangerous religious game that keeps people from the “real thing.” Continue reading →

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Good News (Sept 14)

Posted on September 14, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Did you notice how abruptly Galatians begins? Paul normally begins with a long thanksgiving passage and then a prayer for the church. But this time, he gets right to the point. His words are pointed and passionate. That should tell you that he was very concerned about the Galatian church–very concerned about any attempt to distort the gospel and keep us from the freedom we have in Christ. Continue reading →

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Passing the Test

Posted on September 13, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

aul reminds us that we sometimes need to check our progress in the faith. Are we growing up in the faith? Are we becoming more and more like Jesus? Or are we just drifting along without any apparent progress, or worse, losing ground? Continue reading →

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The Big Picture (Sept 12)

Posted on September 12, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When what we see with our eyes doesn’t seem to make sense, it is time to look at the big picture—to get an eternal perspective. For Isaiah, that meant pointing to the hope of the coming Messiah. In earlier chapters he warned of judgment, but even in all that he points to the hope that one day the Messiah will come. Continue reading →

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He Will Reign

Posted on September 11, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When our world seems to spin out of control, we must run back to this truth, that the Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. In the midst of tragedy, we must look forward to the day when Christ will return to right all the wrongs and to reign with the government on his shoulders. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. Continue reading →

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