Tag Archives: legalism

Christ Formed in You

Posted on September 18, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While some might try to steal our joy and place us in bondage, Christ has come to set us free. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The focus of true Christianity is not performance, but walking with God in a close intimate relationship. It’s not about rule keeping to look spiritual, but about serving God because I love him. It’s a journey where I know that I am loved by God through it all, and where he comes alongside each step of the way to help me on my way. Continue reading →

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An Honest Heart

Posted on July 14, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Who needs the good news (the gospel, which is the power of God)? We all do. Especially those of us who don’t think we need it.  Continue reading →

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Religious Games

Posted on April 6, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When it comes to religion, there are some who play the game better than others. Continue reading →

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Heart Problems

Posted on February 24, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Pharisees knew how to look spiritual. They knew how to play their spiritual games. They focused on the external and lived by the rules. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2022 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. Continue reading →

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Good News

Posted on September 14, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul’s mission was to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Insisting that the people of God included all believers—Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female—there should be no exclusion through boundary markers of Jewish identity: primarily circumcision, food and Sabbath laws. By insisting on these external requirements, the false teachers were perverting the gospel. Insisting that Gentiles live as Jews is an unnecessary addition to the gospel that made it “no good news at all.” 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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Heart Problems (Feb 24)

Posted on February 24, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 24 Heart Problems Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-18 | Leviticus 15:1-16:28 | Mark 7:1-23 | Proverbs 10:13-14 Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 7:1-23 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me … Continue reading →

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