From Believing In God to Believing God | Luke Edgerton | 7/19/2026

From Believing In God to Believing God | Luke Edgerton | 7/19/2026

Sermon Summary: This sermon from Galatians 3 addresses the critical distinction between salvation by faith versus salvation by works. Pastor Luke confronts the false teaching that had "bewitched" the Galatian churches—the idea that circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law were necessary alongside faith in Christ. He emphasizes that spiritual maturity involves moving from merely believing in God's existence to actively believing what God says. The sermon traces the Abrahamic promise through biblical history, demonstrating that Jesus was always "Plan A" and that the law served as a temporary guardian to expose humanity's need for a Savior. Abraham knew Jesus and was justified by faith alone, 430 years before the law was given to Moses. The message challenges believers to reject religious performance and embrace the freedom found in Christ, where salvation is received as a gift through faith, not earned through human effort. Pastor Luke calls the church to resist being bewitched by false teachings that mix law and grace, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit fills believers through faith, not works. Key Points: -False teachers bewitch people by mixing law and grace, leading believers away from pure gospel truth -Spiritual maturity is the process of growing from believing in God to believing God and His word -Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness—he knew Jesus before the law existed -Ethnicity, heritage, socioeconomic status, and gender provide no privileged access to salvation -The law was never Plan A; Jesus was always Plan A—the law served as a guardian to expose our need for a Savior -The Holy Spirit is received by faith through hearing the word, not by works of the law -The freedom to reject Jesus is the same freedom we have to accept Him—God honors human free will -Spiritual maturity means moving from accepting Jesus to embracing Jesus in intimate relationship -You can be fully known by Jesus and still be fully loved—He works with our honest, truthful selves -Works are a result of salvation, not a means to salvation—we work from our salvation, not for it -Your life's advantages cannot compensate for lack of faith, nor can disadvantages excuse unbelief -The law exposed the cosmic darkness of sin so we could appreciate the brightness of Christ's sacrifice Scripture Reference: -Galatians 3:1-29 (primary passage) -Genesis 15:6 (Abraham believed God) -Genesis 12:3 (Abraham as blessing to nations) -Genesis 3:15 (seed of woman crushing serpent's head) -John 8:48-59 (Jesus declaring "before Abraham was, I am") -Jeremiah 31:31-34 (promise of the new covenant) -Romans 10:17 (faith comes by hearing) -Deuteronomy 27:26, 21:23 (citations Paul uses) -Habakkuk 2:4 (the righteous shall live by faith) -1 John (whoever denies the Son does not have the Father)

Trust, Verify, and Surrender | Luke Edgerton | 7/12/2026

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, focusing on the purity of the gospel message and the danger of mixing grace with works-based religion. The pastor emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through adherence to traditions or rules. Paul's example of verifying his gospel message with the other apostles demonstrates the importance of trusting but verifying spiritual teaching. The sermon challenges believers to stop striving to earn God's approval through their own efforts and instead surrender to His grace. The central message is that God doesn't need our skills or strategies—He wants our "yes" and our faith. The pastor confronts the spirit of religion that keeps people from experiencing the Father's presence, calling believers to step out in faith and trust that God's Word proves true when we act upon it. Key Points: -Paul verified his gospel message with Peter, James, and John to ensure unity in the message being preached to both Jews and Gentiles -Revelation from God (rhema) must always align with the written Word of God (logos) and should be tested and verified -False brothers were infiltrating the early church, mixing grace with works by requiring Gentiles to follow Jewish traditions like circumcision -When someone preaches a mixed gospel of grace and works, they are preaching a false and misleading gospel -Religion teaches people to keep God happy through merit and effort, but relationship with God is about being happy in God through faith -God shows no partiality and doesn't need us to measure up through our obedience to please Him -Knowing your specific assignment from God is essential for fruitful ministry; trying to fulfill someone else's assignment leads to frustration -Self-exaltation and self-appointment to ministry leads to self-destruction (example of Adonijah) -God doesn't need your skills or strategies—He wants your surrender and obedience ("yes") -Hypocrisy is the fastest way to lose credibility; we must act upon what we believe, not just claim to believe it -Salvation is not earned through rules, traditions, or works—it requires being born again of water and Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ -The cross is the cost of grace; we cannot add our works to what Christ has already accomplished Scripture Reference: -Galatians 2:1-21 (primary focus) -Romans 10:17 (faith comes by hearing the Word of God) -Revelation 19:10 (the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy) -Hebrews (impossible to please God apart from faith) -1 Kings 1:5 (Adonijah's self-exaltation) -1 Chronicles 28:5-7 (God's choice of Solomon) -John 3:1-8 (conversation with Nicodemus about being born again)

From Religion to Relationship | Luke Edgerton | 7/5/2026

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the critical distinction between law-based religion and grace-based relationship with God. The pastor addresses how the Judaizers attempted to mix Mosaic law with the gospel of grace, which Paul vehemently opposed. The message centers on understanding God as Father, moving beyond people-pleasing to God-pleasing, and recognizing that true Christian liberty comes neither through legalism nor license, but through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. The sermon calls believers to embrace the New Covenant, which is predicated on faith rather than adherence to rules, and to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit rather than religious obligation. Key Points: -The four purposes of Galatians: prove the authenticity of Paul's gospel, refute the Judaizers under the Old Covenant, establish Christian liberty under the New Covenant, and show the superiority of the Abrahamic and New Covenants over the Mosaic Covenant -True liberty in Christ is neither legalism of the law nor license of the flesh -Life and righteousness come only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ -Having received the Holy Spirit, believers must also walk in the Holy Spirit -God should be understood and addressed as Father, which requires healing from earthly father wounds -God has staying power - He will never leave nor forsake His children -The lens by which you read the Word of God is the lens by which you view the God of the Word -Reading the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament reveals God's fulfillment of His own standards -People-pleasing is an insidious trap that must be replaced with God-pleasing -Judaism was the first enemy of Christianity, not other world religions -Paul's transformation from persecutor to preacher demonstrates God's power to change lives -Religion focuses on rules while relationship focuses on encountering the living God -The marriage of Word and Spirit creates power unto salvation, discipleship, and evangelism -Worship of God is the appropriate response when someone comes from death to life Scripture Reference: -Galatians 1:1-24 (primary focus) -1 John 2:23 -1 John 3:1 -Deuteronomy 31:6-8 -Hebrews 13:5-6

Pursuing Truth Over Influence | Chris Bello | 6/28/2026

Sermon Summary: This sermon concludes the study of 2 Corinthians by examining Paul's final words to the Corinthian church in chapter 13. The message centers on the distinction between actual truth found in Scripture and influenced truth from worldly sources. Paul's heart for restoration is revealed as he balances gentleness with authority, calling believers to examine themselves and pursue authentic faith. The sermon challenges listeners to filter all aspects of life through biblical truth rather than cultural influencers, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes only through embracing the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Chris uses powerful imagery of a clouded vessel versus a clear, full one to illustrate how worldly pursuits leave us empty while God's truth brings clarity and fullness. Key Points: -Paul writes with authority established by multiple witnesses and visits, fulfilling the Deuteronomy 19:15 requirement -God transforms symbols of weakness (the cross) into symbols of ultimate power through resurrection -Believers should lead with gentleness and grace first, reserving power/authority for when necessary -Regular self-examination is essential—comparing our spiritual growth from previous seasons -Communion provides a weekly opportunity to examine ourselves and remember Christ -The difference between actual truth (Scripture) and influenced truth (cultural voices, influencers, status, wealth) -All truth claims must be filtered through Scripture as the ultimate authority -Paul's desire for restoration rather than correction drives his ministry approach -Authentic community requires moving beyond passing phrases to genuine connection -The simplicity of the gospel: grace of Jesus Christ, love of God, fellowship of the Holy Spirit -Influenced truth keeps us empty and clouded; biblical truth brings clarity and fullness Scripture Reference: -2 Corinthians 13:1-14 (primary passage) -Deuteronomy 19:15 (witnesses requirement) -2 Corinthians 10:1-2 (Paul's gentle approach) -1 Corinthians 11:28 (self-examination during communion) -2 Corinthians 11:3-6 (warning against false apostles) -Psalm 139:1-14 (God's intimate knowledge of us)

God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness | Luke Edgerton | 6/21/2026

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores Paul's testimony in 2 Corinthians 12 about his "thorn in the flesh" and God's response that "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." The message challenges believers to stop pleading with God to remove limitations that He has purposefully allowed to keep them humble. Rather than seeking comfort, God is more interested in keeping His people humble so His power can work through them. The sermon emphasizes that God's divine power doesn't work outside of us but within us when we yield to Him. It calls believers to stop comparing themselves to others, to be content with their God-given identity and limitations, and to understand that the same grace that saves from the penalty of sin also delivers from the bondage of ongoing sin. The message concludes with a call to confession, acknowledging that complete healing comes when we confess our sins to one another and to God. Key Points: -More than keeping you comfortable, God is interested in keeping you humble -God allows limitations in our lives as mercy gifts to protect us from pride and conceit -Substance and content are more important than style and form in ministry -God's grace (favor) is sufficient and compensates for our lack -God's explosive power (dynamis) is made perfect in weakness, not in human strength -The power of Christ is attracted to humility and repelled by pride -God's divine power works within us, not outside of us, when we yield to Him -We must give God something to move on through faith, prayer, fasting, and obedience -Many Christians believe Jesus saves from the penalty of sin but don't believe the same power delivers from the bondage of sin -Belief structures create our future - we must believe before we experience -Unconfessed sin causes spiritual decay and weakness -Complete healing comes through confession of sins to God and to one another Scripture Reference: -2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (primary focus) -2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (key verses about the thorn in the flesh and God's sufficient grace) -Psalm 27 (seeking God's face) -Ephesians 3:20 (God able to do more than we ask or think) -2 Peter 3:4 (divine power for life and godliness through intimate knowledge of God) -John 3:16 (belief leading to eternal life) -Psalm 32:1-7 (David's confession and the weight of unconfessed sin) -James 5:16 (confessing sins to one another for healing)