Eugene Faith Center's Podcast

Paul introduces us to the word 'Marantha' in the New Testament. Interestingly, it can be translated two different ways that emphasize two cries of our hearts that seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum. At Christmas, we see both these cries taken up in the story of Mary. In these two weeks before Christmas, we're going to explore them both to make room for our full hearts before the God who is with us. 

This is Part 1 in our Advent series called, Emmanuel: God With Us

Paul is leaving us with his important final thoughts. He tells us to stay close to three things and we won’t be easily led astray. And when we do, we’ll find the central image of God in our lives and church, and it will break our heart once again for how good this gift truly is.  

In today's message we unpack Pauls letter to the Galatians, posing these questions: If we are accepted through God‘s gift of Jesus alone, does it matter how we live our lives? And if it does, how do we know we’re living in ways that please him? 

Paul has reached his closing argument in the first part of his letter. Jesus has come for your freedom. So then, are you free? What would it take to stand firm in this freedom and not bow again to any yoke of enslavement? Paul is inviting us into a moment of encounter with the Holy Spirit and into a space of liberation before God. Will we enter?