“You Only Have to Die”

Galatians 2:19-21 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.

Galatians 2:19-21 And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

A Previous Life Paul’s Life was Dictated by Law. He Persecuted Followers of Christ. Actions Separated him from God.

The Purpose of the Law Law was created to enhance & protect the promise. These however are still works. The promise was given through faith in Christ.

“For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ[j] might be given to those who believe.” ~ Galatians 3:21-22

Focus on Law Desire for Law “Whoever does the works of the Law lives by them.” ~ Galatians 3:12 Evidences the power of doing rather than faith. “You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. .” ~ Galatians 5:4

A New Life Paul became so conformed to the crucified Christ, that Christ lives in him. “John Wesley . . . Preached that the core of religion is ‘The Life of God, in the soul; Christ formed in the heart,’ . . . ‘Such a love is this,’ he said, ‘as engrosses the whole heart, . . . And employs the utmost extent of all its faculties.’” ~ You Only Have to Die, Jim Harnish

Are we going to allow God to move into the deepest part of our life together and give us a new heart? “And here’s the truth about Hyde Park UMC. We could have died, or, at best we could have continued to maintain . . . But God had mercy on us. God’s Spirit moved into the deepest part of our life together and gave us a new heart.”

“You Only Have to Die”

“You Only Have to Die”

Presentation Transcript

“You Only Have to Die”