By Pastor Rob Parlante

The Galatian error of the 1st century is still alive and well today. I have 1st hand knowledge. I have been in church leadership (Deacon, Elder, Pastor) for almost 30 years and I can tell you that adhering to this teaching has neutralized God’s power in believers’ lives, and has neutralized the power of His Church. Brothers and Sisters, the same power that raised Christ from the dead resides in every Child of God. It can be unleashed, if we understand how to unleash it.

Let’s read what Paul asked the Galatian believers in Gal 3:2-3 which directly addresses this neutralizing error.

Galatians 3:2-3 (AMP)
2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?] 3 Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?

Paul point’s out the error they have adopted by asking several questions. The answers to these questions seem obvious. Paul reminds them that they received the Holy Spirit by believing the Gospel. So, since this is true, obviously they didn’t receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law, doing works, or keeping some ritual. No, they received new life by faith and the Holy Spirit came to reside in them.

Paul moves to, since we agree this is how you got saved, why do you think by going back to law, works, keeping rituals and dependence of your flesh, is your approach to mature as a Christian, which is your sanctification. This approach didn’t save you, and guess what? This approach will not mature you and conform you into the image of Christ. Why are you going back to something that didn’t work then, when you should be moving forward in a new way? That way is by faith, and not by self-dependence and works of the law.

Maturing, growing and unleashing the power of Christ, who is in very believer, is only accomplished one way. That way is by faith. Saved by faith, sanctified by faith.

Unleashing the power of Christ in us as a believer seems to take a path of truths revealed and trusted in by faith, allowing Christ to live His life through you, and serving in His power.

Loving Christ
Expressing Christ
Serving in the Power of Christ

Brothers and Sisters, this is the how to for maturing, growing, and unleashing the power of Christ in your life. Understanding God’s love for you, and you reciprocating that love. Allowing God to run your life for you, giving up your rights to your life, telling God to do what He wants with you which expresses Christ to those around you. Serving in Christ’s power, and not in your human strength or effort. This is all accomplished by faith. The Galatian believers had it all wrong. Many of us today also have this wrong.

Galatians 4:19 (AMP)
19 My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) within you,

Paul and all Pastors have a heart for people. They want to see Christ formed in every child of God. The path for being conformed to the image of Christ is by faith. Saved by faith, conformed and maturation by faith. The path seems to be Loving Christ, Expressing Christ and serving in the power of Christ.

The power of Christ is unleashed in your life when you offer yourself to Christ to be used. He will mature you and use you; you just need to offer yourself and take a step of faith. Love, express and serve by faith.

If you would like to learn more about Grace or living the Christian life by faith, come visit Grace Christian Church any Sunday morning. We meet at Manalapan Community Center every Sunday at 10 am. Everyone is welcome to come and experience Grace. Visit our website njgrace.org for recorded messages.

Hope to see you soon! Pastor Rob