Worship Guide

April 14, 2024 

Pastor Mike Powers - Vision & Preaching Pastor 

Title: Our Guide to the Gospel

Galatians 3:19-25

¹⁹ Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. ²⁰ Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. ²¹ Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. ²² But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. ²³ Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. ²⁴ So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

Main Idea: While the law makes a terrible savior, it leads us to our true Savior.

1. The law reveals the dead end nature of our sin.  

2. The law reveals the enslaving nature of our sin. 

3. The law reveals the need for a true Savior. 

Quote: 

Martin Luther summarizes: Therefore God must have a mighty hammer [the law] to crush the rocks, and a fire burning in the midst of heaven to overthrow the mountains, that is, to crush that stubborn and perverse beast, presumption. When a man has been brought to nothing by this pounding, despairs of his own powers, righteousness, and works, and trembles before God, he will, in his terror, begin to thirst for mercy and forgiveness of sins.

Scripture: 

Romans 8:1-4, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Weekly Prayer Prompts: 

Praying Scripture will help build a more focused and creative prayer life. Read the Scripture text slowly and carefully. As you read, pray as the Lord brings prayers to your mind, and you can use these prompts if you get stuck or need more ideas. The point is to practice prayer, so even if you don’t pray through the whole list, just doing it is a success!  

[Prayer prompts by Candi Powers]

Galatians 3:19-25

Verses 19-22:

Thank God that the law was temporary.

Praise God for having a purpose for everything He does, including giving the law.

Thank God that we live after the offspring, Jesus, has come.

Thank God that He uses angels to do His will.

Praise God that He never contradicts Himself.

Thank God that the law doesn’t contradict His promises.

Thank God for explaining that the law doesn’t give life or righteousness.

Praise God for giving us salvation by faith in Jesus.

Thank God for giving the promise by faith in Jesus Christ to us who believe.

Verses 23-25:

Thank God that you aren’t held captive anymore under the law.

Praise God for revealing Jesus as the one who saves us by faith.

Thank God for giving the law as a guardian until Jesus came.

Praise God for justifying us by faith.

Thank Jesus that we don’t need the guardian of the law anymore.

Thank God for graciously making us His sons and daughters through faith.

Praise God that there are no differences in how different people are saved.

Thank God that He does not play favorites or discriminate.

Praise God for His perfect plan to have unity in the body of Christ while also having diversity.

Thank God that you are an heir of eternal inheritance because of His fulfilled promise in Jesus.

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Biblical Principles For Giving

Ministry Report: 

April 7, 2024

Easter Sunday Worship Count - 9:00 and 10:30 am: 1453

Food Pantry Update: 

Our next Community Food Pantry - Saturday, April 27 (9-11 am) 

** immediate need for non-perishable items **  

Click Here for a List of Needed Food Items

Our Community Food Pantry events are held twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays. Please contribute as you are able to assist us in helping families facing hunger. Items may be dropped off in the collection barrels both inside and outside the church near the office entrance. Thank you for your donations and compassion.

>> Questions about Church Membership? If you have questions regarding how to become a member at Richland Creek or if you would like to update your information for our church database then please email Donna Wright  . 

>> Where are you serving? Be sure to visit the SERVE page on our website CLICK HERE! This page is a great source for you to stay informed about how to plug into the ministries of the Creek, using your gifts and talents to the glory of God. If you missed Dr. Mike Powers sermon on "The Work of the Ministry" take time and listen this week to the "why" we are to serve.

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