Don’t Desert the Gospel

Jun 16

Pastor John opens with gratitude for strong attendance despite statistics showing Father’s Day is often one of the least-attended Sundays.
Emphasizes the importance and blessing of fathers, both natural and spiritual.
Introduces the central message: "Don’t desert the gospel."

Fathers as Theologians:
- Fathers are the first theologians children encounter.
- A father’s life often becomes the first picture of Jesus a child sees.
Spiritual Influence:
- The influence of a father (biological or spiritual) is powerful and lasting.
- Every man is called to fatherhood in some form, natural or spiritual.
Father’s Gospel Sets the Tone:
- The prevailing gospel in a home is often set by the father’s values and actions.

Paul writes with deep emotion in Galatians 1:6:
- "I am astonished..."
- Uses the same Greek word Jesus used to describe being amazed at the centurion’s faith.
- It’s a word loaded with emotional depth, used here in disappointment.
Paul as a Spiritual Father:
- Speaks not only as an apostle but as a father heartbroken over spiritual children.
- Paul is not just angry—he is wounded, invested, and concerned for their souls.

The Simplicity and Power of the Gospel:
- Salvation is by grace through faith alone.
- Adding to the gospel (performance, image, legalism) diminishes its power.
Three False Gospels in Homes:
1. Achievement Gospel: Value based on success.
2. Image Gospel: Keep up appearances at all costs.
3. Comfort Gospel: Pursuit of personal happiness over truth.
Paul’s Alarm:
- False teachers added to the gospel: "Jesus + circumcision = salvation."
- Today: "Jesus + success/works/approval = identity."

Grace Starts at Home:
- Is grace felt in your home or just preached?
- Do kids feel safe failing with you?
Reflection Questions:
- Do your children see grace or performance in your parenting?
- Are you correcting from anger or from brokenhearted love?
- Do they feel your love is unconditional?
Spiritual Fatherhood:
- Some children lack a father figure—men are called to step in spiritually.

Guarding the Gospel in the Home:
- Phones, influencers, social media = modern-day "angels of light" misleading our kids.
- Critical thinking, biblical worldview needed to navigate cultural deception.
Education Caution:
- A caution against blindly sending children into secular environments without gospel grounding.
- Fathers must instill a lasting spiritual foundation.

Paul’s Warning:
- Let anyone preaching another gospel be "accursed."
- Strong language reflects the eternal consequences.
Gospel as Eternal, Not Optional:
- The truth of the gospel must be preserved in purity.
- Performance-based faith leads to condemnation, not freedom.

Galatians 1:10:
- Are you seeking to please man or God?
- Fathers must resist the pressure to conform and lead with conviction.
Approval of Others = a Prison:
- Living for likes, image, or societal approval is exhausting.
- Living for God brings freedom and stability.

Lie #1: I must be impressive.
- Truth: God sees and rewards faithfulness in secret.
Lie #2: Never show weakness.
- Truth: His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Lie #3: My value = my productivity.
- Truth: You are God's beloved son even if you do nothing.

Final Challenge:
- Are you passing on the gospel of grace or performance?
- Are you preaching Christ or culture?
Communion Reflection:
- Repent, reset, and realign with the gospel.
Spoken Blessing:
- May God give you strength to hold the line.
- May you love boldly, lead humbly, and parent with grace.

Key Quote:

"Your life preaches. The gospel your kids believe is likely the one they see in you."

Closing Reminder: Christ + Nothing = Everything.

Seth Seneca

Galations (Part 1)