Nate shared how he got scammed chasing a “free trip to Hawaii,” comparing it to how the Galatians were tricked into thinking they had to earn God’s approval. Paul reminds us there’s only one way to true freedom, trusting Jesus, who already paid our debt. When we grasp that, we stop striving and start loving others out of gratitude.
There is only one way to pay for freedom
There are many distractions to keep us enslaved
Love is the only way to respond to freedom
Life Group Discussion:
Nate compared good works to worthless currency. What are some “currencies” you find yourself trying to use to earn God’s love?
How can you tell the difference between a good thing that’s from God and a distraction that keeps you stuck?
Who in your life could experience God’s love through your actions this week?
JP reminded us that our hope isn’t in how well we perform for God but in the promise, He’s already kept through Jesus. From Abraham’s story, we see that those who live by performance become slaves to it, but those who trust God’s promise live free. So, stand firm, not in what you can do, but in what Christ has already done for you.
Performers become slaves to performance
People of the promise live free
Stand firm in Christ’s performance
Life Group Discussion:
How have past experiences—like family expectations, school, or church—shaped the way you view performance and worth?
How does trying to control outcomes—like Abraham and Hagar—keep us from trusting God’s promises?
What are some ways you’re tempted to rely on your own effort instead of Christ’s finished work?
John Elmore teaches from Galatians 4:8–20 that we all face a daily choice: turn back to old habits and empty religion or turn toward Jesus. Real change doesn’t come from checking spiritual boxes but from knowing Christ and letting others call us back when we drift. The people and influences in our lives are shaping us, so choose the ones that lead you closer to Jesus, not back to bondage.
What are you tempted to turn back to?
Do you resent those who call you to repent?
Are your influences zealous for Christ?
Life Group Discussion:
Have you ever found yourself doing a lot for God but drifting from a real relationship with God? What did that look like?
Who in your life loves you enough to tell you the truth when you’re drifting, and do you listen to them?
What voices, environments, or habits are currently shaping who you are becoming, music, friends, social media, podcasts, culture?
Without Christ we were slaves, trying to earn God’s approval, but Jesus redeemed us and adopted us as sons and daughters. Now we don’t come to God by fear or performance, we come as family. Through the Holy Spirit, we get to enjoy access to our Father.
Without access to the Father, we are slaves
The Son has given us access through adoption
The Spirit enables us to enjoy our access
Life Group Discussion:
Where do you personally feel tempted to drift back into “slave mentality” in your walk with God?
What experiences with earthly fathers or authority figures might affect how you view God as Father?
What does it practically look like to enjoy God instead of just obeying Him from obligation?
The story of God has always been about faith. The covenant is permanent, the law gave perspective, and Jesus fulfilled the promise so we could be made right with God by faith alone. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
The covenant is permanent
The law gave perspective
The Son was the promise fulfilled
Life Group Discussion:
What’s an area of your life where you need to trust that God’s promises are still true today?
In what ways does God still use His “law” or truth to protect and guide us today?
What does it mean to you personally that faith, not performance, makes you right with God?
Every person is under something, either the curse of relying on ourselves or the blessing of being under Christ. Jesus took the curse we deserved so we could be made right with God. To be under Christ is to live in freedom, grace, and the power of the Spirit.
Under Curse
Under Christ
Under Blessing
Life Group Discussion:
Why do you think it’s so tempting to rely on our own good works to feel “right” with God?
How does understanding that Jesus became the curse for us change the way you see the cross?
What are some of the blessings we experience when we are “in Christ”?
John Elmore showed how faith in Jesus changes everything, your eternity, your holiness, your everyday life, and even your identity. From Galatians 3, he reminded us that it’s not about working harder but trusting the Spirit to transform us. Just like Abraham, we’re fully blessed when we walk by faith.
Faith in Christ Changes Your Eternity
Faith in Christ Changes Your Sanctity
Faith in Christ Changes Your Reality
Faith in Christ Changes Your Identity
Life Group Discussion:
Why do you think people still try to “earn” their way to God instead of resting in faith?
In what ways do we try to “fix ourselves” instead of relying on the Spirit?
Have you ever seen God do something you’d call a miracle? How did it affect your faith?
Why is it freeing to know your identity comes from faith, not performance?
Fear of people keeps us trapped, but faith in Christ sets us free. Our worth isn’t earned by performance; it’s secured by His grace. When you rest in His approval, you can finally stop pretending and live free.
Fear of man prevents freedom
Faith in Christ provides freedom
Life Group Discussion:
Where in your life do you feel the pressure to “just act like you belong,” and how does that affect your faith?
In what ways do you find yourself trying to “earn” God’s love instead of resting in Christ’s finished work?
JP reminds us that following Jesus means going all in. From the rich young ruler’s story, he shows that control, love of the world, and thinking we’ve “given up enough” hold us back. Real faith is letting go and trusting that Jesus offers something better.
A need to control will keep you from going all in
Loving the world will keep you from going all in
Believing you have will keep you from going all in
Life Group Discussion:
Where in your life are you tempted to hold on to control instead of trusting Jesus?
How do you see love for the world showing up in culture today?
How does knowing the reward of eternal life change your perspective on sacrifice now?
September 7, 2025
John Elmore
Galatians 2:1-10
Pastor John reminded us that the Gospel that saves and transforms is unchanging, and we must be careful not to “paint over” grace with the law or our own efforts. True freedom and lasting impact come not from our striving, but from abiding in Christ and faithfully living out the role He’s entrusted to us.
Do you run in vain?
Do you have freedom?
Do you run in your lane?
Life Group Discussion:
In what ways are we tempted to “paint over” the Gospel with rules, rituals, or personal effort?
What areas of your life might still lack freedom, and how can the Gospel transform those places?
Why do you think it’s easy to compare our calling to others instead of focusing on the lane God has given us?
When Jesus shows up, He doesn’t just adjust a few things, He changes everything. Paul went from fighting against Christians to preaching the Gospel, and our lives should reflect that same transformation. The Gospel changes who you are, where you’re headed, and what your life is all about.
The Gospel changes people
The Gospel changes our plans
The Gospel changes our purpose
Life Group Discussion:
How have you seen Jesus change someone’s life in a way that was undeniable?
Why do you think it’s hard for us to trust God when He redirects our steps?
Paul’s story went from “church persecutor” to “missionary.” What’s the “title change” the Gospel has brought (or could bring) to your story?
The Gospel isn’t about checking boxes or piling on rules. It’s about Jesus. He gave Himself to rescue us, and that alone is our hope. In Galatians, Paul warns that twisting this truth means losing the very thing that saves us. So don’t water it down or chase the approval of others. Instead, live with clarity, courage, and conviction that Jesus is the only way.
Don’t distort The Gospel
The wrath of God awaits anyone who does
People pleasing prevents clarity
Life Group Discussion:
Why do you think it’s so tempting to make faith about rules, habits, or achievements instead of simply trusting Jesus?
How does thinking about God’s justice (His wrath against sin) help us understand His love more clearly?
When have you been tempted to stay silent about your faith because you didn’t want to offend or stand out?
Pastor John Elmore’s sermon on 2 Kings 6, reminded us that following Jesus means asking God first—about the little stuff, when life feels impossible, and before making big moves. Through Elisha’s story, he showed that God cares about the small details, fights for us when we feel surrounded, and can flip the script in ways we’d never expect. His challenge? Make prayer your first instinct, not your last resort, so your faith stays bold, real, and completely dependent on Him.
Ask God about the small
Ask God when your back’s against the wall
Ask God before you make the call
Life Group Discussion:
What’s an example of something in your life that feels “too small” to pray about—but might be worth bringing to God?
How would your fear level change if you could really see that God’s power and presence are greater than what’s against you?
Can you think of a time God’s answer went against what you thought made the most sense—but turned out better?
Nate taught from 2 Kings 5 that pride can keep us stuck while humility opens the door to God’s healing and grace. Naaman’s story shows us that breakthrough often starts with boldness and that true healing requires laying down our pride. Pride distorts our perspective, but God promises His favor to the humble calling us to stop striving to prove ourselves and instead walk in the freedom only Christ can give.
Breakthrough often starts with boldness
Healing requires humility
Pride distorts your perspective
Life Group Discussion:
Can you share a time when someone else’s boldness impacted your faith journey?
What are some areas in your life where pride has kept you from taking a step God was calling you to?
Where do you see pride trying to distort your perspective right now—in relationships, work, or faith?
In 1 Kings 19, Pastor John reminds us that when our faith is under fire, God meets us with compassion—not shame. He is faithful to His covenant and gently calls us back to His presence and purpose. No failure cancels His calling on your life.
Your God is compassionate
Your God is covenant keeping
Your God has a call for you
Life Group Discussion:
When have you felt like Elijah—exhausted, discouraged, or done—and how did God meet you in that moment?
What are some “mountaintop moments” in your life where you’ve clearly experienced God’s presence or promises?
How can you be faithful to take the next step in the calling God has for your life, even if you don’t feel fully ready?
Many of us live with divided hearts—giving our worship to God and to other things that ultimately destroy us. In 1 Kings 18, we see that whole-hearted worship brings healing and restored relationship with God, while right worship—faithfully and fully given to Him—leads to God’s reward, not in prosperity, but in presence, peace, and purpose. True worship isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily surrender of everything—our time, desires, and devotion—to the only One worthy: God alone.
Divided worship destroys
Whole worship heals
Right worship rewards
Life Group Discussion:
How can you identify the things in your life that are taking up space in your heart where only God belongs?
What area of your life might God be asking you to fully surrender to Him right now?
How have you seen God move in your life when you’ve persevered in prayer or obedience?
God often asks for our trust before we understand what He’s doing. Through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17, we saw that God can provide in unexpected ways, work through unlikely people, and is always doing something good—even when it doesn’t feel like it. Whether it’s ravens by a brook, a widow in a drought, or fleas in a concentration camp, God is still in control—and He’s 100% worthy of our trust.
God is after our trust
God is able to provide
God is always working for our good
Life Group Discussion:
Have you ever seen God ask you to do something that didn’t make sense at the time? What happened when you obeyed (or didn’t)?
When have you experienced God providing for you in an unexpected or “unlikely” way?
Why is it hard to believe God is working for your good when things feel unfair or hopeless?
Sharing the Gospel starts by choosing to live for Christ—letting your daily life reflect who He is, whether you're at the gym, work, or just hanging out. It means shifting your mindset to see people the way Jesus does—not as interruptions, but as souls deeply loved by God. And finally, it’s about actually sharing Christ—because the Gospel is the real remedy, and you were never meant to keep it to yourself.
Live for Christ
Have the perspective of Christ
Share Christ
Life Group Discussion:
Can you think of someone in your life who truly lives for Christ? What about their lifestyle challenges or inspires you?
What relationships in your life might God be calling you to see differently, with compassion and purpose?
Have you ever had a moment where you shared Christ and didn’t see the outcome you expected? How did you process that?
Through 1 Corinthians 15, Sam reminds us that Jesus didn’t just die and rise again for a one-time rescue, but offers daily grace to stand, grow, and keep going even when life feels overwhelming. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about calling out, receiving His love, and letting that grace reshape everything.
Stand in saving grace
Observe risen grace
Strengthened by sustaining grace
Life Group Discussion:
Which of the “I could be drowning if…” statements hit closest to home for you, and why?
How does knowing Jesus rose from the dead change how you face hard things like doubt, fear, or failure?
What’s one area of your life where you need to stop striving and start receiving God’s grace again?
In Acts 12:1–19, the church faced a crisis when Peter was imprisoned, but their problems became an invitation to fervent prayer. God responded by giving Peter peace in the middle of danger and providentially sending an angel to deliver him. Pastor John uses this story to encourage us to share answered prayers as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Our problems are invitations to prayer
Prayers bring God’s peace and providence
Share answered prayer
Life Group Discussion:
What are some situations in your life right now that could become opportunities to lean into prayer rather than worry?
In what ways can consistent prayer reshape our perspective on difficult circumstances?
Why is it important to share when God answers prayer, even in small ways?