Read Part 4

(4/13) Welcome to Christ's Community Church! We’re so glad you’ve joined us today. This is the final week of our series, Habits of a Healthy Heart, where we’ve been exploring ways to cultivate spiritual and emotional well-being. At Christ’s Community Church, we aim to create a space where faith feels alive, authentic, and deeply personal. Our focus isn’t on merely following rituals or traditions to check a box, but on discovering the freedom and love that come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

However, many people today approach God through religion rather than relationship. Religion often manifests in practices like taking the Eucharist, praying toward specific locations, distributing literature door-to-door, or making pilgrimages to places like Mecca or sacred rivers. These rituals are sometimes viewed as a way to gain favor with God, as if they carry some mysterious, redeeming power.

Now, let’s turn to God’s Word and hear the message of the Holy Spirit in Galatians. If you have your Bible, open it to Galatians chapter one. Here, Paul speaks to the believers in Galatia, a community he personally nurtured in faith and led to Christ. After Paul moved on, false teachers known as Judaizers infiltrated the church, claiming that Paul’s teaching of salvation through Jesus alone was incomplete. They insisted that believers must also follow Jewish laws, such as circumcision, to be truly saved.

You can imagine the confusion and frustration this created, especially for the leaders and for the uncircumcised men suddenly faced with the idea of undergoing a painful and unnecessary surgery for salvation. Paul was deeply troubled by this distortion of the gospel and addressed the Galatians with these powerful words:

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ" (Galatians 1:6-7, NIV).

Paul’s frustration was evident. The Judaizers were twisting the gospel by adding rules, turning it into "Jesus plus something else." But the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, pure, and life-giving. It isn’t about rules or religious rituals; it’s about grace, freedom, and a personal relationship with Him.

Throughout history, false teachers have distorted God’s truth, turning faith into a checklist of rules and rituals. They focus on external actions while neglecting the heart transformation that true faith brings. This was a major issue during Jesus’ time as well, especially among the Jewish people, who often appeared outwardly righteous but lacked genuine spiritual renewal.

Jesus addressed this issue directly, simplifying faith into two core commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind," and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV). With this profound clarity, He summarized the Ten Commandments into two guiding principles, cutting through the weight of the 613 restrictive rules imposed by the Pharisees—rules that burdened people with external conformity instead of fostering authentic connection with God.

Jesus didn’t hold back in rebuking this kind of hypocrisy, declaring: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25, NIV). He exposed their obsession with appearances while their hearts remained unchanged. Even their public prayers were more about performance than true devotion, as He warned His disciples: "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others" (Matthew 6:5, NIV).

Jesus’ message was clear: faith is not about outward display—it’s about cultivating a sincere, personal connection with God. Tragically, those who distort the gospel replace grace with rules, placing the emphasis on salvation through human deeds instead of accepting it as a free gift. Yet the truth of the gospel remains unchanged: salvation comes through faith in Christ alone—not through Christ plus rituals or human effort.

The Judaizers in Galatia are a prime example of how the gospel can be distorted. They demanded that salvation depended on circumcision and adherence to Jewish laws, shifting the focus away from the grace of Christ to human effort. This deeply troubled Paul, who stood firmly against this false teaching, emphasizing that true faith is rooted in a relationship with God—a relationship that transforms hearts from within.

This issue isn’t confined to history—it’s something we still face in the church today. Take, for instance, the divisions Paul addressed in First Corinthians. He wrote:

"One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ’" (1 Corinthians 1:12, NIV).

Paul rebuked them for putting their loyalty in leaders rather than centering their faith on Christ, asking:

"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:13, NIV).

He called out their prideful boasting that was fracturing the body of Christ and reminded them that what truly unites believers is the power of the cross and the resurrection. He declared:

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV).

This resonates deeply with my own passion for Jesus Christ and the emptiness I felt in outward religion. Growing up, I was surrounded by traditions—formal attire, Eucharistic rituals, obligatory holy days, and confession. Yet even as a young person, I could sense these practices were hollow routines, missing the deeper connection faith should bring. When faith becomes tied only to rituals, it loses its heart—the transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.

Religion often focuses on outward appearances, drawing attention with a message of "Look at me!" rather than bringing people closer to God. However, Jesus called His followers to something far deeper, teaching:

"All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35, NIV).

Religion can also feed spiritual pride, subtly whispering, "You are righteous, holy, and better than everyone else." Jesus strongly opposed this attitude and challenged it through a striking parable. He spoke to those confident in their own righteousness:

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector" (Luke 18:10, NIV).

At that time, tax collectors were viewed as corrupt and despised, representing the height of unrighteousness. Pharisees, however, were seen as the religious elite, celebrated for their outward devotion and viewed as examples of righteousness. Jesus described the Pharisee’s prayer:

"The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get" (Luke 18:11-12, NIV).

The Pharisee’s pride was unmistakable as he boasted of his religious acts while looking down on the tax collector. This kind of spiritual arrogance creates a barrier between individuals and God and drives others away from faith. It fosters an attitude of, "Look at how righteous I am; I’m virtuous, and you’re not."

I believe these attitudes deeply grieve the heart of God, and sadly, they remain present in the church today. Judgmental and overly critical behaviors can create walls between believers and discourage those who are seeking Christ. Whether it’s debates about excluding musical instruments in worship or placing restrictions on Communion based on human-made rules, these divisions miss the heart of worship entirely. Worship isn’t about preferences or styles—it’s about fostering unity, love, and reflecting the character of Jesus.

Whether worship takes the form of traditional liturgy with robes and hymns or embraces contemporary music with modern expressions, what truly matters is the message of Christ. As Scripture reminds us:

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment" (Romans 12:3, NIV).

Humility is central to our journey with Christ. In His eyes, we are all equal—brothers and sisters united in Him. Scripture also teaches us that Jesus is:

"A chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame" (1 Peter 2:6, NIV).

Unhealthy religion, which often emphasizes appearance and spiritual pride, breaks down relationships and creates division. It wounds the church and drives people further from faith. But Jesus calls us to something greater—a freedom beautifully described by the Holy Spirit:

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1, NIV).

This freedom isn’t found in man-made rules or traditions, but in a relationship with Jesus. When we move beyond the constraints of unhealthy religious views, we can experience the beauty of unity in Christ—a unity defined by love, humility, and joy that reflects the grace of Jesus and reveals the true essence of the gospel.

Through this freedom in Christ, we are empowered to worship in spirit and in truth. As Scripture declares:

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV).

This is the beauty of the gospel. The word "gospel" means good news, but some of you may have grown up in church without fully understanding it. You might attend every week yet still find yourself wondering what faith is truly about. Here’s the truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest news you’ll ever hear. It’s not about following rituals or rules—it’s about building a relationship with the Savior who loves you unconditionally and offers eternal freedom through His grace.

The Bible speaks to this clearly:

"Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near" (Ephesians 2:17, NIV).

Jesus didn’t come to make us religious or tie us to rituals and sacraments. He came to set us free. As Scripture says:

"For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit" (Ephesians 2:18, NIV).

As we bring today’s time together to a close, we’ll celebrate Communion, reflecting on Jesus’ death, His resurrection, and His promised return. As we prepare to honor God in fellowship and unity as one body in Christ, I’d like to share three simple truths from Romans chapter 3.

Romans 3:20 reminds us of an essential truth: no one can earn God’s approval through rules, rituals, or good deeds. As Scripture says:

"No one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin" (Romans 3:20, NIV).

The purpose of the law is to reveal our sin—to show how far we fall short of God’s glory and perfection.

Consider the Ten Commandments. They provide a moral and spiritual framework for living in obedience to God and in harmony with others. In the Gospels, Jesus affirmed their significance, deepened their meaning, and revealed their essence.

For example, Jesus taught that even harboring lust in the heart is equivalent to adultery. He reminded us that placing anything above God—prioritizing it over Him, failing to worship Him, or neglecting His name—is the sin of idolatry. Jesus emphasized that true obedience goes beyond external actions; it’s about the intentions of the heart. In this way, the law serves as a mirror, reflecting our flaws and showing our need for a Savior.

But Romans 3:21 brings us incredible news:

"Now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify" (Romans 3:21, NIV).

While the law exposes our sin and points to our need for help, it cannot save us. God provides the solution—a righteousness that comes apart from the law. Verse 22 continues:

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (Romans 3:22, NIV).

We are made right with God solely through faith in Jesus Christ—not through rituals, sacraments, church membership, or good deeds. This truth is reinforced in Thessalonians:

"From the beginning, God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV).

No matter your past or background, by trusting in Jesus and embracing the sanctifying work of the Spirit, you are forgiven and made right with God. This is the heart of the gospel—a promise filled with peace, freedom, and restoration.

In essence, it’s not about what we’ve done. The gospel is about what God has done for us. Freedom, forgiveness, and righteousness are gifts from Him, received through faith in Christ. It’s not religion; it’s grace and a personal relationship.

Let me explain this as simply and clearly as possible, because it’s so important as we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Supper. When Jesus died for you, He wrapped you in His robes of righteousness. Long before Jesus walked the earth, the prophet Isaiah described it beautifully:

"My soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10, NIV).

Through faith in Jesus today, God no longer sees the stain of your sin or mine. Instead, He sees the beauty and perfection of Christ’s righteousness—pure, spotless, and holy. This isn’t because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus accomplished for us. The Bible reminds us:

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV).

Jesus took on the weight of our sin, carried it to the cross, and paid the ultimate price. He died in your place and mine, taking the punishment we deserved. But He didn’t do this to burden us with religion or rules—He did it to set us free. As Scripture declares:

"You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" (Romans 6:18, NIV).

The truth is, we become slaves to whatever we choose to obey—whether it’s sin, leading to destruction, or righteousness, which brings life and freedom.

When you truly understand who Jesus is and what He has done for you, there’s only one appropriate response: to see Him as the sinless Lamb of God and to give your life to Him in gratitude. When the depth of His sacrifice becomes clear—that He took on your sin, endured the cross, shed His blood, died, and rose again—it compels a heartfelt response. As Paul writes:

"I urge you…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1, NIV).

This isn’t about obligation or duty—it’s a heartfelt response of gratitude, a life offered in worship because of God’s mercy and grace. As Paul explains:

"Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life" (Romans 6:22, NIV).

Our response to God’s grace is important, shaping both our lives today and our eternal future. In Luke 18, Jesus contrasts two attitudes: pride and humility. The Pharisee boasted about his righteousness:

"God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get" (Luke 18:12, NIV).

Meanwhile, the tax collector showed humility, acknowledging his sin before God:

"He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner’" (Luke 18:13, NIV).

Jesus concluded with this powerful statement:

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 18:14, NIV).

In the end, it was the tax collector who walked away forgiven, justified, and restored, while the Pharisee remained ensnared in his pride and self-righteousness, unable to receive God’s grace.

As we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Supper today, let’s keep in mind that Jesus didn’t come to burden us with rules or rituals. He came to set us free—free from sin, shame, and the pressures of striving. He invites us into something far deeper: a life-changing relationship with the Holy Spirit.

This is not about checking off religious boxes. It’s about surrendering to God’s boundless, unearned love. Like the tax collector, this invitation is open to each of us today. Whether you’re weighed down by guilt, searching for meaning, or yearning for peace, Christ offers grace without limits. Step into His loving arms, where you’ll find rest for your soul, peace that goes beyond understanding, and a freedom no worldly achievement can provide.

Will you accept His call? His invitation is one of freedom, grace, and everlasting love.

Read past sermons by Pastor John Talcott