3Circle Church
Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
1) Heredity - I grew up in a Christian home.
2) Process of elimination - I don’t adhere to other belief systems.
3) Tradition - I go to church / take part in Christian ritual.
The only way to be a Christian is to place your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Romans 10:9
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Jesus was treated like us so we could forever be treated like Him.
Salvation is legal and relational.
Justification: God declares us not guilty.
Viewing God as Judge, alone, is an incomplete view of Him and our relationship with Him.
1) Chosen
John 6:44
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
3) Servants
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
4) Friends
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
5) Children
The doctrine of adoption describes our relational standing with God.
1) God is your Father.
2) The Church is your family.
3) You are an heir with Christ.
4) You have security in Christ.
5) You have a responsibility in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.