Harris Creek Baptist Church

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 slavesThe Son has given us access through adoptionThe 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 permanentThe law gave perspectiveThe 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 CurseUnder ChristUnder 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 EternityFaith in Christ Changes Your SanctityFaith in Christ Changes Your RealityFaith 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 freedomFaith 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, 2025John 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 peopleThe Gospel changes our plansThe 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 GospelThe wrath of God awaits anyone who doesPeople 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?