East Ridge Baptist Church

Following Jesus means more than receiving His grace, enjoying His peace, or holding on to His promises. It also means surrendering the parts of our lives that still want to have their own way, allowing Jesus to be Lord over every part of who we are.In Galatians 5:24–26, Paul reminds us that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, and that we are called to walk in step with the Spirit. This means our old desires, pride, and need for recognition no longer get to call the shots, as our lives begin to reflect the One we belong to.The Christian life isn't about trying harder to improve who we used to be, it's about living in the new life we've been given through Christ, depending on the Holy Spirit to shape our attitudes, our relationships, and our everyday choices.What does that look like in your life? Who gets the final say?

How we see God determines how we respond to the circumstances around us. When our problems, fears, and frustrations become bigger in our minds than God Himself, our perspective begins to shift. But Mary's song in Luke 1:46–56 reminds us what happens when we see God for who He truly is.In this message from our When God Steps In series, we look at Mary's response to God's work in her life and discover how a clear view of God changes everything. He is mighty, holy, merciful, and faithful. His grace leaves no room for pride, His sovereignty puts earthly greatness in perspective, and His promises remind us that waiting is never the same as being forgotten.When we see God clearly, we stop making life about ourselves and start magnifying the One who deserves all the glory.

If someone followed you around for seven days, what would convince them that you belong to Jesus? It’s easy to measure spiritual maturity by how much we know, how often we attend church, or how involved we are in ministry. But in Galatians 5:22–23, Paul points us to something deeper: the fruit of the Spirit.In this message, we explore the nine qualities the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of believers: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities aren't simply a checklist for self-improvement. They are evidence of the Spirit's work within us as He shapes our character to look more like Jesus.As we examine the fruit of the Spirit, we're challenged to look beyond outward appearances and ask what is truly growing in our lives. Are we becoming more patient with difficult people? Are our reactions increasingly shaped by the Spirit rather than the flesh? Is the character of Christ becoming more evident in the way we live?

Where do you turn when you’re searching for joy? We often convince ourselves that joy will come when our circumstances change, our problems are solved, or life finally settles down. But what if you don’t have to wait for everything to fall into place before you can experience joy?In Luke 1:39–45, we see Mary and Elizabeth respond with joy because of the presence of Jesus and their trust in God’s promises. Their story reminds us that Christian joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances. It’s found in Christ. Even in seasons of uncertainty, grief, and waiting, we can rejoice because of who Jesus is and what He has promised.Discover how to turn your attention toward Christ, celebrate God’s work in the lives of others, trust Jesus as Lord, and find lasting joy in His presence, even when life hasn’t changed.

In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul challenges us to take an honest look at the works of the flesh and examine what our lives are truly producing. From sexual immorality and idolatry to anger, envy, division, and unforgiveness, Scripture reminds us that sin cannot be excused simply because it has become familiar or socially acceptable. This message calls us to stop minimizing sin, bring hidden struggles into the light, and recognize the difference between fighting sin and making peace with it. The good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven, set free from the power of sin, and transformed by the Holy Spirit. The flesh always produces what the Spirit came to change. Will you allow the Spirit to expose what needs to change and lead you toward a life of repentance and transformation?