Most people think that the Church is just for pious, upstanding, religious people. But the Gospel turns all our conceptions about Christianity on their heads. A sermon on Galatians 4:21-31 Outline: I. The Gospel is polarizing II. The Gospel is surprising III. The Gospel is convicting Quotations: No one can have God as his Father without the Church as his mother. -St. Cyprian of Carthage, 3th c. This Holy Church is the mother of us all –which is the spouse of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, and is a figure and copy of Jerusalem which is above, which is free, and the mother of us all; which before was barren, but now has many children. -St. Cyril of Jerusalem, 4th c. The Church is called the mother of believers. And certainly he who refuses to be a son of the Church in vain desires to have God as his Father. -John Calvin, 16th c. No man who has a choice given him will be so mad as to despise freedom, and prefer slavery. But here the apostle teaches us, that they who are under the law are slaves. Unhappy men! who willingly choose this condition when God desires to make them free. -John Calvin, 16th c. A Christian man, then, though terrified by the law showing him his sin, despairs not, for he believes in Jesus Christ, being baptized in Him, and cleansed by His blood, he has remission of all his sins. -Martin Luther, 16th c. Scripture text: Galatians 4:21-31 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “The Closing Argument,” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 13. The Closing Argument first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Many of us have been betrayed or used by so called friends. Biblical teaching actually helps us navigate those challenging situations. A sermon on Galatians 4:12-20 Outline: I. True friends grow together II. True friends bless each other III. Faithful leaders strengthen followers IV. Faithful leaders sacrifice themselves Quotes: For behold the love of God to man! We ought on every ground to have been punished at the first; in that having received the natural law, and enjoyed innumerable blessings, we have not acknowledged our Master, and have lived an unclean life. Yet He not only has not punished us, but has even made us partakers of countless blessings, just as if we had accomplished great things. Again we fell away, and not even so does He punish us, but has given medicine of repentance, which is sufficient to put away and blot out all our sins; only if we knew the nature of the medicine, and how we ought to apply it. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. There are mothers who when they have borne give to nurses: they that have borne cherish not their children, because they have given them to be nursed; but he himself had borne, he was himself cherishing, to no nurse did commit what he had borne; for he had said, “Of whom I travail again until Christ be formed in you.” He did cherish them, and gave them milk. -St. Augustine of Hippo, 5th c. That Christ should be formed in us is the same thing with our being formed in Christ; for we are born so as to become new creatures in him, and he, on the other hand, is born in us, so that we life his life. -John Calvin, 16th c. There are very many to this day who are possessed with the zeal of which the Apostle here speaks: who pretend great religion, modesty, doctrine, and patience, and yet, in very deed, are ravening wolves, seeking only to discredit us that the people may esteem, love, and reverence them only, and receive no doctrine but theirs. -Martin Luther, 16th c. Scripture text: Galatians 4:12-20 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “True Friends, Faithful Leaders,” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 12. True Friends, Faithful Leaders first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Many people are wary of the church because they do not feel accepted or they have legitimate criticisms of Christians. Paul calls us to radical love and acceptance of each other, because we are all sinners saved by grace. A sermon on Galatians 4:1-11 Sermon Outline: I. Two brothers: both born as heir II. Two brothers: estranged by the Fall III. Two brothers: redeemed and adopted IV. Fervent appeal to both brothers Scripture text: Galatians 4:1-11 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 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. 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. Luke 15:11-32 And [Jesus] said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebra
We live in an age of disenchantment. But increasingly people are seeking spiritual things to fill the void for transcendence and awe. Paul argues that while the world is changed with Jesus Christ, it is still an enchanted world. A deep dive into the “stoicheia cosmou,” the elements of the world. Sermon Outline: I. God created humanity to mature II. The post-Edenic world is a world of boundaries enforced by heavenly beings III. Christ redeems us from the Elements of the World Quotes: Nothing could express the character of the change brought by the gospel more stunningly than the language of physics. Jesus did not merely rearrange the surface. The world works differently now, because it is no longer made up of the same stuff. It is as if Paul announced that Jesus transformed the world right down to the quarks. -Peter Leithart, Delivered from the Elements of the World Had not we been first made sons, we could not have called Him Father. If then grace hath made us freemen instead of slaves, men instead of children, heirs and sons instead of aliens, is it not utter absurdity and stupidity to desert this grace, and to turn away backwards? -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. Christ says, “‘Come unto me all you that labor’ under the yoke of the law. I could have overcome the law by my absolute power, without my own hurt: for I am the Lord of the law, and therefore it has no right over me. But I have made myself subject to the law for your cause who were under the law, taking your flesh upon me; and of my love for you I humbled and yielded myself to the same prison, tyranny, and bondage of the law, under which you served as captives and bond-slaves. Therefore I have vanquished the law by double-right and authority: first, as the Son of God and Lord of law; second, in your person, which is as much as if you had yourselves overcome the law –for my victory is yours.” -Martin Luther, 16th c. Jesus’ salvation is more than receiving a pardon and a release from death row. Then we’d be free but on our own. But Jesus has also awarded us the Congressional Medal of Honor. We are received as heroes, as if we had accomplished extraordinary deeds. Unless we remember this, we will be anxious and even despairing when we sin or fail. We think our slate has been wiped clean, but now God’s opinion and acceptance of us are based on our record. That is not the case. When a son becomes heir, his inheritance is guaranteed. It is not a prize to be won. It is his. So is our salvation. -Tim Keller Scripture Text: Galatians 4:1-11 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 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. 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “Redeemed from the Elements of the World” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided
We live in a very divided and disillusioned world. People are anxious, afraid, and isolated. Our souls long for something greater. What could that be? A sermon on Galatians 3:26-29 Outline: I. Baptism unites us to Christ II. In Christ we are sons of God III. In Christ we are offspring of Abraham IV. In Christ we are one with each other V. Baptism breaks every chain Quotes: Ye have all one form and one mold, even Christ’s. What can be more awesome than these words! He that was a Greek, or Jew, or bondman yesterday, carries about with him the form, not of an Angel or Archangel, but of the Lord of all, yea displays in his own person the Christ. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. We are clothed with the leather coat of Adam, which is a mortal garment, and a garment of sin. To be appareled with Christ according to the gospel is to be appareled with an incomparable gift, that is to say, with remission of sins, righteousness, peace, consolation, joy of spirit, salvation, life, and Christ himself. -Martin Luther, 16th c. The sacraments present, both to good and to bad men, the grace of God. No falsehood attaches to the promises which they exhibit of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Believers receive what is offered; and if wicked men, by rejecting it, render the offer unprofitable to themselves, their conduct cannot destroy the faithfulness of God, or the true meaning of the sacrament. -John Calvin, 16th c. There is, in every sacrament, a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified: whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other. -Westminster Confession of Faith, 17th c. Scripture Text: Galatians 3:26-29 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “The Breaker of Chains” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 9. The Breaker of Chains first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Paul says that we are saved by faith and not by the works of the Law. What then is the purpose of the Law? Outline: I. Faith Is Secure II. Faith is Superior III. Faith is Eternal Quotes: The Law was given to probe our wounds, that we might long for a physician. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. We are free from the law, from the prison, and from the schoolmaster; for when faith is revealed, the law terrifies us no more. -Martin Luther, 16th c. The Law requires from man the highest perfection and most exact obedience. It makes no abatement and gives no pardon, but calls to a severe reckoning the smallest offences. -John Calvin, 16th c. The Law cannot of itself impart life, but by showing the bankruptcy of human effort, it shuts men and women up to the grace of God as their only hope. -F. F. Bruce Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by the law, which God gave to prove us sinners. -Andrew Jukes No man has ever appreciated the gospel until the law has first revealed him to himself. It is only against the inky blackness of the night sky that the stars begin to appear, and it is only against the dark background of sin and judgment that the gospel shines forth. -John Stott Many people want a sense of joy and acceptance but they will not admit the seriousness of their sin. They will not listen to the law’s searching, painful analysis of their lives and hearts. But unless we see how helpless and profoundly sinful we are, the message of salvation will not be exhilarating or liberating. Unless we know how big our debt is, we cannot have any idea of how great Christ’s payment was. If we do not think we are all that bad, the idea of grace will not change us. -Tim Keller Scripture text: Galatians 3:15-25 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “The Superiority of Faith” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 8. The Superiority of Faith first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Attempting to find our self worth through our own performance is a fools errand. St. Paul exhorts us to a better way. A sermon on Galatians 3:6-14 Sermon Outline: I. Legalism is stupid; faith is smart II. Legalism brings a curse; faith brings blessing III. Legalism brings debt; faith brings redemption Quotes: Therefore, faith, not the law, makes a man just, for justice is not through the law, but through the faith of Christ. But he who casts aside his faith and pleads for that the claims of the law, bears witness that he is himself unjust; for the just man lives by faith. -St. Ambrose of Milan, 4th c. As then both he who hanged on a tree, and he who transgresses the Law, is cursed, and as it was necessary for him who is about to relieve from a curse himself to be free from it, but to receive another instead of it, therefore Christ took upon Him such another, and thereby relieved us from the curse. It was like an innocent man’s undertaking to die for another sentenced to death, and so rescuing him from punishment. For Christ took upon Him not the curse of transgression, but the other curse, in order to remove that of others. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. This, no doubt, all the prophets did foresee in the Spirit, that Christ should be accounted the greatest transgressor that could be, having all sins imputed to Him… not that he is guilty of any, but that he received them, being committed or done by us, and laid them upon his own body, that he might make satisfaction for them with his own blood. -Martin Luther, 16th c. How would he have freed us from the wrath of God, if he had not transferred it from us to himself? Thus, “he was wounded for our transgressions,” (Isaiah 53:5,) and had to deal with God as an angry judge. This is the “foolishness of the cross,” (1 Corinthians 1:18,) and the “admiration of angels,” (1 Peter 1:12,) which not only exceeds, but swallows up, all the wisdom of the world. -John Calvin, 16th c. Scripture Text: Galatians 3:6-14 Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “The Wonderful Exchange” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 7. The Wonderful Exchange first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Many of us search for our sense of purpose and meaning. What if that were given to us by the creator? A sermon by guest preacher James Touchton Quotes: I can only answer the question, “What am I to do?” if I can answer the prior question, “Of what story or stories do I find myself a part? -Alasdair MacIntyre The most evangelistic thing the church can do today is to be the church. -Bryan Stone Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. -Westminster Shorter Catechism Scripture Text: Luke 10:1-20 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. 16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” 17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” “Mission and Meaning” preached by Rev. James Touchton, Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post Mission and Meaning – James Touchton first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Many of us experience salvation from a realization of the unmerited grace of God. But why do we then revert to doing the Christian life through our own effort? A sermon on Galatians 3:1-6 Outline: I. Spirituality by faith II. Suffering by faith III. Salvation by faith Quotes: If by the Law, then not by the preaching of faith; if by the preaching of faith then not by the Law. There is no middle ground between the two. For all that is not of the Holy Spirit or the preaching of faith is the Law. -Martin Luther, 16th c. Let those who would discharge aright the ministry of the gospel learn, not merely to speak and declaim, but to penetrate into the consciences of men and women, to make them see Christ crucified, and feel the shedding of his blood. When the Church has painters such as these, she no longer needs dead images of wood and stone. -John Calvin, 16th c. These words convey both praise and blame; praise, for their implicit acceptance of the truth; blame, because Him whom they had seen, for their sakes, stripped naked, transfixed, nailed to the cross, spit upon, mocked, fed with vinegar, upbraided by thieves, pierced with a spear— Him had they left, and betaken themselves to the Law, unshamed by any of those sufferings. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. Was it by the works of the law, that is, the preaching of the necessity of these for justification? This they could not say, for that doctrine had not then been preached to them, nor had they, as Gentiles, any pretense to be justified in that way. -Matthew Henry, 18th c. Scripture text: Galatians 3:1-6 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “How Were You Saved?” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 6. How Were You Saved? first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
God calls us to obey him and work for him. But did you know that it is God himself who equips us and enables us? We never get by on our own effort. Dr. Jim Thomforde preaches on Hebrews 13:20-21 Quotes: The benediction of Hebrews 13 “has within it the whole compass of the gospel. It is condensed spiritual meat, much in little, all things in one blessing.” -Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 19th c. “We are by no means fit to do good until we are made or formed for the purpose of God and…we shall not continue long in doing good unless he strengthens us.” -John Calvin, 16th c. “For we know that the spirit of regeneration and also all graces are bestowed on us through Christ; and then it is certain, that as nothing can proceed from us absolutely perfect, nothing can be acceptable to God without that pardon which we obtain through Christ. Thus it comes, that our works, performed by the odor of Christ’s grace, emit a sweet fragrance in God’s presence, while otherwise they would have a fetid smell.” -John Calvin, 16th c. “The same grace that first planted faith in the heart is the grace that every moment waters, strengthens, and brings it to fruit… It is Christ Himself, by His Spirit, who works all our works in us.” -John Owen, 17th c. “God equips by working in us both the desire and the doing. Our role is responsive: to trust, to obey, and to use the means He provides.” -J.I. Packer Scripture text: Hebrews 13:20-25 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you. “Fully Equipped” preached by Dr. Jim Thomforde, Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post Fully Equipped first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Dr. Jim Thomforde gives an overview of the message of Galatians: Christ Is Enough! Quotations: Faith is the eye that looks to Christ, the hand that receives His free gift, the mouth that drinks the living water. – John Stott The Holy Ghost is given, not through our own merits, but by grace, and received by faith alone. It is not the law, but the promise, that brings the Spirit. – Martin Luther The gift of the Spirit is not earned. It is received in the same way salvation is: by trusting in Christ crucified and risen. – J.I. Packer The Spirit is not given as a reward for merit, but is freely bestowed on those who believe. To mix the law with grace is to pervert the gospel. – John Calvin It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end. So that when you and I come to lie upon our deathbeds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us is the thing that helped us in the beginning—not what we have been, not what we have done, but the grace of God in Jesus Christ. – Martyn Lloyd-Jones Scripture Text: Galatians 3:1-5 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith “Christ Is Enough” preached by Dr. Jim Thomforde, Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post Christ Is Enough first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
We all attempt to secure peace, security, and even salvation through out own effort. But is that even possible? Paul argues for a better, truer way. Sermon Outline: I. No one can earn justification through human effort II. Depending on human effort leads to death III. Life comes through trust in Jesus Christ Quotes: A Christian is not he who has no sin, but he to whom God counts not his sin, through faith in Christ. -Martin Luther, 16th c. By the works of the law no mortal will obtain justification. This is the foundation of a freely bestowed righteousness, when we are stripped of a righteousness of our own. Besides, when he asserts that no mortal is justified by the righteousness of the law, the assertion amounts to this: that from such a mode of justification all mortals are excluded, and that none can possibly reach it. -John Calvin, 16th c. Of such half-justification Paul knew nothing. For, when he instructs us that we are justified by faith, because we cannot be justified by works, he takes for granted what is true: that we cannot be justified through the righteousness of Christ unless we are poor and destitute of a righteousness of our own. Consequently, either nothing or all must be ascribed to faith or works. -John Calvin, 16th c. Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you’re more loved than you ever dared hope. -Jack Miller, 20th c. We are not acceptable to God because we actually become righteous. We become actually righteous because we are acceptable to God. -Timothy Keller If you can save yourself by works, Jesus’ death is not loving; it is pure stupidity. If, however, you are lost and dying and unable to save yourself, his death means everything. -Roger Nicole Scripture text: Galatians 2:15-21 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “Alive in Christ” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 5. Alive in Christ first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
In this midweek podcast we do a deep dive into Paul’s biography, the conditions for the letter to the Galatians, and discuss some of the manuscript evidence for the letter. Links: Papyrus 46 Papyrus 51 Papyrus 99 Oxyrhynchus Papyri Codex Vaticanus, early 4th c. – Galatians begins on p. 1488 Codex Sinaiticus, 4th c. – for the beginning of Galatians, go to f. 278 v., or image 556 Codex Ephremi, 5th c. – you can see what a palimsest looks like. The contents are all jumbled up from when the pages were rebound. Codex Alexandrinus, 5th – Galatians starts on f. 127 v., or you can select the book from the drop down tab on the left. Maps: The Roman Province of Galatia The four cities of Paul’s Galatian audience. Outline of Galatians This midweek podcast was recorded by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Friday, July 25, 2025 at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 4.5 Midweek Podcast: Introduction to Paul and Galatians first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
American culture is dominated by celebrities. This is true also in the church where famous, important people are larger than life and sometimes live above the law. What does the Bible say about this? Sermon Outline: I. The True Gospel Brings Freedom II. The True Gospel Brings Unity and Diversity III. The True Gospel Is Not a Respecter of Persons Scripture Text: Galatians 2:1-14 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “The Anti-Celebrity Gospel” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 4. The Anti-Celebrity Gospel first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
How can we know that God is real? What if he sent a message directly to us? That’s what the Apostle Paul claims to have: a direct message from God. Sermon Outline: I. The source of the Gospel II. The message of the Gospel III. The encouragement of the Gospel Quotes: For when men have been vehement and eager on the contrary side, their conviction, if it is effected by human means, requires much time and ingenuity. It is clear therefore that he, whose conversion is sudden, and who has been sobered in the very height of his madness, must have been vouchsafed a Divine revelation and teaching, and so have at once arrived at complete sanity. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. Ordinary ministers, as they receive their call to preach the gospel by the mediation of others, so it is by means of the instruction and assistance of others that they are brought to the knowledge of it. But Paul acquaints them that he had his knowledge of the gospel, as well as his authority to preach it, directly from the Lord Jesus. -Matthew Henry, 18th c. O good Lord, what horrible and infinite mischief may one solitary argument easily bring! -Martin Luther, 16th c. This is the most powerful argument, the main hinge on which the question turns, that he has not received the gospel from men, but that it has been revealed to him by God. -John Calvin, 16th c. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed… it is not the sort of thing anyone would have made up. -C. S. Lewis, 20th c. Scripture text: Galatians 1:11-24 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “Paul’s Apostolic Bona Fides” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 3. Paul’s Apostolic Bona Fides first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
What if you could issue a warning to save people from a disaster? This is exactly what Paul is doing in Galatians. Exposition of Galatians, part 2 Outline: I. The Source of the Gospel Message II. The Exclusivity of the Gospel Message III. The Urgency of the Gospel Message Quotes: It is the policy of Satan not to set his snares in open view; had they urged them to fall away from Christ, they would have been shunned as deceivers and corrupters, but suffering them so far to continue in the faith, and putting upon their error the name of the Gospel, without fear they undermined the building employing the terms which they used as a sort of curtain to conceal the destroyers themselves. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. This will not justify our thundering out anathemas against those who differ from us in minor things. It is only against those who forge a new gospel, who overturn the foundation of the covenant of grace, by setting up the works of the law in the place of Christ’s righteousness, and corrupting Christianity with Judaism, that Paul denounces this. -Matthew Henry, 18th c. Considering the vehemence of Paul in this epistle, this is a very mild and tender rebuke. For his purpose is to raise up them that are fallen, and with fatherly care to call them back again from their errors to the purity of the gospel. -Martin Luther, 16th c., on Gal. 1:6 Here Paul casts very flames of fire and his zeal is so fervent that he begins almost to curse the angels and himself. -Martin Luther on Gal. 1:8 By this imprecation I was so stricken with terror, that I desisted from the journey which I had undertaken. -John Calvin, describing his “come to Jesus” conversation with Farel Scripture text: Galatians 1:1-10 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking to persuade men or God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “Paul’s ‘Come to Jesus.'” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 2. Paul’s “Come to Jesus” first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Some say Love is love. But how does the Bible define love? It is utterly selfless. A sermon on 1 Corinthians 13 by Pastor Emeritus Steve Froehlich. Quotes: I take literally the statement in the Gospel of John that God loves the world. I believe that the world was created and approved by love, that it subsists, coheres, and endures by love, and that, insofar as it is redeemable, it can be redeemed only by love. I believe that divine love, incarnate and indwelling in the world. summons the world always toward wholeness, which ultimately is reconciliation… with God. – Wendell Berry, The Art of the Commonplace You have not chosen one another, but I have chosen you for one another. – CS Lewis, The Four Loves Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained. – CS Lewis, The Problem of Pain Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to be burned that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love suffers long, love is kind. Love is not jealous. Love is not boastful or arrogant or rude. Love does not seek its own; it is not irritable or resentful. Love does not rejoice in evil; it rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link “The Face of Love” preached by Rev. Dr. Steven D. Froehlich, Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post The Face of Love – Steve Froehlich first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Should people freed from slavery be told it’s better to go back? Should they want to go back? Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses that absurdity. An introductory sermon to Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Outline: I. Apostolicity II. Catholicity III. Gospelicity Quotations: Thus does the apostle, being constrained to it by his adversaries, magnify his office, which shows that though men should by no means be proud of any authority they are possessed of, yet at certain times and upon certain occasions it may become needful to assert it. -Matthew Henry, 18th c. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you. They were apostles; I am but a condemned man: they were free, while I am, even until now, a servant. But when I suffer, I shall be the freedman of Jesus, and shall rise again emancipated in Him. And now, being a prisoner, I learn not to desire anything worldly or vain. -Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Romans, 100 A. D. For our sins, says the Apostle, we had pierced ourselves with ten thousand evils, and had deserved the gravest punishment; and the Law not only did not deliver us, but it even condemned us, making sin more manifest, without the power to release us from it, or to stay the anger of God. But the Son of God made this impossibility possible for he remitted our sins, He restored us from enmity to the condition of friends, He freely bestowed on us numberless other blessings. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. These words, who gave himself for our sins, were intended to convey to the Galatians a doctrine of vast importance; that no other satisfactions can lawfully be brought into comparison with that sacrifice of himself which Christ offered to the Father; that Christ, therefore, and in him alone, atonement for sin and perfect righteousness, must be sought; and the manner in which we are redeemed by him ought to excite our highest admiration. -John Calvin, 16th c. Scripture Text: Galatians 1:1-5 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Maps: The Roman Province of Galatia The four cities of Paul’s Galatian audience. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link Outline of Galatians “Paul’s Apostolic Proclamation of Freedom” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post 1. Galatians: Paul’s Apostolic Proclamation of Freedom first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
A loneliness epidemic is plaguing our society. Why is that and how do we fix it? The answer to both is found in the Triune God. A sermon for Trinity Sunday. OUTLINE: I. A Triune Creation II. A Triune Salvation Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link “A Triune Salvation” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post A Triune Salvation first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.
Every human person needs connection and community. What if God himself moved into your house and became a part of your family? A Sermon for Pentecost Outline: I. God is with His people II. God is with all peoples III. God is with you Quotes: You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You. – St. Augustine, 5th c. What is it then that this desire and this inability proclaim to us, but that there was once in man a true happiness of which there now remain to him only the mark and empty trace, which he in vain tries to fill from all his surroundings, seeking from things absent the help he does not obtain in things present? But these are all inadequate, because the infinite abyss can only be filled by an infinite and immutable object, that is to say, only by God Himself. -(Source of God-shaped vacuum paraphrase) Blaise Pascal, Pensees 425, 17th c. Scripture text: Acts 2:1-21 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript link “God With Us” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 10:00AM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post God With Us first appeared on New Life Church Ithaca.