Elder Gary McFarlin
Unto The Churches

​Galatians 1:1-5  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)  (2)  And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:  (3)  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,  (4)  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:  (5)  To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
  1. God Speaks To Whom He Will
    1. There is reason to believe God wrote to whom He willed
    2. The scriptures can be better understood if we define the audience
    3. Paul wrote due to God’s influence, not just a personal conviction
    4. Associated Churches: God expects quite a lot of Us.
      1. Clearly, God expects us to be His Churches.
      2. Politics, Pestilence, or the People’s causes of the moment are not our Priority… Matt:28:18-20 is.
  2. God Wills His Purpose
    1. Galatians 1:6-8  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  (7)  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  (8)  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
    2. Ephesians 3:10-11  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,  (11)  According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
    3. Galatian churches were allowing the error of Judaizers to influence them after they had already experienced (!!) the freeing nature of the “Gospel.” So quickly man began adding works and legalism to the simple act of grace!
    4. Associated Churches: The foundational faith is the foundation. It is not up for debate! Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith (system of belief, GMc)) which was once (for all, GMc) delivered unto the saints.
      1. The contending can be done with honor and in love Eph_4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
  3. God’s Will a Walk
    1. Galatians 5:24-26 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  (26)  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
    2. Associated churches: We don’t rule over each other… no “vain glory” (our small pond has little room for big fishes)
    3. Associated Churches: We are not to “provoke one another” (if it isn’t doctrinal error… don’t poke)
    4. Associate Churches: We are not to “envy one another” (so they_____ more/better than you… let’s give an Amen for progress, blessings in our sister works)
    5. Associated Church Pastors: We influence these Churches so we must walk the walk and talk the talk!
      1. Many friends in ministry, and scriptural churches, who resist formal “associations” have these complaints
My desire is that in Madras Oregon, Madras Missionary Baptist Church prioritizes the preaching of the true Gospel. My hope is that Sister Churches worldwide are doing so as I speak.