It is clear from Galatians that blessing and cursing are mutually exclusive. Those who are redeemed have been purchased by Christ's blood and received into the family of God. Thus they have the blessing of Abraham. We were all under the curse of sin until Christ redeemed us. We discuss the concept of redemption in the context of the marketplace. We also discuss the important doctrine of the substitutionary atonement. That Jesus was "hung on a tree" would indicate that He was cursed, which was offensive to the Jews. But this curse was substitutionary. He bore our curse that we might receive the blessing of God. Another important issue covered in this sermon is the relationship between blessing and the reception of the Spirit. The promise of the Spirit is for those who have faith in Christ and thus have the blessing of Abraham. This is true for all believers, not some supposed "higher order" Christians. The table fellowship provided for all believers must not be abrogated by church authorities.

Handout  |  Powerpoint

Handout | Powerpoint