9. The Breaker of Chains

What this episode covers

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 Ithaca Presbyterian Church.