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Picture this: you’re cruising along on your mountain bike when suddenly your chain slips off. In that moment, even though your wheels are still turning, you’ve lost all power to move forward. You might glide for a few seconds, but pretty soon you’ll come to a stop. I’ve found this is exactly what happens in our spiritual journey when we drift away from having Christ at the center – we might keep going through the motions for a while, but without that core connection, we’re really just coasting.

Over the next six weeks, we’re diving into a series called “Christ-Centered Obedience.” We’ll be exploring different aspects of the Christian life, using the imagery of a wheel to help us understand how it all fits together. Today, we’re starting with the most crucial part – the hub of the wheel, which represents Christ as the center and source of power for our lives.

Christ: The Power of Ethnic Unity

One of the beautiful things about the gospel is how it breaks down barriers between people. In Galatians 2, we see Paul confronting Peter about his refusal to eat with Gentiles. Paul says, “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?'” (Galatians 2:14)

This passage reminds us that our primary identity should be in Christ, not in our ethnicity, culture, or background. When we truly grasp this, it allows us to be both open to other cultures and able to critique our own. As I often say, “Even if you are a Texan, it’s not enough!” We need Jesus, regardless of where we come from or what we think makes us special.

Christ: The Power of Justification

The heart of the gospel is that we are justified – declared righteous – not by our own efforts, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul hammers this point home in Galatians 2:16, repeating it three times in one verse: “We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ… because by works of the law no one will be justified.”

This is crucial to understand. It’s not faith plus works that saves us; it’s faith alone. Our good works are a result of our salvation, not a cause of it. As I often explain it:

Faith → Salvation + Good Works
NOT
Faith + Good Works → Salvation

Christ: The Power for the Daily Grind

Finally, we see that Christ is the power we need for everyday life. Paul writes, “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.” (Galatians 2:20)

This is the gospel for the daily grind. Whether we’re facing good days or bad days, Jesus is the power that enables us to live. He’s the reason I get up in the morning. He animates my life and gives me both hope and motivation to keep going.

Putting It Into Practice

So how do we live with Christ as the center of our lives? Here are some practical steps:

  1. Examine your primary identity. Is it in Christ, or in something else like your job, your role as a parent, or your achievements?
  2. Memorize Galatians 2:20. Let this verse remind you daily that Christ lives in you and empowers you.
  3. Join a small group or find a mentor. Over the next six weeks, we’re encouraging everyone to meet in groups of 3-5 to discuss these topics and hold each other accountable.
  4. Practice ethnic unity. Look for ways to build relationships with people from different backgrounds, remembering that your shared identity in Christ is more important than cultural differences.
  5. Rest in Christ’s justification. When you’re tempted to prove your worth through your actions, remember that you’re already declared righteous in Christ.

Remember, without Christ at the center, we’re just pretending. We’re playing at Christianity. But with Him as our power source, we can truly live the life He’s called us to. Let’s keep Jesus at the hub of our wheel, driving everything else in our lives.

Follow Jesus With Us!

Looking for a place to follow Jesus alongside real, everyday people? That’s what we’re all about at Grace Bible Church, a welcoming non-denominational church in Killeen, TX. We’re not perfect – just a community of people learning to walk with Jesus one step at a time, supporting each other along the way. Whether you’re searching for a “church near me” in Killeen or feeling drawn to explore faith for the first time, you’ll find authentic relationships and practical Bible teaching that helps connect God’s truth to daily life. As a local church, we believe the journey of faith was never meant to be walked alone. That’s why we focus on creating spaces where genuine friendships can grow, questions are welcomed, and everyone can experience God’s love. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, we’d love to walk alongside you. Come join our family this Sunday at our non-denominational church in Killeen, TX, and let’s follow Jesus together.

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