Living in the Spirit | Luke Edgerton | 4/26/2026

This sermon explores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit versus adherence to the written law alone. Pastor Luke emphasizes that the true gospel of Jesus Christ is under constant threat from false gospels that place other agendas before Christ himself. He contrasts the Old Covenant (God with us) and the New Covenant (God in us through the Holy Spirit), explaining that following God's commands without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit leads to death, but the Spirit brings life and freedom. The message calls believers to live as "letters from Christ" - their lives serving as recommendations of God's character rather than relying on mere words or documentation. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, and encourages believers to open themselves fully to the Holy Spirit's presence and power.

Key Points:

-The true gospel is the gospel of Christ alone; any word placed before "gospel" creates a false gospel that dilutes Christ's power

-The prosperity gospel prioritizes God's provision over God's revelation in Jesus

-The social justice gospel prioritizes equity over eternity

-Both forms of the gospel - incentivizing (you need a Savior) and liberating (you have a Savior) - must be shared together

-Christians must speak "in Christ" from their redeemed identity, not from flesh or negativity

-Peddlers of God's Word use it as a commodity to be sold; people of the Word use it as a message to be told

-Our lives should be "deliverable letters from Christ" - living recommendations of God's character

-The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life; we cannot follow God's commands without the Holy Spirit's help

-Understanding Scripture is not a prerequisite for obeying it; obedience often leads to understanding

-The Old Covenant was God with His people; the New Covenant is God in His people through the Holy Spirit

-Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom; where He is not, there is no freedom

-We must not resist the Holy Spirit out of fear or unfamiliarity

Scripture Reference:

-2 Corinthians 2:12-13

-2 Corinthians 3:1-18 (primary focus)

-Galatians 1:6-9

-Romans 7:6

-1 Samuel 16 (referenced regarding the Spirit departing Saul and rushing upon David)