Podcasts about Galatia

Episode Synopsis:In the opening words of the Book of Romans, Paul introduces himself to a church he has never visited and to a group of fellow believers, most of whom he has never met in person.  Therefore, it is important for Paul to explain his apostolic office as well his role in undertaking the Gentile mission.  Paul is making travel plans which include a future visit to the city of Rome.  Since the church in Rome was predominantly Gentile (with a Jewish Minority), it is important that both groups understand that all of Paul's missionary efforts are grounded in the preaching of the Gospel of God–the death and resurrection of Jesus on behalf of sinners.To the Jewish Christians in Rome, Paul must explain that the gospel he preaches was revealed to him by Jesus Christ who was himself a descendant of David (Israel's greatest king), while at the same time the eternal Son of God who ushers in a new age in redemptive history.  This gospel is not a message invented by Paul–a charge he's heard previously from opponents in Galatia and Corinth.  The gospel which he is about to proclaim in the balance of the letter to follow, is the same message proclaimed throughout the Old Testament–though hidden in types and shadows, and a mystery which Paul is about to explain.  Furthermore, the gospel is true because its central figure (Jesus) has not only the proper Davidic genealogy, but he was raised bodily from the dead in power in accordance with the work of the Holy Spirit.  By virtue of his resurrection, Jesus is the Lord–an important bit of information to those living in Rome during the days of Caesar Nero, who thinks of himself as a sort of demi-God.  Nero is not Lord, Jesus is.Since Rome is such an important place–the capital of a huge pagan empire–Paul will make the point that this gospel “promised before hand,” is a gospel for all the nations, as foretold by Israel's prophets.  This gospel summons all those called to belong to Jesus to the obedience of faith.  Is faith an act of obedience in our part.  Is it a work?  Is it the one thing which we must do to be saved?  Is there any merit in faith–something God sees and rewards.  And what is so-called, “evangelical obedience?” For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here:  https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

A God who changes his mind is a God who can't be trusted. In this episode, Dr. John explores Galatians 3:15–18 to show that the covenant God made with Abraham — sealed by God alone, requiring nothing from us but faith — was never cancelled by the law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, and remains as unbreakable today as the moment God first made it.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

The gospel didn't begin at Calvary — it was preached to Abraham four thousand years ago. In this episode, Dr. John takes on the Judaizers' challenge head-on, showing from Galatians 3:6–14 that there has always been only one way to be saved: not by works of the law, but by faith in the promises of a God who never changes.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

Acts 16:6-9 New King James Version   6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

It's surprisingly easy to drift from the truth — not through obvious sin, but through the persuasive pull of a compelling teacher. In this episode, Dr. John walks through Paul's five searching questions in Galatians 3:1–6, challenging the Galatians — and us — to examine whether we're still standing on the solid ground of faith, or have slowly been talked out of it.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

Sunday Service (5/31/26) // New Building Dedication // Acts 16:6-10 (ESV) // The Macedonian Call // 6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.#BibleStudy #BibleExplained #Bible #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons #BibleJournal #BibleReading #BibleStudyNotes #biblestudycommunity #ChicagoChurch #BibleProject #BibleVerse #Bible #danielbatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #dedication #grandopening Website: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...

Does grace give us a free pass to live however we want? In this episode, Dr. John tackles one of the oldest objections to the gospel — that justification by faith alone leads to careless living. Working through Galatians 2:17–21, he shows that the life of true faith doesn't produce sinfulness, but something far more powerful: the life of Christ himself, alive and at work within the believer.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

Randall Robinson, a longtime member and Antioch graduate of Hope Church, opens by sharing his own story of being commissioned and sent to Kansas City to help plant a church — a story that mirrors the very passage he's preaching from. Picking up in Acts 13–14, he walks the congregation through Paul's first missionary journey with Barnabas, beginning at the church in Antioch where the Holy Spirit called them out while the believers were already actively worshiping, fasting, and seeking God. From there, Paul and Barnabas traveled through Cyprus and into the region of Galatia, going first to the synagogues and then to the Gentiles, boldly proclaiming the gospel in ways tailored to each audience — while keeping the message itself unchanged. Randall draws out five key points from these two chapters: the mission starts with God's initiative, the gospel must be proclaimed clearly, the gospel will be both received and rejected, the mission advances through resilient faith, and the glory for the results belongs to God alone. He's especially careful to remind the congregation that when people reject the gospel, they are not rejecting the person sharing it — they are rejecting God, and it is God who is ultimately responsible for the outcome. Closing with a personal reflection on God's faithfulness through job loss, illness, and transition, Randall challenges every believer to live sent, learn to share the gospel clearly, expect resistance, and hold the results with an open hand before the Lord.

Even the greatest apostles weren't immune to hypocrisy. In this episode, Dr. John examines the dramatic public confrontation between Paul and Peter in Galatians 2:11–16. Why did Peter's behaviour at a dinner table become a theological crisis? This message reminds us that justification rests not on what we bring to God — but entirely on what Christ has done for us.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

Acts 13:14-52 - Paul's Gospel in Galatia - Pastor Dan PlourdeMESSAGE NOTES:http://www.calvaryword.com/Acts2026/a1461.pdf

The stone builders reject becomes the cornerstone. God is building a temple — and you're not just a wall. You're a priest in it. Click here to read the sermon “A Spiritual House” 1 Peter 2:4–10 As we begin this morning, I want to thank you for hanging out with me for the past few Sundays. It has been a great time here at Yates. It is always a blessing to be with this corner of God's kingdom. A little heads-up on where we are headed in the next few weeks: I will not be here next week — Marty Childers from the Tri-West Association will be preaching that day — and then I will be back for two Sundays after that. I am excited to come back and spend a couple more weeks with you. Some of you already know — I am kind of like a bad penny. I keep coming back. So as we come to this morning, I want to continue a conversation that I have been having with you for the past few weeks. A couple of weeks ago, the point of the sermon was this: if you are a Christian, you are a saint. Sainthood is not a category reserved for an extraordinary group of Christians. Instead, it is a status bestowed by grace, and it is a calling that we pursue. To be a saint is to be a holy one of God. It means that you have been claimed by God and set aside by God for his purposes. So: you are a saint. Last week we continued that conversation to say this — and that is a good thing. Sainthood is not about being a goody two-shoes who never has fun. It is not about hypocrisy. It is not about being holier-than-thou. No — sainthood is about following Jesus into a vision of humanity. It is following Jesus into the people that God intends and calls us to be. You are a saint, and that is a good thing. Today we are going to move to this: we are saints together. If you are called to be a saint, that is not a lone wolf calling. Instead, you were called into a people. You were called into a community. And that communal piece is central to who we are. To talk about this communal dimension of sainthood this morning, I want to open the Bible with you to 1 Peter chapter two, verses four through ten. Let me give you a little backstory on what is going on in 1 Peter. Peter is writing to groups of people in places called Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These are groups of Christians who are falling on hard times because of their devotion to Jesus. The surrounding communities are not being kind to them; they are suffering for the name of Jesus. Peter writes into this setting. Through much of chapter one, he reminds them who they are and what they are called to. He uses different language, but he hits some of the same beats we have been hitting in the past couple of Sundays. In chapter one, verse fifteen, he says: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Pet 1:15, NIV). Peter is reminding these people that they have been called to holiness. They are to follow God into that calling — to reflect God to the communities around them. Then you come to chapter two. Peter gives them a few ways this is supposed to happen. In verse one he writes: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Pet 2:1, NIV). If you are going to be holy, there are certain ways of being that you need to put away — ways of living that do not match the kind of life God is calling you to. And notice: Peter is already intimating the communal character. He says rid yourselves of malice, of deceit, of hypocrisy, of envy, of slander. These are all ways of being that destroy community. Put them away. And instead, Peter writes: "like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Pet 2:2–3, NIV). Put away the ways of life that are not what God intends for you, and realize that your life of faith is not static. You are meant to grow up in your salvation. You are meant to be nourished by Christ. Which brings us to chapter two, verse four: As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and, "A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message — which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Pet 2:4–10, NIV) It is a well-known and beautiful passage of Scripture. This morning I want to approach it not in order, but by taking up the middle first and then jumping back to the beginning to see how these pieces fit together. The middle — verses six through eight — is all about who Jesus is. To understand what is going on here, you need to understand that Christianity emerged in those first decades as an incredible surprise. Jesus came and fulfilled the role of Messiah, but he did it in a way that was unexpected. Come Good Friday, when Jesus dies on the cross, his followers believe the game is up. We had placed our hope in him, and yet he has died at the hands of the authorities. We must have misplaced our hope — until Resurrection Sunday, when we learn that even the grave could not keep Jesus down. He begins to appear to his followers. It turns out that Jesus really was the Messiah. The resurrection proves that. But he fulfilled that role in an unexpected way, which means we have to go back and reconsider everything that came before. It is kind of like one of those movies where a key piece of information is withheld until the very end. And then once that revelation is finally made, the light bulb goes off. You realize that everything has been leading to that point, and you have to go back and reconsider what came before. It is often such a gut punch that you have to watch the movie again, and as you watch it, you begin seeing clues all the way through. You wonder how you did not see it before. Imagine the disciples. Jesus has been raised from the dead. He really is the Messiah. But that means we have to go back and reconsider all of our preconceptions. As they return to the Scriptures, they start seeing those clues. They start saying: we can read this in light of Christ — in light of who he was, in light of who he is. In fact, Jesus himself had applied the Psalm that mentions a cornerstone to himself (cf. Matt 21:42, NIV). And so the disciples say: Jesus applied that to himself. There are other passages that have stones in them. Those seem to apply to Jesus too. What Peter does in this passage is stack all of these passages about stones and apply them to Christ. It goes like this. In verse six: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame" (cf. Isa 28:16, NIV). Then in verse seven: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (cf. Ps 118:22, NIV). And: "A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall" (cf. Isa 8:14, NIV). You can see how these come to be applied to Jesus. Here we have the Messiah who was rejected by the authorities, rejected by the world — and yet it turns out that he was indeed the chosen one of God. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Notice the imagery Peter is drawing on. You have people building a building. They find a cut stone and say: that stone is not appropriate for our building; we will discard it. But it turns out that God has chosen that very stone to be not just any stone in the building, not just an appropriate stone, but the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the first stone that is laid in a building. It has to be cut perfectly, because it determines which way the building faces. It determines the angle of the walls. It is the first stone that gives shape to everything else. The stone the builders rejected has become the most important stone in the building. That certainly sounds like Christ. And there is also the promise that the one who trusts in this cornerstone God has laid will never be put to shame. That is us. We put our faith in this cornerstone. We will not be put to shame. But then there is also a stone that causes people to stumble — and we keep seeing people in our communities tripping over this message about Jesus. It is a message about rejection that is actually a message about acceptance and chosenness. The world may be rejecting Christ, but in God's eyes, Christ is the cornerstone: rejected, but actually precious and chosen by God. Remember, these are people experiencing rejection as they are true to Christ in the world. The same thing is true of them. Peter will go on to say: you are a chosen nation. This passage is in part about those who feel rejected actually being those who were chosen. Here is what I want you to see this morning. Peter goes a step further. He really plays on this idea of Christ as the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the first stone in the building. And when you zoom out, you start to see that the cornerstone is part of a larger structure. Go back to verse four: "As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 2:4–5, NIV). Notice this. Jesus is the cornerstone, the first stone God has laid. And now each and every Christian also becomes a living stone that is built into what is called a spiritual house. That is temple language. The temple is God's special dwelling place on the earth. It does not mean that God is confined to the temple, but this is God's special dwelling. Peter seems to be saying that you have Jesus as this cornerstone, and around Jesus, on Jesus, in tune with Jesus, God is building a temple where he will dwell. You are the people of God. You are God's special dwelling place. Together, you are the spiritual house that God inhabits. You make up the walls of God's temple. And God dwells among you by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the cornerstone. You are a living stone who, with other living stones, is being built into a spiritual house. But you do not just make up the structure. You are not just part of the walls of the temple. You also make up the ministry group within the temple. Peter goes on to say that God is building you up to be a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Not only do you together make up the special dwelling place of God — you are also the priests in God's house. And it is your vocation, both individually and together, to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God through Christ. Spiritual sacrifices has to do with what we do here on Sunday morning. It has to do with proclaiming the deeds of our great God. It also has to do with who we are throughout the week — who we are together, how we pursue this calling of sainthood together. You are part of God's house. You are a minister in God's house. You offer spiritual sacrifices to God. You are a priest. And this is where I want to camp out this morning — this idea of being priests before God. Now this is a place that Baptists love to camp out. How many of you have heard of the priesthood of the believer? We like to hammer home that we do not need a mediator between us and God, because Jesus alone is the mediator between humanity and God. And therefore, as Hebrews says, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and to find grace (cf. Heb 4:16). So in one sense, we are priests before God. We are able in Christ to approach God without mediation, and we are able to offer sacrifices to God — those spiritual sacrifices we talked about just a moment ago. Priesthood is relationship to God. But here is where I really want to camp out this morning as well. It is not just about our relationship to God. It can also be about our relationship to one another — or maybe we could say it is about our relationship to God with one another. Here, maybe we could talk about sports. Anybody here play golf? Golf is an interesting game because it may be more fun in community — you can go out with other people — but ultimately you do not need anybody else to play golf. Sometimes we think about Christianity like that: it is really just me and God, and maybe sometimes it is more fun when there are other people around, but really I can do this on my own. But what if Christianity is less like golf and more like baseball or soccer? With those kinds of sports, you cannot play by yourself. You can toss the ball up and down, but you really need other people if you are going to play baseball. You can juggle the ball, but you need other people if you are going to play soccer. Christianity — church — is like that. It is a team sport in which we are brought together as the people of God. We approach God together. We serve God together. We pursue God together. It is a communal calling, this priesthood piece. We see this. We come together and we raise our voices together in praise. We seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community together. And yes, we do that individually, but there is something special about when the people of God come together as priests who approach God and who, on God's behalf, approach the world. We are priests before God individually. And we are priests with one another. Do you remember last week, how we talked about how the Holy Spirit is bringing about fruit in our lives? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf. Gal 5:22–23). We said: these are good things that we want. This is part of the life that God has for us; this is what God is bringing about. What is interesting about those qualities is that so many of them are communal. Yes, they have an individual aspect, but if you are going to love, you are going to love one another. Joy can be individual, but it is so much sweeter when we are joyful together. Peace — because we need peace among one another. Patience — have you met Baptists? Goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is as if God is making us able to be community. God is fitting us to be a certain kind of people. We are priests with one another, which means it matters how we are with one another. There is one more piece of this priesthood that I want you to see. This is something that Baptists sometimes overlook, but it is really important. We are also priests to one another. Now that is not because we need a mediator between us and God. It is because God often chooses to work through people. How many of you have ever experienced a moment where a fellow Christian came alongside you and said the right word at the right time? It was almost like God had sent them to you. It was almost like they said the words that you knew you needed to hear from God. Priesthood can also work like that — where on God's behalf, we do the work, we say the words, we hold one another up. It reminds me of a story in Exodus. When the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites, Moses sent Joshua and the fighting men down to battle. And it says that as long as Moses stood over that battle and held up his staff, they did well. But when Moses began to lower his arms, they began to lose — which becomes pretty problematic, because you can hold your arms up for a while, but eventually you are going to get tired. The way the story goes is that there were two people with Moses: Aaron and Hur. They realized they needed to help him. They pulled up a stone behind Moses so he could sit down, because even just standing had become too much. And then they stood on either side of him and held up his arms (cf. Exod 17:8–13). The Israelites won the battle that day because Moses held up his hands with that staff — and Moses held up his hands because Aaron and Hur gathered around him and helped him with the task. Sometimes church is like that. Have you ever felt like you have got this thing you have to hold up, but you are just so tired? And sometimes God chooses to work through people — to send them around us, to pull up a chair, to hold up our arms. The sainthood thing is not about being a lone wolf. It is about being called into a people. It is about being called together. Together we become the walls of God's temple. And notice how each stone offers support to the stones around it. Not only are you a member of God's dwelling — you are a priest in that dwelling. You are a priest before God. You are a priest with others. And you have the privilege, at times, of being a priest to one another. Yes, we are called to follow Christ and to become who we are called individually to be. And we are also given the privilege of being called into a people. Works Cited The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2011. Grand Rapids: Biblica. © 2026 Michael Smith. All rights reserved.

Message from service on June 14, 2026Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9

GALATIA 6:7 I.Sama tapi Tak Serupa: Menemukan Perbedaan Mendasar II.Misteri di Balik Jeda Waktu: Mengapa Tidak Instan? III.Cara Pandang Baru dalam Melangkah IV.Aplikasi Praktis untuk Dilakukan

The gospel is one — but the people who need to hear it are vastly different.The gospel is one — but the people who need to hear it are vastly different. In this message from Galatians 2:6–10, Dr. John explores how Paul and Peter preached the same truth to very different audiences, and why that distinction matters when evaluating whether a message is genuinely gospel or a dangerous distortion.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

Why would Paul — a man personally taught the gospel by Jesus himself — feel the need to check his message with other church leaders? In this message from Galatians 2:1–5, Dr. John explores why there is no such thing as private Christianity. True gospel ministry is never a lone ranger operation, and those who claim special revelation while refusing accountability are a danger the church has always had to resist.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

On Sunday we got to hear from one of our summer guest speakers, John Rosensteel on Galatians 6v7-10.   Paul's words to the church in Galatia in are just as applicable for us today - how we live matters. Amidst the burdens of life and the brokenness of the world, it can be easy to lose hope and give into the flesh. But by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are able to persevere in doing good.   As we strengthen ourselves in the Lord we are able to partner with Him in doing good and bringing beauty to the world around us. 

Paul went from violently persecuting Christians to preaching the very faith he tried to destroy — so how do we know he wasn't just reacting against his past?Paul went from violently persecuting Christians to preaching the very faith he tried to destroy — so how do we know he wasn't just reacting against his past? In this message from Galatians 1:18–24, Dr. John examines Paul's second defense of the true gospel: that what he preached was not his own invention, but the one unified message agreed upon by all the apostles from the very beginning.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

Mark Visser introduces the book of Galatians, as we begin an 8 week series looking at Paul's letter or epistle, to the churches in Galatia. Galatians is not really a book, but was actually only a letter from Paul the apostle, to the church in Galatia. Mark helps us to understand the setting and context of this letter from Paul.

In this message from Galatians 1:10–18, Dr.In this message from Galatians 1:10–18, Dr. John examines Paul's first defense of the true gospel: that it originates not in human wisdom, but in a direct revelation from Jesus Christ himself. Just as an expert authenticates a genuine work of art, Paul establishes his apostolic credentials — and why that changes everything about how we receive his message.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

In this lecture, Sam introduces the closing message in a short series on the Holy Spirit using Galatians 5:22–24, which describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.He explains the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of something unseen, comparing it to a pinwheel moved by wind and to other invisible realities such as gravity, electricity, sound, thoughts, and emotions. In each case, the effects are observable even when the source is not directly seen.Sam then places the passage in the context of Paul's letter to the church in Galatia, noting that the church had serious problems. He highlights Paul's warnings against conceit, provoking one another, and jealousy, and connects these behaviors to life that is not led by the Spirit.He emphasizes that the fruit of the Spirit is a single picture of Christian character, not separate achievements to collect one by one. Each trait shapes the whole profile of a life led by the Spirit, and Paul's list serves as a boundary for how believers are to live together.The lecture closes with an invitation to reflect on which of the nine traits may need to be cultivated more fully in each person's life, followed by a prayer asking God to work through the Holy Spirit to develop these qualities and to help believers express them toward one another.

With season 1 and 2 complete we move into Acts: Season 3. The narrative shifts to Antioch and the focus is on Paul - previously called Saul - as he shares the gospel in Gentile areas. ___ As Paul & Barnabas continue their first missionary journey, John Mark makes the decision to leave and head home to Jerusalem (more on that later) but Paul and Barnabas carry on to Antioch in Pisidia - which is also in the region of Galatia. As is their custom, Paul and Barnabas begin in the Synagogue and Paul recognizes that the Jews had been hearing the same Scriptures and prophecies for generations but had missed Jesus. He gives a prophetic warning that we should heed as well - look to see the work of God not just in the past but in the present. He is still working.

In this opening message from Galatians, Dr. John explores why the apostle Paul drew a firm and unwavering line around the gospel of Jesus Christ — and why some truths simply cannot be compromised. Likely the first book of the New Testament ever written, Galatians was a war cry from the earliest days of the church, and its message is just as urgent today.No Compromise: The book of Galatians was written because the gospel was under attack — and it still is today. From false teachers in ancient Galatia to the distortions we encounter in our own time, the battle over the heart of the Christian faith has never stopped. Join Dr. John for this four-part series as he works through one of Scripture's most urgent letters, asking what the true gospel is, where it comes from, and why getting it right changes everything.

1 Peter 1:1-4Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:Grace and peace be yours in abundance.3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

This week, we begin a new series looking at Paul's letter to the church in Galatia. Pastor Abraham leads us through the introduction to the letter as an introduction to the series, as well as an instruction for how we identify ourselves as followers of Christ.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike focuses on Epistle to the Galatians 1:1 and the calling of the Apostle Paul. Paul opens the letter by establishing that his apostleship was not given by men or human authority, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father. Mike explores how this divine calling gave Paul the authority and responsibility to speak truth to the churches in Galatia, even when the message was difficult to hear. The episode highlights the importance of God-given calling, faithful leadership, and the courage to stand firmly for the true gospel in the face of confusion and compromise. When Paul Speaks, we should listen Mike Conan

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike begins an introductory study through the Epistle to the Galatians, exploring the background, purpose, and urgency behind Paul's powerful letter. Mike discusses the likely timing of the book, the authorship of the Apostle Paul, and the region of Galatia where these churches were located. He also highlights the central issue that prompted the letter — growing threats to the true gospel as false teachers attempted to add legalism and human effort to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper look at the freedom, truth, and transforming power of the gospel that Paul passionately defends throughout Galatians.

This week, Katia Adams shares a message drawn from Galatians 5:13–6:18 and Ephesians 4:25–32. Anchoring her teaching in Paul's instructions to the churches of Galatia and Ephesus, Katia addresses what she identifies as one of the most pressing and spiritually dangerous patterns in the contemporary church: the way believers have absorbed a culturally-driven model of accountability and called it justice.Using the vivid image of a rogue tomato plant that grew uninvited in her garden — cute at first, then destructive — Katia frames the sermon around five diagnostic questions every believer must ask before bringing correction: What is your proximity? What is your practice? What is your purpose? What is your posture? What is your perspective? She moves through each with pastoral specificity, pushing back against social media callout culture, third-party documentaries and podcasts about people we've never met, and self-appointed "correction ministries" that elevate exposure over restoration. Real accountability, she argues, requires proximity — the same proximity that led God himself to become flesh and move into the neighborhood.The theological anchor of the message is the conviction that the Holy Spirit is not poured out to give us goosebumps, but to uproot the poisonous seeds of offense, gossip, and self-righteous judgment that have no place in the heart of a believer. Katia draws directly on Galatians 6:1 — restore him in a spirit of gentleness — and contrasts it with the spirit of accusation the body has so readily embraced, reminding her listeners that the accuser has a name, and his name is Satan.Ultimately, this sermon is an invitation to let Scripture read us rather than the other way around — to examine our hearts honestly, uproot what grieves the Holy Spirit, and commit to a costly, inconvenient, Spirit-empowered love for the body of Christ. Katia closes with a charge that is both convicting and hopeful: how we speak to our children, our neighbors, and those who have made a mess of their lives will form our crown to give to Jesus — so make it a good one.

THE SECRETS TO DAILY FOLLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and HE WILL DO IT (NIV) Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT. (NIV) Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (NIV) 6 STEPS TO BEING SPIRIT LED INSTEAD OF FLESH LED Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (ESV) 1. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT STARTS FROM FREEDOM, NOT CONDEMNATION Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (ESV) 2. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT IS ABOUT SURRENDERING MORE, NOT STRIVING MORE Romans 8:3–4 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh BUT ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT. (ESV) 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from ONE DEGREE OF GLORY TO ANOTHER. For THIS COMES FROM the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV) 3. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT INVOLVES RENEWING YOUR MIND Romans 8:5–6 For those who live according to the flesh set their MINDS on the things of the flesh, but those who LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT set their MINDS on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the MIND on the flesh is death, but to set the MIND on the Spirit is life and peace. (ESV) Ephesians 4:23 Instead, LET THE SPIRIT RENEW YOUR THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES. (NLT) 4. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT INVOLVES CRUCIFYING YOUR FLESH Romans 8:7–8 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the FLESH cannot please God. (ESV) Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (ESV) Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (ESV) 5. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT REQUIRES LEARNING TO FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING Romans 8:9–14 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the SPIRIT GIVES LIFE because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also GIVE LIFE to your mortal bodies because of his SPIRIT who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the SPIRIT you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are LED BY THE SPIRIT of God are the children of God. (NIV) Galatians 5:25 If we LIVE BY THE SPIRIT, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (ESV) 5A. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT BY LEARNING HIS VOICE John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (ESV) John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (ESV) 5B. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING BY PAYING ATTENTION TO HIS PROMPTINGS 5C. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL CORRECT YOU Acts 10:13-15 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” 14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” 15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (NLT) 5D. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL RESTRAIN YOU Acts 16:6–7 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been FORBIDDEN by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus DID NOT allow them. (ESV) 5E. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL DIRECT YOU ON WHERE TO GO Acts 8:29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “GO over and join this chariot.” (ESV) Acts 10:19–20 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and GO down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” (ESV) 5E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL DIRECT YOU ON A DECISION Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (ESV) Acts 15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: (ESV) 5F. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL SPEAK TO US ABOUT THE FUTURE Acts 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. (ESV) 6. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING BY OBEYING THE SPIRIT Ephesians 4:30 And do not GRIEVE the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not QUENCH the Spirit. (ESV) Hebrews 3:7–8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, (ESV)

THE SECRETS TO DAILY FOLLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and HE WILL DO IT (NIV) Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT. (NIV) Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (NIV) 6 STEPS TO BEING SPIRIT LED INSTEAD OF FLESH LED Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (ESV) 1. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT STARTS FROM FREEDOM, NOT CONDEMNATION Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (ESV) 2. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT IS ABOUT SURRENDERING MORE, NOT STRIVING MORE Romans 8:3–4 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh BUT ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT. (ESV) 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from ONE DEGREE OF GLORY TO ANOTHER. For THIS COMES FROM the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV) 3. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT INVOLVES RENEWING YOUR MIND Romans 8:5–6 For those who live according to the flesh set their MINDS on the things of the flesh, but those who LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT set their MINDS on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the MIND on the flesh is death, but to set the MIND on the Spirit is life and peace. (ESV) Ephesians 4:23 Instead, LET THE SPIRIT RENEW YOUR THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES. (NLT) 4. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT INVOLVES CRUCIFYING YOUR FLESH Romans 8:7–8 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the FLESH cannot please God. (ESV) Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (ESV) Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (ESV) 5. BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT REQUIRES LEARNING TO FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING Romans 8:9–14 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the SPIRIT GIVES LIFE because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also GIVE LIFE to your mortal bodies because of his SPIRIT who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the SPIRIT you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are LED BY THE SPIRIT of God are the children of God. (NIV) Galatians 5:25 If we LIVE BY THE SPIRIT, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (ESV) 5A. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT BY LEARNING HIS VOICE John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (ESV) John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (ESV) 5B. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING BY PAYING ATTENTION TO HIS PROMPTINGS 5C. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL CORRECT YOU Acts 10:13-15 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” 14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” 15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (NLT) 5D. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL RESTRAIN YOU Acts 16:6–7 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been FORBIDDEN by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus DID NOT allow them. (ESV) 5E. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL DIRECT YOU ON WHERE TO GO Acts 8:29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “GO over and join this chariot.” (ESV) Acts 10:19–20 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and GO down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” (ESV) 5E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL DIRECT YOU ON A DECISION Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (ESV) Acts 15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: (ESV) 5F. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S VOICE WILL SPEAK TO US ABOUT THE FUTURE Acts 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. (ESV) 6. YOU FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S LEADING BY OBEYING THE SPIRIT Ephesians 4:30 And do not GRIEVE the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not QUENCH the Spirit. (ESV) Hebrews 3:7–8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, (ESV)

May 17th | Freedom | Galatians 4:1–7In this powerful message from Galatians 4:1–7, Pastor Matt Darby unpacks the life-changing truth of the Gospel: through Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves — we are sons and daughters of God.The churches in Galatia were struggling to stay rooted in grace alone, faith alone, and Christ alone. Like many believers today, they were tempted to add religious performance, morality, and self-effort to the finished work of Jesus. Paul's message calls them — and us — back to freedom.Pastor Matt explores the two spiritual identities every person lives under: slavery or sonship. He reveals how the Gospel doesn't simply improve behavior; it completely transforms identity. Through the adoption made possible by Jesus' death and resurrection, God brings us out of fear, shame, striving, and spiritual bondage into the security of His family.This message dives into:• The reality of spiritual slavery• Why behavior always flows from identity• The power of adoption through Christ• What it means to cry out “Abba, Father”• How the Holy Spirit confirms our identity as children of God• The difference between living for approval and living from acceptanceIf you've ever struggled with insecurity, shame, striving, or feeling like you have to earn God's love, this message is an invitation to walk in the freedom Jesus purchased for you.You are not tolerated by God — you are loved. In Christ, you are no longer a slave, but a son.Do you know JESUS? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support through GIVING: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19–21 NLT) “Heaven on earth” is a well-worn cliché in popular culture. You can find the phrase or idea in countless songs, books, TV shows, movies, and online content. Of course, God’s people understand that there’s a sharp distinction between Heaven and earth. Heaven is the real deal, the eternal dwelling place. Earth is the temporary dwelling place. There is no comparison. Think of the best things you’ve ever experienced on this earth: your wedding day, the birth of a child, or a special moment with someone you love. Even the most impactful, the most unforgettable, and the most life-changing incidents were merely glimpses of glory, tastes of what’s to come in Heaven. S. Lewis wrote in Letters to Malcolm, “The hills and valleys of heaven will be to those you now experience not as a copy is to an original . . . but as the flower to the root, or the diamond to the coal.” The Bible tells us that one day believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, also known as the Bema Seat. There, we will receive rewards for our faithfulness to God. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT). He also offered this reminder in 1 Corinthians 3:8: “The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work” (NLT). Therein lies our incentive for this earthly life. There will be a reward. This should cause us to want to do everything we can for God’s glory. That’s what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 6:19–21 when He said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (NLT). He’s talking about traveling light, where material possessions are concerned. As I’ve often said, we can’t take it with us, but we can send it on ahead. Every investment we make of our lives for God’s glory—the giving of our time, the use of our gifts, the investment of our resources—will result in an eternal reward. By being faithful to the Lord, we are laying up treasure in Heaven for ourselves. Reflection question: What would laying up treasures in Heaven instead of on earth look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 5 Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you. This Sunday, Scott dives into Galatians 5 where Paul encourages the church in Galatia to live by the Spirit. Even in our walk with Jesus, we will still face, struggle with, and be tempted to sin. But we must join the Holy Spirit daily in continuing to crucify our flesh. When we live by the Spirit, He supplies what we need to grow. He shapes us, changes us, transforms us, and enables us to become more like Jesus. 

Once again we have some interesting and, to quite a degree, challenging chapters today.  Our Deuteronomy chapter (24) caused us to meditate on the nature of life without banks, or any money as we have it today, so that there is no situation in which it can be borrowed!   What will be the nature of any “money” in the kingdom age?  Real gold and silver?  The Israelites, as God's people, were told by Moses in his final message, they are to “purge the evil from your midst” [Deut. 24 v.7] How much purging will be needed in the kingdom when all peoples will be expected to serve the one real God and “out of Zion shall go the law, and  …. he shall judge between the nations …” [Isa. 2 v.3,4]?The Songs of Solomon are usually understood as a spiritual ‘parable' of the bride of Christ, and Christ says to her, “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you … You have captivated my heart … my bride … how beautiful is your love … my bride!” ” [4 v.7,9,10]  With this perspective on the meaning of this ‘parable' to what extent are we today, “captivating” the heart of our Saviour?  How can we live so that we do so?Our chapters in Acts show how the message of the gospel captivated the hearts of some of the converts so that they were really committed in serving Christ; “a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria … was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. (the Old Testament of course) … being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus …” [18 v.24,25] When he came to Achaia ” he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,  for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” [v.27,28]He was showing, in practice “how beautiful” his “love” was for Christ!  “How beautiful is (y)our love?”  There are many ways of showing it!  Let us try harder to live so that “Christ is formed in you” [Gal. 4 v.19] which was what Paul was agonising in his heart about – concerning the believers in Galatia. As we live day after day, absorbing the real spirit of God's word so that “Christ is formed” in you and I, realising more and more fully that we do this by serving one another in the spirit of Christ – as parts of “the body of Christ.”  Let us meditate on Paul's words to the Colossians in ch. 1 v.28,29.

Wednesday Service | A teaching on Acts 13:13-52 with Pastor Josh BlackVictory Calvary Chapel is a church in Menifee, California. We gather for Jesus, to worship Him, to follow Him, and represent Him wherever we go. To learn more, visit us at www.victorycc.com.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. We are about to begin our next study and move into the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea confronts divided hearts and exposes what we truly love. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail. Our shout-out today goes to Edward Janowiak from Highland Ranch, CO. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. — 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 What does resurrection faith look like? After fifty-seven verses on resurrection glory in Chapter 15, Paul talks about money. And that is not accidental. Resurrection hope does not make Christians abstract in their practice. It should make us practical. The Corinthians were instructed to give regularly. Systematically. Proportionally. "Each one as he may prosper." This is not emotional manipulation. It is disciplined stewardship. Notice who this giving supports. The saints. The church. It's a gospel partnership across the region. Paul is organizing a relief offering for believers in Jerusalem. The Gentile church supports the Jewish church. Theology becomes generosity. Doctrine becomes dollars. Unity becomes action. Resurrection people should never be close-fisted with the generous life and blessings that God has afforded them. If Christ is risen and eternity is secure, then natural resources (i.e., money) loses its ultimate grip. Believers never hoard what they cannot keep. Believers invest in what will outlast them. Giving to God's work is not a side note in Christian maturity. It is further evidence that you believe the kingdom is real. And Paul adds accountability to his command. Trusted men will carry the gift. Paul may go with them. Resurrection faith produces transparent generosity. DO THIS: Set aside a specific, intentional gift this week for the work of the Lord. Don't wait for emotion. Plan it. Pray over it. Give it. ASK THIS: Does my spending reflect resurrection hope—or present fear? Am I giving proportionally to how God has prospered me? Do I see generosity as worship—or as loss? PRAY THIS: Lord, you gave your Son for me. Teach me to hold my resources loosely and invest in what advances your kingdom. Make my generosity a reflection of my hope in the risen Christ. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Take My Life and Let It Be"

In Galatians 4:1–20, the Apostle Paul continues to remind the churches in Galatia of a powerful truth: through Christ, believers are no longer slaves but have been adopted as sons and heirs of God. Once enslaved to sin, the law, and the elementary principles of the world, we have now been set free through the redeeming work of Jesus.Paul warns against the danger of returning to the very things Christ has freed us from. Instead of living in bondage, believers are called to embrace their new identity as children of God—living in the freedom, inheritance, and relationship made possible through Christ. This passage highlights both the beauty of our adoption and the urgency of living in light of it.

"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." Acts 16:5-14

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 3 What are you going to do with the new you? This week, Scott dives into Galatians 3 and the rough crowd of the city of Galatia. The Galatian people had a wild and extreme heritage marked by violence and paganism. This is why Paul wanted to be so clear to the Galatian church: Jesus, and only Jesus, can set us free. You became a Christian by grace through faith in Jesus because there is no other way.

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

He was born in Sykeon in Galatia in Asia Minor. (The Great Horologion says that he was born out of wedlock; the Prologue that his mother, Maria, was a rich widow; in either case, he was reared by his mother alone). At the age of ten, Theodore took up a life of strict asceticism, devoting himself to prayer, fasting and vigils. His mother planned for him to enter the military; but St George appeared to her in a dream, telling her that Theodore was to serve the King of Heaven rather than any earthly king. After this, Saint George appeared to Theodore many times, sometimes instructing him, sometimes saving him from danger. After a trip to the Holy Land, Theodore became a monk in Galatia — we should say "officially became a monk," since he had been living as a monk from the age of ten. Once he had taken monastic vows, Theodore redoubled his ascetical labors, which exceeded those of any other monk of his time: for his asceticism, he was sometimes called the "Iron-eater." Around 584 was ordained Bishop of Anastasiopolis in Galatia, much against his will. He served his flock faithfully for ten years, then begged to be relieved of his episcopal duties so that he might return to his beloved monastic life. Even during his lifetime, he was famed for his miracles and his authority to cast out demons. He departed this life in peace in 613.

This week, we continue our walk through Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia. Here we are reminded that we are indeed Justified by faith in Christ.

When we surrender our lives to the lordship and leadership of Jesus, in His sovereignty, he will open doors of opportunity. Sometimes, He will close doors. Surely, you have seen both in your life. In both cases, the issue is the surrender of our will to God. Will we let the Lord direct our steps? Main Points:1. When it comes to allowing God to guide our lives, the struggle is often the surrender of our own will. When God opens a door, will you, by faith, walk through it? When God closes a door, will you recognize it as one of the ways God protects and guides us? 2. We celebrate open doors. They are exciting. We praise God for making a way and leading us forward. While closed doors don't seem quite as exciting, we should thank God for them, because they are one of the ways he protects us and directs our steps. 3. Let's allow the God who sees and knows all things to take us where we need to go. When a door needs to be opened, God can open it. When a door needs to be closed, He can certainly do that as well. Let's trust His plan for our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:Revelation 3:7-8 - “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”1 Corinthians 16:9 - “For a wide door for effective work has opened to me…”Colossians 4:3 - “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word…”Acts 16:6-7 - “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

1 Peter 1:1-21Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, andBithynia, 2according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit,for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Galatians 1:3-5 “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Galatians 1:3–5  CSB Saul/Paul introduced at the martyrdom of Stephen. He's ravaging Jesus' followers, Acts 8:1-3. Jesus appears to Saul/Paul, changing his life direction. Receiving a conversion to faith in Jesus as Savior, Saul/Paul is baptized, commissioned, and begins to preach Jesus' Good News, Acts 9:1-31, 28:12-18. Saul, now Paul, and team are commissioned from Antioch for the expansion of the Jesus movement, Acts 13-14. This includes the region of Galatia, a Roman province. Cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe are in the area. Paul and his ministry team pioneered the Jesus movement and church here.  What do we learn? There is freedom in Jesus' Good News. What should we do? 1.    Read Galatians 1 – 2 this week. 2.    Write at least one truth from it. 3.    Pray, asking God what may be pulling you from this. 4.    Think about the contrast between Jesus' Good News and what may be pulling you from it. 5.    Choose to draw closer to Jesus and withdraw from what may be pulling you away from Jesus' Good News.

In chapter 3 of Galatians, Paul's frustration with the churches in Galatia begins to show as he explains that it is foolish to trust in the law. He argues that the children of Abraham are not those who are his descendants by physical descent, but those who have faith. Those who rely on the law are under a curse, but Christ delivered us from the curse by being hung on a tree, that is, the cross of crucifixion. He goes on to argue that the law came 430 years after the covenant promise with Abraham, and did not void that covenant. The promises of that covenant are to Abraham and his seed, which is singular: in other words, they point to Christ. The law was given as a guardian because of man's sinful nature, but in Christ, we are no longer under the law. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Watching sporting competitions and meeting athletes was a dream come true for me when I attended a Summer and Winter Olympics as a young reporter. I was enthralled by hearing people from all over the world speaking in different languages and celebrating their various countries. I’d been fascinated with the Olympics since I was a teen, but it had become an obsession. After I said yes to following God while at the Summer Games, I felt God was asking me to lay down my idol of sports. But I still had a love for the nations. I still enjoy watching the Olympics, but my heart is truly stirred when people of different backgrounds and from different nations come together during a church service or gathering to pray and to worship the King of kings. What a sweet taste of heaven on earth (Revelation 7:9)! When we remember who we are in Christ, we remember that we belong to God’s family and His family is international. The apostle Paul declared to the believers in Galatia, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26). “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (v. 28). No matter where we’re from or where we live, let’s rejoice that as believers we’re one in Christ with our brothers and sisters around the world.

Paul's purpose in writing this letter to the churches of Galatia is to rebuke them for abandoning the true Gospel for a false one, relying on works of the flesh rather than relying on the Spirit which they received through faith. He is more critical of his audience here than in any other letter, calling them “foolish Galatians” and asking “who has put a spell on you?” He also defends himself against accusations that the gospel he is preaching is man-made rather than God-given. Using his own testimony, the testimony of others, and sound logic from Scripture, Paul argues that the true gospel is received in faith, and that the promise of freedom in Christ has been present in God's covenant with Abraham all along. Galatians 1 - 1:14 .  Galatians 2 - 4:39 .  Galatians 3 - 9:40 .  Galatians 4 - 14:57 .  Galatians 5 - 20:58 .  Galatians 6 - 25:06 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org