Podcasts about Galatian

Pastors Holly & Roger Hart conclude the Galatian's study.

Send a textPaul ends his letter to the Galatian believers by encouraging them to keep up the fight and not fall into the hands of the false teachers that had already deceived many of them.  

Paul's testimony is all about the gospel. He has declared what is true about the content of the gospel, and now he is in the midst of declaring the truth about his own experience with the gospel. His experience demonstrates and illustrates everything that he has declared about its content. His story has illustrated the heavenly origin of the gospel. It is not according to man or owes its origin to man. His story has illustrated the exclusivity of the gospel — there is only one and he and the other apostles therefore agree in their message. But now he wants to remind them of an encounter that he had with one of the most prominent leaders in the Lord's church. The encounter is shared for two reasons. ONE — IT DEMONSTRATES THE AUTHORITY OF THE GOSPEL. TWO — IT DEMONSTRATES PAUL'S LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY AS AN APOSTLE. Both points are being impressed on the Galatian believers because they are being unsettled by a false gospel, by the influence of a works righteous group of Jewish religionists.

Paul's testimony is all about the gospel. He has declared what is true about the content of the gospel, and now he is in the midst of declaring the truth about his own experience with the gospel. His experience demonstrates and illustrates everything that he has declared about its content. His story has illustrated the heavenly origin of the gospel. It is not according to man or owes its origin to man. His story has illustrated the exclusivity of the gospel — there is only one and he and the other apostles therefore agree in their message. But now he wants to remind them of an encounter that he had with one of the most prominent leaders in the Lord's church. The encounter is shared for two reasons. ONE — IT DEMONSTRATES THE AUTHORITY OF THE GOSPEL. TWO — IT DEMONSTRATES PAUL'S LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY AS AN APOSTLE. Both points are being impressed on the Galatian believers because they are being unsettled by a false gospel, by the influence of a works righteous group of Jewish religionists.

Paul left no doubt regarding the seriousness of his letter by immediately following his greeting with a pointed rebuke. There was no "catching up" with the Galatian believers or gradual transition into the reason for penning this correspondence. No, he was writing with great concern and a compelling sense of urgency, having learned that they were already moving away from the gospel he had only recently brought to them. And to move away from his gospel was to forsake the God who had called them and to whom they had responded in faith.

36 - Preparing for the Harvest, Galatian 6-7-9 by Pastor David Goodson

This week, Pastor Dave leads us through Galatians 1:6-9 and the warning that Paul gives the Galatian church. There is no other gospel than the one centered on Jesus Christ and His work on the cross to save sinners.

Paul confronts the Galatian churches with the truth that the gospel comes from God, not men, and that any attempt to add to grace through human effort is a complete distortion of Christ's saving work.

Galatians : Anchored in the Gospel | No Other GospelSunday, January 18, 2026Dwight BernierGalatians 1.6-10The apostle Paul is surprised at how quickly the Galatian believers are turning away from the good news that they banked their lives upon and have turned to a different “good news”. In this short passage, Paul is adamant about the reality that there is no other good news and that they should not believe anything different… even if an angel came to speak with them. Followers of Jesus have no other hope except Jesus alone!  

Act 16:6  And they traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in Asia. 

Daily Dose of Hope January 12, 2026   Scripture: Galatians 6   Prayer:  Dear Lord, I feel the need to just start with silence this morning.  Help us sit and reflect on you and your presence...Jesus, we need you.  We go through our days distracted and in a hurry, sometimes even forgetting to pray or acknowledge you.  Help us to be aware of your presence, knowing that you walk with us every step of the way, guiding us and leading us in all our words, actions, and decisions.  This is your day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a journey through the letters of Paul.   Today's reading is Galatians 6.  We have reached the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Galatians.  Keep in mind, as we read this and many of Paul's letters, we are privy to only one side of the conversation. It would be really helpful to know how the Galatians responded to Paul!  What were their initial concerns and fears that made their way to Paul in the first place?  Paul is about to close out this conversation with the Galatians and it's impossible for us to get the whole picture.   That being said, we get the gist.  In this final chapter, Paul certainly emphasizes the main point of the letter, that salvation is found in the cross of Jesus and not in the law.  But it's here that Paul is also addressing "so what does this mean for our everyday lives?"  Faith is what is absolutely critical for Galatian believers but works demonstrate that belief.  While the specific works of the law are no longer relevant, how a believer behaves is still very much relevant!  One scholar said that Paul is saying that faith in Jesus and actions are inseparable, like breathing in and breathing out.  You can't say you believe in Jesus and then not change your actions.  That's why Paul is encouraging the Galatians to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ in verse 2, why each person must bear their own load in verse 5, and why each person will reap what they sow in verse 7.  He encourages them to not lose heart in doing good, don't grow weary in the assurance that they will reap what they've planted in verse 9.    The next part is actually kind of humorous.  In verse 11, Paul is actually taking the pen from the scribe (letters at that time were usually dictated to a professional scribe) and writing his own conclusion. He is clear that he is writing this part on his own with large letters.  It's especially critical to him and he wants to emphasize it one more time.  He is going back, one last time, to his main point.  He has preached to him the true Gospel – salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone.  Works of the law have nothing to do with salvation.  The false teachers who came after him have preached a false Gospel, saying that to be in right relationship with God, the Galatians have to be circumcised (and follow the whole law as well).    Then, he closes by saying that neither circumcision or uncircumsion matter.  What matters is the new creation.  What does this mean?  The best way to describe it might be a radical transformation that occurs because of our belief in Jesus.  The old ways are gone and we are new people.  It means spiritual rebirth, characterized by a new identity and life purpose.  The new creation means we are no longer defined by our old identity and divisions but by our union with Jesus.    How have you experienced this new creation in your life?  How would you describe you before and after identity in Jesus?    Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

What is the New Testament Church? Can we find it in the in-fighting of the Corinthian church or the legalism of the Galatian church? Or is it something else altogether?

This weekend, we'll step back into our study of Galatians by picking it up in chapter 3. There, we'll see the apostle Paul shift his letter to the wayward Galatian church into gear. Up to this point, he has been making the case that distorting the gospel destroys it. Now, like a courageous and loving friend, he confronts his readers with the fact that they're wrong. They've fallen for a dangerous false gospel that we're all prone to fall for if we're not careful.

33 - Judge Not, Galatian 6-,-2 by Pastor David Goodson

This first message in our Galatians series considers some of the important historical and theological factors that have driven the general Protestant interpretation of Paul's Galatian epistle and his concerns and instruction in it.

We have been following the reasoning of the apostle Paul as he begs the Galatian brethren to see the error of their ways and come back to Jesus. In chapter 4, we will see him continue that plea and we will see how much he loves them and how much they love him. There is a lot of godly love in this chapter.

In Galatians 6:11–18, Paul finishes his letter by pointing out the difference between those teaching a misleading message and the true way of following Jesus. Looking at the confusion in the Galatian churches, he explains what it really means to be a follower of Christ.

Can you remember the day you encountered Christ? Do you recall how your life began to change miraculously? Paul could! In fact, Paul never stopped expressing gratitude for all that Christ did for him. When he wrote his epistle to the Galatian believers, he gave personal testimony of his life before Christ, when he met Christ and how Christ changed his life. As we pause this week to give thanks to our God, may we be very mindful to magnify our Savior for the blessing of our salvation.

Join Pastor Kirk as continues the study Against Heresy 2.0 covering the heresy of "Legalism". This study covers scripture from the book of Galatians.

A Key answer that every Christian needs to know and understand is our relationship to the Old Testament law. Do we still follow the Old Testament? Why or why not? We'll tackle this challenging question as we study Paul's teachings to the Galatian churches on this very issue. Please join us as we study Galatians 3!  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. In 2025, we were awarded #10 on the list of the "Best 100 Bible Podcasts" list from www.millionpodcasts.com. We are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

In this Bible Story, we are able to read the letter Paul wrote to the Galatian church. Paul, with the love and wisdom of Jesus, implores the Galatian church to stop binding themselves to the law. He encourages them to live under grace and live in the Spirit. This story is inspired by Galatians. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Galatians 1:10 from the King James Version.Episode 231: During his travels, Paul heard about the lies that were being spread in Galatia. He heard about how this false teaching was impacting the church that he loved, so he wrote them a letter. In this letter, he called out the foolishness of this new teaching and reminded them of his own past experiences with the law. He reminded them that it is in Christ that we find our righteousness, not the law. And he shared his heart for them, reminding both them and us the importance of walking according to The Holy Spirit, not the flesh.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you going back to chains Jesus broke? In this message on Galatians 4:8–20, we confront both the subtle and dramatic ways believers drift from gospel freedom back to forms of spiritual slavery—be it through performance, religious rules, approval-seeking, or addiction achievement. Paul's urgent warning to the Galatian church becomes hauntingly relevant for us today: You can't have Christ and keep your chains. This message exposes how easy it is to slip from grace into works, from sonship into striving, from deep joy into quiet compromise. Pastor Matthew calls out modern idols, exposes the power of being “known by God,” and urges us to repentance, restored living, and urgent participation in God's mission. Whether you feel stuck, are tempted to return to old habits, or simply want to hunger for more of Christ, this message will confront you at your crossroads.

November 9, 2025 Paul is astonished, amazed and frustrated with the Galatian disciples. Here in chapter 3 he's not giving us a salvation doctrine as many believe, instead he is calling for unity of the disciples, jews, greeks, slave, free, men and women total unity so the world will know...

Refresh!A Fresh Perspective: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25Sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatian 6:7-10, NIV)Acts of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23, NIV)Watch out! Possible seed contamination!“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15, NIV) The Sower influences the size of the crop but God gives the growth and ultimately controls the size of the crop.Good news: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV)Bad news: “They sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind,” (Hosea 8:7, NIV)Where do I start? Visit the tables in the Great Room to learn more about current opportunities.Visit gatewayfranklin.com to learn about and sign up for information about upcoming events.Contact Georgetta at georgetta@gatewayfranklin.com. THE EXCEPTION:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23, NIV)23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NIV) "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

Letters From Your Father - Pt. 9Paul refers to the Galatian believers as "sons of God." Does this include women and slaves? And why does this title matter? Pastor Dave unpacks this title and how it can change everything about the way in which we view ourselves.

Big Idea: Your generosity opens doors and hearts.1 Corinthians 16:1-12I. Be generous with your money1 Corinthians 16:1-4Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it is suitable for me to go as well, they will travel with me.II. Be generous with your time.1 Corinthians 16:5-7I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia—for I will be traveling through Macedonia—and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. I don't want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.III. Be generous with your attention.1 Corinthians 16:8-9But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me.IV. Be generous with your relationships.1 Corinthians 16:10-11If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while with you, because he is doing the Lord's work, just as I am. So let no one look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me, because I am expecting him with the brothers.V. Be generous with your leadership.1 Corinthians 16:12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to create a new heart in me today.Become: I will be generous with God's gifts this week. Be Sent: I will pray for an opportunity to push back darkness this week.Discussion Questions: In which area of your life do you find it most difficult to be generous? What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of generosity in that part of your life? Were you greedy with your time last week? What area of your community is God opening a door for the gospel right now? How can you encourage respect and support for your church leaders?What is one relationship you would like to be more generous with this week?  Pray for the opportunity to show generosity to someone far from Jesus this week. 

To support the ministry of Celebration Church please click here: https://subsplash.com/celebrationchurchtn/giveSubscribe to receive our latest content: https://tr.ee/2b6XuDKlaS...FOLLOW US►► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwmccollum/►► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rwmccollum/►► Twitter: https://twitter.com/rwmccollum#celebrationchurchnashville #online #jesus #celebrationchurch #church #onlinechurch #sermon #nashville....Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore, know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying,"In you all the nations shall be blessed." So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.Galatians 3:6-9The Apostle Paul confronted the confusion created by the Judaizers in the Galatian churches by reminding them that the Gospel, preached to Abraham 2000 years earlier, had promised salvation to all who would believe, regardless of race or nationality. Today, 2,000 years later, we may need to hear that again.We hope you enjoy Pastor Ray's message: “The Gospel According to Abraham.”

Send us a textThis podcast concludes the book of Galatians. The enemy Judaizers  have been brainwashing the Jews to follow their law but the law was impossible to keep. Paul tried to convince the Galatian converts the onthe cross at Calvary Jesus set believers free from the law so stop trying to keep this impossible law. Listen to hear Paul's conclusion to Galatians.  Support the show

The Galatian church was made up of new believers that Judaizers sought to lead astray with a false gospel of Works. Paul's letter reminds them that salvation is by faith in Christ (not by our works). The New Covenant in Christ means freedom and unity as the Holy Spirit writes the Law of God on our hearts.

Send us a textDive into the heart of Paul's letter to the Galatians as we explore the transformative message of justification by faith alone. This powerful exposition of Galatians 5 confronts one of the earliest and most persistent threats to the gospel—the tendency to add human works to God's free gift of salvation.When the Galatian church began incorporating circumcision and other requirements alongside faith in Christ, Paul delivered this passionate defense of gospel purity. As he declares, "If you add anything to justification by faith, whatever it is you add, once you add it, that is no longer the gospel that saves." This stark warning remains profoundly relevant today as many still struggle with the simplicity of salvation through faith alone.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we examine the final fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23: faithfulness, meekness, and temperance. Unlike some of the more outwardly manifested fruits, these three focus on the believer's inner character. Faithfulness here refers not primarily to our faith toward God but to our reliability in relationships with others—are we dependable people whom others can trust?Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, actually represents strength under control. Just as Moses was called the meekest man on earth, this quality reflects the humility to restrain one's power appropriately. The panel offers illuminating perspectives, including the analogy of a powerful horse willingly accepting a rider's guidance.Throughout the discussion, Paul's liberating declaration echoes: "Against such there is no law." Those led by the Spirit produce fruit that no law could ever condemn, freeing believers from the burden of legalism and releasing them into the freedom Christ secured. Whether you're struggling with legalistic tendencies or seeking to understand the transformative work of the Spirit, this exploration of Galatians offers clarity and encouragement for your spiritual journey.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Chapter 4 of Paul's epistle to the Galatian church is a declaration of the freedom believers have as sons of God, not slaves. The author reveals his heart's affection for his readers and his desire for them to live in the freedom that Christ brings. To illustrate the contrast between the Law that enslaves and the gospel of grace which liberates, Paul uses the analogy of two women in Genesis: Sarah and Hagar. Each had a son, but they were incompatible, so Hagar and her son had to be cast out. So too, the Law and grace are incompatible when it comes to how we are saved and sanctified. Believers are of the free woman, not the slave. #Galatians #SimplybyGrace #GraceLifeMinistries #longstoryshort #winterbibleschoolnewzealand

In week 1 of our Galatians series, Dave unpacks the first chapter of this letter from Paul to the Galatian churches. 

Send us a textThe distinction between faith and law-keeping takes center stage in this profound examination of Galatians 5. When the Galatian believers began adding requirements to salvation by grace—specifically circumcision as promoted by Judaizers—they perverted the gospel into something it was never meant to be. Paul's stern rebuke reminds us that salvation comes through faith alone, apart from any works of the law.A standout moment arrives when we explore Paul's declaration that "if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law"—a statement that delivers a fatal blow to anyone claiming to be both Spirit-led and a law-keeper for salvation. These approaches are mutually exclusive, creating an either/or proposition that challenges modern "Torah-keepers" just as it did the first-century Galatians.The teaching provides a comprehensive breakdown of the works of the flesh into three categories: sensual sins (like adultery and fornication), religious sins (idolatry and witchcraft), and social sins (including hatred, strife, and murder). Paul's warning that those who practice—as an unrepentant lifestyle—these works will not inherit God's kingdom serves as a sobering reminder of salvation's transformative power.Perhaps most fascinating is the revelation about five laws Jews created that God never instituted: divorce, slavery, polygamy, oaths/vows, and blood vengeance. While God regulated these practices to limit harm, they originated from human cultural development, not divine command. The cities of refuge, established to protect those who committed accidental manslaughter from blood avengers, reveal God's heart for mercy and justice. These cities, with their strategic placement and accessible roads, foreshadow Christ's salvation—available to both Jews and Gentiles, near to all who seek refuge.Ready to discover more biblical insights that challenge common assumptions? Listen now and share your thoughts on how this teaching reshapes your understanding of grace, law, and God's redemptive plan.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Galatians Summary Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reviews Galatians 4:8-11. Did the Apostle Paul forthrightly condemn the Galatians for observing the seventh-day Sabbath and appointed times? Or, are there some ancient background issues which need to be taken into consideration, when properly reviewing the Galatian error? This is then followed by a review of important stories and issues from the past day or so, largely witnessed on social media.

Send us a textJustification by faith stands as the cornerstone of Christian doctrine, yet throughout history, believers have struggled with the temptation to add works to grace. This powerful exposition of Galatians reveals why any admixture of legality fundamentally corrupts the gospel message.The apostle Paul confronted the Galatian believers who had been deceived by Judaizers into thinking they could embrace justification by faith while still requiring circumcision. This critical error reflects humanity's innate tendency to want law integrated with grace—a combination that, once mixed, is no longer grace at all. Through careful examination of Paul's arguments, we discover why this matters so profoundly for our understanding of salvation.Many misunderstand God's fairness, believing that election somehow violates divine justice. Yet the truth revealed in Galatians offers a more profound perspective: if God were merely "fair," all humanity would face eternal condemnation. Divine grace operates outside these parameters, not by eliminating justice but by satisfying it through Christ's substitutionary atonement. For believers, Christ bore the wrath they deserved, standing in their place as the perfect sacrifice. This distinction between walking in the Spirit versus remaining under law permeates Paul's message, showing why these two paths cannot be merged. The works of the flesh—whether sensual sins like adultery and fornication or religious sins like idolatry—reveal our desperate need for grace alone.What does this theological understanding mean for your daily walk with Christ? When we truly grasp our natural state of sin and God's magnificent grace, it produces genuine humility and reverence. This fear of the Lord—a profound awe at His holiness and mercy—transforms how we approach both God and others. Have you allowed legalism to creep into your understanding of salvation? Return to the pure gospel of grace and experience the freedom Christ died to give you.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Paul wrote a personal letter to the Galatian believers packed with theological truth and biographical notes. In this opening to the letter, Paul begins with a bang and emphasizes the simplicity of believing in what Jesus has done for us and relying completely on God's grace. Over the next six weeks, we want to explore our own stories while understanding the story of Paul and the Galatians to reconfirm our confidence in the simple Gospel of Jesus and rediscover God's grace at the heart of our stories.Support the show

Send us a textGalatians 5 confronts us with a revolutionary understanding of Christian freedom that challenges both legalism and license. What does it mean to be "called to liberty" while not using that freedom "as an opportunity for the flesh"? This episode dives deep into Paul's masterful explanation of life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh.We explore how Paul addresses the Galatian church's dangerous mixture of grace and law—particularly their reintroduction of circumcision as a requirement for salvation. This critical error prompted one of Paul's most powerful theological statements: "If you are going to adhere to any law, any law, then you are bound to uphold all of the law." The implications are stark—either we're justified by faith alone or we're not justified at all.The panel unpacks what it means to "walk in the Spirit" and why this produces something the law could never accomplish. When Christ transforms us, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—flows naturally. As one panelist beautifully summarizes: "Trees grow apples, not the other way around."Perhaps most profound is the discussion of divine love versus human love. While human love is emotional and fleeting, God's love is eternal, immovable, and demonstrated through the doctrines of election, redemption, and regeneration. This understanding transforms how we view both salvation and our relationships with others.For anyone struggling with the tension between grace and works, freedom and responsibility, or the role of the law in the Christian life, this episode offers scriptural clarity that points to Christ as both the source and sustainer of authentic Christian living. Through Him, we discover that true freedom isn't the absence of restraint but the presence of divine love that fulfills what the law could only demand.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

1 Corinthians 16 “Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I… Read More »One Final Word

"Faith always comes before the evidence. Faith always comes before the work..." --Pastor John Dunning In this session of the Wonderful Words of Life Radio Broadcast, we will complete our study of Galatians Chapter Three. Paul is defending Justification by faith in Christ alone, apart from the works of the Law, as a means of being made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. The Law as a Guide to Grace Pastor John Dunning teaches from Galatians 3, explaining Paul's powerful defense of salvation by faith alone. He addresses the Galatian believers who were turning back to works of the law, a form of apostasy, and reminds them of the true path to righteousness. -- The Purpose of the Law: The law was given not to make us righteous, but to expose our sinfulness. It acts as a "schoolmaster" or a guardian, showing us our inability to perfectly obey God's commands and leading us to the one who could—Jesus Christ. -- Faith Precedes Works: Pastor Dunning uses the example of Abraham, who was counted as righteous by God because he believed before he saw the fulfillment of the promise. This illustrates that faith must always come before the evidence or the work. -- A Single Promise: The promise God made to Abraham was to "his seed," singular, referring to Christ. This promise, made 430 years before the law, cannot be nullified by it. If salvation were dependent on the law, there would have been no need for Christ's sacrifice. -- The End of the Schoolmaster: Once faith in Christ has come, we are no longer under the law's tutelage. The law served its purpose by bringing us to Christ, and now, through faith, we are justified and made children of God. -- United in Christ: The message of justification by faith tears down all barriers. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, for all believers are one in Him and are heirs of Abraham's promise. Scriptures for Further Study -- Galatians 3:1-29 -- Matthew 5:48 -- Mark 16:20 -- Romans 4:3 -- Genesis 12:2-3 -- 1 Timothy 2:5 +++++++ You can find more information on my website: https://pastorjohndunning.com/ You can hear my personal testimony on this website: https://www.ifyouonlyknew.life/

Send us a textSalvation by grace alone or salvation by grace plus works? The Galatian church faced this pivotal question after Paul's departure, when Judaizers crept in suggesting that faith in Christ wasn't quite enough—circumcision and law-keeping were also necessary for true righteousness.Paul's passionate response in Galatians 5:3-4 cuts straight to the heart of the gospel: "I testify again to every man that is circumcised that he is a debtor to the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."These powerful words have often been misunderstood. The phrase "fallen from grace" doesn't suggest that genuine believers can lose their salvation. Rather, Paul reveals the stark incompatibility between two systems of justification—law-keeping versus grace through faith in Christ. Add even one element of law-keeping to grace as a requirement for salvation, and you've abandoned grace entirely.Consider the logical conclusion: if circumcision is necessary for salvation, then perfect obedience to every aspect of the law becomes equally necessary. Just as breaking one commandment makes a person guilty of breaking the entire law, attempting to be justified by keeping one aspect of the law obligates someone to perfect obedience in everything. This reveals the utter impossibility of salvation by works.The beauty of the gospel lies in its completeness. Salvation comes entirely from God—predetermined before the foundation of the world, accomplished through Christ's sacrifice, applied by the Holy Spirit, and secured forever by divine power. Those truly born again cannot "give back" their salvation, for true regeneration involves a fundamental transformation that cannot be undone.This understanding doesn't lead to license but to humble gratitude. When we grasp that our salvation depends entirely on God's work rather than our own, we're moved to worship and obedience motivated by love, not fear or obligation.Are you standing firm in the liberty Christ purchased, or slipping back into religious performance? Join us as we explore the liberating truth that in Christ alone, we find a salvation that is both completely free and eternally secure.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textPaul's letter to the Galatians delivers a thunderbolt of theological clarity that reverberates through the centuries to challenge our understanding of salvation. What happens when well-meaning believers start adding requirements to the gospel? The consequences are far more severe than most realize.The Galatian churches faced a crisis. Having embraced the gospel of grace through Paul's ministry, they were now being persuaded by Judaizers that faith in Christ wasn't enough—they needed to adopt Jewish laws and customs to truly be right with God. Paul's response is both fierce in its doctrinal clarity and tender in its pastoral concern.At the heart of this letter stands the foundational truth that "a man is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ." This isn't merely a theological nicety but the very essence of Christianity. When we attempt to combine faith and works for salvation, we don't enhance the gospel—we fundamentally transform it into something that no longer saves.As our study reaches Galatians 4:12-18, we see Paul shifting from thundering doctrine to heartfelt appeal. "Become like me, for I became like you," he urges, inviting the Galatians to embrace the freedom he discovered when Christ liberated him from pharisaical legalism. His appeal reminds them of their former joy and the deep bond they shared when they first believed.The tactics of these false teachers mirror those used in Eden—not outright rejecting truth, but subtly adding to it. They flattered the Galatians while trying to make them dependent disciples. Paul exposes their motives and reminds believers that true gospel ministry flows from genuine love, not self-interest.Are you standing fast in the liberty Christ secured, or slipping back into performance-based religion? Has legalism robbed you of the joy that once characterized your faith? Paul's passionate defense of justification by faith alone continues to call us back to the liberating truth that in Christ, we are truly free.Support the show

Send us a textThe promise of grace has always been God's plan. Through repetition worthy of a hit song, the Apostle Paul hammers home this life-changing truth to the Galatian church: salvation comes through faith alone, not works of the law.Diving deep into Galatians, we explore what Paul calls "the foolish Galatians" who had been bewitched into thinking their justification required something beyond faith in Christ. The message resonates with alarming clarity—there is nothing in us that warrants justification. We are dead in sin and trespasses, utterly incapable of choosing salvation without divine intervention.This powerful truth challenges our modern notions of free will and human agency. While many preachers softly suggest that sinners should "just accept Christ," Paul presents a more sobering reality: repentance isn't an invitation but a command from the sovereign God. We're not negotiating terms with our Creator; we're being called to submission before the only mediator between God and humanity.The culmination of this teaching appears in Galatians 4:1-7, where Paul uses the analogy of inheritance to demonstrate our transition from slavery to sonship. Before Christ, we were like children under guardians and stewards—the law—but "when the fullness of time had come," God sent His Son to redeem us from bondage and adopt us as His children. Now, through faith, we have the Spirit of God's Son in our hearts, enabling us to cry "Abba, Father" with genuine intimacy.This message transcends theological discussion—it transforms identity. When we grasp that our salvation rests entirely on Christ's finished work rather than our efforts, we experience a freedom that permeates every aspect of life. Have you embraced this freedom? Are you still trying to earn what can only be received as a gift through faith?Support the show

As we wrap up chapter 4 today, Paul is going to use another story from the OT to prove his point about how we are brought into our relationship with God. Paul goes all the way back to Genesis again and retells the story of Hagar, Sarah, and the birth of each of their sons. It will be thorough this story from the OT that Paul will use to help the Galatian believers see that they need to reject legalism and cling to grace.

As we look at chapter 4:8-20 today, we will see the the pastor side of Paul. As he is giving the Galatian believers truth he makes a loving appeal. He's pleading with them to remain free in grace and not attach all these laws in order to gain favor with God. With a bleeding heart, Paul begged the Galatians to stay firm in the gospel of grace.

Grace To You - Galatians | Just As I Am | Pastor Chris Heller   Galatians 4:21-31 It has been so encouraging to read and hear the many testimonials of people in our church family, both in house and online, who have found our journey through the book of Galatians, specifically the focus on our identity in Christ, to be such a blessing! Join us again this week as we hear our author use this portion of his letter (4:21-31) to be quite vulnerable with his audience, as well as quite passionate about his heart for the people falling back into the Law in the Galatian church.  If you have ever felt lonely, unnoticed, forgotten, or even ignored by God, this Sunday should be a real encouragement as we are reminded that not only does God see you, He desires to draw near to you!

As we finished chapter 3 last week we saw what faith is able to do. When we believe in Jesus by faith we become sons of God and we are part of the family of God. Paul is saying all these things because he is building on the relationship that we have with God because of our faith. We don't earn a relationship with God through works. What the Galatian believers were caught up in and what we sometimes find ourselves in is this idea that our relationship with God is dependent on if we do or do not do certain things. We are saved by grace through faith alone, and our growth in Christ is by grace through faith. As we look at chapter 4 today Paul is going to continue the thought about our relationship with God that we looked at last week and stress the importance of God as our Father.

In this series, our panel holds a roundtable discussion about the central theme of "Unity in Galatians." Paul is angry because the Galatians have chosen the way of the curse rather than the way of life. He calls them to abandon Jesus plus this or that and embrace the gospel of grace through faith, which dismantles the traditional barriers between people - "for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Panel Bios: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mlC3VKkZ7PX3070py9FU0n9HOybUIyvt/view?usp=sharing We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Exodus 34:6-10, Galatian 5:22 & Romans 8:24-25

In Galatians 3, Paul confronts the Galatian church for drifting from the true gospel—one centered on faith, not works. In this message, we explore how salvation doesn't begin with our effort, but with the Spirit's power. Drawing from the story of Abraham, we see how God's promise has always been fulfilled through faith, not law. This sermon unpacks the freedom we have in Christ, the purpose of the law, and how the Holy Spirit continues to transform us today. Message Delivered: 6/29/25