Podcasts about Judaizers

Paul's personal testimony now takes a new direction. It is still an account of his own life and ministry, but now it involves information that demonstrates three very important things. One, the legitimacy of his own apostleship. Two, his relationship to the other apostles. And three, that they all preach the same gospel. There are places in Galatians where the errors and the activities of the Judaizers are clear. We know what they were saying and we know what they were doing. In other places, we are trying to piece together elements of their false influence by what Paul is contending and emphasizing. In other words, we hear Paul and we get a sense of what he's battling. We know in general terms what he is having to fight against, even though some of the details aren't clear.

Introduction: Introduction: What Should I Do If I'm Not Content? (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) I should recognize THAT MY CALLING IS A GIFT. (1 Cor 7:17) 1 Timothy 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, I should resolve to OBEY NO MATTER WHAT. (1 Cor 7:18-19) John 14:23-24 - Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. 1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. I should remember WHO I AM IN CHRIST. (1 Cor 7:20-23) Philippians 4:11-13 - Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I should rejoice THAT GOD IS WITH ME. (1 Cor 7:24) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 00:36-00:40Please open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:41-00:451 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:47-00:53Have you ever stopped to consider how much of your life is beyond your control?00:55-00:57And some of you are thinking, no, because that sounds very depressing.00:57-01:00It doesn't sound very fun at all.01:00-01:02And I get that, but just go with me for a second.01:03-01:07Did you have any control over when you came into this world?01:08-01:17You had no say on who your parents were, how much money they had, what hospital you were born at, what doctors delivered you.01:18-01:21Did you have any control over your genetic makeup and DNA?01:23-01:32You had zero input into what you would look like, what inherent talents you would possess, and what natural personality you would receive.01:33-01:35Are you able to control the weather?01:36-01:39Are you able to keep snow storms and frigid temperatures away?01:41-01:44If you're able to do that, you have failed us these past two months.01:44-01:47What have you been doing if you're able to control those things?01:47-01:48Where were you last night?01:50-01:54Are you able to control every single situation that pops up in your life?01:55-01:59Are you able to keep all forms of pain and suffering away?02:00-02:06I assume not because if you're able to do that, you'd be a billionaire right now because you sold your secret methods to others.02:08-02:11So much of your life is beyond your control.02:13-02:18Discontentment comes when you fail to acknowledge and submit to this basic truth.02:19-02:27And at its core, dissatisfaction, discontentment, is you not being happy with what God has given to you.02:28-02:34you being dissatisfied with who the Lord is and the life he has entrusted to you.02:36-02:41So many of your problems come from trying to control the uncontrollable.02:42-02:50Guys in the room like me who are under six feet tall, I'm sorry, those exercises, those stretches will not add any inches to your height.02:50-02:52Those height-boosting shoes aren't fooling anybody.02:54-02:56We're just gonna have to enjoy the view from down here.02:58-03:03So many of your frustrations find their root in trying to stop the inevitable.03:05-03:09Ladies, I'm sorry to say it, please don't pelt me with tomatoes and other produce.03:11-03:15You're going to get older, and there is going to be signs of aging.03:16-03:19Okay, good. (laughs) No produce, phew.03:20-03:22It's impossible to avoid.03:23-03:29Instead of resisting this, accept that your meaning is not bound up what you look like on the outside.03:30-03:32What truly matters is what you look like on the inside.03:34-03:39So many of your disappointments come from an unwillingness to accept your limitations.03:40-03:50And I'm sorry to burst your bubble, I'm sorry to ruin all the lessons you learned from Disney movies growing up, but you cannot be whoever you wanna be and do whatever you wanna do.03:52-03:54I see some of you not agreeing with me internally.03:55-05:21I'm sorry, but it's not every boy's future athlete. It's not in every girl's future to be a famous celebrity or singer. There are things that you are good at and you should work on honing those natural talents and abilities. But there are other things that you stink at and no matter how hard you try you'll never rise above mediocrity when it comes to those activities. At this point you may be thinking, "Taylor, this is my favorite sermon so far. Are you saying that I have no control over my life at all? I'm actually not saying that. You do have some control over your life, but you do not have as much control as you would like. You cannot control the life you receive from the Lord, but you can't control what you do with the life you receive from the Lord. You cannot control the calling that you are given from the hand of God, but you can control if you are discontent or content with the calling you have received from the hand of God. Which best describes you in this season of life? Discontent or content? Dissatisfied or satisfied? Unfulfilled or or fulfilled.05:23-05:28I don't think it would take much introspection for some of you to realize that you are not content right now.05:29-05:31That you lack true joy.05:33-05:37That you wake up with a sense of dread that you have to be you.05:38-05:40And that you have to deal with what's in front of you.05:42-05:44You feel like your life is stuck in limbo.05:44-05:47You feel like things will never get better.05:47-05:50feel like things will never improve.05:52-05:55You may be wondering, what should I do if I'm not content?05:56-05:59What should I do if I'm not content?06:01-06:11We're towards the beginning of the Q and A section of 1 Corinthians and that is the exact question that the Apostle Paul answers for us in 1 Corinthians chapter seven, verses 17 through 24.06:12-06:25And just like the Corinthians, you need to be reminded that true contentment is not found in your circumstances, which are always changing, true contentment is found in Jesus Christ, who never changes.06:28-06:30Let's go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His help.06:30-06:37Please pray for me, that I'll faithfully proclaim God's word, and I will pray for you, that you will faithfully receive God's word.06:41-06:49Father, we thank you for yet another opportunity to worship you together, sit under your word together as your people.06:49-06:52Lord, this is a subject that touches every single one of us.06:53-06:58There isn't a single person in this room who isn't struggling with a sense of discontentment on some level.06:59-07:02I pray you'd use your word to comfort us.07:03-07:06You would use your word to challenge us.07:07-07:10You would use your word to point us to Christ.07:11-07:14We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.07:16-07:21The first Corinthians 7 is mainly about marriage and singleness.07:21-07:29Two weeks ago, Pastor Jeff preached on two gifts, the gift of sex and marriage and the gift of contentment and singleness.07:30-07:34And last week, you heard four sermons for the price of one.07:36-07:41If you are single and you want to stay single and remain single.07:42-07:46If you are single and do not want to remain single, get married.07:47-07:50If you are a Christian couple, stay married.07:52-07:56If you are married to an unbeliever while you are a believer, stay in that marriage.07:57-08:01Do not cut and run once you become a Christian.08:01-08:06God may use you to save your unbelieving spouse.08:07-08:11You can only control yourself in that situation.08:12-08:14You can control if you stay.08:14-08:19If that unbelieving spouse chooses to leave you, that is on him or her.08:20-08:22You cannot control what they do.08:22-08:25You can only control what you do.08:26-08:28And this kind of marital situation is hard.08:28-08:29I don't wanna sugarcoat it.08:29-08:32It's not easy or simple on any level.08:32-08:37It's painful, but according to this text, that will be used by God for his purposes.08:38-08:43No matter your relational status, it is not your job to figure out what God is up to.08:44-08:49It's your job to submit to the life that God has given to you.08:50-08:56It's your job to play the cards you've been dealt instead of throwing them down and walking away from the table.08:57-09:02This principle for marriage and singleness applies to every other area of life as well.09:02-09:08your social status, your family, your finances, your career, and the list goes on and on.09:09-09:18In verses 17 through 24, Paul jumps off the main highway of marriage and singleness to explore a much needed detour.09:19-09:23So let's return to our main question for this morning that sums up this detour.09:23-09:26What should I do if I'm not content?09:27-09:30What should I do if I'm not content?09:31-09:35Firstly, I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:36-09:39I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:44-09:47Let's read chapter seven, verse 17.09:47-09:55The apostle Paul writes, "Only let each person lead the life "the Lord has assigned to him "and to which God has called him.09:56-10:02"This is my rule in all the churches." Do you have house rules in your family?10:04-10:07Do you have expectations that are to be followed?10:08-10:19No Nerf gun bullets to the face, no running with scissors, bedtime is at 8 p.m. sharp, only kind and respectful words will be spoken in this family.10:20-10:27In this verse, the Apostle Paul makes it crystal clear that he has a house rule for the Corinthian church and every other church as well.10:28-10:32He establishes an expectation as for each person in all the churches.10:34-10:36Are you a person in the church?10:37-10:38Then this verse applies to you.10:39-10:43Paul gives no wiggle room, he gives you no excuse, he gives you no hall pass.10:44-10:49If you were a Christian, you were expected to obey what the apostle Paul has to say.10:50-10:51And what does he have to say?10:53-10:55Be faithful where God has placed you.10:56-11:00Be faithful where God has placed you.11:01-11:06Instead of constantly daydreaming about what's next, focus on what's in front of you.11:08-11:10Is that hard for anybody else besides me?11:12-11:16It's so tempting for life to become a series of what's next.11:17-11:20You and I can think, oh man, this current season of life stinks.11:20-11:23I can't wait for the next thing 'cause it's gonna be so much better.11:25-11:28When you're in middle school, what are you looking forward to?11:30-11:35High school, you're excited to get out of those years of early puberty and Axe body spray.11:36-11:37You can't wait.11:39-11:41When you're in high school, what are you anxious for?11:42-11:45Getting out of high school and going to the workforce or college.11:45-11:49Once you're in the workforce or college, what are you looking forward to?11:51-11:53Meeting that special someone?11:56-11:59And then once you meet that special someone, what are you anxious for?12:01-12:02Marriage and children.12:03-12:17And then once you're married and you have kids, or one kid, two kids, three kids, four kids, five kids for even some of you, when you're in the midst of the hardship of parenting, what are you anxious for?12:19-12:20Getting them out of the house.12:21-12:21Thank you, Andrew.12:22-12:23You're very excited to say that.12:25-12:29For your kids to mature, to get older, and to get out of the house, as Andrew Colburn would say.12:30-12:33You're excited for the house to be quiet.12:35-12:37But once the house is quiet, what are you anxious for?12:39-12:45For the loud noises to come back in the form of grandkids, to finally reach that retirement you've been working so hard for.12:45-12:47You don't want to set your alarm anymore.12:48-12:52But then once you're retired, you're thinking, What's next?12:52-12:54What is going to be my final chapter?12:56-12:59So much of my life can be spent on wishing it away.13:00-13:05And so much of your life can be spent on wishing it away.13:06-13:12Instead of being present in the moment, you and I can be fixated, I'm pressing the fast forward button so we can just get on with it already.13:14-13:17Because satisfaction must come when you climb that next ladder.13:18-13:19But then it doesn't.13:20-13:23So you keep climbing and you keep being disappointed.13:24-13:28The grass must be greener once you ascend that next hill, but then it isn't.13:29-13:34You keep walking up and down each hill, hoping for what won't be there.13:36-13:41The next thing has to be more fulfilling than this current season of life.13:42-13:49It won't be, because if you're not content with what you have right now, you will not be content with what you have then.13:51-13:58It's never been more challenging in the history of the world to be fully present than it is in 2026.13:59-14:06You and I have a device in our pockets that are gateways to discontentment and thanklessness.14:08-14:14You're constantly bombarded with videos and images of people's lives that seem better than your own.14:15-14:18"Oh, if only I could have that SUV or that minivan.14:18-14:20If only I could have a house that nice.14:21-14:24If only I could have that remodeled kitchen or bathroom.14:25-14:28If only I could afford that dream vacation.14:29-14:32If only my husband was as handy as that guy on that reel.14:34-14:38If only my wife was as supportive as that woman on that account.14:40-14:43If only my kids were that well behaved.14:44-14:49If only I didn't live in a place that was gray and overcast and snowy for what seems six months of the year.14:50-14:53If only, if only, if only, if only.14:55-14:56If only is a thief of joy.14:57-15:00If only is a recipe for discontentment.15:01-15:07If only obscures the reality that your life and the calling given to you from God are precious gifts.15:10-15:15To be clear, I'm not saying that it's wrong to consider the future, that it's wrong to plan ahead.15:15-15:20It's wise to think over, pray over, and make career moves.15:21-15:26It's a good thing to save for retirement and wanna leave something for your kids and grandkids.15:27-15:30It's not a bad thing to move or want a bigger space for your family.15:31-15:41Godly ambition can be a good thing, but there is a very thin line between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:43-15:46Godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:48-15:49What's the difference?15:50-15:52Godly ambition looks like this.15:52-15:55God, thank you for all the good gifts that you've given to me.15:55-16:03Help me to invest my talents, my resources, my efforts into your kingdom for the sake of my family and for the sake of your glory.16:05-16:08Well, ungodly discontentment looks like this.16:09-16:12God, what you've given me is not good enough.16:12-16:14I need more.16:16-16:21Godly ambition is a life of open-handedness to the Lord.16:22-16:27Everything that you have belongs to Him, and everything you do is for His sake.16:28-16:33While ungodly discontentment is a life of pointing the finger of blame at God.16:34-16:39Everything that you have is yours, and everything you do is for your sake.16:39-16:40Do you see the difference?16:42-16:52In this verse, Paul is telling you enough of ungodly discontentment, enough of bitterness and resentment, enough of being thankless.16:52-16:55Stop being faithless and start being faithful.16:56-17:01No matter your circumstance, no matter your station in life, you can honor Christ.17:03-17:06What life has the Lord assigned to you?17:08-17:12What calling has God given you in this season of life?17:13-17:19Are you a teenager or a college student who's tired of taking tests, writing papers, and sitting in a classroom?17:21-17:24Recognize that your calling as a student is a gift from God.17:26-17:33Give your studies 100% of your effort because you are not working for your parents, you're not working for your teachers or your professors.17:33-17:34Who are you working for?17:36-17:37You are working for Christ.17:38-17:40You're working for the Lord himself.17:42-17:45Are you a mom whose life feels like Groundhog's Day?17:46-17:52Every single day feels the exact same, it's just the same thing over and over and over again.17:54-17:58Recognize that your calling as a mother is a gift from God.17:59-18:05Be faithful and pour into your children, point them to Jesus Christ every single chance that you get.18:05-18:13you'll never be able to press the rewind button and see your kids at the age they are now, even though you'll desperately want to.18:14-18:17Be faithful with this opportunity that God has given to you.18:19-18:21Are you in a job that you hate?18:23-18:27Are you in a job that is thankless and unfulfilling?18:28-18:34Recognize that that calling is a gift from God, even when it seems like a curse.18:35-18:37Don't be lazy, don't just skate by.18:38-18:45Outwork every single person at work, at the office, until that next opportunity arises.18:46-18:51Share the gospel, be faithful in showing your coworkers who Jesus Christ is.18:52-19:02I wish I had the time and ability to address all of your specific circumstances, but I don't really need to, because this principle from Paul applies to every single one of you.19:03-19:09Whatever you do and wherever you are, recognize your calling is a gift from God.19:10-19:13Be content, be thankful, be faithful.19:15-19:21Because Paul says elsewhere, godliness with contentment is great gain.19:23-19:30Discontentment always leads to loss, while contentment always leads to gain.19:32-19:33What should I do if I'm not content?19:34-19:37Secondly, I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:38-19:40I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:46-19:54After Paul commands the Corinthians to be faithful and content, he provides a real life example of what it looks like to be faithful and content.19:55-19:56Let's read verse 18.19:57-20:00Was anyone at the time of his call circumcised?20:00-20:03Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision.20:03-20:06Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised?20:07-20:09Let him not seek circumcision.20:10-20:11I know what you're thinking.20:12-20:15Oh dear, this is not the direction I expected this passage to take.20:15-20:17How is Pastor Taylor gonna apply this to my life?20:18-20:19How is he gonna explain this?20:19-20:25Well, I'm gonna take a page out of Pastor Jeff's book and not be explicit, but be straightforward.20:26-20:30In Paul's day, circumcision was not a medical issue.20:31-20:34It was a societal and religious issue.20:35-20:40Under the old covenant, the Israelites were commanded to circumcise their baby boys on the eighth day.20:41-20:51And circumcision was an outward sign that these boys were to be set apart for God and different than the pagan nations surrounding them.20:52-20:54And this outward sign is no longer needed.20:54-21:01this side of the cross and the empty tomb and the new covenant, we are not expected or commanded to carry out circumcision.21:03-21:12In this verse, Paul is addressing two sets of men in Corinth, those who are already circumcised and those who are not circumcised.21:13-21:16He has a very similar message for both groups.21:16-21:22If you're circumcised, don't try to remove the marks of your circumcision to blend in with the Gentiles.21:24-21:28I have no desire to get into the details of what that exactly means.21:28-21:38Let me just say that 2,000 years ago, Jewish Christian men had the option to have a surgery to undo what was done to them as infants.21:39-21:42And you may be thinking, why in the world would they wanna do that?21:42-21:43That sounds horrible.21:44-21:47We have to remember that Corinth was a Roman city.21:48-21:52It was filled with anti-Semitism, with hatred of Jews.21:52-21:57So Christian men would be tempted to make this change to blend in.21:58-22:08To use a modern day example, this would be like moving to Cleveland and to add insult to injury, you trade in all of your Steeler stuff for Cleveland Browns memorabilia.22:10-22:11Why do you do that?22:12-22:13'Cause you don't wanna be ridiculed.22:13-22:14You don't wanna be made fun of.22:14-22:17You wanna blend in in this new place that you live.22:18-22:21You make an external change to please other people.22:22-22:27And that was the temptation for Jewish Christians in Corinth.22:28-22:34On the other hand, Paul calls those who were uncircumcised to not seek circumcision because that would be pointless.22:35-22:42Back then there was a group called the Judaizers who believed that you had to be circumcised as a man to be saved.22:42-22:46But that totally goes against the message of Paul and the other apostles.22:47-22:52Paul is saying in this verse, if you were a Jewish Christian, Don't try to be like a Gentile Christian.22:53-22:56If you're a Gentile Christian, don't try to be Jewish.22:56-22:59That's a waste of time because you're both on equal footing.22:59-23:01You're both one in Christ.23:04-23:06And Paul explains this in even more detail in verse 19.23:07-23:21He says, "For neither circumcision counts for anything "nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God." that you're faithful.23:22-23:26An uncircumcision does not prove that you're unfaithful.23:27-23:32What matters, according to this text, heartfelt obedience to the Lord's commands.23:34-23:38God isn't after external religious rituals that cannot change you.23:38-23:42He is after an inward change that leads to an outward change.23:42-23:47God doesn't want you just to look the part and pretend that you have true faith.23:47-23:50He wants you to act the part and live out your faith.23:51-23:58And the test of true faith is that you are willing to obey God no matter what.23:58-24:09You are willing to obey Him even when life is hard, even when life isn't going the way you want it to, even when the world is telling you to do the exact opposite.24:10-24:16The Roman world pressured Jewish Christians to blend in while God commanded them to stand out.24:17-24:45The Judaizers pressured Gentile Christians to follow the ceremonial law that they could blend in with them while God called them to a deeper level of obedience and submission. Who should the Jewish Christians obey? The Romans and Corinth or God? God. Who should the Gentile Christians obey? The Judaizers or God?24:46-24:47You guys can do a lot better.24:47-24:49I'm giving you one more chance for this third one.24:50-24:54Who should you obey, this sinful culture or God?24:55-24:56Much better.24:58-24:59Here's the thing.24:59-25:04It's so challenging to obey God and his word when you are discontent.25:06-25:06Why is that?25:08-25:14When you are discontent, you can believe that God isn't holding up his end of the bargain, so why should you?25:16-25:20You can view your relationship with God as an exchange of goods and services.25:21-25:33God gives you material wealth, he gives you good health, he gives you easy weeks with the least amount of road bumps possible, and in exchange, you obey him with joy in your heart and a smile on your face.25:36-25:54But when your health takes a bad turn, when you get a pay decrease, when you receive a pink slip, when you experience the hardest week of your life, you feel betrayed by the Lord, and you no longer wanna give Him what He has owed.25:55-26:02You feel like Charlie Brown, when he went to kick the football at the last minute, it's pulled away by Lucy, and he has a somersault into his back.26:02-26:08You just feel totally dejected, totally betrayed.26:11-26:13You just want to take your ball and go home.26:16-26:23But friends, it is in those moments when you come face to face with the real motivation for your obedience to the Lord.26:24-26:28Do you obey Him because of who He is?26:30-26:32Or do you obey Him for what you can get from Him?26:33-26:37Do you listen to Him because you desire to twist His arm into giving you what you want?26:38-26:43Or do you listen to Him no matter what.26:45-26:48Do you follow his instructions because you love him?26:50-26:52Or do you follow his instructions to use him?26:55-26:57The Lord sees right through your exterior.26:58-27:03He sees right through the polished outside you can have, and he sees your motivations.27:06-27:08Like the Corinthians, you can focus on the wrong thing.27:10-27:18You can focus on the outside instead of the heart, instead of the obedience that God is calling you to.27:19-27:26You can come to church, you can participate in small group but still live in blatant disobedience behind closed doors.27:27-27:29You can say the right things but not do the right things.27:30-27:32You can talk the talk but not walk the walk.27:33-27:34Is that you today?27:36-27:37Am I describing you at all?27:38-27:40If I am, it's time to stop faking.27:41-27:42It's time to own up to your sin.27:42-27:49It's time to come to grips with your discontentment and your warped rationale for obeying or disobeying the Lord.27:50-27:55It's time to keep God's commandments no matter what, no matter what life throws your way.27:57-27:58This isn't my opinion.27:58-28:00This is God's authoritative word.28:01-28:05Listen to what Jesus says about this in John 14, 23 through 24.28:06-28:10He says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.28:11-28:17Whoever does not love me does not keep my word." Could it be any clearer than that?28:21-28:37The apostle John ups the ante in 1 John 5, 3, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome." Your love for God is not proven by checking all the Christian boxes.28:38-28:43Your love for God is not proven by having all the correct theological answers.28:44-28:47Your love for God is not proven by your feelings.28:48-28:51Your love for God is proven by your obedience.28:53-28:54It's an objective test.28:55-28:59And obedience, no matter what, is hard, but it's rewarding.29:00-29:08Obedience no matter what will take everything that you have, but it will give you more than you could possibly imagine.29:10-29:13Obedience no matter what is costly, but it's not impossible.29:16-29:18What should I do if I'm not content?29:19-29:22Number three, I should remember who I am in Christ.29:22-29:26I should remember who I am in Christ.29:30-29:35So, Paul gives another practical example of faithfulness and contentment in action.29:36-29:44He moves on from a controversial and uncomfortable topic to an even more controversial and uncomfortable topic, slavery.29:45-29:47Let's read verses 20 through 21.29:48-29:50Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.29:51-29:52Were you a bond servant when called?29:53-29:54Don't be concerned about it.29:55-29:59But if you gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.30:00-30:11I could spend half this sermon talking to you about how slavery 2,000 years ago looked a lot different than it did in America, and how it looks across the world today.30:11-30:27I could deliver a long and boring lecture about indentured servitude, which is the truth that in the first century, many people willingly sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts, to manage households, to have a successful business.30:30-30:37I can tell you that 50% of the Roman Empire were slaves, and most of the time manual labor was not a part of the deal.30:38-30:44I keep going and going and going, but I'm not going to preach my homework because it doesn't affect the meaning of this text.30:44-30:51Paul is in no way trying to celebrate or endorse slavery in this passage or anywhere else in his letters at all.30:52-30:55Paul is not a fan of slavery on any level.30:56-30:57Is that clear to everyone?30:58-30:58Okay, good.30:59-31:04In fact, Paul even says, if you have an opportunity to gain your freedom, take it.31:05-31:06Grab a hold of it.31:06-31:07Enjoy your freedom.31:09-31:17But he also offers a very blunt reality to those Corinthian Christians who are slaves but will not receive their freedom anytime soon.31:18-31:20He says, don't worry about it.31:22-31:23Don't be concerned about it.31:24-31:25Remain where you are.31:27-31:29How could Paul say something like that?31:29-31:31It sounds so cold and unfeeling.31:34-31:34Well, not really.31:36-31:41Paul was never willing to call people to something that he wasn't willing to do himself.31:43-31:48Sure, Paul wasn't a slave, but he was a prisoner for a decent chunk of his life.31:48-31:51Did Paul resist that God-given assignment?31:52-31:56Did he waste his time complaining and hatching elaborate escape plans?31:57-32:02No, he remained in the position that God called him to with humility and contentment.32:04-32:04I'll prove it to you.32:04-32:11Listen to Philippians 4, 11 through 13, the most out of context taken passage in the history of the Bible.32:12-32:13And most people totally do not understand.32:14-32:17Paul wrote this while he was a prisoner.32:17-32:22I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.32:23-32:28I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound in any and every circumstance.32:28-32:33I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.32:34-32:35What's the secret, Paul?32:36-32:40I can do all things through him who strengthens me.32:41-32:44I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.32:46-32:48Paul practiced what he preached.32:48-32:50He led by example.32:50-32:57He learned through experience that Jesus was all he needed because there were many times when Jesus was all that he had.33:01-33:04If that doesn't convince you, check out Paul's rationale for remaining as a slave.33:04-33:11In verses 22 through 23, he says, "For he who was called to the Lord as a bondservant is a freed man of the Lord.33:12-33:47Likewise, he who was free when called a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price. Do not become bondservants of men. So what's Paul's rationale here for remaining as a slave? If you are a Christian slave, remember that you are free in Christ. Because of Christ's death on the cross, this victorious resurrection, you have been forgiven, you have been redeemed, you have been ransomed from the slave market of sin, you've been set free from the power and penalty of sin.33:47-33:52Your sinful debt has been paid in full and you owe nothing.33:56-34:06And if you're a Christian who is not enslaved to an earthly master, don't look down on your Christian brother or sister who is enslaved to an earthly master.34:07-34:13Because even though you may not have a earthly master in this life, you have a heavenly master that you are enslaved to.34:13-34:16You are enslaved to Jesus Christ.34:17-34:21Your life is to be in service of him and what he has called you to do.34:21-34:24So don't be high and mighty because you are a slave.34:27-34:30He says to both groups, you were bought with a price.34:31-34:34You were bought with the precious blood of Jesus.34:36-34:40You have immense value because God says that you do.34:41-34:47God would not spend the most valuable resource in existence on that which is worthless in his eyes.34:49-34:51Again, you have worth because God says that you do.34:53-34:58In light of this, Paul commands the Corinthians to not become bondservants of men.34:59-34:59What does that mean?35:00-35:05Don't become enshackled to the thoughts and opinions of others.35:05-35:10How other people view you has no bearing on how God views you.35:10-35:17Your man-given identity in the world does not affect your God-given identity in Christ.35:17-35:24The opinion of others matters very little in comparison to the authoritative opinion of the creator of the universe.35:27-35:30Maybe you feel down about yourself right now.35:31-35:35You feel like your contribution to this church is negligible.35:36-35:40You're envious of those who seem to have a lot of talents 'cause you don't think you're good at anything.35:42-35:46You're envious of those who have a lot of confidence because you have no confidence.35:48-35:50You're embarrassed to tell people what you do for a living.35:51-35:54You're even embarrassed to invite people over to your small house.35:56-35:58Or maybe you're on the other side of the spectrum.35:59-36:00You have a very high view of yourself.36:01-36:04You feed on the praise and affirmation of others.36:04-36:06You're buying into your own press.36:08-36:12Do you know who can both lift you up and bring you back down to earth at the same time?36:14-36:14Dogs.36:17-36:18Some of you were surprised by that.36:18-36:20Brian thought something different I was gonna say.36:21-36:23If you have a dog, you know exactly what I mean.36:24-36:27My dog Murdoch has no regard for my appearance.36:28-36:31He couldn't care less if I'm skinny or overweight.36:32-36:34He couldn't care less if I'm up 20 pounds or down 30 pounds.36:36-36:39Murdoch has no regard for the money in my account.36:41-36:46If I were to list my many successes to him, he wouldn't be impressed at all.36:47-36:52If I were to list my many, many, many more failures, he wouldn't judge me or look down on me.36:54-36:59Whether this sermon tanks or succeeds, Murdoch will treat me the same exact way when I get home.37:00-37:06He'll run up to me with that goofy grin on his face, with his tail wagging and pawing at me for attention.37:07-37:09Murdoch's love for me has not changed from day to day.37:10-37:12His love is firm and fixed.37:13-37:16Murdoch shows no partiality or preferential treatment.37:18-37:22Do you know who else doesn't show partiality or preferential treatment?37:23-37:23The Lord.37:24-37:27God does not play favorites with his children.37:28-37:34He loves low-status Christians just as much as believers who are viewed as successful and accomplished.37:34-37:39He cherishes women who cannot have biological children just as much as women who can.37:41-37:49God's view of you does not depend upon your status and popularity, God's view of you depends upon His Son and what He has done for you.37:52-37:57If you don't feel content right now, stop looking at your circumstances.37:57-38:05Start looking at the cross of Christ where God's love for you was displayed in the most graphic and conclusive way possible.38:08-38:11Stop thinking about who you are in the eyes of the world.38:11-38:13Think about who you are in the eyes of God.38:14-38:25Consider who you are in Christ, loved, cherished, adopted, free from the power of sin forever and bound to Jesus Christ forever.38:28-38:29What should I do if I'm not content?38:30-38:34Finally, I should rejoice that God is with me.38:35-38:37I should rejoice that God is with me.38:42-38:47Paul makes one final appeal, to be faithful where God has placed you.38:47-38:48Let's read verse 24.38:50-38:58So brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there, let him remain with God.39:00-39:03What's the motivation for remaining where you are?39:03-39:07What's the motivation for being faithful where God has placed you?39:08-39:12That same God is with you wherever you go.39:12-39:16No matter what job you have, God is with you.39:16-39:19No matter your financial struggles, God is with you.39:20-39:24No matter your relational status, God is with you there.39:25-39:28And he will never leave you or forsake you.39:30-39:33Have you ever had to go on a walk with a fast walker?39:34-39:37Or go on a hike with someone that you cannot keep up with?39:37-39:46No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you lengthen your stride, there is always way ahead of you and you are lagging so far behind.39:49-39:52So often that's how we feel when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.39:53-39:57Like he's an infinite amount of steps in front of us and we'll never be able to catch up.39:57-39:58It just feels hopeless.39:59-40:00He's always gonna feel so distant.40:00-40:03He's always gonna feel so far away.40:05-40:06Is that actually true?40:08-40:11God is in step with you the entire time.40:11-40:19He is right there with you, comforting you, encouraging you, calling you to keep it up instead of giving up.40:20-40:22Do you feel discontent?40:24-40:26Do you feel alone?40:27-40:29Do you feel like no one cares about you?40:29-40:31No one sees the struggles that you're going through?40:33-40:38It's my hope this morning that you will believe in God's nearness like never before.40:39-40:45It is my prayer that you will believe in God's presence even when he feels far away.40:48-40:53You may be discontent this morning because the content of your life is so shallow.40:54-41:00You are discontent because you do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.41:01-41:09You are trusting in the provision of this world, which never satisfies, instead the provision of Christ, which eternally satisfies.41:10-41:22You will never experience true and lasting fulfillment until you turn from your sin and and you turn to Jesus Christ, who will satisfy you both now and forever.41:24-41:29He won't give you all that you want, but he will give you all that you need.41:31-41:35On the other hand, you may know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but you're still discontent.41:37-41:38And why is that?41:40-41:44Because you were expecting what God never promised in the first place.41:45-41:55You're forgetting that Jesus Christ didn't come to this earth to suffer, die, and rise again to give you more of the stuff of this world that will just be taken away from you when you die.41:56-42:07Jesus Christ came and did all those things to give you that which can never be taken away from you, to give you that which will be even more satisfying and enjoyable when you stand in his presence.42:09-42:20Until that day, be faithful, no matter your location, no matter your calling, no matter your limitations, live the life that God has assigned to you.42:20-42:26Enjoy every single moment he gives you as a precious gift.42:27-42:33God didn't save you from your sins so you could lead a successful life in the eyes of the world.42:34-42:42God saved you so that you would faithfully do what he's called you to do in every single season of life.42:43-42:44Let's pray.42:47-43:00Father, we come to you as your people and we admit that we can be discontent, that we grumble, we complain both internally and externally, we grumble in our minds and we grumble with our mouths.43:01-43:12Lord, help us to remember how truly blessed we are in Christ that we have been forgiven, we have been redeemed, we have been adopted into your family and we are bound for heaven.43:13-43:19And when life is hard, help us to remember that it's through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven.43:19-43:22It shouldn't be a surprising thing that we go through fiery trials.43:24-43:27Lord, it should be a constant reminder of how much we need you.43:29-43:32It should be a constant reminder that we can't live this life on our own.43:34-43:37I'll lift up those who do not know you this morning.43:38-43:44May they not be able to leave this room until they place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.43:45-43:53And for those of us who do know and love you, but are struggling with discontentment, Father, help us not to leave this room until we talk to someone else about this.43:54-43:57Until we ask someone else for prayer, we ask someone else for encouragement.43:57-44:05Help us to be the body of Christ this morning, not just individuals coming and then leaving, but a family who is here for one another.44:06-44:09We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 7:17-24What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is the difference between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment?What are you the most discontent with right now? How can you take steps to address this dissatisfaction in your heart?What is your calling and assignment from the Lord in this season of life? How can you be faithful where He has placed you?BreakoutPray for one another.

Paul's personal testimony now takes a new direction. It is still an account of his own life and ministry, but now it involves information that demonstrates three very important things. One, the legitimacy of his own apostleship. Two, his relationship to the other apostles. And three, that they all preach the same gospel. There are places in Galatians where the errors and the activities of the Judaizers are clear. We know what they were saying and we know what they were doing. In other places, we are trying to piece together elements of their false influence by what Paul is contending and emphasizing. In other words, we hear Paul and we get a sense of what he's battling. We know in general terms what he is having to fight against, even though some of the details aren't clear.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com          Phil. 3: 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the [a]false circumcision; 3 for we are the true [b]circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and take pride in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason:     2-6 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials.   To understand the weight of Philippians 3:2-3, you have to imagine Paul writing from a prison cell, not with a sense of defeat, but with a sharp, protective urgency for his friends in Philippi. These verses represent one of the most famous "tone shifts" in the New Testament, moving from joy to a stern warning.   1. The Historical Background When Paul writes, "Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh," he isn't just being grumpy. He is addressing a specific group known as Judaizers. The Conflict The Judaizers were early Christians who argued that for a Gentile (non-Jew) to truly follow Christ, they first had to become Jewish by being circumcised and adhering to the Mosaic Law. The Term "Dogs": In the first century, "dogs" wasn't a cute term; it referred to scavengers. Ironically, Jews often used this term for "unclean" Gentiles. Paul flips the script, calling the legalists the "unclean" ones because they were trying to add human effort to a divine gift. The "Mutilators": Paul uses a Greek wordplay here. He contrasts peritome (circumcision) with katatome(mutilation). He's saying that if circumcision is done for the wrong reasons—as a requirement for salvation—it's nothing more than a physical wound with no spiritual value.   2. Defining the "True Circumcision" In verse 3, Paul redefines what it means to be the people of God. He lists three marks of a true believer that don't depend on physical lineage: Mark Meaning Worship by the Spirit Authentic worship isn't about following a ritual checklist; it's an internal prompting from God. Glory in Christ Jesus Our "boasting" or confidence is placed entirely in what Jesus did, not in our own resumes. No Confidence in the Flesh This means we stop trusting our background, our education, or our "goodness" to save us.   3. Application for Today While we aren't usually debating physical circumcision in modern life, the root issue—legalism versus grace—is still very much alive. Avoiding "Performance" Christianity It is human nature to want a "to-do list" to feel secure. Today, "the flesh" might look like: Thinking you are closer to God because you attend more services than others. Relying on your political stance or social activism as the source of your righteousness. Feeling "better" than others because of your specific lifestyle choices. Finding True Identity Paul's message to us today is a call to spiritual exhale. If our standing with God is based on Christ's performance and not ours, we are free from the "treadmill" of trying to earn God's favor. The takeaway: Religious rituals are fine as expressions of love, but they are "dogs" if they become the basis of our hope.   Would you like me to look into the verses that immediately follow this, where Paul lists his own impressive "religious resume" only to call it "rubbish"?

Get the lesson now!This study examines Galatians 4:1–20 as Paul continues his argument that the Mosaic Law was temporary — a guardian preparing God's people for Christ. With Christ's coming, believers move from slavery under the Law to sonship through the Spirit. Paul warns the Galatians that returning to observing the Law's calendar and regulations is a regression into bondage promoted by the Judaizers. He appeals personally, reminding them of their former love for him and expressing pastoral anguish until they fully grasp the sufficiency and completeness of salvation in Christ alone.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

February 15th, 2026 | No Other Gospel | Galatians 1:1-5In this opening message of our new series through Galatians, Pastor Matt Darby lays a critical foundation with a bold reminder: there is no other Gospel.In a world filled with competing messages—social media, politics, self-help, religion—everyone is preaching a version of “good news.” Each promises identity, fulfillment, improvement, or freedom through performance. But as the apostle Paul makes clear in Galatians 1, the moment you add anything to Jesus, you've created a different gospel altogether.Written around 48 A.D. to young churches being swayed by counterfeit teaching, Galatians is Paul's most urgent and direct letter. A group known as the Judaizers were insisting that salvation required Jesus plus religious rule-keeping. Paul's response? Christ alone.From Galatians 1:1–5, Pastor Matt unpacks three pillars of a Gospel foundation:Gospel Authority – The Gospel is not man-made. It comes from God, through Jesus Christ, validated by the resurrection. We don't edit it, soften it, or improve it—we receive it.Gospel Clarity – Jesus “gave Himself for our sins.” The heart of the Gospel is substitution. Christ didn't die as an example or moral inspiration—He died in our place.Gospel Liberty – The Gospel doesn't just forgive; it delivers. Jesus rescues us from slavery to both sin and religion. We are not saved by trying harder—we are set free by grace.This message calls us to examine our foundation. Are we trusting in Christ's finished work, or subtly drifting back into performance and self-effort? Because Jesus is our substitute, we don't have to strive for approval—we live from acceptance.You are forgiven. You are accepted. You are free. Not someday. Not hopefully. But right now in Christ.There is no other Gospel.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

A powerful call to uphold the gospel of grace while embodying Christ-like affection in pastoral ministry. This passage emphasizes that true gospel ministry is not merely doctrinally-precise but is also deeply personal, marked by sacrificial love and spiritual labor akin to a mother in childbirth, as Paul longs for Christ to be formed in the Galatians. The passage confronts the danger of legalism, exposing how the Judaizers' zeal was self-serving and divisive, while Paul's motivation was rooted in genuine care and a desire for the Galatians' spiritual maturity. The sermon underscores the painful reality that truth, when faithfully proclaimed, can provoke hostility, especially when it challenges sin and pride, yet faithful shepherds must endure such opposition without compromising biblical truth. Ultimately, it calls believers to cherish the liberty of grace, reject any attempt to add works to salvation, and pursue Christlikeness with both doctrinal fidelity and pastoral tenderness, all for the exaltation of Christ and the unity of His church.

Topics: 1-Should Christians Join ICE Agents?2-Christ followers hating on The Church?Timestamp: 26:00 3- Errors of the Judaizers EP2The Sacrificial System of the Old Covenant can't be ignored or forgotten!But the Judaizers of today DO forget and ignore the requirements of the old system!Join me for Episode 3 where I'll get more into Paul's recorded struggle with the scandalous Judaizers!Leviticus 16:5-8 - 5 And he shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.6 Then Aaron shall bring near the bull for the sin offering which is for himself, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household.7 And he shall take the two goats and present them before Yahweh at the doorway of the tent of meeting.8 And Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats, one lot for Yahweh and the other lot for the scapegoat.

Paul directs Titus on his 2nd job for the church: Judaizers and other people needed to be silenced A discussion on legalism What this phrase means: "Don't be too righteous or wise" Titus needed to harshly rebuke the wrongdoers What western churches need to desperately fix based on Titus 1 If you want to support the Bible Explained: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869 Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q0427tkt0 Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sunday, 8 February 2026   Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” Matthew 16:22   “And Peter, having clutched Him, he began to admonish Him, saying, ‘Propitious, to You, Lord! No, not it will be, this to You!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples about the trials ahead for Him in Jerusalem, including being killed. He also told them about the resurrection on the third day. Peter, who had just stepped forward and proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, now has something to say about Jesus' words. Matthew notes, “And Peter, having clutched Him, he began to admonish Him.”   A new word is seen, proslambanó, to take aside. It is from pros, signifying motion toward something, and lambanó, to take. In this case, the word pros is used to indicate interacting with, and so it means to “aggressively receive, with strong personal interest” (HELPS Word Studies). A suitable single word that can be taken both literally and figuratively would be clutch.   Peter either actually or figuratively clutched on to Jesus because of His words and began to admonish Him over His words, “saying, ‘Propitious, to You, Lord!'”   Another new word, the adjective hileós, is used. It signifies “propitious.” In Attic Greek, it was used to indicate appeasing divine wrath. It is related to the Greek word hilastérion used in Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:5 to indicate the mercy seat of the Ark, which prefigured Christ as our propitiation before God.   Peter's use of it here is idiomatic. He is essentially saying, “For heaven's sake!” or “God forbid!” In such an exclamation, it then indirectly signifies, “May God be propitious to you.” However, behind Peter's intent is, “No way, Jose!” Thus, “God forbid” is a good paraphrase. Having said that, he continues with an emphatic “No, not it will be, this to You!”   The double negative adds heavily to the negative intent of the idiomatic expression. Peter is adamant that Jesus is not going to suffer. And whatever Jesus meant by “be killed” is not going to happen.   As is common with Peter, he has failed to stop and think his words through. Even without understanding that Jesus is God, he is admonishing his Lord, Teacher, and Guide. This is something that is wholly inappropriate for a person in his position. He also acted without further questioning, such as, “What do you mean by...”   But if he had stopped and evaluated Jesus' words before blurting out his admonishment, the most obvious question of all would be, “What do you mean by, ‘and the third day be roused.'” Whatever Jesus meant by “be killed,” that topic is then qualified by the words “be roused.”   Not having a clue about what Jesus was saying, he should have stopped, formed a question, and then asked in a respectable manner. It may be that his zeal is appropriate, but his approach with that zeal is unacceptable.   Life application: In Galatians 4:17, Paul says, while speaking of Judaizers, “They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.” There are times when having zeal is good. This is especially so when it is in the service of God, honoring our duties as citizens of our nation, or for the benefit of family, friends, the downtrodden, etc.   However, if we don't put curbs on our zeal, we can fall into the same personal trap Peter did. Our good intentions will turn out to be inappropriate because we didn't consider all the facts. Likewise, if our zeal is misdirected to start with, like the Judaizers in Galatia, we err in whatever we are doing. Peter found this out when he fell into their trap.   If our misdirected zeal is doctrinal in nature, we are working against what God has ordained. That is why when people shoot off their mouths about doctrinal matters without properly understanding what the Bible says about them, they cannot be pleasing to God.   A simple example is the rapture. We have to determine one of two things first. Does the Bible teach there will be a rapture or not? The answer to that needs to be fully understood before talking about the matter in an instructive manner. Only one answer will be correct. The other will be a false teaching.   The next question would be, does the Bible teach about the general timeframe concerning when it will happen? This would mean pre-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath, post-trib, etc. Only one answer can be correct. The other answers will be contrary to what God expects of us in our instruction.   The next question might be, “Am I maintaining the proper context for my conclusions?” In other words, a person may be using Jesus' words from Matthew XX to support his rapture conclusions. Is that appropriate, or is it out of the context of what Jesus taught?   Next, a good question is, “Now that the general timeframe of the rapture has been rightly understood, can I pinpoint the precise timing of it, or is that going to be unknown to us until it happens?”   The Bible does tell us. So if we take a contrary position, we are harming, not helping, with proper instruction on this matter. Our conclusions are false, and thus we are teaching falsely. Those who teach falsely have become false teachers. And what does the Bible say about such people?   These are only a few of the many parameters to be understood about a single lesser doctrine that is found in Scripture. How much more should we be prepared before speaking about the more important doctrines that can lead people to a complete misunderstanding about who God is, how to be saved, etc.?   No wonder James says that not many should become teachers. Unless we are willing to do the hard work to rightly understand and teach what the word of God says, we will be more stringently judged for our words. Read the Bible! Study to show yourself approved!   Lord God, You are wonderful, forgiving of our transgressions because of Jesus. But we still must consider that You are holy and Your word is sacred. May we never attempt to run ahead without thinking things through carefully. We do not want to do Satan's bidding while intending to honor You. Give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.  

On this preliminary upload, I'm giving an intro to the Fatal Errors found in the theology of Judaizers. The Judaizers are actually the very first recorded heretics in the NT. The very first examples of "Works for Righteousness" religions. Paul says in the book of Galatians, that the Judaizers don't just distort the good news of Christ but that it is NO good news at all!Christ has done it all. What we do, we do as by the grace that God empowers within us to do but we're NOT justified by works but by FAITH ALONE." For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10"Since indeed God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that faith, is one. Do we then abolish the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. - Romans 3:30-31

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the themes of joy and perseverance in Saint Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual training through consistent practice of faith rather than seeking new teachings. Fr. Matthias explains Paul's warning against Judaizers who insisted on physical circumcision, contrasting it with the true righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. He reflects on Paul's message of counting worldly gains as loss to attain true knowledge of Christ, highlighting the necessity of embracing suffering and carrying the cross as part of Christian discipleship. Fr. Matthias also discusses the process of spiritual growth, the power of the Resurrection experienced inwardly, and urges believers to press toward the heavenly goal with persistence, using Paul and the saints as examples to follow. The teaching challenges listeners to deepen their relationship with God through faithful obedience rather than mere intellectual understanding. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Monday, 2 February 2026   Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16   “And answering, Simon Peter, he said, ‘You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus, in a question bearing emphasis, asked the disciples who they say He is. A response is given in a similar emphatic form. Matthew begins this statement with, “And answering, Simon Peter, he said.”   Simon Peter is generally the one to step forward and speak for the others. He was a bit impetuous, and he was not sound in backing up his faith at times, such as on the night of Jesus' crucifixion and at the time when Judaizers had come to Antioch. At that time, he waffled in his convictions, withdrew from the Gentiles, and had to be sharply rebuked by Paul for his stand, as recorded in the book of Galatians.   However, he was able to clearly express his thoughts to Jesus about who the disciples agreed Jesus was, saying, “You, You are the Christ.”   The emphatic “You, You” is given as a response to Jesus' carefully structured question. The word Christ is the same as the Hebrew mashiakh, Messiah, both of which mean “anointed.” This was both a recurring thing and a unique thing, depending on the situation.   Kings were anointed for their position. The high priest was anointed for his. Even Cyrus is called the Lord's anointed in Isaiah 45:1. It was as if the Lord had personally anointed Cyrus with oil to accomplish a particular task. These and other examples of anointing meant the person was a messiah, a Christ.   However, Peter's words were indicative of One on a completely different level. There was to be a particular Messiah who would come, anointed of God, to fulfill a role that none other could fulfill. This Messiah was to be the specific representative of God on earth.   It is true that various scholars and sects had varying opinions about what this would mean, but it was generally agreed within society that One was coming who would be Israel's redeemer, leading them to a golden “messianic” age where they would lead the nations of the world.   At the time of the Roman Empire, the people thought this Messiah's role would include casting off the Roman oppression and putting Israel over Rome and all other foes. It is certain that none of them, even these disciples, saw Jesus' role as One who would die for the sins of the people. It is equally certain that none of these people actually believed that the Messiah would be God incarnate. He may be a “god” to the people, but not Yehovah in the flesh. This was a totally unknown aspect of who Jesus would be.   And more, they never, in a thousand lifetimes, would have thought that His messiahship would level the field for Gentiles as well as Jews, offering them the same benefits in the commonwealth of Israel that they would receive. Such an idea would have been totally repugnant to them.   As such, Peter's statement, though true, was not something that meant a whole lot in regard to Jesus' actual ministry and mission. It was a truth, it was an anticipation of Jesus being the fulfillment of their Scriptures, but it was an almost wholly misunderstood proclamation. And that is fine. Jesus would slowly reveal this to them, including things that would only be understood after His work was complete and He ascended to heaven. In some cases, like speaking to Gentiles such as Cornelius in Acts 10, it would cause confusion in their minds and generate hostility among one another. The Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 clearly reveals this. As for Peter's words, he continues with, “the Son of God, the living.”   As noted, this doesn't mean they understood Jesus to be God incarnate. The term “son of the God” is something that was applied to people throughout the Jewish Scriptures, beginning in Genesis 6:2. Even Gentiles were called “sons of the God” in Job 1:6 and 2:1. It is a title that indicates sonship in an adoptive sense.   Peter's proclamation is an indication that Jesus is One who is set apart in a preeminent position, even if it was still misunderstood exactly what that meant. One other point is that this was something that was already known to Peter quite some time before –   “One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah' (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas' (which is translated, A Stone).” John 1:40-42   As such, this proclamation of Peter is an adamant assertion of something he and the other disciples already knew. However, Jesus asked it to form the basis of another proclamation that needed to be made at this time.   Life application: The most important question any person can ever answer is, “Who is Jesus to you?” In fact, it is a great question to ask when you are about to evangelize someone. The answer to the question will mean where a person spends their eternal existence.   If someone says, “I don't know,” he needs careful instruction. If he says that Jesus was a “good person,” though true, it tends to imply that they have been indoctrinated by liberal ideology to accept Jesus as someone who will illuminate one's path, but who is on the same level as Buddha, Muhammad, or Gandhi.   If the person says, “Jesus is the Savior,” that still needs to be further defined. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons will say Jesus is the Savior, but their understanding of what that means is so vastly different from what is biblical that they are referring to “another Jesus” who proclaims “another gospel.”   Jesus is the Yehovah Elohim, the Lord God, in human form, nothing less. If this is not accepted and believed, they are following the wrong Jesus. Be sure to be precise and properly instruct others on who He is and what He means to the people of the world. There is no other subject that is as important as this.   Lord God, may we carefully convey the message of who Jesus is to those we interact with. Help us to be bold in our proclamation while being correct in our doctrine concerning Him and what He has done. The world needs Jesus! May we be responsible in telling others about Him so that they may be saved. Amen.  

Closing Thought: There is nothing new under the sun. False prophets and false teachers have always been among God's people from the false prophets of the Old Testament, to the Pharisees in Jesus' day, to the Judaizers of the first century, to false teachers today. Their end is destruction. We must know the truth, lest we follow their lies straight to hell.

All the Episodes of the Heidelcast Subscribe to the Heidelcast! Browse the Heidelshop! On X @Heidelcast On Insta & Facebook @Heidelcast Subscribe in Apple Podcast Subscribe directly via RSS Call The Heidelphone via Voice Memo On Your Phone The Heidelcast is available wherever podcasts are found including Spotify. Call or text the Heidelphone anytime at (760) 618-1563. Leave a message or email us a voice memo from your phone and we may use it in a future podcast. Record it and email it to heidelcast@heidelblog.net. If you benefit from the Heidelcast please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so that others can find it. Please do not forget to make the coffer clink (see the donate button below). SHOW NOTES How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg Catechism The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Commentary (Lexham Academic) Recovering the Reformed Confession (P&R Publishing, 2008) Why I Am A Christian What Must A Christian Believe? Heidelblog Contributors Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to: Heidelberg Reformation Association 1637 E. Valley Parkway #391 Escondido CA 92027 USA The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Get your notes for this teaching!What happens when the gospel itself is put on trial?In Galatians 2:1–10, Paul faces pressure to compromise grace and return to the law — and he refuses.False brothers attempt to force circumcision, re-impose the Mosaic Law, and drag Gentile believers back into spiritual bondage. Paul stands firm so that the truth of the gospel would remain.This teaching reveals the real conflict in the early church: freedom in Christ versus religious legalism. You will see why Titus became the test case, how Paul defended the gospel, and why apostolic authority is rooted in divine calling, not human reputation. James, Peter, and John ultimately affirm Paul's mission — proving that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.If you've ever wondered how law and grace fit together, why Paul resisted the Judaizers, or what it truly means to live free in Christ, this study will bring clarity and conviction.Topics in this teaching:Paul vs false teachers, law vs grace, Galatians 2 explained, Christian freedom, justification by faith, apostolic authority, early church controversy, sound doctrine, verse-by-verse Bible studySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

The Law vs. The Label: Staying Free in Christ"So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." — Galatians 5:1The Battle for the MindI've been reading and studying the book of Galatians and really thinking about what it means to have complete freedom in Christ. When Paul wrote to the Galatians on Christian liberty, he was addressing a specific crisis: legalism. Judaizers had entered the church teaching Gentile believers that they had to obey the Old Testament Law—specifically circumcision—to be truly saved.Paul wrote to settle the score on:Works vs. God's GraceTrue Freedom vs. Religious SlaveryThe Power of the Holy Spirit vs. The Desires of the FleshNew Life in the Here and NowWhen we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made free and new. We don't just look forward to an everlasting life in heaven; we get to partake in an abundant life on earth here and now. We are called to walk in the very "newness of life" Paul describes in Romans 6:4:"For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."This abundant life will have challenges and trials. I bring this up to remind you of your responsibility to develop a total dependence on the Lord. It is through these challenges that we grow and become spiritually mature.From Bondage to VictoryThe word "freedom" means so much to me because I know what it feels like to be trapped in bondage to the attacks of the enemy. But I also know what it's like to see those chains of oppression fall in the name of Jesus, never to return.Your freedom in Christ is secure when you put your faith in Jesus and make Him your Lord and Savior. We await a hopeful future when Christ will return to fully restore all things—a life where every tear is wiped away (Revelation 21:4-5), where sin no longer rules, and every broken Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/the-law-vs-the-label-staying-free?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

The sermon centers on the urgent necessity of preserving the purity of the gospel as a message of grace alone through faith in Christ, unaltered by human additions or distortions. Drawing from Galatians 1, it emphasizes Paul's fierce condemnation of those who promote a 'different gospel,' highlighting that any departure from grace-based salvation—whether through legalism, ritual, or human works—constitutes a fundamental betrayal of Christ. The preacher underscores that Paul's hyperbolic curse, though extreme, reflects the eternal stakes involved, as false teachings can lead souls astray from salvation. While acknowledging legitimate doctrinal variations, the sermon distinguishes between differences in emphasis and the dangerous addition of works to grace, exemplified by historical and modern movements like the Judaizers, Mormonism, and Arminianism. Ultimately, it calls every generation of believers to vigilantly defend the gospel as a divine revelation, not human invention, and to direct righteous conviction toward false teachers, not the deceived, following the pattern of both Paul and Christ.

In this episode of Nephilim Death Squad, David “The Raven” Corbo and Matt Hepner dive deep into the Book of Galatians for an unfiltered Bible study that cuts through church tradition, religious systems, and modern confusion.Galatians is one of the most confrontational books in the New Testament—and for good reason. Paul addresses false gospels, legalism, religious authority, and the tension between law and grace head-on. This episode explores why Paul's message was so controversial then—and why it still challenges modern Christianity today.We cover:Why Paul emphasizes his authority coming directly from GodLaw vs. grace and why legalism keeps resurfacingHow early false gospels emerged almost immediatelyWhy pleasing God and pleasing people are incompatibleWhat Galatians reveals about freedom in ChristHow religious systems drift from the gospel over timeThis is not church culture.This is not tradition.This is Scripture interpreting Scripture.If you're tired of surface-level Christianity and want a serious biblical breakdown with real conversation, this episode is for you.

Episode Synopsis:About the time Paul began his second missionary journey, a serious famine swept through Palestine–greatly impacting the Jerusalem church.  Those who lived in the region knew how serious such things could be and so they prepared for it–stockpiling grain, spices, and animal feed, etc.  But as soon as a church was organized in Jerusalem–after Pentecost–Jewish Christians found themselves cut off from the synagogue and its well-established relief system.  Now on their own, the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were apparently suffering horribly and were in desperate need of relief–specifically funds to buy food and supplies locally.Tensions between Jewish Christians and recent Gentile converts to Christianity were apparent from the moment the gospel spread into Gentile regions–as indicated during the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).  At that council, the church renounced the Judaizers and affirmed that God had blessed Paul's efforts to take the gospel into Gentile regions–which began in earnest after the Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9).  Paul planted churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth.  While these new churches aided and encouraged each other, Paul understood that if the Gentile churches–who had means–took an offering for the Jerusalem church, it would go a great way toward helping fellow Christians in genuine need.  It would also de-escalate the worry and anxiety that Jews felt toward Gentiles who were until quite recently godless pagans and often persecutors of the Jewish people.When Paul arrived in Macedonia, he tells us that there was some unspecified serious trouble and that he would strive to get things cleared up before he traveled south to Corinth.  Despite the troubles in the churches in Macedonia, they had taken up a surprisingly generous offering for the Jerusalem church–so much so that it was a major sacrifice, even beyond their means, which Paul describes as an act of grace.  Now he gets word from Titus that the Corinthians (who had been collecting a similar offering for a year) and had not followed through with their collection.  As a congregation they were far better off materially than the Macedonians, but were so distracted by divisions, the subterfuge of false apostles and other matters, the offering had not been finalized.  In chapters 8-9 of 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses this matter head-on.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

The church was facing confusion from false teachings: Judaizers adding law to grace. Gnostics adding secret knowledge to Christ. Paul writes with clarity, affection, and authority to re-centre the church on one truth: Jesus Christ is unmatched and sufficient. Bible teaching by Alex Vaca on the 11th January 2026.

"What does Abraham have to do with justification by faith—and with the salvation of the nations?In Galatians 3:6–9, Paul turns from the Galatians' experience of the Spirit to an even more foundational authority: the testimony of Scripture itself. After showing that the Triune God bore witness to justification by faith (Christ crucified, the Father giving the Spirit, the Spirit working powerfully), Paul demonstrates that this gospel is not new. It is the consistent message of God from the beginning—already preached in the Abrahamic promises.Paul begins where Moses begins: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Abraham was not justified by works, lineage, or law-keeping. He received righteousness as a gift—counted to him by faith. And from that truth Paul draws a decisive conclusion: those who are “of faith” are the true sons of Abraham.That would have landed with force in Galatia. The Judaizers boasted in physical descent and circumcision, but Paul says sonship is determined by faith, not flesh. Believing Gentiles are not second-class citizens in God's kingdom; they are the very fulfillment of what Scripture promised all along.Paul then goes further: Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham—“In you shall all the nations be blessed.” This promise is not an obscure detail. It is the backbone of the Abrahamic narrative and God's answer to the curse that fell upon the nations. The blessing promised to the nations is inseparable from justification, because blessing and curse correspond to justification and condemnation.The result is Paul's climactic statement: “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” We are living in the days Moses longed to see—the worldwide blessing promised to Abraham, fulfilled in Christ, and received by faith alone.The question for every hearer is therefore simple and searching: Are you a true son or daughter of Abraham? Are you walking in the footsteps of Abraham's faith—resting in the righteousness God gives freely in Christ?If you found this sermon helpful, consider subscribing and sharing.For more teaching through Galatians and the doctrine of justification by faith alone, explore the channel's sermon playlist.#Galatians #JustificationByFaith #Abraham #Gospel #ReformedTheology #SolaFide #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #NewTestament #BiblicalTheology #CovenantTheology #JesusChrist #GraceAlone #ScriptureAlone #ProtestantReformation"

November 5, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   In this episode the teacher steps in to “pinch hit” for an eventful week in the nation's capital and leads a deep study through Philippians, focusing on chapter 3 while setting the stage with material from chapters 1–2. After a brief devotional by Cody, the speaker traces the epistle's structure—greeting and epistolary prayer—and highlights Paul's aim to equip the Philippians to live differently from the surrounding culture. The conversation examines Paul's pattern of alternating positive examples and admonitions: Paul himself (in prison for preaching the gospel), the humility of Christ, and faithful coworkers Timothy and Epaphroditus. These models illustrate the central ethic of putting others before self, pursuing unity, and finding joy even amid suffering. Practical imperatives—stand firm, do nothing from selfish ambition, and work out your salvation with fear and trembling—are explained in context. Episode highlights include Paul's warning about external threats to the church: the “dogs,” the “evil workers,” and the “false circumcision” (Judaizers). The host unpacks Paul's contrast between reliance on fleshly credentials and the surpassing value of knowing Christ, reviewing Paul's pre‑Christian pedigree to show why abandoning those gains for Christ is the true path to joy. The study moves to core takeaways in Philippians 3: joy comes by avoiding wrong influences, putting Christ above fleshly accomplishments, truly knowing Christ (including the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of suffering), forgetting the past, and pressing toward the upward call. The episode closes with Paul's call to follow his example, watch for those who are enemies of the cross, and live as citizens of heaven awaiting transformation. Listeners can expect theological exposition, practical application for congregational unity, personal challenges about priorities and spiritual formation, and memorable examples from Scripture showing how joy is produced when Christ is prized above all else.   Duration 45:13

* You can get the sermon note sheet at: https://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25Dec21.pdf * Over the past two weeks we have seen how all of the doctrine, which the author of Hebrews shared in the first nine chapters, comes together to present the greatness of Jesus' sacrificial death on behalf of the whole world! Truly, God loved the world and gave His only begotten Son to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world! * As the author is addressing this consummation of the redemptive plan to a Jewish audience in the 1st century, we see a distinctively Jewish emphasis (or reference to the Old Testament). * It is important to also note that there were "Judaizers" entering into the gatherings of the church to draw people back under the law! These individuals were false teachers and leading people into blaspheme. In our text today, we see the author overtly addressing this battle. * Our text today is actually an extension from last week's passage in which Jewish believers were given the phenomenal understanding that they could openly enter into the Holies where God resided with confidence. This privilege was afforded by the blood sacrifice of Jesus. * Today, we see the other side of this privilege - the warning - to not treat this privilege haphazardly, but to make sure that they were living by faith. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on December 21, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.

Adolph Hitler gets elected in Namibia again except he's black now.Talking about comics and the Hulk.Whatever you give attention to is what you create.An agregore of nonsense, the way to fight against it is to not care about it.Focus on the light, not the darkness.George Orwell, nothing ever changes, the meaning of genocide, using fancy words and foreign words in English.Yeshua, Christian hipsters and Judaizers.The Septuagint and Masoretic texts, the real name of Jesus.Prior to recording technology we have no idea how ancient languages actually sounded.It's okay to speak English, you can just say English words.Where is God? What if God is space? The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.You cannot drive a nail into the sky.The metaphysics of prayers being answered.What was Lazarus like after he was brought back to life?LinksCindertip's Etsy StoreSupport the showMore Linkswww.MAPSOC.orgFollow Sumo on TwitterAlternate Current RadioSupport the Show!Subscribe to the Podcast on GumroadSubscribe to the Podcast on PatreonSubscribe to the Podcast on BuzzsproutBuy Us a Tibetan Herbal TeaSumo's SubstacksHoly is He Who WrestlesModern Pulp

Season 8 is dedicated to the book of Galatians. In this chapter, we will watch the apostle Paul further develop the truth of the gospel as it pertains to salvation by faith in Christ and the erroneous teaching of the Judaizers who came to Galatia from Jerusalem.

"The law was never meant to be a ladder to heaven—it was always meant to drive us to Christ.In this sermon, we look at one of the most important theological controversies in the first-century church: the question of the ceremonial law and its relationship to justification by faith. The Judaizers claimed that Gentiles must keep the law of Moses—especially circumcision—to be saved. But Paul rebuked this view sharply, showing that to rebuild what Christ has torn down is to make oneself a transgressor.We'll explore how Paul's words in Galatians 2:17–21 reveal the true purpose of the law: to expose sin and lead us to the only source of righteousness—Jesus Christ. We'll also address modern distortions, such as the New Perspective on Paul (NPP), which narrows “works of the law” to ceremonial works and thus weakens the gospel of grace. But Paul's teaching is clear: no works—ceremonial or otherwise—can justify sinners before a holy God.This message shows why every attempt to add human effort to the work of Christ—whether through ceremonies, moralism, or modern reinterpretations—undermines the very gospel it seeks to defend. The law kills, but Christ gives life. The law shows our sin, but Christ is our righteousness.

FROM TODAY'S RECAP: - Video: Galatians Overview - Article: Who were the Judaizers? - Check out the TBR Store Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our own. SHOW NOTES: - Follow The Bible Recap: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube - Follow Tara-Leigh Cobble: Instagram - Read/listen on the Bible App or Dwell App - Learn more at our Start Page - Become a RECAPtain - Shop the TBR Store - Credits PARTNER MINISTRIES: D-Group International Israelux The God Shot TLC Writing & Speaking DISCLAIMER: The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

Topics: Distorted Bible Teachings, Forgiveness by Blood (Hebrews 9:22), Jesus' One Sacrifice (Hebrews 9), Confess and Agree (1 John 1:9), Annual Atonement (Leviticus 16), Obedience of Faith in (Romans 1:5), Propitiation (Romans 3:25), Forgive Because Forgiven (Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:32), Sin Deniers in (1 John 1:8-10), James Not Teaching Grace, James' Works From the Law, James in Acts 15 and Acts 21, Judaizers in Galatians and Corinth, Gospel of Grace (Acts 20:24), Faith Not Works in Ephesians 2:8-9, Abraham Before Isaac in Genesis 15:6, Justified by Faith Apart From Works in (Romans 3:28), Jesus Fulfilled the Law, Christ the End of the Law (Romans 10:4), Law Abolished in Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14, Reward of the Inheritance (Colossians 3:24), False Prophets in Matthew 7:15-23, The Work Is to Believe in John 6:29 and 6:40, Can do Nothing Without the Vine (John 15:5), Casting Out Demons in Mark 9:38, Exorcists in Acts 19, Lukewarm Symbolism in Revelation 3, Sealed by the Spirit in Ephesians 1:13, Never Blot Out in Revelation 3:5, Deliberate Sin in Hebrews 10:26, No More Sacrifice in Hebrews 10:18, Female Elder in 2 John, One Wife Context in 1 Timothy 3:2 Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

In this episode of Root Issues, we dive deep into Philippians 3:1-9, where the Apostle Paul presents one of Scripture's most radical contrasts between human achievement and divine righteousness. Paul begins by warning the Philippian church to "rejoice in the Lord" and beware of those who place confidence in the flesh—the Judaizers who insisted on circumcision and law-keeping for salvation

Jim Osman addresses pressing questions in a Q&A covering evangelical concerns and biblical faithfulness. Topics include The Gospel Coalition's theological drift, the modern deliverance ministry movement undermining Scripture's sufficiency, and the Seven Mountain Mandate infiltrating evangelicalism. Osman examines distinctions between essential and non-essential doctrines, female pastoral roles, biblical canon formation, and King James Only errors. He emphasizes that sufficiency of Scripture remains the central battle within evangelicalism today, as experiential theology displaces confidence in God's Word.Questions AskedWhat is the current state of The Gospel Coalition?What do you think about Al Mohler, Mark Dever, and Ligon Duncan's return to Shepherd's Conference?What issues within evangelicalism today should we be on guard against, especially for our children?How do you have a conversation with an unbeliever about God's sovereignty and evangelism?How important is a church prayer chain?What is the Seven Mountain Mandate and its connection to Turning Point USA?Are you a Christian nationalist?What resources would you recommend about how we got our Bible and why certain books were included in the canon?What is your position on female pastors in the church?How do you argue with people who are King James Version (KJV) only?Are there different shades of false teachers, and what about believers who fall into sexual sin like Steve Lawson?What camp would Solomon fall into - believer or unbeliever?What's the difference between Paul's response to the Judaizers in Galatians versus those who preached the gospel with false motives in Philippians? ★ Support this podcast ★

The study presents a comprehensive theological exploration of Paul's epistles to the Galatians and Romans, centering on the doctrine of justification by faith alone and the freedom found in Christ. It emphasizes that Christian liberty is not license but a liberation from the bondage of legalism, particularly the Judaizers' insistence on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law, which Paul rejects as contrary to the gospel. The sermon highlights the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, underscoring that true Christian identity is marked by love, humility, and spiritual transformation rather than external rules. In Romans, it unfolds the universal sinfulness of humanity—both Gentiles and Jews—before establishing that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ alone, apart from the deeds of the law, grounded in God's grace and the atoning work of Jesus. The message culminates in a call to live in the Spirit, bear one another's burdens, and prioritize love within the household of faith, while remaining vigilant against false teachings that distort the gospel.

Hunter presents the Judaizers in a brief return to their conversation about the Pharisees and the importance of right belief informing right practice. --contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi--Jesse Turkington is the executive director of Parable Ministries and has been a Bible teacher since 2014. When Jesse was just finishing high school, he started a little Bible study at his parent's house. Little did he know, this Bible study would change the direction of his life. He fell in love with the richness of the Bible and he wanted to pursue serious study. About 10 years later, Jesse still carries that passion for the Bible and from this passion was born Parable Ministries - a Bible teaching resource.-Hunter grew up in Montana and now serves the Church in Albany Oregon where he works as a youth and young adults pastor. He and his wife Ana stay busy with two kids. Hunter loves studying the Bible and communicating it in a way which encourages further exploration of others. Hunter enjoys listening and making podcasts for others to enjoy.--If you feel led, give to the work of Parable:https://www.parableministries.com/donate

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

Send us a textIf belief never costs you anything, is it belief at all? We open the playbook on costly discipleship and trace how Paul's scars became his résumé, a living argument that the gospel is worth more than comfort, reputation, or safety. Through heartfelt stories and Scripture, we explore why real faith chooses obedience when relationships strain, why joy can coexist with trials, and how the Spirit turns our weakness into a stage for grace.We get honest about “soft faith” and the ways modern convenience reshapes our expectations of the Christian life. From Acts' rejoicing after a beating to Paul's declaration that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, we ask what marks we're seeking: external badges that flatter the flesh or the inner transformation that endures when the crowd turns away. The contrast with the Judaizers is sharp and timely—rituals may soothe anxieties, but only Christ justifies and only the heart circumcised by the Spirit perseveres under pressure.Along the way, we press into a service mindset. Veterans wear ribbons that tell their story without words; believers carry scars of faithfulness that speak of love, courage, and a King whose victory is secure. That certainty doesn't bench us; it deploys us. Study the Word like a playbook, train for trials, and stay on mission, knowing the gates of hell will not prevail. If you've felt the pull toward ease, let this conversation reawaken a resilient joy and a steady courage that returns to the hard place because Christ is worthy. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs courage today, and leave a review with one takeaway you're ready to live out.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if the loudest battles you're fighting aren't the real war at all? We open with a blunt reckoning: many of us mistake online arguments and performative zeal for spiritual warfare, then wonder why we feel empty. Our focus shifts to the battlefield Scripture names—sin that clings close, pride that craves applause, and false teaching that fractures the church—and to the quiet courage that actually costs something.We walk through 1 Corinthians 9 and the image of the race, where pressing forward isn't about earning salvation but living like the prize is real. Then we get honest about evangelism: when someone turns to Christ, resistance comes fast. That's why we prepare people for hardship and hope in the same breath. From 1 Peter 4 we draw a steel-spined vision of suffering that forms obedience, patience, and compassion. Trials aren't strange; they are training, and God's Spirit rests on the faithful.Galatians becomes the anchor. Paul opens and closes with grace, turning our eyes from outward performance to the inner life of the Spirit. Circumcision, law-keeping, even good rituals like baptism—none of these save. Grace does. And note Paul's strategy: he doesn't chase Judaizers; he strengthens believers. We adopt that strategy today. Instead of endless debates with false teachers, we build resilient disciples who can answer from Scripture with clarity and humility. Simplicity is power here: Christ crucified, risen, and sufficient. Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.A raw testimony from prison reminds us what happens when conversations center on Jesus instead of camps and labels: people believe. That fruit shapes our vision of church as true family, a place where we become students, servants, and stewards of truth and of each other's burdens. If you're ready to trade noise for nurture and performance for presence, press play and join us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who's tired of shallow battles, and leave a review to help others find the show. Where is grace training you to fight today?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if the most persuasive credential for gospel truth isn't a platform but a scar? We close our journey through Galatians with Paul's stark line: “From now on let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” That sentence becomes a doorway into the whole letter's heartbeat—justification by faith alone—and a mirror for our age of spiritual performance and online skirmishes.We share why Paul refuses to negotiate with Judaizers while pleading fiercely with believers who are wavering. The contrast matters: he invests where hearts are tender to grace, urging the church to resist “Jesus and” religion that trades freedom for status. Along the way, we revisit Galatians 2:15–16 and pair it with 2 Corinthians 4:7–12 to show how weakness, suffering, and perseverance display Christ's life in fragile people. The “marks of Jesus” are not metaphors for vibes; they're the visible receipts of fidelity—stripes, stones, and the quiet ache of watching friends drift from the truth they once embraced.You'll hear honest reflection on restraint and rebuke, the challenge of speaking hard truths without crushing bruised reeds, and the practical boundary in Paul's words: “let no man trouble me.” That line isn't bitterness; it's freedom from manipulative voices so he can keep serving the flock. We ask where “Jesus and” pressures show up today—cultural badges, legalistic ladders, or the endless need to prove holiness—and how to answer them by holding fast to Christ's finished work.If this conversation steadies your grip on grace, share it with a friend, subscribe for more deep dives through Scripture, and leave a review with one takeaway that challenged you. Your reflections help others find the show and keep this community anchored in the gospel.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat happens when believers trade outrage for mercy and performance for presence? We open Galatians and step straight into the tension of our moment: do good to all without turning the gospel into a checklist or a political pitch. From Evie's honest struggle to balance bold truth with a gentle tone to the raw reality of salon-chair conversations that turn into soul care, we explore how grace becomes visible in small, stubborn acts of kindness that outlast arguments.We push back on the “Christ-plus” mindset—those add-ons that sneak in as spiritual status markers: second works, tongues as proof, baptism as gate, diet rules, or the right worship day. Paul's warning is sharp and still fresh: a little leaven leavens the whole lump. When we add to grace, we lose the gospel. That's why Paul wrote “with large letters” despite his weakness: urgency, authenticity, and love for the church. We trace the motives of the Judaizers—building a fair show in the flesh—and name the modern version: believers turning into evangelists for politicians instead of witnesses to Christ. Parties can't produce godliness; the kingdom runs on a different power.Anxiety threads through our culture like static, but certainty anchors those who belong to Jesus. We reflect on why so many feel fragile—uncertainty, doom-scrolling, rumors of wars—and how confidence in God's will reframes fear. The worst the world can do is not the end of our story. That security frees us to listen more, rush less, and offer real help: meals, time, advocacy, prayer, and presence. We call the church back to family unity that majors on mercy and makes space for differences without surrendering the core—grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Hit play to be challenged, encouraged, and equipped to sow good seed today—because seedtime doesn't last forever. If this resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the show

You can't get right with God by trying harder or doing better. There is only one way to be reconciled to God, and Dr. Ron Jones shares it with us next, on this Monday edition of Something Good. Some two thousand years ago, early in the Apostle Paul's ministry, a group of people known as the Judaizers had tainted the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote the book of Galatians, at least in part, to refute those false claims. Ron takes us there today, as he continues his teaching series, “The Ultimate Road Trip Through The Bible: The Pauline Epistles.”  

Send us a textStart with a simple command and it will take you straight to the heart of Christian life: bear one another's burdens. We open Galatians 6 and John 13 to trace how love moves from belief to action, from sentiment to sacrifice, and from “my private faith” to a public, embodied witness. When Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you,” He isn't offering a slogan—He's revealing divine authority and setting the pattern for how the church breathes: we carry what others cannot carry alone.We unpack why burden-bearing fulfills the law of Christ and how it exposes the hollowness of legalism. The Judaizers pushed a gospel-plus that weighed people down with rules Christ never gave; Paul pushes back by calling us to share real loads—spiritual failures, moral lapses, financial needs, and the ordinary stresses that fray a soul. Along the way, we make a hard but needed critique: faith was never meant to be privatized. Christ is personal, yes, but never private. The Spirit places us in a body where responsibility and compassion run in both directions—each believer testing their own work while stepping into the needs of others.You'll hear raw, honest stories that bring the text to life—from the shock of grace arriving before a practiced prayer to the humble coordination of clothes and shoes for a loved one coming home from prison. These moments show how theology becomes visible: love is not a brand; it's a burden shared. If you're weary of checklist religion and hungry for the kind of community that reflects Jesus' own way of carrying us, this conversation will meet you where you are and call you a step further.If this resonated, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Then ask yourself: whose burden can I shoulder this week?Support the show

1 Chronicles 24 deals with the division of the 24 orders of priests arranged by Samuel and David. Chapter 25 deals with the orders of the singers and musicians for the temple choirs. Why were the musicians and singers so arranged? It is because divine worship is sacred and not haphazard. It is related to the "worshiping of Yahweh in the beauty of holiness" Psalm 96:8. There were 24 appointed divisions of the singers and this surely takes us to the 24 elders who praised the LORD's appointed king Messiah i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 4 verse 8-11; 5 verses 8-14. Heman and Jeduthan were the chief arrangers of the choirs and the musicians. Asaph was the one who oversaw the process and who also wrote several magnificent Psalms. Asaph's legacy to the nation lasted 450 years. Ezekiel 34 tells of the disgraceful behaviour of the cruel and greedy shepherds of Israel. The primary sin of those shepherds was selfishness: they looked after themselves and not God's flock. It was true in the days of the prophet. Even more true at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yahweh would not tolerate the treatment of His sheep by these corrupt and profligate leaders. God would care for them. Israel's Sovereign will provide for them and seek out pasture for His people. And by His Son the Almighty would restore and feed them. The Lord Jesus Christ in John 10 is the Good Shepherd; in 1 Peter 5 he is the Chief Shepherd; and in Hebrews 13 he is the Great Shepherd. According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provides the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi., where his preaching awaits "hearts opened by God" in Lydia and the Philippian jailor and others. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle describes his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city. Philippi was a colony which was heavily Roman in every way. Paul tells the believers in Christ in that city of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all 'brethren' were happy - there was a group of false believers (known as Judaizers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed, would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that by continuing to live he would be of greater benefit to the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every faithful saint. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone yet he suffered as a servant in his death on the cross. Christ is now exalted at the Father's right hand and having his Father's name the of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45): compare with Revelation 14 verses 1-5. Believers bear the responsibility of shining as lights to this twisted world. The Apostle shows that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrate Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. The two faithful and indefatigable labourers own lives were put behind them in the course of their own efforts to advance the gospel.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

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 textThis podcast is a continuation of Paul's plea for the Galatians to choose grace over law. The Judaizers had  mesmerized them to believe they were spaces to the law. Paul tells them they are sons of God and uses the Old Testament  to convince them. Listen to hear Paul's defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ Support the show

1 Chronicles 18 gives a catalogue of David's victories over his enemies- this is a parallel of 2 Samuel 8 and a continuation of the enacted parable. Psalm 110 establishes that when Messiah commences his reign it will be in the midst of his enemies. Verses 14-17 tell of his administration. The 19th chapter of 1 Chronicles spoke of a war being occasioned by diplomacy gone wrong. The Ammonites thought David's emissaries were spies and treated them disgracefully. The result was a war in which Israel was hard pressed by the combined Ammonite/Syrian army; but which eventually ended in a rout of David's foes. May we so live that we may be with Messiah to help establish his everlasting kingdom. Ezekiel chapter 30 continues the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar on Egypt, of its wealth and wisdom. The centres of the gods throughout the extent of the land were degraded and humiliated. The principal officers of Egypt would be scattered among the surrounding nations. Thanks be that our Sovereign has brought us out of the darkness of idolatry to serve the Living and True God. In chapter 5 of Galatians Paul calls upon believers to stand fast in the liberty that was theirs in Christ. Read verse 6 aloud - pause and ponder. The only effective position was to live by a life of faith, energised by love, which purified the believer's walk. The faithful had started their course well, but had been hindered by false brethren - called Judaizers. The Law, says the Apostle, can be summarised in one word, LOVE. We, as believers, need to make sure that we keep in step as one, moving forward in an unbroken phalanx. The fruit of the spirit is outlined in verses 22-23 and contrasts with the WORKS of the flesh in verses 19-21 (these are all natural to us and the doing of these habitually will exclude from the kingdom of God). In chapter 6 we are told of the need to help one another carry a load weighing heavily on a brother, or sister. Additionally, we need to endure our own load and carry it with courage. To help another in their time of need meekness and understanding will be necessary. Endurance is required to reap the harvest the Almighty has graciously given us. We must help all, but first priority is for believers. The letter closes with final blessings and warnings - Paul bore in his body the 'stigmata' (evidence of crucifixion). So do not be dismissive of his dire warning. But for those who walk faithfully in the glorious liberty of those in Christ there will be peace. Let us so walk that by God's grace we will walk with the Son of the Father during the kingdom and with our God after that forever.

In 1 Chronicles 16 we have the ark finally arriving at Zion after the disastrous first attempt. It was placed in the tent David had pitched for it. And after the spirit of the Melchizedek king priest, David as a great sign of fellowship offers to all the people bread (meat) and wine (in the form of clusters of raisins). Burnt offerings and thanksgiving offerings accompany these actions and all the people receive portions of these offerings. Verses 8 to 35 record David's Psalm of thanksgiving, which was sung by the 24 orders of priests (previously organised by Samuel and David). The people enthusiastically respond in verse 36, "AMEN". The praise for Yahweh's 'chesed' - "loving kindness" continues. Psalm 132 was composed to commemorate the bringing of the ark to Zion - read it and marvel as it speaks of the righteousness andTop of the Documentsalvation, that will be ushered in when the glorious Kingdom of the Son of God comes. The Psalm needs to be read in conjunction with 1 Chronicles 17. In Ezekiel 28 we have a parabolic taunt against Tyre. In the days of Solomon, they shared in the brotherly covenant and cooperated in all things. Deterioration came between the kingdoms, as evil kings came to reign. The language is picturesque, but when read carefully, totally understandable. Verse 2 addresses the prince of Tyre - a man. Commercial and maritime wisdom abounded in this city state. They were not supernatural for the account says that they were slain by the sword. From verses 12-19 the Tyrians were in Eden - a geographic region described in Genesis 2. Then the chapter tells us of judgments on Sidon, Tyre's sister city. When Yahweh brought these judgments Israel would be regathered and restored. In Galatians we have one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written- perhaps as early as AD42 depending upon the theory which adopted. The book must have been written after the Jerusalem' Conference, which was about the date mentioned previously. Galatians is the second of three treatises on the Atonement i.e. how sinners can be made right with God - the others being Romans and Hebrews. All three books are based on Habakkuk 2:4, "The just shall live by faith". The emphasis in Romans is the JUST...; in Galatians it is ... LIVE by faith; and in Hebrews.. live by FAITH. The problem of Judaism is addressed in this book. The Judaizers, Paul's constant foes, taught salvation was by works of the Law, and not by faith. They preached that Christ and belief in him were insufficient to save - that the keeping of the Law was also necessary in order to be saved. In Galatians 1 Paul establishes his credentials and says how he was called to the gospel. Paul also indicates that a curse would rest on anyone preaching a variant of the only true gospel. The Apostle explains that the gospel message was given him in Arabia by direct revelation i.e. personally taught it by Jesus Christ - none of the other Apostles were in any way connected with his instruction. Chapter 2 teaches us of the firm stance that Paul took on not circumcising Titus. The chapter also spoke of Peter's equivocation and hypocrisy, when confronted by false brethren called Judaizers. Read verses 15-21 aloud. Pause and ponder. Let each of us determine to live our life in Christ Jesus as the great Apostle did.

Send us a textThis podcast focuses on the covenant contract between God and Abraham. Paul notes that when Abraham was saved the law was not in existence yet. Abraham was saved by grace through faith and that is how everyone gets saved. Paul notes that the law was given by God to show believers how to act righteous showing they are a believer. The law only shows us our sin so we realize how to live out our faith in Christ. Listen to hear how Paul presents this fact to the Galatians who were being duped by the Judaizers who pushed the law for salvation.  Support the show

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

Send us a textThis podcast covers Paul's frustration and concern since the Galatians had been bewitched by Judaizers false teachers. He attempted to convince them that true salvation is by grace through faith. He used Abraham as an example of true faith proving that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, was saved by grace through faith like Hebrews makes clear. Listen to hear Paul's defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Support the show

Wednesday, 17 September 2025   He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Matthew 13:11   “And having answered, He said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries ‘the kingdom the heavens.' And to them, not it has been given'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus was questioned by His disciples as to why He spoke to the people in parables. Matthew next records, “And having answered, He said to them, ‘Because it has been given.'”   Scholars vary on what “given” means. For example, some say this is a special act of God. That depends on how you interpret what a special act of God means. Myers NT Commentary, citing Weizsäcker, says, “through the unfolding, that is, of your inward powers of perception, not merely by means of the exposition.”   Stating such a thing defies logic. First, Jesus was speaking in a parable. They asked Him why He speaks in parables, not how to interpret them. Second, in verse 36, they will come to Him and ask Him to explain a parable. In Mark 4, it says that when they were alone, Jesus would explain all things to them.   Understanding a parable does not take a special act of God from within nor an inward power of perception. The answer is found in the next words of Jesus. He continues His words to the disciples, saying, “to you to know the mysteries ‘the kingdom the heavens.'”   The word mustérion, mystery, is introduced. HELPS Word Studies rightly defines the term, saying, it “is not something unknowable. Rather, it is what can only be known through revelation, i.e. because God reveals it.”   This is what the Bible is for. God reveals something, it is recorded in the Bible, and the information is now available. An example of this would be the rapture. It would be impossible to know that a rapture will take place someday unless the Bible said it would occur. God could have just not told us. When it came about, it would then be a mystery revealed, at least to those who were taken.   Because it is recorded in Scripture, it is now a revealed mystery. God has said it will occur, and yet innumerable saved believers deny that the event will take place. This includes well-versed Bible scholars.   The problem with them is not that God has kept it from them and their “inward powers of perception.” Nor is the meaning lacking in the “means of the exposition.” Paul expounds on the event called the rapture, in particular, in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4. A child can pick up those passages, read them, and say, “Because I believe in Jesus, someday I am going to be taken directly to heaven.”   Without the mystery having been revealed by Paul, he never would have known this. But because it is written down, it is now a mystery revealed. So why can't the scholar accept that the rapture will happen, just as Paul details? The answer may be that he had it taught out of him, something not uncommon in seminaries. It may be that he has presuppositions that he is unwilling to let go of.   It isn't because he is lacking some spiritual ability. Even a non-believing Jew could pick up the Bible and understand what it says. “Oy! Those stupid goy believe they are going to be taken directly to heaven someday.” The reason Jesus spoke to the people in parables is explained in the coming verses. For now, He finishes with, “And to them, not it has been given.”   Jesus has purposefully taught in parables to obscure His intent. The information is there, but they need to have it explained to them. The question then is, “Are they willing to ask Him the meaning?” Those seeking will find the answer they desire. From there, they need to either accept it or reject it.   Life application: Having all the information necessary to be saved and live properly before God is found right in the pages of Scripture. The mysteries are explained. That is why they are included in the Bible. There is information we could never deduce without it being told to us. But once it is revealed, it is our job to accept what it says, taking the instruction in the proper context.   In Revelation 10:4, John is told, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.” In 10:7, it says, “but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.”   The utterances of the seven thunders were sealed up. They are words that speak of things that cannot be deduced apart from God revealing them. As they are not recorded, when they are proclaimed, nobody will know beforehand that they were the seven utterances. What they convey will have to come about according to the unfolding of God's mystery.   What is the mystery of the church? It is explained by Paul. What is the mystery of Christ? Paul explains it to us. Likewise, he explains the mystery of godliness. These and other mysteries are things that God has explained to us in His word. Once they are explained, they are revealed mysteries.   Their meaning is right there for any person to pick up and read. Whether he accepts the explanation is up to him. Judaizers have the same explanation for the mystery of godliness as anyone else does. They just don't accept its meaning. The mystery of godliness is based on the Person and work of Christ, nothing else.   They reject this and say that you must adhere to the Law of Moses to be godly. It isn't something kept from them to know the meaning. Rather, it is their own presuppositions and arrogant, self-directed attitudes. These lead to a failure to accept that Christ has done everything necessary for their salvation. But the Bible says otherwise.   Lord God, help us not to sensationalize Your word beyond its intent. The Bible is sensational enough just as it is, without us making things up that are not in accord with what You have revealed. May we approach Scripture logically, with a passion for its contents, and with minds that are open and willing to accept what it says. Amen.  

Galatians Chapter 3 Paul gives another defense of his gospel of grace reminding the Galatians that he ministered by faith and not The Law! He warns of the Judaizers of his day and we draw an analogy to the grievous … Continue reading →