Podcasts about Judaizers

As we begin this passage, you may notice something unusual. Paul, in almost every other letter, begins with thanksgiving. Even when writing to the troubled church in Corinth, Paul could still thank God for His grace at work among them. But not here. Not in Galatians. There is no thanksgiving, no pause for polite greetings, no gentle buildup. Instead, Paul comes in with the shock of holy astonishment: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ…” Something had gone terribly wrong in these churches. They had started well, embracing the gospel of grace that Paul preached — salvation through faith in Christ alone. But now, they were turning to what Paul calls “a different gospel,” a distortion that added requirements to the finished work of Jesus. In this case, it was the teaching of Judaizers — insisting that Gentile believers needed to obey the ceremonial law, including circumcision, to be fully accepted by God. And, brothers and sisters, this is not just an ancient problem. The temptation to believe in Christ plus something else is alive and well today. Christ plus performance. Christ plus tradition. Christ plus a certain spiritual experience. The problem is, when you add anything to Christ, you don't enhance the gospel — you lose it altogether. This passage is God's urgent word to His church: there is no other gospel. Not then, not now, not ever. And so this morning, we will walk carefully through these verses to understand their meaning, to see how Christ fulfills them, and to hear how the Spirit calls us to cling to the one true gospel with unwavering faith. AM Service 16 November 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville, South Carolina, USA

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

Rejoicing is not optional for the believer. It is spiritual armor. In Philippians 3:1-7, Paul commands the church to rejoice in the Lord so that they will stand firm against Judaizers and every form of self-righteous confidence in the flesh. This sermon explains why joy flows from the finished work of Christ, how works-based religion still threatens the church, and why Paul counts all former gain as loss compared to knowing Christ. It calls Christians to reject every confidence in the flesh, to rest in the righteousness of Christ imputed to them, and to walk in joyful worship as they fight the good fight of faith. Church Information Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia Each Lord's Day 9:30am and 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road Gastonia NC 28098 (704) 931 8094 Website: https://refopc.net/ Email: ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Title: “Why We Give Thanks” Part 1 Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 FCF: We often struggle gaining assurance of our faith. Prop: Because Disciple Makers praise God for genuine disciples, we must display the fruit of genuine disciples. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 1. In a moment we'll read from the English Standard Version starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible, with the page number on the screen, or in the version you prefer. It is a joy and privilege to begin another book series with you. In the nine years I have pastored here I have preached through 14 New Testament books. Perhaps the Lord will give me grace to live long enough to preach through the entire bible before I die. We'll see. Paul begins this letter with a quick greeting and then verses 2-5 are 1 sentence in the Greek. Grammar police may accuse Paul of writing a run on sentence – but such grammar rules didn't exist yet. The entire first chapter, while only being 10 verses long, represents a summary of every theme that will be teased out in the remaining 4 chapters of the letter. So, as you can imagine, chapter 1 is quite dense in its meaning. Covering 5 verses this morning will be quite a herculean challenge. May God sustain us. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Sovereign King, you have purchased us from darkness and redeemed us to light. We are slaves to righteousness now and children of Your holy Kingdom. We praise you for this and thank you that You have given such wonderful gifts to us through Your Son and have indwelled us with Your Spirit. Allow Your Spirit to bear witness to us as we look to Your word and send Him also to give soft hearts to those who have come this morning with hearts of stone. May they be raised to new life in Your Son and baptized into Him with His Spirit. We pray this in Jesus' name and for His sake – Amen. Transition: Long sermon today. I've cut what I could. It is time for you to strive with your flesh and pay attention to what God has revealed. Let's begin, of course, in verse 1. I.) Disciple Makers praise God for genuine disciples, so we must display the cardinal graces of Christ . (1-3) a. [Slide 2] 1 - Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. i. This is only Paul's second letter he has ever sent to a church congregation. ii. His first letter was to the Galatians. iii. The tone of this letter is significantly more positive than the letter of Galatians. It isn't difficult to determine why. iv. Although both letters were written to fledgling churches who were experiencing opposition, the churches of Southern Galatia had abandoned the clear teaching that Paul and Barnabas had taught them in order to believe what the Judaizers were teaching. v. The Thessalonians were enduring. vi. As we noted last week, Paul writes this letter with the assistance of Silas and Timothy. vii. Timothy is relaying information from the Thessalonian church, having recently visited with them. And Silas, here called by his Latin name Silvanus, is the one who writes the letter itself. viii. [Slide 3] Thessalonica is positioned here on the Aegean Sea. It is likely that well over 100,000 people lived in the city with thousands more traveling to and through it on a daily basis. ix. [Slide 4] Thessalonica had a significant Jewish population but of course was predominantly gentile. The religion was certainly paganism but with unique flavors of Egyptian gods being worshipped along with the Emperor cult. x. [Slide 5] The prepositional phrase “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” is difficult to understand where it fits in. xi. Are they writing to them in God and the Lord Jesus or is the church in God and the Lord Jesus? xii. It is most certainly the latter given the context of the book. xiii. The three companions are writing to this church and Paul takes the opportunity to remind them that they rest safely in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. xiv. This is significant in that Paul, a Jew, is using Old Covenant language of belonging to the community of Yahwehism, but he is doing so in reference to a predominantly gentile assembly. xv. This communicates very clearly that although we should maintain a distinction between the church and Covenant Israel- in the New Covenant that distinction is largely erased. God is creating a new people for Himself out of Israel and the nations. xvi. [Slide 6] Finally, Paul finishes his greeting with what will become his standard greeting to churches to which he writes. xvii. Grace to you and peace. xviii. At this point, if you've been attending our church for any amount of time, you should have a decent definition of God's grace. 1. Certainly, unmerited favor is an… OK… definition. But we can add a little more color to that. 2. [Slide 7] Grace is God's power which He grants to people according to His free will, to enable them to receive or do something which they are unable to get or do for themselves. 3. In the Scriptures we see God's common grace in providing a world full of pleasures and relative happiness even to those who are wicked. 4. We also, and especially see God's saving grace or special grace, which is necessary for any to come to salvation, since all men are children of wrath by nature and dead in their trespasses and sins. 5. But we also see God's sanctifying grace which enables His children to desire and have the power to do as He has commanded them. 6. Understanding this aspect of God's grace is the only way that Paul's comments make any sense. If God's grace is only good to regenerate, convert, and justify a believer – we really have no need to wish it to anyone who is already a believer. 7. But since God's power in His grace continues to mold us and conform us to Christ – we are in constant need of its steady supply. 8. Thus, to wish for, pray for, or desire God's grace to be given to another believer – is to desire their greatest good. 9. We should stop saying – Have a great day, or God bless! 10. Instead, we should say – God's grace to you. xix. [Slide 8] And of course – peace. xx. Peace in what sense? xxi. [Slide 9] Well peace actually works on a few levels especially in the context of 1 Thessalonians. 1. First, there is peace with God. a. Unlike grace, peace with God is not something that we need in steady supply. b. True, we can strain the relationship with our Heavenly Father, but He remains our Father. There is, as Paul says in Romans, no condemnation in Christ. c. Peace with God is secured for us in the death and resurrection of Christ. d. But in another sense, the safety from the wrath of God is not fully applied until the Lord Jesus returns for His church and destroys all His enemies. e. And so, Paul is reminding them of the peace they have with God through Christ's death resurrection and future coming in glory. 2. Second, we could also see a wish for peace or harmony with one another. a. This also works on two levels. b. First is the peace with other believers. i. Paul emphasizes in this book the love that we must have for one another and how it must be abounding and growing. ii. This has ramifications on how we treat one another within the body of Christ and how we hold each other accountable. c. But Paul also speaks to the opposition the Thessalonian church is facing. i. Therefore, Paul wishes peace with outsiders as well. ii. Hoping for a quiet life where they can worship the Lord and live godly lives in peace. iii. Knowing full well that some of the church's family members, friends, colleagues, and co-workers are no doubt aggressively against their conversion to Christ. This is probably the opposition they are facing. 3. Third, we could also see this wish for peace with trials. a. Facing all the issues and problems they are, Paul may also be wishing them spiritual peace. b. Hope. c. That God is not blind to what they are enduring. d. They should trust Him in the midst of all this and continue to live holy lives before Him. xxii. Grace to them and peace is a perfect greeting. xxiii. Paul continues… b. [Slide 10] 2 - We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, i. The first word from Paul, after months of not seeing him and enduring opposition, are words of encouragement. ii. These three companions, who loved them and cared for them, are always giving thanks to God for them. iii. One constant theme throughout this book is that to every disciple-maker's greatest joy… is to see those whom they have discipled grow to be spiritually mature Christ followers. iv. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are overjoyed, they are tickled pink, that the Thessalonians are enduring in their faith. v. So much so, that in their prayers to God, they are always giving thanks for them and constantly mentioning them. vi. But what is the content of their prayers for the Thessalonians? What are they constantly praying to God about them? c. [Slide 11] 3 - remembering before our God and Father your work of faith i. Their prayers consist of recalling or bringing to mind again and again, certain aspects of the Thessalonian's godly character. ii. Grammatically the possessive pronoun “your” connects these three consecutive attributes together as graces God has given them. iii. So, what does Paul mean by their work of faith? iv. Given the context of 1 Thessalonians, it seems like Paul means a faith that produces works, specifically works of obedience and allegiance to the object of their faith. v. At the end of this triad of graces, Paul says “In the Lord Jesus Christ”. vi. Many commentators apply this only to the third grace mentioned. But some scholars see it as applied to all three of these graces. I tend to agree with the minority. vii. In that sense then, their faith, which is rooted in and allied with the Lord Jesus Christ, is the source for their works of obedience. d. [Slide 12] and labor of love i. The second characteristic of the Thessalonian church remembered in thankful prayer is their labor of love. ii. Most likely this expression follows a similar pattern as the first. iii. The labor is produced from or perhaps we could say it is motivated by their love which they have because they are in the Lord Jesus Christ. iv. We love, because He first loved us. v. And so, the Thessalonians, being united to Christ, have a supernaturally gifted love for God, and one another which motivates them to labor for one another in specific acts of love. e. [Slide 13] and steadfastness of hope i. Finally, he is thankfully remembering in prayer the Thessalonians' steadfastness in hope. ii. Again, we should see that hope is the source or the producer of endurance or steadfastness. iii. They can patiently wait and endure because they have a hope that is rooted, not only in the Lord Jesus generally, but in the finished work of Christ on the cross and the promise of His future coming and eternal salvation. f. [Slide 14] in our Lord Jesus Christ. i. In the Lord Jesus Christ, they have been given hope, love, and faith that continues to produce endurance, labor and work. ii. All of these virtues… all of these cardinal Christian graces… are rooted fully in the Lord Jesus Christ. iii. Without Christ there is no work of faith. There is no labor of love. There is no steadfastness of hope. iv. And notice these are rooted in our LORD Jesus Christ. v. We need a King, a sovereign over all things to guarantee that the faith, love and hope that He has given us will produce work, labor, and endurance. g. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul opens his letter with the encouragement that he, Silas, and Timothy are often thanking the Lord for the Thessalonian church. In this he reveals a repeated theme of this book, that disciple makers of all kinds are overjoyed and thankful to God when those they have ministered to reveal themselves to be genuine disciples by their growth in grace. Specifically, Paul calls out three cardinal graces that every genuine believer has in Christ. Every believer, since they are clothed with Christ, has a faith that produces works of obedience toward God, a love that motivates their labor for God and others, and a hope that builds endurance to weather every storm life has knowing that Christ will return and with Him justice will reign. We could choose from several applications here. None are overtly mentioned in this text. But I think the best application we could take from this text is simply asking the question… would Paul, Silas, and Timothy be thanking God continually… for our church? Are we a church who displays the work of faith, the labor of love, and the steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ? That, I think… hits the hardest. Are we as commendable as the Thessalonians? Transition: [Slide 16 (blank)] This is only one aspect of why the evangelists give thanks for the Thessalonian church. Paul continues in verse 4 to develop this theme. II.) Disciple Makers praise God for genuine disciples, so we must evaluate how the gospel came to us. (4-5) a. [Slide 17] 4 - For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, i. What is the word “for” taking us back to? ii. For implies… because or some connection to something previously mentioned. iii. It goes all the way back to verse 2. iv. Paul and his companions always give thanks to God for them and are constantly mentioning them to God in their prayers. v. Specifically, about their character produced by their relationship to their Lord Jesus Christ. vi. But Paul hasn't actually told the Thessalonians why they are thankful. He has told them how… but not why. So, why are they thankful? vii. Primarily, they are thankful to God and mentioning them often because they know… that God has chosen them. God has elected them. God has predestined them. viii. They are brothers which are loved by God. ix. Even though they are being rejected by their family and their friends, they have been chosen before the foundation of the world to join a new family with a new Father who loved them, not because they were special, but because He is special. x. Well, how do the evangelists know that God has chosen these Thessalonians? xi. We might expect Paul to go back to the previous character traits of grace that the Lord has given them… their works, labor, and endurance from faith, love and hope. xii. Indeed, we cannot divorce this from the reason they believe this… because Paul will bring this up later in chapter 1 which we'll see in part 2 of this sermon next week. xiii. But what is the thing Paul points to first as grounds for he and his companions to conclude that they are elect of God? b. [Slide 18] 5 - because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power i. There is some debate over the exact nature of the word because. ii. If you desire to hear the entire debate you can join us on Teams on Thursday night for bible study and prayer group. We will dive deeper into the three basic views. iii. But the view I took is by far the majority among scholars and translations. iv. Paul is saying that they know they are chosen because something occurred. v. Another thing that scholars insist upon here is that Paul is pointing to he and Silas and Timothy's preaching among them. However, Paul does not say “because we preached the gospel to you in power…” he says “because our gospel came to you in power.” vi. Now eventually, Paul will get to their example in the second part of verse 5. But he'll do that for a completely different reason, as we'll see in a moment. vii. But for now, it seems like Paul goes out of his way to DEEMPHASIZE he, Silas and Timothy's role in their reception of the gospel. Which only feeds back into this being the REASON that he knows they are truly elect of God. It wasn't the excellence of their preaching… it was the gospel coming to them in a specific way. viii. How did it come to them? ix. In short – the same way it comes to all who are truly believers. x. We've spoken about this recently, but as a reminder, the general call of the gospel is the preached Word of God. xi. It is when we give a defense for the hope that we have in us before those who are asking questions. It is when we preach the good news of Jesus Christ to unbelievers. xii. This, though, is merely the gospel going out in word. xiii. All our efforts are little more than words preached to a brick wall. There is no inherent power in our preaching of the Word of God. Nor is there any inherent power in our proclaiming of the gospel. xiv. As Paul says in Romans, the gospel is the power… of GOD. God chooses to empower His Word when He wishes to empower it. xv. Did Paul ever see the gospel go out in word only? You betcha. All the time in his missionary journey Luke records for us that “some believed” “as many as were appointed, believed” xvi. Many people heard the gospel but there was no power in the words they preached. xvii. But for the Thessalonian church – the gospel was not preached in word only – but in power. xviii. Listen, in every single person who genuinely receives the gospel of Jesus Christ – they do so because the gospel comes in power. xix. What power you may wonder? xx. My friends, all men are dead in sin, they are children of wrath by nature, they are not righteous, and they do not seek God. xxi. If you have a problem with anything I've just said – I have been quoting the bible. Take it up with God. xxii. The problem with natural man is that we are all born EVIL and WICKED people. Not as wicked as we could be – but with the potential to be as wicked as we could be and without any potential to be righteous. xxiii. No man seeks after God. Why? Because we are spiritually dead. We don't even know we are wicked. If you did an interview in downtown Port Huron and asked the question, “how are we all born, inherently good, neutral, or inherently evil?” 99% would tell you that we are born either good or neutral. xxiv. This is why the gospel must come in power and not merely in word. xxv. If man is only sick with sin, then a good word preached to him may yet convince him of the truth of the word of God. xxvi. But if men are dead in their sin – every proclamation of the gospel requires a supernatural and powerful act of God to convince men that they are evil and deserving of God's wrath. xxvii. My friends… how do we know we are elect of God? xxviii. Because we have been convinced that we are wicked sinners deserving the wrath of God. That is NOT a natural thought. xxix. No man or woman pops out of their mother convinced they are wicked. xxx. Instead, we are ALWAYS either the victims or the heroes. And we are NEVER the villain. xxxi. God's power in the gospel starts with convincing us that we are the villain and only He is the hero. xxxii. But Paul says, not only that the power of God was in the coming of the gospel to them, but also the third person of God was in the coming of the gospel to them… c. [Slide 19] and in the Holy Spirit i. What is the activity of the Spirit? What is the Spirit said to do in the New Testament? 1. He convicts unbelievers of sin – hmmm that sounds familiar… 2. He regenerates those who are spiritually dead – this is so they can respond to the call of the gospel. 3. He seals believers 4. He baptizes them into the body of Christ 5. He assures them of their salvation – hmmm hang on to that one for a moment. 6. He gives spiritual gifts 7. He teaches truth 8. He illuminates the scriptures ii. In short, you don't get the power of God in salvation without the Spirit of God in Salvation. iii. The Spirit of God prepares the soil of the heart to receive the gospel message and cultivates growth in such a person in order that they produce fruit. iv. We don't need sign gifts to confirm upon us the surety of our election. v. Our calling and election is sure when we bear the marks of the Holy Sprit's hostile takeover of our hearts. vi. And finally, Paul says… d. [Slide 20] and with full conviction. i. Again, many commentators insist that this is the preaching of Paul and his companions which was done in full conviction. But Paul isn't talking about how they preached. He is talking about how the gospel came. ii. This speaks to the gospel's convincing power. iii. Not only did it come in power to convict and regenerate… but also in the reception of faith in Christ is without wavering and without compromise. iv. This is the work of the Spirit to confirm the truth upon our hearts. v. When the gospel comes – it comes in certainty and without doubt. vi. That is not to say that there may never be times of doubt and assurance after this… vii. Certainly, this may be the case. viii. But when the gospel comes in power and in the Spirit, it will also come in a certainty and even an eagerness of the person who believes to grab ahold of Christ and Christ alone. ix. In this we may know that our election is true. We cling to Christ alone bearing the scars of the Holy Spirit's regeneration and indwelling. x. And this is how the evangelists knew the Thessalonians were elect of God. Because the gospel came upon the Thessalonians… and affected the Thessalonians… exactly the same way it had affected Paul, Silas, and Timothy. e. [Slide 21] You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. i. The ESV here creates a new sentence. ii. But in the Greek, this clause is still connected in this long sentence with a word that means “just as.” iii. So, Paul is saying, “Just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” iv. Because he uses the word “to know” again, this indicates to us that there is the mutual ability to know each other by outward signs. v. In other words, The Evangelists know the Thessalonians are chosen of God by how the gospel came to them… just like the Thessalonians knew what kind of men the evangelists were by how they gave of themselves to the Thessalonians. vi. Paul advocates for mutual knowledge of the genuineness of each other's spiritual identities based on God's work in them to share Christlike characteristics. vii. God's power in the gospel affects everyone who receives it… EXACTLY THE SAME. And therefore, it is relatively easy to spot a genuine Christian given enough time… viii. There is no such thing as a Christian who fails to display the cardinal grace of Christ and there is no such Christian who fails to experience the coming of the gospel in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in full conviction. ix. Therefore, they give thanks to God for them, because the evangelists and the Thessalonian church are truly and eternally… family. f. [Slide 22] Summary of the Point: So, Paul's primary point in these opening words remains the same. As disciple makers they have great joy and significant reason for thankfulness because the Thessalonians are living like genuine disciples of Christ. Paul explains that they are thankful because they know that the Thessalonians are brothers and sisters in Christ, loved by God, and chosen before the foundation of the world, because when the gospel came to them, it came empowered by the Spirit and produced a resolute loyalty to Jesus Christ. Paul even compares how the Thessalonians know them as good and godly men as a valid reason that these evangelists can know their spiritual identity. As we move to apply this text, we must ask ourselves the question, would Paul, Silas and Timothy be thanking God because they know we are elect of God? Did the gospel come to us in power? Did the gospel come to us in the Holy Spirit? Did the gospel come to us with full assurance? We should, each one of us, evaluate how the gospel came to us. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today that informs or corrects our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 23] The intent of this opening chapter is most certainly to encourage the Thessalonian church, who although new to their walk, are living faithfully unto Christ. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are overjoyed and continually grateful in their prayers to God for the news of the genuineness of these believer's faith. If we were the Thessalonians, we would gain great encouragement from the words of Paul to us. But we must first ask the question – are we like the Thessalonian church? Are we displaying the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love and hope? Did the gospel come to us in power and in the Holy Spirit and in full conviction? What if the answer to both of these questions is no? What if it is yes? Let me try to apply this text in a more practical and specific way to us this morning. 1.) [Slide 24] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that part of making disciples is praying continually for the spiritual growth and preservation of God's people. a. It seems odd to start with this application since it was not central to anything we've discussed as yet. b. But it must be mentioned how the apostle Paul, Silas and Timothy regularly, constantly prayed to God for those whom they had ministered to. c. God has given all of us the job of making disciples. And my friends, all of us as disciple makers have the responsibility of praying for the spiritual growth and preservation of God's people. d. Our Thursday Night prayer group is attended by almost no one in this room, despite it requiring the least amount of effort to join. e. That is not to say that in order to pray for God's people you must attend. Nor is it to assume that you do not pray any other time for the people of this church. f. But long as it been true that though the church bursts at the seams on Sunday… it is so quiet on prayer group night that you could hear the church mice nibbling on a piece of cheese. g. Why do we forsake prayer? h. Why do we forsake praying together? i. It is a means that God uses to grow us… and it is an activity demonstrated by all disciple makers in the scriptures… chief among them our Lord Jesus Christ who prayed for His own disciples since the devil wished to sift them like wheat. j. How odd it would be that we spend all that time at the beginning of each service taking prayer requests… yet no one prays for them? k. I hope this isn't true. l. Take a lesson from Paul – and pray for God's people. Not their physical ailments only… but for their souls. 2.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that we can know the spiritual identity of others by observing their lifestyles. a. This shouldn't be a shocking revelation to us. b. After studying so many New Testament books, including James and I John, it becomes apparent very quickly that Jesus does not save us from the penalty of our sin only. c. Instead, He frees us also from the power of sin over us. d. Meaning that God's people are not only able to crucify the sins they didn't want to destroy before, but also they desire to obey the commands of God and love others and preach His Kingdom. e. And not only CAN God's people do this… They will to a progressing degree. f. Faith without works is dead. Love without obedience is fake. Hope that doesn't include Christ as King, evaporates. g. God has no interest in saving us from hell without also saving us TO righteousness. Christ became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God. h. We have been made into a Kingdom of priests and God's will for our lives is holiness. i. In fact, without holiness NO ONE WILL SEE GOD. j. Again – if you have any problem with what I've just said… I have basically been quoting scripture. So, take it up with God. k. Which leads us to another point…. 3.) [Slide 26] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must not assume that because we prayed a prayer or have gone to church all our lives that we are a child of God. a. Praying a prayer, being baptized, writing a date in your bible, walking an aisle, saying the right things, going to church, none of this proves anything. b. The vast majority of the church today is non-Jewish. Yet the Old Testament calls the Jewish people God's chosen people. c. Being affiliated with a group that is called God's people doesn't make you one of them. d. Just as there were Jews who thought they were doing everything God wanted them to, only to reject and kill their own Messiah – so also there are those who have checked all the external boxes of what it means to be a Christian and they do not have a new heart. They have not been born again. e. How can you say that? f. Because they do not have the outward signs that proves that their faith is genuine. g. What are those signs? h. Although the list provided in this text is not exhaustive, it is a great place to start. 4.) [Slide 27] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” First, we must evaluate whether the gospel came to us in power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. a. One thing that every genuine Christian has in common, is a story of the gospel coming to them in power. b. Now that is not to say that every story is the same. Because it isn't. c. Some respond to sermons. Others to reading the Word of God. d. Others respond to an audible voice beckoning them to come. e. Others respond to a dream or vision. f. Still others a tract. And others a song. g. The means of someone receiving the gospel is not what I am talking about. The means is variable. h. The effect. That is of which I speak. And that is ALWAYS THE SAME. i. The Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells a true Christian when the gospel comes to them. The Holy Spirit baptizes them into Christ. j. They become acutely aware of the wickedness and evil of their hearts. They become acutely aware of how destitute they are and how there is no hope for them to change. k. They become acutely aware of how empty and meaningless their life is. l. And then the good news of Jesus Christ a substitute for sinners comes like a blanket to a freezing man. It fills them like a feast to a starving child. It lifts them like a rope tied around their waist out of a pit of vipers. It scoops them up like a basket on a helicopter out of shark infested waters. m. And they cling to that basket, they hold fast to that rope. They eat long and drink deep of that feast. And they cling so tightly to that blanket. n. As if their very life depended on it… BECAUSE IT DOES! o. THAT is what I mean when I say the gospel comes in power, in the holy Spirit, and in full conviction to all who are truly God's elect. p. It is the same story. The details are different. But the effect… the foundation is the same. q. Did the gospel come to you this way? r. If not… Are you sure you have received it? s. If not… You'll have another chance to today. You need only keep hearing. t. But you say – ah yes, the gospel did come to me in this way. I am surely saved. But wait… there is more to say on how to know you are God's true child. 5.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We also must have and continue to grow in the cardinal Christian graces. a. The disciple makers rejoiced greatly that the young church grew because it grew in the three cardinal graces. b. Maybe you have received the gospel powerfully. Perhaps you felt the sting of sin and knew to some degree the freedom of Christ. c. But you do not obey God's commands with the faith you possess. d. You do not love God above everything else, and/or you do not love others as you love yourself. You do not love other believers the way Christ loved you. e. You do not have an enduring hope because you think little if ever of the return of the King to earth. You are just living day to day and not pursuing His Kingdom first. f. Oh, my friends. We may not be perfect in these – indeed as we study this book we'll see that Paul thinks the Thessalonians could improve in these too. g. But if you are empty of these graces. h. Then you cannot be God's child. These graces, these are gifts of Christ, they are precious stones on the engagement ring which Christ gave to His church. i. If you have no gemstones – how can you say you are engaged to Him? 6.) [Slide 29] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Only when the gospel came to us this way and we are growing in the cardinal Christian graces, can we be encouraged by the assurance this gives. a. You say, but I have these graces and have received this gospel in power and the Spirit is in me, and I am clinging to Christ alone. b. Then I have only one application for you. c. Take comfort and be assured and encouraged in the Lord. d. Your Spiritual leaders are praying for you and thanking God for you. e. Christ has saved you and He will keep you. f. He is coming again to bind you up and bring you home. g. Worry not about the stains in your garments of past sins that continue to nip at your heels, for He has white robes that He will clothe you in before the wedding feast. h. Look to that day with eagerness and endure to it. 7.) [Slide 30] The Gospel: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” If the gospel did not come to us this way and/or we are not growing in these graces, we must repent of our sin and seek the Lord to save us by His power and to these ends. a. But you say – that isn't me. I did not receive the gospel this way and/or I do not have these graces. b. Oh dear friend. What are you to do? c. You have heard the gospel yet again. One more coal of judgment has been placed on your head. d. Will you even now resist the call of the Lord? e. Will you even now flee from His Kingdom's dominion? f. Are your loyalties so in line with yourself and your father the devil that you would run to him to rescue you from the goodness and grace of Almighty God? g. Friend, the devil's end is sure. He will be cast in the lake which burns with fire and sulfur. But you don't have to join him. h. Maybe this is the day that you will finally turn from your wickedness and flee to the safety of Christ's embrace? i. I hope it is. Find me or an Elder after the service. We'd love to rejoice that you are chosen of God since the gospel has come to you in power. [Slide 31 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the Church Father Eusebius of Caesarea who is known as the Father of Church History. No other power can be found to remedy the evil or the spirit of injustice that once dominated our race. But your compassion has reached us where we were and restored our lives, lives that had been ruined by violence and immoral living born from human passions. You displayed your restoration power openly, knowing that some would recognize and understand. Others would not. Their brutish natures would lead them to rely only on the testimony of their own senses. In the light of day, then, no one would find room for doubt. You demonstrated your blessed and wonderful healing power, restored the dead to life, and renewed the crippled with only a word. Can we then suppose that rendering the sea as firm as solid ground, calming the raging storm, and finally ascending into heaven-all while turning unbelief to faith by performing these wonders- demanded anything less than almighty power? Can we believe it was anything less than the work of God? O Christ, Savior of humanity, direct the words that celebrate who you are, and teach us to sound your praises. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the God whose robe is light, Whose canopy is space, Whose mercies are tender and firm to the end. Show you such love so that you will say with the psalmist, You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. Until we meet again, go in peace.

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

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

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 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 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

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.

In Acts 15:1-35, Old-school Judaizers demanded circumcision and the Law for salvation. Leaders fought to protect the gospel of grace alone and faith in Christ.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org

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.

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.

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 and Top of the Document salvation, 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.

09/28/2025 Colossians 1:1-14 Gospel HopeBig Idea: The Gospel changes everything; your past, present & future. Trouble in the early church was caused by Judaizers preaching that Jesus + rules + philosophers + mysticism = true Christianity.Paul's message to the Colossian church is simple, yet powerful: Jesus is Lord overall, and He is enough for every part of your life.Jesus is enough (Eph 2:8) He is overall, He is sufficient. Jesus + nothing = everything.Three ways the Gospel changes everything:1. The Gospel changes your past (vs 12-14) …rescued from the domain of darkness… (see Psalm 103:12)2. The Gospel changes your present (vs 9-11) …filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding… Does God's acceptance matter more to you than the applause of men?3. The Gospel changes your future (vs5-6.12) …the hope laid up for you in Heaven constantly bearing fruit… to be absent the body is to be present with the Lord.What is one step you can take this week to live like a rescued person?Six things for you to consider:1. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romand 1:16)2. The Gospel is the foundation of our faith (1 Cor 15:3-4)3. The Gospel guards us from false teaching (2 Tim 3:16-17)4. The Gospel transforms our lives ( Col 1:7-9a)5. The Gospel keeps Jesus at the center of(John 15:5)6. The Gospel is our mission. (Matt 28:19)

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.  

Send us a textThis podcast shows how Paul fought for the true gospel message for the benefit of the church of Jesus Christ. Every new church started by Paul involved false teachers swarming in to destroy his message. The false teachers in Galatia were Judaizers pushing for all believers to keep the law of Moses and live by works. No grace was considered like Paul taught. Even Peter with the influence of James was blinded or believe in works. Listen to hear Pauls powerful message that saved our gospel message that remains todaySupport the show

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

Saturday, 6 September 2025   For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50   “For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens,' he – he is – My brother and sister and mother” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus extended His hand toward the disciples and exclaimed, “Here are My mother and My brothers!” In order to explain that, He next says, “For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens.'”   Jesus sets the parameters for whom He is referring from the previous verse, explaining what He meant. But what is the “determination of My Father” that He is referring to? The answer to the thought is found in John 6 –   “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' 29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'” John 6:26   This explains what Jesus is referring to. Jesus is not (by a long shot) telling His hearers that they must observe the Law of Moses. That is what Jesus came to fulfill. He is not telling us that He is kin to the stock of Israel and that we must bless them to receive a blessing, even if His literal descent is from Israel. He does not say that those who have big churches full of wealthy congregants are His family.   The famous, beautiful, athletic, politically connected, royalty, etc., are excluded without believing in Jesus. Cutting out all categories of people, Jesus identifies those whom He is referring to as those doing “the ‘determination of'” His Father. To exactingly identify them, He next closes out Matthew 12, emphatically saying, “he – he is – My brother and sister and mother.”   Genealogy is excluded. This is why Paul says –    “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29   Paul further says –   “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21   It is true that at the time of Jesus' ministry, those of Israel who were under the law were expected to observe the law. Nobody should dispute that. But Jesus' words in John 6, as explained by Paul and the other apostles in the epistles, tell us that we are to have faith in the works of the Son. His works include sinless perfection in His life before the law, His death in fulfillment of it, and His resurrection, which proved that it was so. Belief in this is what God expects of His people. This is the good news of Jesus Christ.   Life application: To cut out much of the theological error that rushes your way from the pulpit, computer, TV screen, etc., remember what God is doing in the world as explained in Scripture. God has a plan of redemption set forth to restore humanity to Himself.   That plan of redemption is based on the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. This plan, centered on His Son, is often co-opted by those who want to control others in various ways. At the time of the early church, it was Judaizers coming in and trusting in the flesh, boasting over those they circumcised.   As the church developed, various cults and sects have arisen to pull people away from the gospel. Eventually, the church became such a large and powerful entity that it exalted itself and its doctrines above the simple gospel. Because of this, the reformation occurred.   In America, a nation that allows freedom of religion, people took advantage of others by proclaiming aberrant ideas through a manipulation of Scripture. Sometimes, there is the exalting of a particular version of Scripture, not Jesus, who is the focus of that Scripture, as a supposed necessary condition for salvation.   Today, unconditionally supporting Israel, a nation that has rejected Jesus at this point, is said to be a necessary condition for receiving God's blessing. In fact, this false teaching is explicitly taught by many supposed Jesus-centered ministries. It is Jesus, not a person, Bible version, nation, or denomination, who brings salvation.   When should believers support a church? The answer is when that church proclaims the gospel. When should believers exalt a people group or nation? The answer is when that nation exalts Jesus Christ. Israel, as a nation, has not yet done this. But unlike other nations, they are explicitly prophesied as someday doing so. For this reason, prayers for them should be raised to God that His will be done in this rebellious group of people.   At the same time, we should be willing to evangelize and pray for all people, telling them about the saving message of Jesus Christ. This alone will bring people to a right relationship with God.   “So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Acts 15:8-11   Lord God, thank You for the simple gospel of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Help us to have our priorities right, clearly thinking through what it means to be in a right standing before You. Your word tells us what it is! It is through faith in Him and what He has done. Yes, thank You for this simple gospel. Amen. Matthew 12   12 In that time, Jesus, He went – the Sabbaths – through the grainfields, and His disciples, they hungered, and they began to pluck kernels and eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, they said to Him, “You behold! Your disciples, they do what it permits not to do in Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Not you read what he did, David, when he hungered, he and those with him? 4 How he entered into the house of God and the bread ‘the before-setting' they ate, which not it is being permitted him to eat, nor those with him, if not the priests only? 5 Or not you read in the law that, the Sabbaths, the priests in the temple the Sabbath profane, and they are guiltless? 6 And I say to you that the temple – greater, it is here. 7 And if you had known what it is, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' not you condemned the guiltless. 8 For Lord, He is – even of the Sabbath – the Son of Man.”   9 And having departed thence, He went into their synagogue. 10 And, you behold! Man, he is, having a withered hand. And they queried Him, saying, ‘If it permits, the Sabbaths, to cure?' That they should accuse Him.   11 And He said to them, “What man, he will be from you, who he will have one sheep, and if this, it should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, not he will seize it and he will raise it? 12 Therefore, how much man – he excels a sheep! So too, it permits – the Sabbaths – to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, ‘You outstretch your hand.' And he outstretched it, and it reconstituted, healthy as the other. 14 And the Pharisees, they took counsel against Him, having gone out, how they might kill Him.   15 And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence. And they followed Him, great crowds. And He cured them all. 16 And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent. 17 That it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken' through Isaiah the prophet, saying:   18 “You behold! My Servant whom I chose, My beloved in whom it approved, My soul, I will place My Spirit upon Him, And judgment to the Gentiles, He will proclaim. 19 Not He will wrangle, nor He will clamor, Nor anyone – he will hear in the streets His voice. 20 A reed, being battered, not He will break, And flax being smoldered, not He will extinguish, Until if He ejects judgment into victory. 21 And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope.”   22 Then he was brought to Him ‘being demon possessed,' blind and mute, and He cured him, so the blind and mute speak and see. 23 And they were astounded, all the crowds. And they said, “Not any, this, He is the Son of David?”   24 And the Pharisees, having heard, they said, “This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.” 25 And Jesus, having known their thoughts, He said to them, “Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates, and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand. 26 And if the Satan, he ejects the Satan, he divided upon himself. How then, it will stand, his kingdom? 27 And if I, I eject demons in Beelzebul, your sons – in whom do they eject? Through this they, they will be your judges. 28 And if in God's Spirit I, I eject the demons, then it preceded upon you, the ‘God's kingdom.' 29 Or how, any, he can enter into the house of the strong and his goods through-seize, if not first he should bind the strong? And then, his house he will through-seize. 30 The ‘not being with Me,' he is against me. And the ‘not gathering with Me,' he scatters.   31 Through this, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy, it will be forgiven men, but the ‘Spirit blasphemy' not it will be forgiven men. 32 And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the coming.   33 Either you make the tree good and the fruit of it good, or you make the tree rotten and the fruit of it rotten. For from the fruit, the tree – it is known. 34 Viper's offspring! You can, how, speak good – being evil? For from the surplus of the heart, the mouth, it speaks.  35 The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil. 36 And I say to you that every inactive utterance that if they will speak, men, they will render a word about it in judgment day. 37 For from your words, you will be justified, and from your words, you will be condemned.”   38 Then, they answered, some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Teacher, we desire to see a sign from You.” 39 And having answered, He said to them, “Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and not it will be given it, if not the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 For just as Jonah, he was in the lunker's belly three days and three nights, thus He will be, the Son of Man, in the earth's heart three days and three nights. 41 Men, Nineveh, they will arise in the judgment with this generation and they will sentence it, for they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah. And you behold! Jonah's greater is here! 42 Queen, south, she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it, for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon's wisdom. And you behold! Solomon's greater is here.   43 And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man, it traverses through waterless spots seeking rest, and it finds not. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house whence I departed.' And having come, it finds ‘holidaying,' having been swept and having been arranged. 45 Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits, itself eviler, and having entered, it dwells there. And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first. Thus it will be also – this evil generation.”   46 And He yet speaking to the crowds, you behold, His mother and His brothers had stood without seeking to speak to Him. 47 And, he said, someone to Him, “You behold! Your mother and Your brothers, they have stood without seeking to speak to You.” 48 And answering, He said to the ‘telling Him', “Who, she is, My mother, and who, they are, My brothers?” 49 And having extended His hand to His disciples, He said, “You behold! My mother and My brothers. 50 For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens,' he – he is – My brother and sister and mother.”

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 →

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

Send us a textHave you ever wrestled with the concept of "falling from grace" in Galatians 5:4? This powerful discussion unpacks what Paul really meant when he wrote those challenging words.The conversation reveals a fascinating observation—unlike his other letters, Paul never addresses the Galatians as "saints," suggesting his uncertainty about their spiritual condition. This provides crucial context for understanding his warnings about mixing law and grace.We examine how justification works: either by grace through faith or by attempting to keep the law. There's no middle ground. When Paul says someone has "fallen from grace," he's not describing believers losing salvation, but rather individuals who've departed from the path of grace altogether, demonstrating they were never truly justified by faith.The participants share personal insights about identity transformation in Christ. As one contributor beautifully puts it: "There's no me. The new me is being transformed into a Christ-like being." This metamorphosis happens not through law-keeping but through the Holy Spirit's work in believers who have been justified by faith.The discussion also tackles practical applications, identifying modern examples of legalism—from Sabbath-keeping requirements to mandatory speaking in tongues as "proof" of salvation. These modern "Judaizers" continue to promote the same dangerous mixture of law and grace that Paul so forcefully confronted.What makes this episode particularly valuable is its balance of theological depth with practical wisdom. You'll come away with a clearer understanding of salvation's permanence and the freedom that comes from embracing grace without the burden of legalistic performance.Have you been trying to earn what God freely gives? Listen and discover the liberty Christ purchased for you.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Paul warns the church at Philippi to beware of the dogs, and no, he's not talking about puppies or pack animals, he's talking about those Judaizers who say you must be circumcised in order to be a follower of Jesus. If anybody had reason to boast in the Jewish-ness, it was Paul, and in today's chapter he gives an extensive list of his Jewish commendations. He places no trust in these fleshly accomplishments, however, as his goal is only to know Jesus and the power of his resurrection. He is quick to say that he is not perfect, but he strives toward the goal of God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus, laying aside what is behind. Our focus should not be on earthly things, for our citizenship is in heaven. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

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

Monday, 11 August 2025   Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 12:24   “And the Pharisees, having heard, they said, ‘This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the people, although not committed to the proposition, somewhat suspected that Jesus may be the Son of David. Having stated this, the usual suspects now chime in. Matthew records, “And the Pharisees, having heard.”   Having seen their track record thus far, it can already be surmised that these men were indignant at the very thought of Jesus being the anticipated Messiah. Therefore, “they said, ‘This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.'”   There is no article before “prince” or “ruler” (NKJV). Thus, the statement speaks of a title more than a position. One can see the emphatic retort to the people's questioning –   23 ‘Not any, this, He is the Son of David?' 24 ‘This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.'   In order to draw the people's speculation away from Jesus possibly being the Son of David, they go to the most extreme resolution possible. Not only is He not the Son of David, but He also isn't even just a charlatan. Rather, He has power, but that power is surely derived from he who is prince of the demons!   They couldn't deny that the miracles were real. The evidence was there before them. But they would never come to acknowledge that what Jesus did was of God. Therefore, the certain explanation that they clung to was that Jesus' power was demonic.   Because of their words, Jesus will carefully explain why their reasoning is faulty and why they are in serious trouble before God because of their accusation.   Life application: On 24 June 2025, Adam Sheafe was arrested for crucifying an Arizona pastor several months earlier. Sheafe intended to kill fourteen more pastors, all because they believe in Jesus. The news service said –   “The suspect described his plan as ‘Operation First Commandment' and claimed that the Bible's New Testament teachings about Jesus Christ go against the biblical commandment that says, ‘You shall have no other gods before me.' Sheafe stated, ‘His commandments have been annulled by this character called Jesus, a human being who I believe is the son of Satan'” (American Military News).   Sheafe is obviously theologically confused. But what would lead someone to take such a stand? The answer is because he was told something about Scripture that was incorrect and, instead of doing the research, he trusted what he was told.   The people of Israel were presented with the obvious truth that Jesus was capable of healing the deaf and blind, and yet they questioned whether He was the Messiah or not. To rob them of any faith that may have sprouted in their hearts, the Pharisees quickly intervened and assured them that Jesus was healing by the power of Beelzebul.   It is one thing to listen to authority figures, and it is another to do so without checking what they say. Israel was presented with their Messiah. They rejected Him as a nation, and it caused them to, once again, fall under the curses of the Law of Moses. They had agreed to the law, they were to live by it, and they were to accept what it taught.   As Jesus noted in John 5, Moses wrote about Him. In Luke 24:27, it says, “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Israel rejected this. They continue to do so today.   Unfortunately, because of the teachings of modern-day Judaizers and Hebrew Roots adherents, this attitude has spread around the world. Like the Roman Catholic Church, their doctrine denies the all-sufficiency of Christ's work, mandating individual works as a part of the salvation process.   Law has been the problem since the first days of man on earth. It remains a problem to this day. It is what puts a wall between God and man. What is needed is God's grace. We cannot find life without it, and we cannot find healing and restoration apart from it.   May we remember this lesson. Jesus came to demonstrate to Israel that He was their Messiah. As a part of this demonstration, He gave His life up in fulfillment of the Law of Moses. Why would we ever want to go back to that? May we go forward in God's grace, living for Him and honoring Him by honoring the full, finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord.   Lord God, thank You for the all-sufficient nature of Christ's work. Through what He has done, we are fully reconciled to You. Thank You for Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

In his closing of the letter to the Galatians, Paul pulls back the curtain and exposes the motives of the Judaizers. They were gripped by the crowd, in love with the praise of people and afraid of persecution. But Paul was a man who had been gripped by the cross and found His everything in Christ. Today, Pastor David Horner closes our series in Galatians with a message from Galatians 6:11-18 titled, "Gripped By The Cross."

Send us a textJustification by faith alone stands at the heart of the Christian gospel, yet it remains one of the most contested doctrines throughout church history. In this thought-provoking examination of Galatians 3:10-12, we explore Paul's passionate defense of salvation through faith apart from works of the law.Paul presents a stark dichotomy that challenges much of contemporary religious thinking: either we're justified by perfect law-keeping or through faith in Christ's finished work. There is no middle ground. When the Judaizers attempted to add circumcision and other legal requirements to faith in Christ, Paul recognized this as a fundamental corruption of the gospel message.The apostle delivers a sobering reality check by quoting Deuteronomy: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things written in the book of the law, to do them." This statement unveils the impossibility of justification through works. The standard isn't partial obedience or "doing our best" – it's absolute perfection from birth to death, something only Christ has achieved.What makes Christ's substitutionary work so beautiful is that He accomplished what was impossible for us. He perfectly fulfilled every requirement of God's law, died as our sacrifice, and was raised for our justification. Through faith, His perfect righteousness becomes ours, credited to our account so we can stand justified before a holy God.The implications are profound. Adding even one work requirement to faith fundamentally alters and nullifies the gospel of grace. Whether it's circumcision, Sabbath observance, baptism, or any religious ritual presented as necessary for salvation, such additions destroy the essence of justification by faith alone.Discover why this doctrine matters not just for salvation but for everyday Christian living. When we grasp that our standing before God depends entirely on Christ's work rather than our own, it transforms our motivation for obedience. Join us as we unpack this essential truth that has shaped Christian theology for two millennia.Support the show

Galatians had embraced the Judaizers' teaching.  Paul explained that that the Law was the equivalent to the elementary teachings of Paganism.  The Law was not a bad thing but showed us the need for a Savior.

Are you ready to be rock solid in your faith like Titus? In a powerful sermon, Pastor Pencil leads us through the inspiring life of Titus, a loyal companion of the Apostle Paul, who exemplified consistency and reliability in his mission to make disciples. Drawing from Paul's mentorship to Titus, Pastor Pencil emphasizes the importance of being multipliers in our faith, echoing the biblical truth found in 2 Timothy 2:2, where we are called to teach others so they can, in turn, teach more. With a compelling connection to the biblical narrative, Pastor Pencil shares how Titus's unwavering commitment prepared him to face the challenges of the early church, including the divisive influences of the Judaizers. The message resonates with our church community, encouraging each member to embrace their unique gifts and to engage in mentorship, fostering a legacy of discipleship. As the sermon concludes, Pastor Pencil urges us to act, asking what steps we need to take to become faithful multipliers—inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and actively participate in transforming lives for Christ's sake. Let's respond to the call and go where we are needed!

Send us a textWhat happens when well-meaning believers start adding requirements to salvation by faith alone? Paul's letter to the Galatians confronts this dangerous tendency head-on, and his words remain just as relevant today as when they were first penned.The conflict centers on a simple question with profound implications: How are we justified before God? Paul makes his position crystal clear—"By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Yet the Galatian believers were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted that while faith in Christ was good, they still needed to be circumcised to truly be right with God.This struggle between faith alone and faith-plus-works continues to challenge Christians across denominations and traditions. Whether it's baptism, speaking in tongues, Sabbath observance, or dietary restrictions, many believers still feel compelled to add something to Christ's finished work. As one participant in our discussion noted, "When they start adding that 'but,' they don't know the gospel."What makes Paul's argument so powerful is his personal testimony. As a former Pharisee who understood the law better than most, he recognized its inability to justify sinners. The problem wasn't with God's law, which remains holy and good, but with human frailty. No one can perfectly fulfill the law's demands, which is precisely why salvation must come through another means—by grace through faith.When Paul writes, "If I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor," he's highlighting the danger of returning to a system he knows cannot save. Having abandoned law-keeping as the path to righteousness, any attempt to reestablish it would constitute a rejection of Christ's sufficient work.The simplicity of the gospel is both its beauty and its stumbling block. We're justified by faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ—nothing more, nothing less. This message strips away human pride and religious performance, leaving us to rest completely in what God has done rather than what we must do. And that, perhaps, is why we find it so difficult to accept without trying to add our own contributions.Have you been complicating the simple message of salvation by grace through faith? What "buts" have you been adding to the gospel? The freedom Christ offers comes when we finally stop trying to earn what has already been freely given.Support the show

Send us a textThe age-old struggle between grace and legalism takes center stage in this deep, theological exploration of what makes a gospel truly "good news." From the very first moments, we dive into the dangerous territory of gospel additions – those requirements some claim are necessary for salvation beyond faith in Christ.Through careful examination of Paul's letter to the Galatians, we unpack how certain religious groups distort the gospel by adding requirements like water baptism, Sabbath observance, dietary restrictions, or temple rituals. The Mormon church serves as a case study, with their requirements for baptism of the dead and abstention from tea and coffee according to their "Word of Wisdom." As one participant powerfully states, "If you add anything to the gospel, it's no longer the gospel."The conversation reaches its theological depth when exploring Paul's confrontation with Judaizers who demanded Gentile converts be circumcised. This historical conflict perfectly mirrors modern debates about what constitutes saving faith. We examine the profound statement in Galatians 2:19 – "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God" – revealing how the law's purpose was always to expose our need for grace rather than provide a pathway to earn God's favor.Perhaps most moving is the moment a worship leader shares lyrics from the hymn "All Sufficient Merit," bringing several participants to tears with its powerful reminder that Christ's work alone is sufficient. The song encapsulates the entire discussion: "I lay down my garments. Many empty boasts, good works now all corrupted by a sinful host. Dressed in my Lord Jesus, a crimson robe made white."This isn't merely academic theology – it's the beating heart of Christian freedom. Understanding that salvation comes through faith alone liberates believers from the crushing weight of trying to earn God's favor while simultaneously inspiring a heartfelt response of gratitude that manifests in godly living. Join us for this transformative conversation about what makes the gospel truly good news, and discover why anything added to grace is no longer grace.Support the show

Send us a textThe tension between law and grace forms the cornerstone of authentic Christian theology, yet remains one of the most misunderstood concepts in churches today. When Martin Luther rediscovered Paul's radical message in Galatians 2, it sparked the Protestant Reformation and transformed Western Christianity forever.This powerful episode dives deep into why anything added to the gospel fatally corrupts it. Using a compelling analogy of the law as a threatening "mob boss" pursuing those who've received immunity through Christ, we explore how legalism continually attempts to reclaim territory in believers' lives. Paul's strategic introduction of uncircumcised Titus into Jerusalem becomes a masterclass in theological demonstration—proving that salvation requires nothing beyond grace through faith.Against the backdrop of remembering theological titans like John MacArthur and RC Sproul, we examine how their unwavering commitment to grace-centered theology mirrors Paul's refusal to compromise with the Judaizers. The episode highlights Paul's ingenious rhetorical strategy: bringing living proof (Titus) before the apostles to silence those who insisted circumcision was necessary for salvation.The implications reach far beyond ancient theological disputes. Today's Christians face similar pressures to add requirements to salvation—whether baptism, speaking in tongues, political alignment, or adherence to church traditions. This exploration of Galatians 2 provides clarity on distinguishing between salvation's foundation (grace alone through faith alone) and the Christian's response to that salvation.What core beliefs form your understanding of salvation? Have you unconsciously added requirements to what Christ has already accomplished? Join us for this transformative journey through scripture's clearest defense of salvation by grace alone.Support the show

Send us a textThe battle for the purity of the gospel message has raged since the earliest days of Christianity. In this deep dive into Galatians chapter 1, we explore Paul's passionate defense of the unadulterated gospel of grace against those who would add requirements to it.When Paul writes that he "marvels" at how quickly the Galatian believers were turning to a different gospel, he's expressing genuine shock and dismay. The Judaizers—early Jewish Christians who insisted Gentile converts needed to follow the Law of Moses—were effectively undermining the very foundation of salvation by grace. This episode unpacks Paul's powerful assertion that "the gospel plus anything, or the gospel minus any part of it, suddenly is no longer the gospel."We examine why Paul's language is so strong when he pronounces that anyone preaching a modified gospel should be "accursed"—even if that person were Paul himself or an angel from heaven. This isn't mere rhetorical excess but reflects the eternal stakes involved when the message of salvation is corrupted.The discussion tackles contemporary applications as well. Many religious groups today—from Catholicism to Mormonism to various denominations—hold to aspects of the gospel while adding requirements that transform it into "another gospel." We clarify the role of baptism as an important symbol of our faith that doesn't contribute to salvation itself, addressing the persistent human tendency to want to add something to Christ's finished work.Particularly striking is Paul's rhetorical question: "Do I now persuade men or God?" His concern wasn't winning human approval but faithfully representing God's truth—a challenging reminder for Christians today who might be tempted to soften the gospel's edges to make it more palatable.Whether you're struggling with legalism, curious about what makes the true gospel distinct, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of Galatians, this episode offers clear, biblical teaching on why grace alone is the foundation of authentic Christian faith.Support the show

Judaizers have been trying to blur the line between their religion and Christianity for thousands of years but it wasn't until the 19th century that they found a 'magic word' that would be instrumental in deceiving millions of Christians. In today's episode we look at the history, timeline and etymology of the word 'Judeo-Christian' and how it was used to drag America into WWII and now into more 'forever wars' in the Mideast.To understand how and why Western governments have been hijacked and are teetering on collapse look no farther than this weaponized word and the well-financed marketing efforts behind it.Notes:Joseph Wolffhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_WolffFather Charles Coughlinhttps://www.ssa.gov/history/cough.htmlJudeo-Christianhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Judeo-ChristianConversoshttps://www.museodelprado.es/en/whats-on/exhibition/the-lost-mirror-jews-and-conversos-in-medieval/ac516c08-08d9-42fb-a7fd-1cba121e9946The first Christian bible of 144 A.D.https://www.theveryfirstbible.org/First-Bible-App.htmlYahweh Derangement Syndrome: Deconstructing The Devil's Greatest Trick

Galatians 1: Gospel Clarity, Conditional Love, and Personal Theology In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their series through the book of Galatians, focusing on Paul's bold defense of his apostleship and the uncompromising unity of the gospel. Writing with passion and urgency, Paul confronts distortions introduced by the Judaizers—reminding the Galatians that his commission comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ Himself. The conversation moves from historical context to personal reflection, as Michael and SJ examine how cultural expectations, church upbringing, and performance-based faith can cloud our understanding of grace. They explore how many believers, knowingly or not, come to believe that love must be earned—when in fact, the gospel declares it's freely given. This episode also introduces Zoweh's Base Camp, a new online resource hub offering devotionals, podcasts, and discussion guides to support deeper connection with God and others. Whether you're exploring Galatians in a group or on your own, this resource is a companion for your healing and restoration journey. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own personal theology and motivations: What's driving your faith—grace or performance? What version of love did your story teach you to believe? We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

Sunday, 15 June 2025   He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:39   “The ‘having found his soul,' he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul' because of Me, he will find it” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who did not take his cross and follow after Him was not worthy of Him. Now, to build upon that, He says, “The ‘having found his soul,' he will lose it.”   The words at first seem paradoxical. However, Jesus is using the thought of the psuché, the soul, in two ways at the same time. The word itself was introduced in Matthew 2:20. It is derived from psucho, breath. The meaning is based on the context, and it can mean the breath of one's life, the seat of affection, the self, a human person, or an individual. The word corresponds to the Hebrew word nephesh.   In the case of Jesus' words, He indicates that a person who has found his soul, meaning his earthly self, will wind up losing his soul, meaning his eternal self. Finding one's earthly self involves looking after oneself, getting the best out of life, advancing in one's career, or whatever motivates a person to ingratiate his existence apart from God's guiding hand.   The problem with this type of life is two-fold. The first and main consideration is that it leaves God, the Creator, out of the picture. It ignores man's responsibilities to Him and sets one's course for self-directed aims. The second problem with this is obvious to all and yet it is ignored most of the time. Man is destined to die.   As this is so, all self-directed advances and aims have an end because the self has an end. Jesus says elsewhere –   “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26   This is Jesus' intent. The person finds his soul, the epitome of self-satisfaction and aggrandizement, maybe even living to the point of hedonism, but because he has left God out of the equation, he winds up losing his soul. On the other hand, Jesus next says, “and the ‘having lost his soul' because of Me, he will find it.”   The “because of Me” is the key point of His words. Many scholars and philosophers have stated words similar in thought to Jesus' words –   Plato said, “O my friend! I want you to see that the noble and the good may possibly be something different from saving and being saved, and that he who is truly a man ought not to care about living a certain time: he knows, as women say, that we must all die, and therefore he is not fond of life; he leaves all that with God, and considers in what way he can best spend his appointed term” (“Gorgias,” 512). (via Vincent's Word Studies).   Euripides said, “Who knows if life be not death, and death life.” (via Vincent's Word Studies).   The Pulpit Commentary notes, “In Talm. Bab., ‘Tamid,' 32a, Alexander the Great asks ‘the elders of the south' ten questions, among them, ‘What shall a man do that he may live?' They answer, ‘Let him put himself to death.' ‘What shall a man do that he may die?' ‘Let him make himself alive.'”   Such sayings are found in cultures around the world, and many live lifestyles that bear this concept, such as those living as monks or in asceticism, stoicism, etc. The problem with such lives is that such people are still set to die. Without the “because of Me” of Jesus' words, their end is the same as the others. The main difference between them and those in the first half of Jesus' words is that those in the first category probably had a lot more fun in the process.   Jesus is telling His disciples that the pursuit of God in Christ is the key to finding one's soul, meaning his eternal existence in the presence of God.   Life application: It is common for Christians to use Jesus' words here and in similar passages to give up various earthly delights, to reject wealth, to live in hovels when they could live in a mansion, etc.   Some, such as the Judaizers and Hebrew Roots Movement adherents, live for self while claiming they are living for God. They do this by living by precepts of the Law of Moses instead of living in Christ. Their religion is self-directed because it has rejected the fulfillment of the law by Jesus.   Many such paths of existence in Christianity are unbiblical. For example, concerning wealth, Paul says –   “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19   Paul did not say that rich people need to give up their wealth. He instructs them how to use it in a godly manner. People who are attempting to “find life” since the completed work of Jesus need to simply believe in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Christ. That is how one finds his life. Trust. Believing the gospel and trusting God that it is true by faith is how one finds life.   Jesus' words in this verse in Matthew have a context. Our instructions for finding life now, because of His completed work, have a new context. Don't stop part of the way in the redemption story. When you get to the cross and resurrection, you have come to the point where God has brought you for life. Find life by finding the risen Savior and trusting in Him.   Heavenly Father, our lives are short, and we often focus way too much on making the best of our days without considering You in the process. Forgive us for this. Help us to include You in our every thought and action. Whether we are rich or poor, healthy or sick, single or married, or in any other way, may our priority be to include You in our lives and interactions! Amen.  

Today, this episode is all about the local church at Antioch in the early days. Do you remember some of the particulars that Dr. Luke and the Apostle Paul documented about that extraordinary church? Well, for two thousand years, Antioch has been an amazing model for local churches desiring high impact for God's mission. Join Kevin as we walk through the nine key lessons for our churches that we can glean from the church at Antioch! // Download this episode's Application & Action questions and PDF transcript at whitestone.org.

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

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