Time In The Word

Here is the message we have been given by God to share with others: “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of who are still living, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:1-6). In part 2 of The Principle of Sharing, Dr. Gonzalez looks at verses 3-5 and discusses the essence and substance of the true Gospel we are commanded to share. In this message, we are reminded of how critical it is that we see and understand everything being said in these few verses. ______________________________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. We have already considered the principles of exalting, loving, and following Christ. Now we will consider The Principle of Obeying Christ. If we are going to pursue Jesus, then it is imperative that we obey Him, not only in the areas where we are comfortable doing so, but also in the areas where we are stretched. In part 3 of The Principle of Obedience, Dr. Gonzalez discusses the result of obedience: fruit. A true disciple obeys Christ. A true disciple doesn’t just hear what He says, he does what Christ tells him to do or not to do. _________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. We have already considered the principles of exalting, loving, and following Christ. Now we will consider The Principle of Obeying Christ. If we are going to pursue Jesus, then it is imperative that we obey Him, not only in the areas where we are comfortable doing so, but also in the areas where we are stretched. In part 1, Dr. Gonzalez reminded us about: the only and necessary foundation, foundational differences, and the two types of foundations. In part 2 of The Principle of Obedience he discusses the principles for building on the right foundation and fellowship as the natural outcome of obedience. _________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. We have already considered the principles of exalting, loving, and following Christ. Now we will consider The Principle of Obeying Christ. If we are going to pursue Jesus, then it is imperative that we obey Him, not only in the areas where we are comfortable doing so, but also in the areas where we are stretched. In The Principle of Obedience, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss that which is necessary to successfully obey Christ – a firm foundation. In part 1, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us about: the only and necessary foundation, foundational differences, and the two types of foundations. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. Many of you remember the game called “Simon Says.” What does “Simon Says” have to do with following Christ? Even though that was a childhood game, the fundamental rule is quite applicable to our pursuing Christ. As Christians we need to be engaged in a very real and serious lifelong activity called “Jesus Says.” That is, we need to be listening and following Christ. In The Principle of Following, Dr. Gonzalez covers three critical points. In part 3, he covers the third critical point, that in following Christ we must make a decision that supersedes every other decision. This truth is clearly illustrated for us in Luke 9:57-62 in the exchange that takes place between Jesus and three disciple “wanna be’s.” As we consider our own lives, are we really following Jesus, or are we allowing something to hinder our pursuit of Christ? You see, if we are not following Jesus the way we should be, we are not truly pursuing Christ. we must deliberately choose to follow Jesus; it is an ongoing decision we must make every day. _________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. Many of you remember the game call “Simon Says.” What does “Simon Says” have to do with following Christ? Even though that was a childhood game, the fundamental rule is quite applicable to our pursuing Christ. As Christians we need to be engaged in a very real and serious lifelong activity called “Jesus Says.” That is, we need to be listening and following Christ. In The Principle of Following, Dr. Gonzalez covers three critical points. In part 2, he covers the second critical point, that following Christ requires on ongoing choice. The decision to follow Christ is not one we make at some point in our lives, to never make again. Paul does a wonderful job of pointing this out in Philippians 3:7-8. In this passage he speaks of his own experience. _________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. Many of you remember the game call “Simon Says.” What does “Simon Says” have to do with following Christ? Even though that was a childhood game, the fundamental rule is quite applicable to our pursuing Christ. As Christians we need to be engaged in a very real and serious lifelong activity called “Jesus Says.” That is, we need to be listening and following Christ. In The Principle of Following, Dr. Gonzalez covers three critical points. In part 1, he covers the first critical point, that following Christ is a personal decision. In John 21:18-19 Jesus told Peter, “’I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’” ___________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez states that considering who Jesus is and what He has done for us, as Christians our response should be characterized by several things, chiefly, by a complete and unreserved love. In the study of The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez is considering three very important principles highlighted in Peter’s failure at the crucifixion of Christ and his restoration by Jesus. In part 3, Dr. Gonzalez discusses the second and begins discussing the third of the three principles– Brokenness: A Love Requirement and Love: Made Possible by Grace. _____________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez states that considering who Jesus is and what He has done for us, as Christians our response should be characterized by several things, chiefly, by a complete and unreserved love. In the study of The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez will consider three very important principles highlighted in Peter’s failure at the crucifixion of Christ and his restoration by Jesus. In part 2, Dr. Gonzalez will finish discussing the first of the three principles – A Tested Love. ________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. In The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez states that considering who Jesus is and what He has done for us, as Christians our response should be characterized by several things, chiefly, by a complete and unreserved love. Should we question the sincerity of Peter’s love for Christ? No, what we should do is understand that his love needed to be tested and purified. His love, like ours, is like an impure metal. We can learn a lot from Peter’s failure at the crucifixion of Christ and his restoration by Jesus. In the study of The Principle of Love, we will consider three very important principles highlighted in this story. In part 1, Dr. Gonzalez will start his presentation of the first of the three – A Tested Love. ___________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Exaltation, Dr. Gonzalez argues that the first thing we must endeavor to do is to exalt Him continually and consistently. Colossians teaches us that we are to exalt Christ. Paul wrote, “…so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). There are four major themes concerning how we can exalt Christ. In this message, the third and fourth themes will be presented – Exalting Christ in our family and Exalting Christ in our work. Exalting Christ in every area of life will require selfless commitment on our part. James writes: “Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10 NASB). The higher you exalt Christ, the higher He will exalt you. Exalt Him in your faith, your focus, your family, and your work. He deserves our praise and exaltation. _________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Exaltation, Dr. Gonzalez argues that the first thing we must endeavor to do is to exalt Him continually and consistently. Colossians teaches us that we are to exalt Christ. Paul wrote, “…so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). There are 4 major themes concerning how we can exalt Christ. In this message, the second theme will be presented – Exalting Christ in our focus. _____________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

If Christ is whom He claimed to be, if His is whom the Scriptures say He is, then the number one priority in our lives should be to pursue Him with everything we have. But what does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Exaltation, Dr. Gonzalez argues that the first thing we must endeavor to do is to exalt Him continually and consistently. Colossians teaches us that we are to exalt Christ. Paul wrote, “…so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). There are 4 major themes concerning how we can exalt Christ. In this message, the first theme will be presented – Exalting Christ in our faith. _____________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

It is when we see the decay, destruction, and corruption around us that we realize the value and necessity of the Bible. In contrast to the world, the Bible is inexhaustible, inextinguishable, and life giving. In part 2 of God’s Provision for Spiritual Growth, Dr. Gonzalez looks at five specific ways the believer is to use God’s Word to ensure spiritual growth. We must: Believe it. Study it. Honor it. Love it. Obey it. A clear reminder that no spiritual growth takes place without the Word of God. ____________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

It is when we see the decay, destruction, and corruption around us that we realize the value and necessity of the Bible. In contrast to the world, the Bible is inexhaustible, inextinguishable, and life giving. In part 1 of God’s Provision for Spiritual Growth, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us of the absolute and critical importance of the Bible, pointing out that God’s Word: Is alive. Gives life. Sustains spiritual life. Transforms lives. There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. The Bible is central to our spiritual growth, in fact no spiritual growth takes place without the Word of God. ____________________________________________________   Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The promises of God are the lifelines of the soul, and the word “promise” is one of the synonyms used by the writer of Psalm 119 for the Word of God. Here we learn that God’s precious promises are to be: Discovered Loved Pondered Claimed Reciprocated Many people today leave their spouses, their churches, their jobs, or their families, claiming their “needs aren’t met.” Our deepest needs can only be met by God through actively discovering, loving, pondering, claiming, and reciprocating His promises.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

If you are a Christian: You have divine wisdom, a saving knowledge of God and of divine truth. You have a righteousness that secures your justification. You are renewed after the image of God and will finally be presented without spot or blemish before the presence of His glory. And you will share eternal redemption, full deliverance from all the evils of sin and introduced into the glorious liberty of God. These blessings can be obtained only through a personal relationship with Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:30 is one of the most comprehensive single passages in all of Scripture. In today’s message, The Believer’s Blessings in Christ, Dr. Gonzalez provides an exposition of the passage in which he explores the blessings mentioned, define their meaning, and draw practical applications to our lives.   ___________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

In today’s message, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us that we can’t overlook the importance of making good decisions, for decisions will play a role in determining the course of our lives. There are four pillars we can build on as a good framework for making decisions: God Facts Advice Impact Good decisions do not come from intellect or luck, but by using a scriptural framework as a lens through which we can see clearly and decide effectively. Let us listen as Dr. Gonzalez elaborates on these four pillars.    ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Alexander the Great conquered the world yet died at age 33 in a drunken stupor. Hannibal may have crossed the Alps with elephants, but he had three bushels of gold rings he had taken off knights he slaughtered; and he later committed suicide. Julius Caesar conquered 800 cities across Europe and the Middle East, but he was stabbed by his closest friends. Napoleon was the scourge of Europe, yet he died in banishment. Solomon was the wisest, wealthiest man who ever lived; yet there is a tragedy to his life. and we can learn from it. There are three gigantic mistakes Solomon made in his life from which we can learn a great deal. In today’s message, Learning from Solomon’s Mistakes, Dr Gonzalez will consider the three mistakes found in 1 Kings chapters 3 and 11.   ________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”   In today’s message, Jesus’s Present Work and Ministry, Dr. Gonzalez will consider several New Testament passages that reveal to us Christ’s present ministry. Let us listen as he points out that the Lord Jesus Christ is: Ruling from His Heavenly Throne Directing and Empowering His Church Interceding for Believers Preparing a Place for Us Receiving the Souls of Those Who Die in Him Being Praised by Angels Dr. Gonzalez ends the message by asking the following: As Christ is doing all this for us in heaven, what are we doing for Him on earth?   ________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.   As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace.   Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word.   For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Each Christian has a personal ministry, and many people exercise that ministry in the context of a local church. You're a Bible study leader, do evangelism visitation, volunteer with children or youth, or you’re a choir member. Beware of Satan's greatest tool -- discouragement.  He wants us to become weary in well doing. Our greatest weapon is faith in the specific promises God has given us. Deuteronomy 1:21 we read, “See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." In today’s study, Casting Out Discouragement, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us that we not only walk by faith, but we also work by faith. We are not to give up in discouragement, God is using us in ways greater than we know.   _______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Paul's obsession with the cross was strange for two reasons. First, he refused to live for any of the things that people normally live for. He did not boast about his popularity, intellect, influence, appearance, income, or performance. Nor did he boast about his circumcision. Second, what Paul was willing to boast about was even stranger: the cross of Christ. Christians are used to thinking about the cross as something noble, or even beautiful, but to ancient people it was the ultimate humiliation. The Romans considered the cross degrading, disgusting, detestable, and disgraceful. Boasting in the cross means more than just believing that Jesus died for your sins; it also means living a crucified life. In verse 17 Paul writes, From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. This statement was partly a warning to the Judaizers. They had followed him to interfere with his gospel of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Paul had finally had enough, therefore he warned his opponents not to cause him any more trouble. This statement is also a warning to every Christian, however, for it shows what kind of treatment we can expect for boasting in the cross. Sooner or later, every Christian who glories in the cross will face opposition.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   It must have been a dramatic moment. The Galatian church had gathered for the public reading of a letter from none other than Paul. As the letter ended, they heard these words: See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand (Gal. 6:11). What had probably happened was this: According to his usual custom, Paul had dictated most of this epistle to his secretary. But he finished the document in his own handwriting, personally adding his autograph to give his letter to the Galatians the stamp of his apostolic authority. And he wrote his signature in large letters to underscore his conclusion. The last section of Galatians, therefore, is more than a hastily written postscript, the afterthought of an apostle. Instead, these verses constitute a summary of the entire letter. In his summary, he contrasts circumcision and the cross, showing that justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone means boasting in the cross alone. To understand this is to understand Galatians. More than that, it is to understand the Gospel.   ____________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Do you remember the first time you observed a seed sprouting in a glass jar? It is a fascinating law of creation, governed by God's providence. God has also created seed so that whatever type of seed planted, that is the plant that will grow and bear fruit. You do not pick grapes from a thorn bush; you pick grapes from a grape vine. Scripture is full of figures of speech, similes and metaphors based on the relationship of seed and plant, and Paul uses such a figure in Galatians 6:6-10, in this case the relationship of sowing to gathering. He uses this figure in order to teach us about stewardship within the body of Christ. He is dealing with how we live with one another. Gospel liberty does not allow us to be self-centered. Paul says Gospel liberty is not a license to sin against God and it is not a license to live self-centeredly amid the community. In the previous section (6:1-5), he gave a practical example of how to live together in humility. Now in verses 6-10, he offers another practical example, the matter of Christian stewardship, particularly in the provision for those in full-time ministry. Once again Paul establishes the principle, that God uses His appointed means to accomplish His spiritual purposes.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   We learn by example; we copy things that we see. This is also true for developing spiritually. We call this biblical principle, modelling. Paul often gave examples to illustrate the principles that he had imparted. In today’s text, Paul exhorts us to live in holiness and in harmony, as we serve one another in love. He concludes the exhortation by relating walking in the Spirit to how we treat one another. In the first 5 verses of chapter 6, he gives an example of serving one another in love, particularly as we deal with sin within the body of Christ. In verses 1-2, Paul begins with an exhortation on how sin should be handled in the body of Christ. Paul's exhortation is an example for implementing his concluding exhortation in chapter 5:26, Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Having shown us the practical example of walking in the Spirit and not challenging one another in jealousy and pride, in verses 3-5, Paul gives the antidote to selfish ambition. Paul warns of the danger of self-deceit: If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.   __________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   The Holy Spirit does not produce fruit in the Christian life without our cooperation. There are two things every Christian must do to remain fruitful. First, mortification, the putting to death the sinful nature and vivification, the coming to life of the regenerate nature. We find the death of our own sinful nature in the death of Christ, through what J. I. Packer calls "cocrucifixion with Jesus Christ." There is a connection between Gal. 5:24 (And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires) and Gal. 2:20 (I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me). But there is one very important difference. In chapter 2, we are crucified; in chapter 5, we do the crucifying. At the same time that we are putting our flesh to death, we are being revived by the Holy Spirit. These two aspects of sanctification—mortification and vivification—go together. As the reformer John Calvin put it, "The death of the flesh is the life of the Spirit." Second, walking with the Spirit: If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). In this verse, Paul follows an indicative with an imperative; he tells us to become what we are. At regeneration, the Holy Spirit enters the heart of every Christian. Yet we must keep on living in the Spirit, which is precisely what the Galatians were failing to do. The role of the Spirit is to keep us in line, give us our orders, all we must do is keep our place in the formation, moving in step with his commands. Keeping in step takes discipline, and so does spiritual growth. True spiritual growth comes from walking with the Spirit every day.   ________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   What is spirituality? Who is spiritual? Is it accomplished by legalistic conformity to the Mosaic law? What part does the Holy Spirit have? The self? In Galatians 5:16-18, Paul explains the nature of spirituality. Verse 16 its command, Walk by the Spirit. In the first part of the verse, Paul defines the command; in the second part, he explains the result, …and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. A Christian is a creature of two environments. Unlike the fish whose one nature is adaptable to only one habitat, the believer can function within two realms. In verse 17, Paul explains that as Christians, we have two natures and two desires; in verse 18, he provides the solution to the conflict. In verses 19-23, Paul discusses the contrast between works and fruit. Earlier there was a clash between the flesh and the Spirit. Now a contrast is established between the works of the flesh (5:19) and the fruit of the Spirit (5:22).   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Just as justification is not possible through the efforts of self, so sanctification cannot be achieved through one's own energy either. Both come from the provision and power of God. The basic meaning of "sanctify" is "to set apart." One of the four stages within the biblical concept of sanctification is Progressive Sanctification. It’s that work of the triune God whereby He sets apart the Christian unto Himself from the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. This happens during the entire lifetime of the believer on earth and is achieved by his yieldedness to the Spirit and his obedience to the Scriptures. Paul wants believers to realize that obedience to the law was not necessary for progressive sanctification. The sinner is not only justified by faith, but he is also sanctified by faith. Paul writes in Rom. 1:17 (NLT), This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.   _____________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   The Judaizers charged that Paul’s teaching would lead the Galatians into lawlessness. Paul countered that the false teachers wanted to replace one expression of legalistic bondage for another. Who was right? In this section Paul argued that a proper apprehension of the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone would lead to a life of spiritual freedom and holy love. In 5:1 Paul wrote, Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. In 5:13 he wrote, For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. Warren Wiersbe says that liberty minus love will issue in license, whereas liberty plus love will result in service. What is the purpose of this liberty? Using liberty for selfish pursuits is not love. The real goal of spiritual liberty is to serve one another. A sinner has been set free from the bondage of self, sin, and Satan so that he might become a slave to others.   ___________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   The Judaizers charged that Paul’s teaching would lead the Galatians into lawlessness. Paul countered that the false teachers wanted to replace one expression of legalistic bondage for another. Who was right? In this section Paul argued that a proper apprehension of the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone would lead to a life of spiritual freedom and holy love. Paul writes, Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery (Gal. 5:1). Set free by Christ, the Galatians soon were acquiescing to the demands of the legalists. Paul wanted them to take a stand, to act like free men, not like slaves.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Paul effectively used a double approach to warn the Galatians about the dangers of Judaizing legalism. The first was personal and subjective (4:12-20), and the second was objective and historical (4:21-31). The characters and events of the OT have often been used as illustrations of NT principles. For instance, the Passover lamb was a type of Christ in His sacrificial death (1 Cor. 5:7). The essence of faith can be seen in Abel, Enoch, Noah, and others (Heb. 11). A basic law of hermeneutics can be derived from 1 Cor. 10:11: Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. In verses 21-31 of Galatians chapter 4, Paul planned to use an event out of the life of Abraham to illustrate the principle that a man could not inherit the blessings of the patriarchal covenant through obedience to the law.   ____________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   In this section Paul effectively used a double approach to warn the Galatians about the dangers of Judaizing legalism. The first was personal and subjective (4:12-20), and the second was objective and historical (4:21-31). In verses 12 through 20, the direct address brothers, served to catch their attention. They were genuine brothers and sisters within the family of God, but the Judaizing teachers, had caused them to have a strained relationship. Paul wanted them to be reconciled to him.   _________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Although regeneration changed the spiritual position of a slave, it did not eliminate his social status. He was still a slave. Many NT epistles provided valuable counsel for the converted servants and slave owners. For example, Paul encouraged Philemon to receive the recently saved Onesimus no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother... (Philemon v. 16). The cultural background of the first century provided an excellent analogy between the principles of spiritual sonship and those of spiritual bondage.   _____________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES    In cultures that practiced slavery, there were obvious differences between the one who served and the master, between the son of a slave and the son of a slave owner. Although the servant may have possessed greater physical strength and innate intelligence than that of the owner's son, the servant was still regarded as an inferior person. The servant was under orders to obey, and the son was free to enjoy the provision of the father. In his argument for the superiority of Christ, the author of Hebrews pointed out that Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future. But Christ was faithful as a Son over His household. And we are that household if we hold on to the courage and the confidence of our hope (Heb. 3:5-6). A slave is never free to do anything voluntarily; rather he is always obligated to obey laws. Although regeneration changed the spiritual position of a slave, it did not eliminate his social status. He was still a slave. Many NT epistles provided valuable counsel for the converted servants and slave owners. Paul encouraged Philemon to receive the recently saved Onesimus no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother... (Philem. v. 16). This cultural background of the first century provided an excellent analogy between the principles of spiritual sonship and those of spiritual bondage.   ___________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   This major section begins with the rhetorical question: Why then was the law given? (3:19). In verse 19-25, Paul explained the purpose of God giving the law to Moses and to Israel. In the remaining verses of chapter 3, Paul explains the believer’s position under faith.  He tells us that when a person was under the works of the law, he soon found himself to be under the curse and under sin. Now Paul wanted to show the favorable position of the sinner who has been justified by faith in Christ.   ________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Paul has clearly demonstrated that the law could not give the Holy Spirit (3:1-5), could not give the righteousness of God (3:6-9), could not give the blessing (3:14), and could not change the original covenant (3:15-18). The law, however, could give a curse (3:10-13). In the remaining verses of chapter 3, Paul continued to prove the superiority of the life of faith to that of legalism. This major section begins with a rhetorical question: Why then was the law given? (3:19). Since the promise was given to Abraham and to Christ and since the law could not annul the promise, what was the purpose of God giving the law to Moses and to Israel? Why didn’t He continue dealing with them on the basis of the covenant of promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Why was there any change at Sinai? Paul anticipated such questions, thus they had to be addressed.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.   As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Since salvation is a matter of God's free grace, we do not earn it by working to obtain it. It is a gift, not something owed to us. We receive our inheritance from God the same way Abraham received it: by faith. We simply believe that God will make good on his promise to save us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then, we act on our faith, living like the true heirs of God that we have become through his covenant in Christ. This is the grace of God, that he does not deal with us on the basis of our performance, but on the basis of His promise. No matter what we have done, our sins are covered by the covenant righteousness of Christ. And now that we are in Christ, our standing before God does not fluctuate with the inconsistency of our daily obedience (or disobedience). On the basis of the promise that he made before the law, God loves us with an unconditional love.   ____________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.   As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Throughout this chapter Paul has been proving that justification and the Holy Spirit come by faith and not by works. First, he argued from experience—the experience the Galatians had when they received the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:1-5). Next, he argued from Scripture—the biblical record about Abraham, the man of faith (Gal. 3:6-14). But when it comes to making a theological point, it always helps to have a good illustration, so next Paul takes a human example (Gal. 3:15a). According to standard legal practice, with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified (Gal. 3:15b). The covenant is permanent. By covenant, Paul refers instead to a covenant for an inheritance, what today might be called a "last will and testament." A will is not a contract. It does not set terms that various parties are obligated to fulfill. Instead, it simply declares what one party intends to do. A last will and testament is a legal arrangement in which one party bestows his or her estate on someone else. It is a grant rather than a bargain. The kind of human covenant Paul has in mind is also irrevocable. Once it is signed, sealed, and delivered, it cannot be changed. There is no way to set it aside or add to it. It cannot be abrogated or annulled. It cannot be amended or adjusted. It is legally binding exactly as it stands.   ________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.   As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   If the law cannot bless us, then how can we receive God's blessing? This is the question Paul has been wrestling with throughout this letter. How do I stand in right relationship with God? What must I do to gain his favor? In a word, how can I be justified? There are two possibilities: Either I am justified by works of the law or I am justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul's answer is that justification comes only by faith and not by works. He has stated this before, but here he repeats it: Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.' But the law is not of faith, rather 'The one who does them shall live by them' (Gal. 3:11-12). Justification cannot come by works of the law; it must come by faith. Luther rightly understood that only Christ can justify a sinner, and only through his cross. Paul explained it to the Galatians like this: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree' (Gal. 3:13). The love of Christ is wondrous. He was crucified to remove the curse. Since we are no longer subject to the death penalty of the law, we can receive the promise of the gospel, that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith (Gal. 3:14).   ______________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Imagine the scene: An entire nation gathers on the sides of two mountains to worship. Half the people stand on one side, half on the other. They worship responsively, alternating their praise. First one group cries out to God, and then the other, with every man, woman, and child shouting in unison. This was the scene when the Jewish people crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. According to the command of Moses, six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim and six on Mount Ebal to form an antiphonal choir. Rather than singing in harmony, they recited a litany of blessings and curses. The tribes on Mount Gerizim blessed the people of God, while the tribes on Mount Ebal cursed them. What curses they were! Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image (Deut. 27:15). Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother (Deut. 27:16). Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow (Deut. 27:19). Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them (Deut. 27:26). The Levites recited a dozen curses in all, and after each one, all the people said, "Amen!"   _______________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith (Gal. 3:8). The OT had the foresight to predict the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Scriptures not only predicted that he would come, but also prophesied the precise way that he would save. He would justify sinners by faith, exactly as God justified Abraham. This plan of salvation is for all people everywhere. It is universal. It is for all nations. The blessing of justification was never for the Jews alone; it was always intended for the whole world. In Gal. 3:8 Paul refers to the Gentiles and to the nations. In fact, these are two different translations for the same term. The word does not refer to political states, but to people groups. Through Abraham, God's blessing would come to every ethnic community in the world, to every tribe, people, and language. This was the agenda that Jesus established for the church, to go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). It later became Paul's agenda for world missions. This explains why he went to places like Galatia to proclaim the good news about Jesus Christ that God had first announced to Abraham. Preaching the gospel to every people group remains the church's agenda to this very day. To think and to act biblically is to think and to act globally. We preach the whole gospel to the whole world, knowing that it is the will of God for Jesus Christ to stake his claim on every ethnic community on the face of the earth. The gospel we preach to the nations is the gospel of justification by faith.   _______________________________________________________________   This podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Undoubtedly the reason Paul has so much to say about Abraham in Galatians 3 and 4 is that the Judaizers made such a fuss over him. They claimed that Father Abraham and all his children belonged to God, not by faith alone, but by works of the law. In addition to misunderstanding the gospel, the Judaizers were also guilty of misunderstanding the OT. The fact that Abraham was justified as a Gentile made him the perfect example to use for the Galatians, who had been wrestling with two questions: Whom does God accept, and on what basis? For his answer, Paul took Abraham's history and applied it to their situation, and to ours: Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham (Gal. 3:7). This faith is not just for Abraham and the Galatians, but for everyone. In v. 6 Paul proved that justification by faith was God's plan for Abraham. In v. 7 he showed that people like the Galatians could become Abraham's children by the same faith. Then in v. 8 he proves that justification by faith alone has always been God's plan for all people everywhere: And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed' (Gal. 3:8).   ____________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Deep down, the Galatians knew that they were justified by faith alone, for this is how they had come to Christ in the first place. To stop them from going back to the law, Paul made a personal appeal to their spiritual experience. This appeal came in a series of rapid rhetorical questions—four of them in all: A question about initiation, in which Paul took the Galatians back to the moment of their conversion: "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (Gal. 3:2). A question about completion, or how the Christian makes it to the end of the Christian life: "Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3). A question about persecution, the cost of following a crucified Christ: "Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?" (Gal. 3:4). A question about miracles and their meaning for the Christian life: "Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (Gal. 3:5). Essentially, all these questions boiled down to a single issue: Does the Christian obtain the Holy Spirit by working the law or by hearing with faith? Once the Galatians were forced to admit that they had received the Holy Spirit by faith alone, the argument was over. This is why Paul said he wanted to ask them only one question. Grant him that the Spirit comes by faith alone, and the whole matter is settled.   _____________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   How can God accept me? Only if I trust in Jesus Christ. This is the biblical doctrine of justification by faith that Paul taught the Galatians. I cannot be saved by anything I do; I can be saved only by what Jesus did when he died on the cross and rose from the dead. There is no way for me to make myself right with God because I am unrighteous. But Jesus made things right through his crucifixion and resurrection. All that is left for me to do is receive the gift of God's free grace by putting my faith in God's Son. This doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone has always had its detractors. If justification comes by grace, then all the glory goes to God. But people want to keep some of the glory for themselves. Thus, they seek to justify themselves before God by their own works. Martin Luther encountered this problem when he began preaching the gospel in his native Germany. According to Luther, "The doctrine of justification is this, that we are pronounced righteous and are saved solely by faith in Christ, and without works." In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will begin his exposition of Galatians 3:1-5.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   The only way to get what Christ has to offer is to be united to him by faith. John Calvin said, "We must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value for us."  But once we are in Christ, then we get everything he has to offer, especially his righteousness. When we are in Christ, God considers us as righteous as his own Son, not because we are righteous, but because we are in Christ. The doctrine of union with Christ explains why the Christian is dead to the law. We were united to Christ in his crucifixion. As far as God is concerned, we were really and truly nailed to the cross with Christ. It was on the cross that the law carried out its death penalty against us. Therefore, as far as the law is concerned, we are now dead. There is nothing the law can do to improve our standing before God. We can live for Christ because we are dead to the law. In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will conclude his exposition of Galatians 2:17-21.   _______________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will begin his exposition of Galatians 2:17-21. What Paul said in Gal. 2:16 bears repeating: "We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ." This is the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. As John Calvin (1509-1564) said, "we are justified in no other way than by faith, or, which comes to the same thing, that we are justified by faith alone.” "Justification" is a legal term that refers to a person's standing before the bar of God's justice. To be declared right with God, I must be righteous. But I am not righteous; I am a sinner. How, then, can I justify myself to God? This is the question that the doctrine of justification answers.   ______________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will conclude his exposition of Galatians 2:11-16. He will point out that: Paul’s concern was the Gospel. Even when it came to another apostle, Paul cared enough to confront. For him, it was not peace at any price, but the gospel at all costs. Paul strongly objected to the hypocrisy of Peter, Barnabas, and the others. And that… When Paul confronted Peter in Antioch, he was dealing with something more than just a social issue. He understood that his rebuke of Peter was nothing less than a battle for the gospel of free grace. On the surface, the issue was unity between Jews and Gentiles at the table. But beneath the surface lurked the deeper issue of what God requires for salvation.   ______________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   It must have been an awkward moment when Paul and Peter, two pillars of the Church, had a confrontation during a church potluck. The confrontation was unexpected. Paul and Peter had been friends ever since they got acquainted in Jerusalem. The last time they were together, Peter had given Paul the right hand of fellowship. But this time Paul was opposing Peter right to his face. Everyone knew there had been some sort of argument at Antioch, and it would have been easy to use the incident to discredit Paul's gospel. Yet according to Paul, this present situation was the final proof that he was a genuine apostle of the one true gospel of free grace by showing that he even had the authority to rebuke another apostle who stepped out of line. In part one of Galatians 2:11-16, Dr. Gonzalez helps us understand why Paul was so upset with Peter resulting in his rebuke.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   In today’s study, part two of Galatians 2:1-10, Dr. Gonzalez’s discusses the two positive results of Paul’s visit to Jerusalem: Titus, Paul’s Gentile convert, was accepted. Titus did not have to be circumcised to be saved. Paul’s commission was acknowledged. The apostles acknowledged Paul's commission to preach the gospel. They endorsed Paul's mission to the Gentiles. Dr. Gonzalez will also point out: That the way the first apostles treated one another is really a model for ministry. Paul’s successful defense of the gospel truth that salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Paul’s fight for spiritual freedom from Jewish regulations to preserve the justifying grace of God in the gospel.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we're free at last!" These words were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the close of his address at the 1963 March on Washington for Civil Rights. Dr. King's words conveyed something besides freedom's joy; they also hinted at its long, hard struggle. They were spoken a full century after liberty was first proclaimed for African Americans. Free at last, after centuries of bondage and enslavement. At last, after another long century of prejudice and injustice. America’s experience with slavery teaches us that proclaiming emancipation and possessing liberty are two quite different things. Freedom is not easily gained, and once gained, it is easily lost. In part one of Dr. Gonzalez’s study of Galatians 2:1-10, he will: Point out how precious spiritual freedom is. The price that Jesus paid on the cross to gain it. How easy it is to squander that freedom and return to spiritual bondage, and He will begin his discussion on Paul’s second visit to Jerusalem.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.