Time In The Word

The Principle of Following - True Disciples Follow Christ (Part 2)

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.

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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 Principle of Following - True Disciples Follow Christ (Part 1)

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!’”

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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 Principle of Love - True Disciples Love Christ (Part 3)

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.

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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 Principle of Love - True Disciples Love Christ (Part 2)

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.

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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 Principle of Love - True Disciples Love Christ (Part 1)

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.

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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 Principle of Exaltation - True Disciples Exalt Christ (Part 3)

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.

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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 Principle of Exaltation - True Disciples Exalt Christ (Part 2)

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.

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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 Principle of Exaltation - True Disciples Exalt Christ (Part 1)

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.

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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.

God’s Provision for Spiritual Growth (Part 2)

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.

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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.

God’s Provision for Spiritual Growth (Part 1)

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.

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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.

Lifelines for the Soul

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.

 

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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 Believers Blessings In Christ (1 Cor. 1:30)

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.

 

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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.

Making Good Decisions

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.

 

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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.

Learning from Solomon’s Mistakes (1 Kings)

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.

 

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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.

Jesus’ Present Work and Ministry (Heb. 4:14)

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?

 

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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.

Casting Out Discouragement (Deut. 1:21)

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.

 

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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 Glory of the Cross - Part 2 (Gal. 6:11-18)

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.

 

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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.

The Glory of the Cross - Part 1 (Gal. 6:11-18)

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.

 

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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.

Spiritual Farming (Gal. 6:6-10)

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.

 

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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.

Maintaining Body Life (Gal. 6:1-5)

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.

 

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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.

How to Grow Good Spiritual Fruit (Gal. 5:24-26)

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.

 

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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.

The Sufficiency of the Spirit - Part 2 (Gal. 5:16-23)

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).

 

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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.

The Sufficiency of the Spirit - Part 1 (Gal. 5:16-23)

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.

 

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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.

The Appeal to Liberty and Love - Part 2 (Gal. 5:1-15)

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.

 

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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.

The Appeal to Liberty and Love - Part 1 (Gal. 5:1-15)

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.