Before the Word: The Spirit and the Promise | Galatians 3:1–9

Before the Word: The Spirit and the Promise | Galatians 3:1–9

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. From May 25 through August 9, these episodes will walk through the entire letter of the apostle Paul to the churches of Galatia. Resource "What is the gospel according to Abraham?" (RTS, Dr. Nicholas Reid) [https://rts.edu/resources/what-is-the-gospel-according-to-abraham/] Summary Having defended justification by faith, Paul now asks the Galatians a series of pointed questions. They received the Holy Spirit not through works of the law but through faith in Christ. The same principle that marked their conversion continues to shape the Christian life. Looking to Abraham, Paul demonstrates that God's people have always been counted righteous through faith and that the nations are blessed through the promised offspring. The Christian life begins by faith, continues by faith, and rests on God's gracious promise. Truth Statement The Spirit is received by faith, and the promises of God are inherited by faith. Instruction Do not rely on your own efforts to grow in Christ, but trust the Spirit who works in God's people through faith in his promises.

Before the Word: Faith Alone | Galatians 2:11–21

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. From May 25 through August 9, these episodes will walk through the entire letter of the apostle Paul to the churches of Galatia. Resource The Doctrine of Justification [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-doctrine-of-justification/] by Philip Eveson (TGC Essay)

Revealed by God, Not Invented by Man | Galatians 1:11–2:10

Revealed by God, Not Invented by Man Galatians 1:11–2:10 Preacher: Pastor Jared Thomas Date Preached: June 14, 2026 Paul continues his defense of the gospel by recounting his own conversion, calling, and relationship with the other apostles. Once a persecutor of the church, Paul was transformed by the grace of God and entrusted with the message of Christ. His testimony demonstrates that the gospel did not arise from human wisdom, religious tradition, or apostolic collaboration, but from divine revelation. As Paul reflects on his interactions with the leaders in Jerusalem, the unity of the apostolic message becomes clear. Though their ministries served different audiences, they proclaimed the same gospel and recognized the same grace at work. The church stands on a message revealed by Christ, affirmed by the apostles, and faithfully proclaimed throughout the world. Topics: Gospel, Apostleship, Grace, Conversion, Justification, Church Unity, Divine Revelation, Mission

Before the Word: The Gospel - Revealed by God, Not Invented by Man | Galatians 1:11–2:10

Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. From May 25 through August 9, these episodes will walk through the entire letter of the apostle Paul to the churches of Galatia. Resource The Preparation of Paul (Article) [https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/the-preparation-of-paul] Summary Paul defends both the source and the substance of the gospel he preached. The message of justification by faith was not the product of human wisdom, religious tradition, or apostolic invention. Christ himself revealed it. Though Paul once opposed the church, God called him by grace and entrusted him with the gospel. The apostles in Jerusalem later affirmed the same message, demonstrating that the church proclaims one gospel with one voice because it has one divine author. Truth Statement The gospel of justification by faith is revealed by Christ, affirmed by the apostles, and proclaimed by the church. Instruction Receive the gospel with confidence, knowing that your salvation rests on God's revealed truth rather than man's ideas or achievements.

No Other Gospel | Galatians 1:6–10

No Other Gospel Galatians 1:6–10 Preacher: Ken Forrester Date Preached: June 7, 2026 Paul wastes no time addressing the danger facing the churches of Galatia. After reminding them of the divine origin of the gospel, he expresses astonishment that they are so quickly turning from the grace of God to a different message. What is at stake is not a secondary doctrine or minor disagreement, but the very truth of the gospel itself. In this passage, Paul teaches that there is only one gospel—the good news that sinners are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Any attempt to add human works, religious performance, or personal merit to Christ's saving work distorts the message of salvation and undermines the grace of God. The church is therefore called to guard the gospel faithfully and proclaim it without compromise. Topics: Gospel, Justification, Grace, Faith Alone, False Teaching, Christian Doctrine, Jesus Christ, Salvation