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

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.

Before the Word: No Other Gospel | Galatians 1:6–10

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 ⁠“What is the Gospel” (Ligonier Ministries Article)⁠ [https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-is-the-gospel-godfrey] Summary Paul openly states his astonishment that, in the face of false teaching, had turned away from the gospel and had turned to a “different gospel.” However, in stating his astonishment Paul defends that 1) there is no other gospel to turn to and that 2) if anyone preaches a different gospel they should be considered accursed. Truth Statement There is but one gospel of God and it should be modified by no person. Instruction We should be careful to hold fast to the truth of the gospel as revealed in Scripture.

The Divine Gospel | Galatians 1:1–5

The Divine Gospel | Galatians 1:1–5 Preacher: Pastor Jared Thomas Date Preached: May 31, 2026 As Paul opens his letter to the churches of Galatia, he immediately directs their attention to the source of the gospel. His apostleship was not established by human authority but by God the Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Before confronting error, Paul reminds the church of the divine origin of the message they have received. These opening verses also proclaim the heart of the gospel itself: Christ gave himself for our sins to rescue his people from the present evil age according to the will of God. The gospel is not man's invention or achievement but God's saving work accomplished through the death and resurrection of his Son. Topics: Gospel, Jesus Christ, Salvation, Grace, Apostleship, Sovereignty of God

Before the Word: The Divine Gospel | Galatians 1:1–5

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 an Apostle?” (Ligonier Ministries Article) [https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-is-an-apostle] Summary Paul opens his letter to the Galatian churches by grounding them again in the gospel of Jesus Christ. His authority as an apostle did not come from man, but from God the Father and the risen Son. And the message he preached was the good news that Christ willingly gave himself for our sins to deliver his people from the present evil age. Truth Statement God the Father and God the Son willed together to save sinners through the Son’s sacrificial death. Instruction Praise and glorify the Father and the Son for accomplishing your salvation through the cross of Christ.

Rest in the Lord | Matthew 11:25–30

Rest in the Lord | Matthew 11:25–30 Preacher: Pastor Jared Thomas Date Preached: May 24, 2026 In Matthew 11, Jesus invites weary and burdened sinners to come to him and find true rest. In a world marked by striving, anxiety, self-sufficiency, and spiritual exhaustion, Christ reveals himself as the gentle and lowly Savior who welcomes all who trust in him. His yoke is not oppressive, but gracious, because he has already borne the weight of sin for his people. This sermon explores the rest that Christ gives to those who come by faith. Jesus does not merely offer relief from difficult circumstances, but reconciliation with God, rest for the conscience, and the peace that comes through belonging to him. His invitation remains open to all who are weary and heavy laden. Topics: Rest, Jesus Christ, Grace, Faith, Salvation, Christian Living