Christ Fellowship Northwest

Before the Word: The Cursed Savior | Galatians 3:10–14

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 Simply Put: The Abrahamic Covenant [https://learn.ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/the-abrahamic-covenant] (Ligonier Ministries Podcast) Summary In this passage, Paul argues that anyone relying on observance of the law to be justified before God falls under a curse, since the law demands perfect, complete obedience that no one can fully achieve. Quoting Scripture, he emphasizes that the righteous live by faith rather than by the law, and that the law itself is not based on faith. The good news is that Christ redeemed believers from the curse of the law by taking that curse upon himself through his death on the cross. As a result, the blessing promised to Abraham is extended to all nations, and all who trust in Christ receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Truth Statement Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse in our place, so that through faith we receive righteousness and the blessing promised to Abraham. Instruction Live by faith in Christ rather than attempting to earn righteousness through observing the law or simply trying to "be a good person." Rest in the finished work of the Savior who became a curse for you.

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.

Faith Alone | Galatians 2:11–21

Faith Alone | Galatians 2:11–21 Preacher: Pastor Matt Rogers (Christ Fellowship Northgate) Date Preached: June 21, 2026 When Peter withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers, Paul publicly confronted him because the truth of the gospel was at stake. Though Peter knew that salvation comes through Christ alone, his actions suggested that obedience to the law was necessary for full acceptance among God's people. Paul recognized that even subtle compromises can obscure the message of God's grace. In this passage, Paul declares one of the clearest statements of the gospel in all of Scripture: sinners are justified not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. United to Christ in his death and resurrection, believers no longer seek righteousness through their own efforts but live by faith in the Son of God who loved them and gave himself for them. Topics: Justification, Faith Alone, Gospel, Grace, Union with Christ, Christian Freedom, Peter and Paul, Salvation by Grace

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