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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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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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, 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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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.

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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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.

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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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 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.

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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.

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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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!"

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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.

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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).

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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:

1. 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).
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).
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).
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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:

1. Titus, Paul’s Gentile convert, was accepted. Titus did not have to be circumcised to be saved.
2. 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.

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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.

"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.

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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.

You will remember that in his opening remarks Paul defended his apostleship against those who had tried to discredit him (Gal. 1:1). After describing the work of the gospel (Gal. 1:4), he then pronounced a divine curse on anyone who would distort the gospel of grace (Gal. 1:6-9). In the remainder of chapter 1 he once again takes up the issue of his authority and messages, defending himself against the false charges of his critics.

In today’s study of Galatians 1:10-24, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss:

• Paul’s ministry priority and motivation
• The source of his message
• The evidence of the power of the gospel
• Paul’s persecution of the Church prior to his conversion, and
• Paul’s calling to be a preacher of the gospel

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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.

Paul wrote Galatians to combat false teaching. Somehow the apostle got news of the trouble and he wrote to call the churches back to the true gospel that he had originally delivered. He founded the churches in Galatia himself and was particularly attached to them.

In most of Paul's letters, we typically find some praise of the recipients before dealing with the subject of the letter. Paul did not do that here. He immediately jumps into the matter at hand. Perhaps because Paul was so intensely concerned about the matter of gracious salvation in Christ and about the violent attacks on the gospel being made by the Judaizers. Galatians is the only one of his epistles that gives no word of commendation to its readers. When the gospel is at stake there is no time for pleasantries. After a brief salutation, the apostle immediately states the problem that prompted the letter.

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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.

Paul wrote Galatians to combat false teaching. Somehow the apostle got news of the trouble and he wrote to call the churches back to the true gospel that he had originally delivered. He founded the churches in Galatia himself and was particularly attached to them.

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 book of Galatians is called the "Christian's Declaration of Independence." Paul teaches and clearly establishes the fact that the Christian is free from the curse and bondage of the Law. After introducing himself, He powerfully argues the doctrine of justification by faith.

Today, Dr. Gonzalez will be looking at the first five verses of Galatians chapter 1. He will discuss Paul’s:

• Mandate,
• Mannerism, and
• Message

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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.

In his final message of the end times prophecy series, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss the intermediate state.

If invited to a party or a funeral, which one would we rather attend and why? Contrary to conventional wisdom, Solomon counsels that it is better to go to a funeral home (“a house of mourning”) than to attend a party (“a house of feasting”). In Ecclesiastes 7:2, Solomon said,

Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.     After all, everyone dies—     so the living should take this to heart.

He explains that it is better because parties tend to promote an empty, useless perspective on life; whereas it is at the funeral home that we face reality.

Dr. Gonzalez will explain the biblical view of death and discuss:

• Death and the unbeliever
• Death and the believer

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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.

After the first phase of the future kingdom of God ends, the second phase of the kingdom will begin.

Rev. 20:7-9 tells us that towards the end of the Millennium Kingdom, Satan is released from the Abyss and is successful in gathering a large number of people who will rebel against Christ. According to Rev. 20:9-10, the rebellion is short-lived and completely unsuccessful. All those who participate in it are put to death, while Satan receives his final judgment in the Lake of Fire.

After Satan’s power is finally broken and all people are finally resurrected, all the subjugation necessary has been realized. It is then possible to move into the eternal kingdom. When the millennium kingdom is merged with the eternal kingdom, the eternal sovereignty of God is established. Satan’s challenge and disruption of God’s purposes will be answered finally and forever.

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez discusses the eternal state and life in the Eternal Kingdom of God.

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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.

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The Millennium is the final illustration of the grace of God and man’s need for salvation.

In this final study about the Millennium, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss several of its characteristics and will explain why the earthly kingdom is necessary as he explains the purpose and meaning of the Millennial Kingdom.

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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 millennium kingdom is the rule of Christ on earth as promised to David and it will be inaugurated at the second coming of Christ. The land promise made to Abraham and his descendants will be fulfilled, the promise made to David that his descendant (the Messiah) will sit on the throne of the kingdom forever will be fulfilled. Without the Millennium Kingdom, the Abrahamic, Davidic and Palestinian (or land) Covenants would go unfulfilled.

In this message, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss:

• The geographic changes that will happen during the millennium, and
• The government of the millennium

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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.

Over the next three studies, Dr. Gonzalez will cover the Millennium.

He explains that there will be a transitional period that apparently separates the beginning of the millennial kingdom from the end of the Tribulation period. There will be several events that take place during this transition period.

He reminds us that there is a significant division in the study of eschatology (future things) having to do with the question of whether there will be a 1,000-year reign of Christ before or after His second coming.

In today’s message he will share:

• The events that take place during this transition period,
• The three millennial views, and
• Why the premillennial view is best supported by Scripture

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

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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 redeemed will never face judgment for their sin. The Lord Jesus Christ took our sin on the cross and the Father judged it, and Christ paid the penalty upon His death. God’s righteous judgment was satisfied, for Christ rose from the dead. However, sin will influence what transpires at the judgment seat of Christ in terms of whether we lose or gain rewards.

Having already discussed the judgment that will occur at the rapture known as the Judgment Seat of Christ, Dr. Gonzalez will now discuss:

• The judgments that will take place at the Lord’s second coming, which includes:
  • The judgment of the living Gentiles,
  • The judgment of the living Jews, and
  • The judgment of the Old Testament and Tribulation believers

• And the judgments after His millennial kingdom, which includes:
  • The judgment of Satan and the fallen angels
  • The judgment that destroys the present heavens and earth by fire
  • The judgment of the unsaved

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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.

Dr. Gonzalez reminds us that when a person comes before the Judge, it will not be to determine his or her eternal destiny. That destiny was already determined by the person here on earth. No one will be saved after death; salvation comes to those who at some point during their lifetime here on earth, placed their trust in Christ as Lord and Savior.

In this message, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss the purpose of the future judgments. He explains that the future judgments can be broken into three main groups:

1. The judgment at the rapture
2. The judgments at the second coming, and
3. The judgments after the millennial kingdom

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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.

After a detailed exposition of the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of the Tribulation, Dr. Gonzalez will begin his discussion of Armageddon.

The conclusion of the 7th bowl judgment will bring men to the end of the Tribulation and to the Second Coming of Christ to begin His reign over the earth. Only one more part of the picture remains to be completed.

He explains that Armageddon is not a single battle but, rather, a whole series of conflicts that culminate with the second coming of Christ. In this message, Dr. Gonzalez will look at the 9 stages of the campaign of Armageddon.

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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 this message, Dr. Gonzalez will focus on the 5th, 6th, and 7thbowl judgments. As a result of these judgments, the world will experience:

• A supernatural darkness over the kingdom of the Antichrist. In Mark 13:24 Jesus Himself said that during the Tribulation, “…the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light.”
• The drying up of the Euphrates river, which will facilitate the crossing of the river by the armies of the kings of the east. The sixth bowl is far more than a plague; it is a prelude to the gathering of the troops for Armageddon.
• A massive moving of the earth’s crust that will be accompanied by huge hundred-pound hailstones falling from heaven.

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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 Revelation chapter 16, the chronological list of prophetic events is continued.

In this message, Dr. Gonzalez will focus on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th bowl judgments. As a result of these judgments, the world will experience:

• The death of every remaining sea creature.
• All remaining fresh water on the earth turning to blood.
• The intense suffering caused by the sun bringing terrible heat on the earth
• A supernatural darkness over the kingdom of the Antichrist. In Mark 13:24 Jesus Himself said that during the Tribulation, “…the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light.”

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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 Revelation chapter 9, the chronological list of prophetic events is continued.

In this message, Dr. Gonzalez focuses on the last two trumpet and the first two bowl judgments.

• With Trumpet 6, we learn that four evil angels are released by God’s permission to accomplish His judgment. Things get worse with this trumpet, said to be the “second woe.” An army of 200 million from the east will destroy one third of mankind.
• When Trumpet 7 sounds, eight major events are mentioned.
• Bowl 1 will inflict incurable skin sores. Revelation 16:2 says, “The first went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and severely painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.”
• Bowl 2 causes the sea to turn into blood. It causes the death of every remaining sea creature. Revelation 16:3 says, “The second poured out his bowl into the sea. It turned to blood like that of a dead person, and all life in the sea died.”

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With the opening of Revelation chapter 8, the chronological list of prophetic events is continued. As the seventh seal is broken by the Lord, the trumpet judgments begin. These judgments are more severe than the first six seal judgments and come in answer to the prayers of the saints of God.

Dr. Gonzalez continues his exposition of the trumpet judgments John writes about in Revelation chapters 8 through 11. The seal judgments were bad, but the trumpet judgments will be worse. So much so that Revelation 8:1 says that when heaven’s inhabitants become aware of them, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

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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.

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During the next six messages, Dr. Gonzalez will be discussing on some detail, the last three and a half years of the Tribulation period.

Dr. Gonzalez explains that the three series of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls) are successive judgments, in other words, each set of judgments follows or succeeds the previous one. It is during the last three and a half years that the world will experience the trumpet and bowl judgments. As the seventh seal is broken by the Lord, the trumpet judgments begin. These judgments are more severe than the first six seal judgments and come in answer to the prayers of the saints of God.

Today, he will begin by looking at where Israel is and what the activities of Antichrist are at the beginning of the second half of the Tribulation and start an expository study of the trumpet judgments.

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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.

During today’s message, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss what the world can expect midway through the Tribulation period related to:

• The nation of Israel
• The activities of the Antichrist
• The activity of Satan
• The activity of the False Prophet, and
• The religions of the world

Let us listen as Dr. Gonzalez continues his study on end times prophecy.

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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.

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Dr. Gonzalez states that the sixth seal judgment is probably broken near the middle of the Tribulation and may introduce the final 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation. It brings amazing and powerful upheavals on the earth and in the heavens. A great earthquake convulses the crust of the earth, and as Revelation 6:14 says, every mountain and island was moved from its place. This will be accompanied by great cosmic disturbances affecting the sun, moon, and stars.

So great are these events that a terrified humanity cries out to the rocks and mountains to hide them from the wrath of God. This judgment will include 6 catastrophic events:

1. A single great earthquake
2. The sun will be darkened so that it becomes black
3. The moon will become as red as blood
4. There will be a meteor shower
5. Apparently, heaven will be opened for a moment so that the men on earth can have a glimpse of that awesome scene, with God on His throne
6. Every mountain and island will be moved

This will be a time when there will be no turning to God in repentance but rather a turning from God’s face.

This is just the beginning of labor pains; the worst is yet to come.

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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.

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Dr. Gonzalez explains that the Tribulation period does not necessarily begin right after the Rapture occurs. Many prophecy scholars agree that there will be a relatively short interval of time between the Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation. The Tribulation will begin when Israel signs a treaty with the Antichrist, the leader of the confederation of Western nations, the revived Roman Empire.

God’s judgments begin when Christ breaks the seals of the scroll spoken of in Revelation chapters 5 and 6. In Matthew 24:4-8, Jesus Christ speaks of the judgments that will be found during the first three and a half years of the Tribulation. He describes them as the beginning of labor pains. John details these judgments as he describes the seal judgments in Revelation 6:2-17.

During today’s message, Dr. Gonzalez will be discussing the third, fourth, and fifth seal judgments.

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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 Christ made the following statement to His disciples in Matthew 24:21, For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again. Those words of our Lord say it all. But what exactly makes the Tribulation period so much worse and unlike any other troublesome period in human history?

Dr. Gonzalez explains that there are two primary factors:

First, it will be a worldwide event. Unlike today, where the world continually experiences localized or regional wars and conflicts, the Tribulation will affect the entire planet. Not one nation will escape the deadly effects of this unparalleled time of judgment, persecution, calamities, war, and devastation.

Second, man’s behavior and attitude. Just listen to John’s words in Revelation 6:16, And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.

Most of us, if not all of us, have heard at some time or another or have perhaps have said it ourselves, that the end is near. Yet, despite everything we have heard and the warning signs we have seen, we fail to act or behave as if we really believed it. Well, according to John, when the Tribulation begins, man will no longer think the end is near, man will know the end is at hand and their actions and behavior will prove it. During that period, man will not seek to preserve his life; instead, he will seek death.

Dr. Gonzalez will now focus his discussion on the seven-year Tribulation period. During the next four messages, He will cover the first three and a half years.

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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.

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With the collapse of the United States because of the rapture of the church as the major contributing factor, what will the United States do? What will she look like?

Scripture teaches that in the end times, there will be four power blocs in the world. It is safe to conclude that the nations of the world will be aligning themselves with one of these power blocs. Which power bloc will America align herself with? Where will she naturally gravitate to and why?

Dr. Gonzalez explains that although we cannot draw dogmatic conclusions, there is a broad consensus among prophecy experts concerning the destiny of this country. America will be absorbed into the Antichrist’s Empire, it will become a part of the end-time alliance of Western nations led by Antichrist.

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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.

As we study biblical prophecy and find that the future of many nations is clearly presented in Scripture, what role does the United States of America play in the end times? How should we interpret the silence of Scripture concerning the United States? If we do not fall from within or from without, how do we explain the United States becoming a second-rate nation in the last days? In today’s message, Dr. Gonzalez will continue answering these and other questions.

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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.

Paul told the Athenians in Act 17:24-28 (NLT), He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand which should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose in all of this was that the nations should seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As one of your own poets says, ‘We are his offspring.’

Job 12:23 says, He makes nations great, then destroys them; he enlarges nations, then leads them away.

Dr. Gonzalez states that those 2 verses, among others, make the point quite clear. God is an omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign God who is in control everything. Implied in those passages as well, is the fact that He is also very personal and close to all that He has created, particularly man. Although He is a transcendent God, He is also very much a part of world history and involved in the affairs of man. The destiny, and for that matter, the very existence of nations and their inhabitants is determined by God, for He rules over all.

As we study biblical prophecy and find that the future of many nations is clearly presented in Scripture, can we determine whether the United States is one of those nations? What role does the United States of America play in the end times? In the next few messages Dr. Gonzalez will answer these and other questions.

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In this final session of Dr. Gonzalez’s study of the key figures in the Tribulation period, he wraps up his discussion about the 144,000 and ends this topic by looking at the two witnesses whom God will raise up and who will bear testimony to Him. When they have completed their ministry, they will be put to death by the Antichrist, with the unbelieving world rejoicing and celebrating this terrible act. But to their amazement, the two will be raised from the dead and taken to heaven.

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We read in Revelation 13:11-12, Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.

There is a second “beast” mentioned in Revelation, the third member of the evil trio who is subservient to the first “beast” (the Antichrist). He is also called the false prophet. The name False Prophet clearly indicates that he will be the leading religious figure during the Tribulation whose activities are religious in nature. He will be capable of working signs, which will be important in deceiving the unbelieving world into worshiping the Antichrist.

In part 3 of his study on the key figures in the Tribulation, Dr. Gonzalez will wrap up his discussion about the False Prophet and begin looking at the 144,000 Jews from the 12 tribes of Israel.

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There are several passages in Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments that clearly indicate that the Antichrist will be endowed by Satan with great abilities and power. Dr. Gonzalez explains that he will be precisely the kind of individual that the world is ready for, a charismatic personality who will successfully and easily win over the hearts and minds of the inhabitants of the earth. The Bible suggests the following things about him: He will be a great leader, someone with an incredible ability to solve complex problems and who will be able to take control of situations. He will be very smart, perhaps a highly educated individual with a keen grasp of both economic and political matters. Considering the events taking place during his time of reign, he will be both brilliant and powerful militarily. Finally, his craftiness and oratorical abilities will enable him to persuade multitudes from all over the world to follow him. Dr. Gonzalez reminds us that his abilities, power, and authority to rule is given to him by Satan.

In this study, Dr. Gonzalez will also start his discussion about the False Prophet spoken of in the book of Revelation.

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Antichrist is used once in 1 John 2:18. The title says something significant about his character and intentions. In relation to the Antichrist, the proposition anti carries with it or conveys two ideas: (1) the idea of opposition to Jesus and His mission or purpose, and (2) the idea of “in place of” or being a substitute. This will also hold true of the Antichrist since he will be Satan’s substitute messiah. He is also known as the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2:3). Since he lives outside of God’s laws, this title highlights his personal wickedness. In Revelation 13 and 14, he is called “the beast,” a title which clearly emphasizes his depravity and deep hostility towards God and God’s people. In Daniel 7:8, we find him called the “little” horn, a name which allows his pride and aggressiveness to be seen. It also speaks to the relative power that he will have because, often in the Old Testament, this term is used to describe power, such as a king.

Over the next four studies, Dr. Gonzalez will spend time teaching on the key figures of the Tribulation period. The first two studies will focus specifically on the Antichrist; during today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez will discuss the person of the Antichrist, during the second study, he will discuss the career of the Antichrist.

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In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Paul wrote, For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

In an earlier chapter of that same epistle Paul said, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10 KJV).

In this final study of the doctrine of the Rapture of the church, Dr. Gonzalez continues to argue for the pretribulational rapture of the church by presenting the final four biblical arguments.

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Paul wrote in Titus 2:13, While we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Part 2 of Dr. Gonzalez’s study of the doctrine of the Rapture of the church, he will present the various positions regarding the time of the Rapture. He will then begin making the biblical case for the pretribulational rapture of the church.

Those of who hold to this position believe that the rapture of the church will occur prior to the start of the tribulation period. Dr. Gonzalez explains that the first phase of His return is imminent, that no prophecy must be fulfilled for the rapture to take place, and that it will occur without any prior signs or warnings. The rapture of the church will bring the church-age to an end, allowing God to continue and finish His program for Israel.

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Dr. Gonzalez explains that there is a great deal of misunderstanding as it relates to the two stages of Christ’s second coming. As stated in the messages in which he discussed the “signs of the times,” the signs are not signs that will signal the rapture of the church, His return for the saints, but rather His ultimate return with the saints. Much of the misunderstanding comes from confusing these two events.

Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

In the next few messages, Dr. Gonzalez will be discussing the doctrine of the rapture of the church, an event that will occur prior to the start of the Tribulation period.

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In this message, Dr. Gonzalez continues to explore the unique contemporary signs. In the previous message he discussed the European union and the fall of communism. Today he will be discussing:

• The stirrings in the far East,
• The fusion of peoples in the North,
• The preparation of the coming world church,
• The atomic, biological, and chemical age,
• The rush towards globalism, and
• Israel—God’s “Super sign”

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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.

Dr. Gonzalez states that the “signs of the times,” are signs that will be evident to those living during the Tribulation regarding Christ’s second coming and not to the church regarding the Rapture, since there are no signs that point to the rapture of the church.

1 Peter 4:7 says, The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers (NLT). Dr. Gonzalez explains that in the Greek text, this reference is expressed by a perfect-tense verb, which means that the action spoken of here— The end of the world is coming soon—is a present reality with future consequences. Peter’s statement could be rendered, “The end of all things has already begun.” If this rendering is correct, then when did the end of all things begin? Well, according to Scripture, they began with Christ’s first coming. In 1 Cor. 10:11 Paul wrote, These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. And in 1 John 2:18 John says, Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. His first coming initiated the end of the age, His return will mark the end of all things. Dr. Gonzalez says that based on when it began and when it ends, we can safely conclude that the “last days,” are the entire church age.

Although the exact time of these future events is unknown and Christians are not to attempt to set dates and times, the Bible does say that the general period can be known, and without a doubt, the signs of the times clearly seem to indicate the nearness of these events. It is a biblical imperative that all Christians exercise discernment in all things, this includes prophecy.

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Jesus said in Matthew 24:32-35, Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Dr. Gonzalez explains that the Lord Jesus Christ uses the illustration of the fig tree to teach us the importance of being a discerning people and how to be a discerning people. As we are able to discern the coming of summer because of the blossoming of the fig tree, so can we discern, without making the mistake of setting dates, the second coming of Christ as we see certain events coming to pass.

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God establishes His plan for Israel in the ancient past by establishing His covenants with the Jewish people. On the basis of these covenants, God continues to work among the Jewish people in the present age. But God has much more in store for Israel in the future. They play a featured role in the outworking of end-time events.

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez explains that Israel will play a vital role in starting the future tribulation, will be the focus of the Tribulation, will initiate the Second Coming of the Messiah, and will be the head of the nations in the Messianic Kingdom.

He also admonishes us to properly discern the signs of the times. In Matt. 16:1-3 we read, The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Our Lord sternly rebukes the Jewish religious leaders for acting as blind leaders and failing to discern the signs of the times. The principle of discernment is a principle that clearly applies to the Church and we are to avoid what the Pharisees were guilty of.

Let us listen as Dr. Gonzalez continues his study on end times prophecy.

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The blessing component of the Abrahamic covenant was amplified by the New Covenant. The name comes from Jer. 31:31-34, but it had already been promised in the Pentateuch (Deut. 30:1-14) and would be affirmed in other prophets such as Ezekiel (Ezek. 36:26-27). It is called “New” because of its distinction from the Old, the Mosaic Law. The author of Hebrews (Heb. 8:13) confirms that the Old Covenant (the Mosaic Law) has been made obsolete by the establishment of the New Covenant. The Jews were unable to keep the Mosaic covenant, therefore God by His grace promised to give then a new covenant and heart to obey Him.

Dr. Gonzalez explains that since these covenants are all from Israel’s past, some have improperly taken them away from Israel and applied them to the church today. They adopt the erroneous opinion that Israel’s promises have transferred to the church. One of the essential principles of the Abrahamic Covenant was that it was unconditional and eternal. Abraham did not have to do anything to receive or maintain this covenant. When God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham, He solemnized His divine oath with the offering of sacrifices (Gen. 15:9-17).

Let us listen as Dr. Gonzalez continues his study on end times prophecy.

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To understand Israel’s importance in the prophetic future, we must first understand the unconditional covenants God made with Israel. These covenants govern our understanding of the Jewish people and govern our understanding of Bible prophecy.

Later Biblical covenants expanded 3 particular aspects of the Abrahamic Covenant, the promises of the land, the seed and the blessing. In this program, Dr. Gonzalez concludes his study of the Abrahamic Covenant and goes on to discuss those three aspects of the Abrahamic Covenant: the Palestinian or Land Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant.

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History reflects the suffering of the Jewish people and how they may perceive their choosing as a burden. But because they have been privileged with being His chosen people, they are placed squarely in the center of history and prophecy.

Israel is no larger than the state of New Jersey and the Jewish people comprise no more than half of one percent of the world’s population. How is it then that they play such a large role in world events with global coverage of its daily activities? We must turn to the Scriptures to understand what is happening in the world today and what will take place in the future. The best place to start is by looking at the past—when God first called Israel to be His Chosen People.

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Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson penned these words in his famous poem entitled In Memoriam, “one great Divine event toward which all creation moves.” I do not think any human author has ever penned a better description of the Second Coming of Christ than he did in that phrase. How important is the Second Coming? Well, consider this, 23 out of the 27 New Testament books and every author mention it, it is referenced in seven out of every ten chapters (about one in every thirty verses), for a total of over 300 times in the New Testament alone. In the Old Testament, the Second coming of Christ is the dominant theme of every prophet and it is mentioned over 15 times. Based on those facts alone we can easily conclude that the Second Coming of Christ is clearly one of the most important biblical themes.

In this study entitled The Second Coming of Christ, Dr. Gonzalez covers both the certainty of Christ’s second coming and the ground rules for interpreting prophecy.

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There has been a renewed interest in recent years by millions of people all over the world regarding what the Bible has to say about the future because of the events on 9/11 in America, the current events in the Middle East, and now as the world deals with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Why? Because only in the Bible do we find God revealing to us in detail the future of this planet and its inhabitants.

Dr. Gonzalez explains that although Scripture is clear that the exact time of future prophetic events is unknown and that Christians are not to attempt to set dates and times, many scholars and students of prophecy agree that their time of fulfillment is fast approaching. The Bible does say that the general period can be known or discerned, and without a doubt, the signs of the times clearly seem to indicate the nearness of these events.

In this study entitled Why Study Bible Prophecy, Dr. Gonzalez will provide seven reasons as to why Christians and non-Christians alike should study Bible prophecy.

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Few doctrines of Scripture are more precious and comforting than the doctrine of eternal security or God’s preservation of the saints.

Jude concludes his epistle with a formal doxology. It includes a prayer for all Christians. He wanted to assure us of God's ability to help us remain faithful despite the apostasy and false teaching that threatens us. As he closes his letter, he assures the believer that his foundation is firm and secure in Christ.

In his exposition of Jude’s doxology, Dr Gonzalez explains that the doctrine of the preservation of the saints is necessary to a proper understanding of the Gospel, for if salvation can be lost, then the life we were given, and have in Christ is not truly eternal or everlasting. If salvation can be lost, then salvation is ultimately dependent on us and not God. If we have no security, we can have no real confidence, comfort, peace, and hope. He reminds us that the Bible clearly teaches that our salvation and eternal security are of the Lord. Just as He alone saves us, He alone ensures our preservation.

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Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT), That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.

Dr. Gonzalez shows from the text that if Christians are going to successfully restore wayward Christians and help people come to know Christ and be in a saving relationship with Him, then they will have to be merciful and compassionate, minister with a sense of urgency, and proceed cautiously when dealing with false teachers.

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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.

These are terrible and trying times. Many give up on God because the task is perceived as overwhelming. However, apostasy is no excuse to quit. We must be faithful in service until He comes. As God's people, we have a duty to run and finish the race. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13, The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Here Jude lays out the program for restoring wayward Christians and sharing Christ with people in these last days of apostasy.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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.

After denouncing the false teachers by calling them ungodly four times in verse 15, Jude next highlights four areas of ungodliness. False teachers grumble and complain, they indulge their own lusts, are boastful and swollen with pride, and use flattery to get what they want.

All people are vulnerable to heresies and to temptations toward immoral living. Jude encourages Christians to remain firm in their faith and trust in God's promises for their future. This encouraging word is needed because we are living during a time of increasing disloyalty to the faith. Today, we are just as vulnerable to doctrinal error as those to whom Jude wrote. We too are tempted to give in to sin. Although there are many false teachers and much false teaching around us, we don’t need to be afraid or give up in discouragement—God will keep us from stumbling, and soon He will bring us into his presence and give us everlasting joy.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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 study, Dr. Gonzalez will conclude his teaching of Jude verses 14 & 15. In part 1 he discussed the doctrine of the Second Coming.  In part 2 he will discuss the certainty, purpose, and the result of Christ’s return.

The second advent of Christ is as much a certainty as His first advent is a fact. He will come to execute judgment upon all the ungodly, resulting in their conviction for their works of ungodliness which they have wrought. There will be no appeal from the decision of the Supreme Judge of the universe.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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, which is 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.

Will there be a second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, what does that mean to both believers and non-believers?

What does Enoch’s prophecy tell us about the Lord’s Second Coming?

In part 1 & 2 of the study of verses 14 and 15 of Jude, Dr. Gonzalez addresses the doctrine of the Second Coming and discusses the certainty, purpose, and the result of Christ’s return.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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, which is 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 study, Dr. Gonzalez will cover part 2 of The True Face of the Apostates, wrapping up his look at the characteristics of their true nature, pointing out their deception, defilement, contempt, blasphemy, way, and poverty.

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, which is 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 study, Dr. Gonzalez discusses the false teachers’ true colors, looking at characteristics of their true nature, showing parallels to past apostates, and making comparisons with natural phenomena. He points out their deception, defilement, contempt, blasphemy, way, and poverty.

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 Israelite's demonstrated faithless unbelief when they accepted the discouraging report from the ten spies, even though God had already given them the land and had instructed them to go take possession of it. The author of Hebrews writes in Hebrews 11:6, Now without faith it is impossible to please God.

Just as the Sodomites were physically immoral, so the apostates and false teachers are spiritually immoral. The fire and brimstone that rained down on Sodom and Gomorrah is proof that God does and will judge sin. Hebrews 12:9 says that the God of Heaven is a consuming fire. Over and over in Scripture we are warned about the fierce judgment of God upon the wicked.

Hell is one of the doctrines that apostates attempt to do away with. Today, when hell is brought up, it will likely be met with ridicule, after all, only the ignorant could really believe in such a place.

Unbelief and faith cannot coexist, and unbelief will always result in eternal spiritual death.

In today’s study, Dr. Gonzalez discusses the three examples from the past and their awful results.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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, which is 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.

Jude’s warning to Christians and the Church is occasioned by the appearance and infiltration of false teachers in the churches, pointing out that their goal is to destroy biblical faith, biblical Christianity.

He is not simply interested in condemning the false teachers, but more than anything he wants to explain their presence in order to ensure that Christians understand their clear and present danger, and are cautious when engaging them as they contend earnestly for the faith.

In today’s study, Warning Concerning Apostates, Dr. Gonzalez will point out their craftiness, condemnation, character, corruption, and creed.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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, which is 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 imagery of the soldier is used many times in Scripture to depict the Christian. Paul said, No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier (2 Tim. 2:4). Jude was a soldier of the cross. In this short epistle, Jude leaves no Christian out. Every Christian must realize that they have been called to battle, to contend earnestly for the faith.

Many Christians get the strange idea that it is the responsibility of the preacher, teachers, and theologians to safeguard and contend for the faith. But nothing could be further from the truth. Our silence is one of the best advantages we have given the enemy. Silence will do more to ensure the enemy’s success and hinder the cause of Christ than all of Satan's other strategies.

It is the responsibility of all believers to contend earnestly for the faith. As soldiers of the cross, we are all commanded by God to proclaim and defend the truth. While sitting in prison awaiting his execution, Paul wrote, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). Our love for Jesus Christ and others compels us to stand for truth. The proclamation of the Gospel and defense of the faith is the duty of every child of God.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word.

As God ministers to you through these 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, which is 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.