4g Family

In Galatians 3, a rich chapter, Paul explains that we are saved and are connected with the promise given to Abraham because of faith. He argues the point using examples from their personal experience, from scripture and from an example from daily life (as suggested by Scott McKnight in his NIV Application commentary). Art Morris notes that it is tempting to follow the method of the Galatians and add things to the gospel. We can use surrogates to judge the authenticity of a person's faith. These substitutes may not be as obvious as the law that the Galatians appealed to. But, evaluating someone's faith based on externals (fashion, similarity with local culture or traditions, etc.) is risky and prone to prejudice.

Galatians 2 Paul continuous to lay out his case for his preaching to the gentiles and was moved by God in a “revelation” to go to Jerusalem. He needed to receive confirmation from the elders in Jerusalem that as far as the preaching of the gospel that everyone was on the same page. Man is never justified by the works of the Law but through faith this Christ Jesus alone. Paul’s testimony and ours should be, Galatians 2:20 (NASB)  I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Art Morris teaches on Galatians, chapter 1. Topics mentioned included: The nature of authority That there was active opposition to the gospel in that day and we face active opposition now The story of Paul's life was different after conversion. How is your story different One of the themes of the book might be the question: "Is the gospel enough?". For the churches that Paul was addressing, there was the problem of adding Jewish custom. What is it that we try to add? What keeps us from believing that the gospel is enough for us?

In this episode Bill Morris reviews background material, primarily from the book of Acts, regarding Paul and the context of his work with the churches in the region of Galatia. (the recording missed the first few moments of the lesson)

(the audio on this track fluctuates a bit)

The first section of the apportioning of the land is covered. Bill Morris begins the lesson with a brief review of Islam in the context of the current Middle East situation

Commentator James Montgomery Boice has a great summary of this section of Joshua. During this lesson from Art Morris, this passage from Boice is highlighted.  Also, the concept of typology is discussed. Qualities of Leadership The presence of Joshua is felt throughout the rest of the book that bears his name. In fact, the book ends with his great sermons to the leaders and people, in which he challenges them to choose God and serve him faithfully. Still, this is a good place to look back over this great general’s victories and ask about the qualities that made him such an exceptional leader. I see six of them. 1. Joshua did not let short-term gains deter him from long-range objectives. Joshua could have done this. The chief illustration is the discovery of the hiding place of the kings of the southern coalition during the running battle below Gibeon. The discovery of these kings was a great turn of fortune, most certainly given to Joshua by God. To have killed them would have been a great advantage. Neverth

Acutely aware of the successes of Joshua, the Gibeonites, made a deal with Joshua to be spared from destruction.