REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Freedom Called to Love and Serve (Galatians 5:13-15)

Liberty’s True Purpose: Serving in Love, Not Self-Indulgence (Galatians 5:13-15) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Running Well, Hindered by Deception (Galatians 5:7-12)

The Race, the Leaven, and the Troublemakers: A Stern Warning (Galatians 5:7-12) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Heart of the Gospel (Galatians 5:1-6)

Christ Has Set Us Free: The Danger of Returning to Bondage (Galatians 5:1-6) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Heirs of Freedom, Our Identity in Christ (Galatians 4:28-31)

Children of Promise: The Allegory’s Powerful Conclusion (Galatians 4:28-31) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: How does …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Two Women, Two Covenants: Unpacking Paul’s Profound Allegory (Galatians 4:21-27)

An Allegory of Law and Promise: Hagar, Sarah, and the Two Covenants (Galatians 4:21-27) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. …

VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: How Two Santiago Churches Are Living Out Gospel Unity in Santiago, Dominican Republic

Love in Action: How Two Santiago Churches Are Living Out Gospel Unity Since our last conference, which was hosted by Pastor Smith and the Haitian congregation in Yaguita de Pastor, we have witnessed a beautiful display of love and unity in the Gospel between their church and Pastor Francisco’s church. This is especially meaningful even …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Allure of Old Chains (Galatians 4:8-11)

“How Can You Turn Back?” Paul’s Urgent Warning to the Galatians Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Cry of the Adopted (Galatians 4:1-7)

No Longer Slaves: Adoption through Christ and the Spirit (Galatians 4:1-7) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: From Guardian to Grace (Galatians 3:23-29)

Out of the Shadows, Into Substance: Adoption in Christ Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: According to …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Purpose and Limitation of the Law (Galatians 3:19-22)

The Purpose and Limitation of the Law Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What question does Paul …

VOICES FROM THE MISSION FIELD: The Gospel Advances in Maracay, Venezuela

Rafael Rodriguez, Comunidad de Gracia Biblical Mission Advance of the Gospel and Growth of the Church Greetings, beloved brothers and sisters. The peace of Christ be with you all. Here is a small report of what is happening in Maracay, Venezuela. By the grace of the Lord, we have been in the Comunidad de Gracia …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Christ, the Seed of Promise (Galatians 3:15-18)

Christ, the Seed of Promise Main Idea of Galatians:  To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider:  What analogy does Paul use in …

Exploring the Heart of Service: Privacy, Purpose, and Public Witness

Privacy, Purpose, and Public Witness A key principle of biblical interpretation is that we should not interpret one scripture passage in isolation against another, often referred to as “Scripture interpreting Scripture” or “the unity of Scripture.” This means understanding each passage within the broader context of the entire Bible, rather than using it to contradict …

Grace for the Ungraceable: The Scandal of the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)

The Scandal of the Cross (Luke 23:39-43) Main Idea of Luke’s Gospel: To present Jesus as the fullfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the compassionate Savior, emphasizing his ministry to the marginalized and his journey to the cross as the ultimate expression of God’s love and the means of salvation for all who believe. …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Under the Curse or Under Grace? (Galatians 3:10-14)

The Redemption from the Curse (Galatians 3:10-14) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul mean …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: From Shadow to Substance, A Faith That Justifies (Galatians 3:1-9)

From Shadow to Substance, A Faith That Justifies (Galatians 3:1-9) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Grace or Nothing (Galatians 2:19-21).

Grace or Nothing (Galatians 2:19-21). Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul mean by “For …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:15-18)

Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:15-21) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul begin by addressing …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Non-Negotiable Gospel (Galatians 2:11-14)

The Non-Negotiable Gospel (Galatians 2:11-14) Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why did Paul publicly oppose Peter? …

When the Music Stopped: Tragedy, Repentance, and the Gift of Now

Tragedy, Repentance, and the Gift of Now The music pulsed, the crowd, lost in the moment surged, and then, without warning, the roof gave way. Monday night in Santo Domingo became a scene of unimaginable horror as the Jet Set Club, a place meant for celebration, crumbled. In the aftermath, amidst the grief and confusion, …

VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: Compassion in Action (Maracay, Venezuela)

Compassion in Action (Maracay, Venezuela) “We are grateful for the Lord’s grace and His care and provision. We continue to preach and show the love of God in Christ to the residents of the Coromoto community. Yesterday, by the grace of the Lord, we were able to bring food to the home for the elderly, …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partners in the Gospel (Galatians 2:6-10)

: Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul mean when he states that the apostles …

REFLECTIONS FOR A TRANSFORMED HEART: STANDING FIRM IN GOSPEL FREEDOM (Galatians 2:1-5)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul emphasize the length of time (fourteen years) that …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Story of Transformation (Galatians 1:18-24)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What does Paul’s account of his early ministry reveal about the …

Missions and the Challenge of Diverse Minds: Contextualizing the Gospel Across Cognitive and Educational Landscapes

Beyond the “Honeymoon”: Missiology for Real-World Missions The call to missions often ignites a passionate fire in the hearts of many, especially young believers. Reading biographies of missionaries used by God in the past and visions of dramatic conversions and lives transformed can fill the imagination, fueled by stories of past heroes and a desire …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Source of Paul’s Gospel (Galatians 1:11-17)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: How does Paul emphasize the divine origin of his gospel in …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Warning Against a False Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What is the nature and extent of Paul’s surprise and concern …

VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: Networking Across Borders in Colombia

Colombia Trip Report from Rafael Rodriguez in Maracay, Venezuela “Greetings to my beloved brothers, here’s a short report of my visit to Colombia. I thank the Lord first of all for His provision to be able to make this trip. I was able to go to the city of Barranquilla and have the privilege given …

THE BIBLICAL MODEL PART 10: FAITHFUL FLEXIBILITY IN MISSIONS

“Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.  To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Apostolic Authority and Gospel Summary (Galatians 1:1-5)

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: How does Paul establish his apostolic authority in these opening verses? …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Introduction to Galatians – The Gospel of Grace

Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: What were the primary cultural and historical influences shaping the churches …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Final Greetings and Grace (Philippians 4:21-23)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What is the significance of Paul sending greetings from the “saints who are with me”? Why does Paul specifically mention those “of Caesar’s household”? What is the final word of blessing that …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partnership and Spiritual Fruit (Philippians 4:15-17) 

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What does Paul’s description of their unique “giving and receiving” partnership reveal about the nature of gospel ministry? Why does Paul emphasize the Philippians’ early and consistent support? What does Paul mean …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partnership in Affliction (Philippians 4:14)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s acknowledgment of the Philippians’ support connect with his earlier statements about contentment? What does the phrase “share in my affliction” reveal about the nature of Christian fellowship? How does …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Contentment in Christ (Philippians 4:10-13)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s experience of contentment relate to the themes of joy and peace discussed earlier in the chapter? What is the significance of Paul’s statement, “I have learned to be content”? …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Mind Set on Christ (Philippians 4:8-9)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s list of virtues in verse 8 connect to the command to rejoice and the call to peace in the preceding verses? What is the significance of “think about such …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Joy, Gentleness, and Peace (Philippians 4:4-7)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s emphasis on rejoicing “in the Lord” connect with his understanding of Christ’s presence? What is the relationship between gentleness, prayer, and the peace of God? How do the directives …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Pursuing Steadfastness and Unity (Philippians 4:1-3)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul’s affection for the Philippians motivate his appeal for unity? Why is unity within the church so vital for its health and witness? What practical steps can be taken to …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Citizenship in Heaven – Living as Citizens of Another Kingdom (Philippians 3:17-21)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul urge the Philippians to imitate him? What does he mean by “join in imitating me”? Who are the “enemies of the cross of Christ” that Paul warns against? How …

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Pressing Onward – The Pursuit of the Prize (Philippians 3:12-16)

Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: How does Paul describe his spiritual progress? What is his attitude towards his past and future? What does it mean to “press on toward the goal”? What is the goal Paul is …