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 …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Story of Transformation (Galatians 1:18-24)”
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 …
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 …
Read more “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: What is the nature and extent of Paul’s surprise and concern …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Paul’s Warning Against a False Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)”
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 …
Read more “VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: Networking Across Borders in Colombia”
“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 …
Read more “THE BIBLICAL MODEL PART 10: FAITHFUL FLEXIBILITY IN MISSIONS”
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? …
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 …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Introduction to Galatians – The Gospel of Grace”
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 …
Read more “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 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 …
Read more “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: 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 …
Read more “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 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”? …
Read more “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 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 …
Read more “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 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 …
Read more “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 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 …
Read more “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: 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 …
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 …
Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What reasons does Paul give for his former confidence in the flesh? How does he now view these things? What does it mean to “gain Christ” and be found “in him”? How …
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’s call to “rejoice in the Lord,” especially in light of the warnings that follow? Who are the “dogs,” “evildoers,” and those who “mutilate the flesh”? Why …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Rejoice and Beware (Philippians 3:1-3)”
Have you ever wondered what true zeal for the Gospel looks like? What would it take to leave behind comfort and familiarity to spread the good news of salvation to those who have never heard it? How can we, as modern Christians, recapture the burning passion for missions that characterized the early church? The Moravian …
Read more “The Burning Heart: The Extraordinary Zeal of the Moravian Missionaries”
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 Epaphroditus’s example illustrate the importance of sacrificial service in the Christian life? What qualities in Epaphroditus does Paul commend that make him a worthy example for the Philippians? How does …
The following is an update from Rafael Rodriguez on the new work “Misión Bíblica Comunidad de Gracia” in Central Maracay: My beloved, here is a small report of the things the Lord has done here in Maracay, Venezuela. About four months ago, amid much uncertainty and fear, but in prayer and with much advice from …
Read more “VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: An update from Central Maracay”
Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: What qualities in Timothy does Paul commend that make him a valuable partner in ministry? How does Timothy’s example illustrate the importance of genuine care for others in Christian service? How does …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Timothy – A Partner in the Gospel (Philippians 2:19-24)”
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 exhortation to “work out your own salvation” connect with the preceding passage on Christ’s humility and exaltation (2:5-11)? What does it mean to work out salvation with “fear and …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Obedience and Joy (Philippians 2:12-18)”
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 it mean to have the “mind of Christ” in the context of His divine and human natures? How does Christ’s kenosis (self-emptying) demonstrate His obedience and love? What is the …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Learning From Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11)”
Growing Unity and Evangelism in Yaguita de Pastor By the grace of God, the conferences on creating a culture of evangelism appears to be bearing real fruit. Francisco reports exciting developments in Yaguita de Pastor, where a spirit of unity and evangelism is flourishing. Following the conferences on building a culture of evangelism, two churches …
Read more “VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: Churches in the Barrio Coming Together to Preach Christ”
We are overflowing with gratitude and praise to the Lord as the new outreach program, focused on the school nestled behind the church building in Hato Mayor, has officially commenced. Beyond the vital provision of food for families facing hardship, we recognized a critical need within the school itself. It came to our attention that …
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 mean by “encouragement in Christ”? How does “being like-minded” contribute to the church’s mission? What is the relationship between humility and unity? How does this passage connect to the …
Read more “REFLECTI0NS FOR A NEW HEART: The Call To Humility (Philippians 2:1-4)”
Rafael Rodriguez Sharing Christ in Maracay, Venezuela This past Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, marked our first time partnering with a community center to share the Gospel with the visitors and the staff and offer some practical assistance. The center is called the “Grandparents House” and is a vital community center that provides warm lunches three …
Read more “VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: Sharing Christ in Maracay, Venezuela”
More Than Just a Meal: Sharing Hope in Haiti In Juana Mendez, Haiti, Leonel is demonstrating that true ministry goes beyond meeting immediate needs. While providing essential food and fuel to a home for the elderly and 17 vulnerable children who also depend on sustenance there, he’s also sharing the life-changing power of the Gospel …
Read more “VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: More Than Just a Meal, Sharing Hope in Haiti”
Gwo lide nan Filipyen: Kenbe lajwa nou nan Senyè a tout tan n ap fè Levanjil la avanse, menm nan mitan soufrans. Kesyon pou nou konsidere: Ki sa Pòl vle di lè l di “konbat tankou yon sèl moun”? Ki jan Pòl wè opozisyon l ap fè fas a? Ki siyifikasyon “kanpe fèm nan yon …
Read more “REFLEXYON POU YON NOUVO KÈ: Lite Ansanm Pou Lafwa a (Filipyen 1:27-30)”
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 mean by “contending as one man”? How does Paul view the opposition he faces? What is the significance of “standing firm in the one Spirit”? How does this passage …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Striving Side-by-Side for the Faith (Philippians 1:27-30)”
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 Paul’s ultimate ambition? How does he view life and death in light of the Gospel? What does it mean to “live is Christ”? How does Paul’s perspective on life and …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain (PHILIPPIANS 1:18B-26)”
A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND SOME PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS While acts of compassion are vital expressions of Christian love, the church possesses a unique power to change lives and communities far beyond the reach of humanitarian efforts alone. This power resides in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers not merely temporary relief but a radical and …
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 imprisonment affect the advancement of the Gospel? What are the different responses to Paul’s imprisonment described in the text? What motivates those who preach Christ out of selfish ambition? …
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 express his love and concern for the Philippians? What specific requests does he make in his prayer for them? How does this prayer connect to the themes of joy …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Abounding in Love (PHILIPPIANS 1:8-11)”
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 express his partnership with the Philippians? What are the specific things he prays for on their behalf? How does this prayer reflect his joy in Christ? The Text: Paul and …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Partners in the Gospel (PHILIPPIANS 1:1-7)”
Main Idea of Philippians: Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering. Questions to Consider: Why did Paul write this letter to the Philippians? What were the circumstances surrounding the church in Philippi? How does this letter connect to the broader themes of the New Testament? Historical …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Joyful Gospel Advancement, Even In Suffering (Philippians)”
Main Idea of James: True faith in Jesus Christ is demonstrated through a life characterized by perseverance, good works, controlled speech, resistance to worldliness, and patient endurance. Questions to Consider: What is the role of prayer in the life of a believer? How does prayer connect us to God and bring about His purposes? How …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Power of Prayer (James 5:13-18)”
The gospel is essential for both unbelievers and believers. Unbelievers need it for salvation, and believers need it for continued spiritual growth. Share the gospel with unbelievers by explaining God, man, Jesus, and their need to respond. Preach the gospel to believers by connecting every text to Christ and His work.