Before the Word is a podcast series by Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, SC. Before the Word episodes air weekly, and in each episode one of our pastors walks phrase by phrase through the biblical text that will be preached the following Sunday. From May 25 through August 9, these episodes will walk through the entire letter of the apostle Paul to the churches of Galatia.

Resource

“What Is an Apostle?” (Ligonier Ministries Article)

Summary

Paul opens his letter to the Galatian churches by grounding them again in the gospel of Jesus Christ. His authority as an apostle did not come from man, but from God the Father and the risen Son. And the message he preached was the good news that Christ willingly gave himself for our sins to deliver his people from the present evil age.

Truth Statement

God the Father and God the Son willed together to save sinners through the Son’s sacrificial death.

Instruction

Praise and glorify the Father and the Son for accomplishing your salvation through the cross of Christ.

Rest in the Lord | Matthew 11:25–30

Preacher: Pastor Jared Thomas

Date Preached: May 24, 2026

In Matthew 11, Jesus invites weary and burdened sinners to come to him and find true rest. In a world marked by striving, anxiety, self-sufficiency, and spiritual exhaustion, Christ reveals himself as the gentle and lowly Savior who welcomes all who trust in him. His yoke is not oppressive, but gracious, because he has already borne the weight of sin for his people.

This sermon explores the rest that Christ gives to those who come by faith. Jesus does not merely offer relief from difficult circumstances, but reconciliation with God, rest for the conscience, and the peace that comes through belonging to him. His invitation remains open to all who are weary and heavy laden.

Topics: Rest, Jesus Christ, Grace, Faith, Salvation, Christian Living

The Worker Who Fears the LORD

Proverbs 10:4–5; 21:25–26; 24:30–34

Preached by: Pastor Daniel Barta

Date: May 17, 2026

In these Proverbs, Scripture contrasts the diligence of the wise with the destructive patterns of the sluggard. The worker who fears the LORD labors with wisdom, discipline, integrity, and trust in God, while the fool is ruled by craving, distraction, and fear.

In this sermon, we consider how the fear of the LORD reshapes our work, teaching us to labor faithfully, resist laziness and anxiety, and pursue lives marked by stewardship, responsibility, and generosity.

Topics: Wisdom, Work, Diligence, Stewardship, Fear of the Lord

The Woman Who Fears the LORD

Proverbs 7:1–27; 31:10–31

Preached by: Pastor Daniel Barta

Date: May 10, 2026

In Proverbs 7 and 31, Scripture contrasts the path of seductive folly with the life-giving beauty of a woman who fears the LORD. While folly leads to destruction, the wise woman is marked by strength, wisdom, diligence, and faithful service that blesses both her household and her community.

In this sermon, we consider how the fear of the LORD produces a life of stability, generosity, and flourishing, and how true beauty is found not merely in appearance, but in a heart shaped by reverence for God.

Topics: Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, Womanhood, Faithfulness, Christian Living

In this episode, we look ahead to Proverbs 7:1–27 and 31:10–31, where Scripture contrasts the path of destruction with the life-giving beauty of a woman who fears the LORD. Far from a shallow or merely external picture of beauty, this passage presents a life marked by strength, wisdom, and self-giving service—a woman whose security in the Lord frees her to labor for the good of others.

As we consider these verses, we are invited to see both the danger of folly and the lasting fruit of a life shaped by the fear of the LORD.

As we look ahead to Sunday, we invite you to come to the Word ready to listen, learn, and be shaped by our heavenly Father.

To study along, you can download the Cell Group Journal and explore our full archive of resources at cf-northwest.com.

Sermon Date Previewed: May 10, 2026

The Pleasure Seeker Who Fears the LORD

Proverbs 5:1–23

Preached by: Pastor Daniel Barta

Date: May 3, 2026

In Proverbs 5:1–23, we see that God is not opposed to pleasure, but calls us to pursue it rightly. This passage warns of the danger of unrestrained desire while holding out a vision of joy shaped by wisdom, discipline, and the fear of the LORD.

In this sermon, we consider how true satisfaction is found not in indulging every desire, but in receiving God’s good gifts within His design, trusting that His way leads to life and flourishing.

Topics: Wisdom, Pleasure, Self-Control, Fear of the Lord, Christian Living

In this episode, we look ahead to Proverbs 5:1–23, where Scripture addresses the pursuit of pleasure and the call to walk in wisdom. This passage shows that God is not against joy, but calls us to pursue it rightly—within His design and in the fear of the LORD.

As we look ahead to Sunday, we invite you to come to the Word ready to listen, learn, and be shaped by our heavenly Father.

To study along, you can download the Cell Group Journal and explore our full archive of resources at cf-northwest.com.

Sermon Date Previewed: May 3, 2026

The Speaker Who Fears the LORD

Proverbs 10:11–14

Preached by: Pastoral Assistant Nate Cure

Date: April 26, 2026

In Proverbs 10:1, 11–14, Scripture contrasts the words of the wise with the speech of the fool. The one who fears the LORD speaks with care, truth, and purpose, while the foolish speak rashly, bringing harm to themselves and others.

In this sermon, we consider how our words reveal our hearts and how the fear of the LORD shapes us to speak in ways that give life rather than destruction.

Topics: Speech, Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, Truth, Christian Living

In this episode, we look ahead to Proverbs 10:11–14, where Scripture contrasts the words of the wise and the speech of the fool. These verses show how our words reveal the condition of our hearts and call us to speak with wisdom, truth, and restraint.

As we look ahead to Sunday, we invite you to come to the Word ready to listen, learn, and be shaped by our heavenly Father.

To study along, you can download the Cell Group Journal and explore our full archive of resources at cf-northwest.com.

Sermon Date Previewed: April 26, 2026

The Son Who Fears the LORD

Proverbs 3:1–12; 23:22–25

Preached by: Pastor Daniel Barta

Date: April 19, 2026

In Proverbs 3:1–12 and 23:22–25, we see the beauty of wisdom formed through faithful instruction and humble listening. These passages call us to receive correction, to trust the Lord rather than our own understanding, and to walk in the fear of the LORD as those who are taught.

In this sermon, we consider how wisdom is cultivated through instruction, how true sonship is marked by a willingness to learn, and how the Lord uses even discipline to shape us for good.

Topics: Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, Discipline, Parenting, Christian Living