Welcome back, everyone! It's great to gather again as we dive into tonight's lesson—a powerful reminder of the uncompromising nature of the gospel of grace. We're exploring a moment in Paul's ministry that challenges us to stand firm in truth, resist the pull of human traditions, and live out the unity we have in Christ. Paul's visit to Jerusalem wasn't just a formality—it was a bold affirmation of his apostolic calling and the gospel he preached to the Gentiles. When Peter, James, and John extended the right hand of fellowship, it wasn't just a handshake—it was a declaration that the same grace saves both Jew and Gentile. But unity was tested in Antioch. When Peter withdrew from Gentile believers under pressure from legalists, Paul didn't stay silent. He confronted the hypocrisy head-on, defending the integrity of the gospel. This moment reminds us: the gospel is not about external customs—it's about faith in Christ alone. Let's dig in.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of the early church model, urging believers to devote themselves to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, fostering a community marked by awe, unity, and generosity. It challenges listeners to prioritize serving the Lord and others, separating from worldly influences, and actively witnessing to the lost, recognizing that individual commitment directly impacts the church's effectiveness and growth. Ultimately, the message calls for a radical shift in priorities, encouraging members to value spiritual service above personal gain and to actively participate in advancing the kingdom of God through intentional discipleship and outreach.

El sermón enfatiza la importancia de una iglesia unida y comprometida, modelada según los primeros cristianos que compartían sus posesiones y se dedicaban a la oración y al estudio de las Escrituras. Se insta a los creyentes a entregarse completamente a Dios, separándose del mundo y sirviendo a los demás con humildad, priorizando la iglesia local y siendo testigos del Evangelio. Se anima a los miembros a vivir una vida de sacrificio vivo, transformados por la renovación del entendimiento, y a buscar la voluntad de Dios en todas las áreas de la vida, reconociendo a Jesús como el centro de su existencia y buscando activamente la salvación de los perdidos.

Welcome back to Wednesday Night Bible Study! Tonight's lesson takes us to Galatians chapter 2, where Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem after fourteen years—a pivotal moment that reaffirms his unwavering commitment to the gospel of grace and freedom from the law. Paul's encounter with the pillars of the Jerusalem church—James, Peter, and John—served as a powerful affirmation of his ministry to the Gentiles. Crucially, they did not require Gentile circumcision, reinforcing the truth that salvation is by faith alone, not by works. Yet, this visit also exposed the threat of false teachers—those who sought to impose legalistic requirements and distort the gospel. The lesson challenges us to stand firm against such influences. Yielding to legalism doesn't lead to holiness—it leads to bondage. Paul's bold defense reminds us that the gospel must remain pure: a message of grace, not performance; of freedom, not fear. Let's open the Word and dive in together:

The sermon emphasizes the importance of giving that glorifies God, arguing that true generosity leads to unexpected provision and abundance, not merely a transactional exchange. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9, the message highlights the expectation of reaping what one sows, the exclusive right of individuals to determine their giving, and the assurance that God is able to provide for those who trust Him with their finances. Through personal anecdotes and biblical illustrations, the preacher encourages listeners to embrace a lifestyle of giving, not out of obligation or guilt, but with a joyful heart, believing that God will faithfully meet their needs and empower them to serve others, ultimately leading to eternal rewards.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of giving that glorifies God, arguing that true generosity leads to unexpected provision and abundance, not merely a transactional exchange. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9, the message highlights the expectation of reaping what one sows, the exclusive right of individuals to determine their giving, and the assurance that God is able to provide for those who trust Him with their finances. Through personal anecdotes and biblical illustrations, the preacher encourages listeners to embrace a lifestyle of giving, not out of obligation or guilt, but with a joyful heart, believing that God will faithfully meet their needs and empower them to serve others, ultimately leading to eternal rewards.

Welcome Back to Wednesday Night Bible Study! Tonight, we dive into Lesson 8 of Galatians, where Paul passionately defends his apostleship—not as a title granted by men, but as a divine commission received through a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. We trace his dramatic conversion: once zealous for Jewish traditions and a fierce persecutor of the church, Paul becomes a fervent preacher of the gospel. His transformation is not only personal but theological, rooted in grace and marked by bold independence from the Jerusalem apostles. Early in his ministry, Paul operates apart from their influence, underscoring the authenticity of his calling through his actions—including the striking moment he rebukes the chief apostle. This lesson ultimately celebrates the transformative power of divine grace—a grace so radical it rewrites lives and redirects praise toward God alone. Paul's story reminds us that when Christ intervenes, the result is not just change, but a testimony that glorifies the One who saves.

The sermon emphasizes the centrality of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, arguing that any addition of works, including baptism, diminishes the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Drawing from passages in Acts, Mark, and 1 Peter, the message clarifies that while baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbolic representation of death and resurrection, it is not a prerequisite for salvation. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their beliefs, rejecting interpretations that contradict the clear message of grace and emphasizing the importance of trusting in Christ alone for redemption and living a life of obedience as a result of that faith.

The sermon addresses the question of whether baptism is a prerequisite for salvation, arguing against the notion that adding works, such as baptism, to faith diminishes Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Drawing from passages like Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, and 1 Peter 3:21, the message emphasizes that salvation is attained through grace by faith in Jesus Christ, not through religious rituals. The preacher cautions against private interpretations that contradict established biblical teachings, asserting that true salvation stems from belief in Christ's completed work and that baptism is an outward expression of an already established faith, representing a renewed life and separation from the world.

Welcome back to Wednesday night Bible study! Tonight, we open the Word and dive into the doctrine of salvation—not as a moment, but as a divinely orchestrated process. This lesson emphasizes God's sovereignty from beginning to end, challenging synergistic views and affirming that salvation is entirely the work of God. We'll walk through each stage of the Ordo Salutis: • Predestination & Election – God's eternal choice of His people • The Gospel Call – the outward invitation and inward drawing • Regeneration & Conversion – the Spirit's work in awakening faith • Justification, Adoption, Sanctification – the legal, relational, and transformative aspects of salvation • Glorification – the final, eternal union with Christ This message underscores that human agency plays no role in initiating salvation. Instead, we respond to God's grace, His calling, and His work—culminating in a life fully transformed for His glory.