Sunday Morning At Remnant by Grace https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/channels/26207 Remnant by Grace: Sunday Morning At Remnant by Grace Podcast en-us Remnant by Grace r.shick@rbgrace.com Remnant by Grace false 1 Corinthians 12:5-9 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/553610 This sermon from 1 Corinthians 12 focuses on the variety and purpose of spiritual gifts in the church. Pastor Jeff explains that while there are many kinds of gifts, services, and activities, they all come from one God; the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father working together in unity. Each believer receives at least one spiritual gift, not for personal gain, but for the common good of the body of Christ. These gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and miracles are meant to reflect God’s character and serve others. The message emphasizes that genuine spiritual gifts always glorify God, build up the church, and reveal something true about His nature.

]]> This sermon from 1 Corinthians 12 focuses on the variety and purpose of spiritual gifts in the church. Pastor Jeff explains that while there are many kinds of gifts, services, and activities, they all come from one God; the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father working together in unity. Each believer receives at least one spiritual gift, not for personal gain, but for the common good of the body of Christ. These gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and miracles are meant to reflect God’s character and serve others. The message emphasizes that genuine spiritual gifts always glorify God, build up the church, and reveal something true about His nature.

]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/553610 false 1 Corinthians 12:1-5 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/553632 Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts their origin, purpose, and how to discern what truly comes from God. Pastor Jeff explains that the Corinthian church, influenced by its pagan background, struggled to tell the difference between genuine works of the Holy Spirit and counterfeit spiritual experiences that resembled their former idol worship. Paul begins by reminding them that all spiritual gifts come from Yahweh, the one true God, not from many competing spirits, and that every believer receives gifts through the Holy Spirit for service in the church. The message also highlights Paul’s test for discernment: no one led by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and only through the Holy Spirit can one truly confess that “Jesus is Lord.”

]]> Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts their origin, purpose, and how to discern what truly comes from God. Pastor Jeff explains that the Corinthian church, influenced by its pagan background, struggled to tell the difference between genuine works of the Holy Spirit and counterfeit spiritual experiences that resembled their former idol worship. Paul begins by reminding them that all spiritual gifts come from Yahweh, the one true God, not from many competing spirits, and that every believer receives gifts through the Holy Spirit for service in the church. The message also highlights Paul’s test for discernment: no one led by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and only through the Holy Spirit can one truly confess that “Jesus is Lord.”

]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/553632 false 1 Corinthians 12:10-19 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/553639 This sermon on 1 Corinthians 12 explains how the Holy Spirit gives every believer unique spiritual gifts, not for personal pride, but for the common good of the church. Each gift, whether wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, or interpretation, comes from the same Spirit, showing unity in diversity. God's sovereignly distributes these gifts “as He wills,” and believers don’t choose or earn them. Prophecy is explained as speaking forth God’s Word for encouragement and guidance, not necessarily predicting the future. The “discernment of spirits” is the ability to recognize whether teachings or influences come from God or deceptive spiritual sources, highlighting the need for spiritual awareness in the church. Paul’s metaphor of the body shows that every believer’s gift, no matter how visible or humble, is vital. The Spirit’s baptism unites all Christians, Jew or Greek, slave or free, into one body under Christ the Head. The sermon concludes by urging believers to use their gifts actively, remain filled with the Spirit through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, and find joy in serving God and others because every part of the body matters, and together the church reveals Christ to the world.

]]> This sermon on 1 Corinthians 12 explains how the Holy Spirit gives every believer unique spiritual gifts, not for personal pride, but for the common good of the church. Each gift, whether wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, or interpretation, comes from the same Spirit, showing unity in diversity. God's sovereignly distributes these gifts “as He wills,” and believers don’t choose or earn them. Prophecy is explained as speaking forth God’s Word for encouragement and guidance, not necessarily predicting the future. The “discernment of spirits” is the ability to recognize whether teachings or influences come from God or deceptive spiritual sources, highlighting the need for spiritual awareness in the church. Paul’s metaphor of the body shows that every believer’s gift, no matter how visible or humble, is vital. The Spirit’s baptism unites all Christians, Jew or Greek, slave or free, into one body under Christ the Head. The sermon concludes by urging believers to use their gifts actively, remain filled with the Spirit through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, and find joy in serving God and others because every part of the body matters, and together the church reveals Christ to the world.

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/553639 false 1 Corinthians 12:20–31 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/558213 1 Corinthians 12:20–31
Paul compares the church to the human body, emphasizing unity, interdependence, and the equal value of all members. Every believer has a unique spiritual gift meant to serve the body, and all are indispensable regardless of visibility or perceived importance.

]]> 1 Corinthians 12:20–31
Paul compares the church to the human body, emphasizing unity, interdependence, and the equal value of all members. Every believer has a unique spiritual gift meant to serve the body, and all are indispensable regardless of visibility or perceived importance.

]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/558213 false 1 Corinthians 13 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/564991 Pastor Jeff frames the discussion by acknowledging that Christians today still debate whether certain gifts like tongues and prophecy are active (the continuationist view) or ceased after the apostolic age (the cessationist view).

Paul’s original concern, however, was to correct misunderstandings in the Corinthian church about the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, contrasting them with pagan spiritual experiences.

]]> Pastor Jeff frames the discussion by acknowledging that Christians today still debate whether certain gifts like tongues and prophecy are active (the continuationist view) or ceased after the apostolic age (the cessationist view).

Paul’s original concern, however, was to correct misunderstandings in the Corinthian church about the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, contrasting them with pagan spiritual experiences.

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/564991 false 1 Corinthians Prelude to Chapter 14 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/566638 Pastor Jeff explains that interpreting Scripture requires separating timeless truths from personal assumptions. A word study shows the Greek glōssa always means a real human language or the physical tongue, never ecstatic sounds. Through most of church history, tongues were understood as real languages, with the modern idea of “glossolalia” (unknown or heavenly tongues) only appearing in the 1700s - 1800s.

]]> Pastor Jeff explains that interpreting Scripture requires separating timeless truths from personal assumptions. A word study shows the Greek glōssa always means a real human language or the physical tongue, never ecstatic sounds. Through most of church history, tongues were understood as real languages, with the modern idea of “glossolalia” (unknown or heavenly tongues) only appearing in the 1700s - 1800s.

]]> Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/566638 false 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/570280 Pastor Jeff teaches that when Paul speaks about “tongues” in 1 Corinthians 12-14, he maybe referring to real human languages rather than ecstatic utterances, and that his central concern is the building up of the church. Because Corinth was a multilingual community, people were praying, reading Scripture, or speaking in languages the rest of the congregation could not understand, which created confusion rather than edification. Paul teaches that spiritual gifts must be used in love and for the benefit of the whole church, and that speaking a language no one understands only builds up the speaker, not the body. Drawing from Deuteronomy and Isaiah, Paul even shows that hearing foreign languages you cannot understand is associated with judgment, not blessing. The true sign of God’s presence in a church is not tongues but the clear proclamation of His Word, which convicts hearts, leads unbelievers to repentance, and builds up believers. Ultimately, Paul urges the church to value understandable teaching, interpretation, and proclamation of Scripture above all, because these strengthen and unify the church.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches that when Paul speaks about “tongues” in 1 Corinthians 12-14, he maybe referring to real human languages rather than ecstatic utterances, and that his central concern is the building up of the church. Because Corinth was a multilingual community, people were praying, reading Scripture, or speaking in languages the rest of the congregation could not understand, which created confusion rather than edification. Paul teaches that spiritual gifts must be used in love and for the benefit of the whole church, and that speaking a language no one understands only builds up the speaker, not the body. Drawing from Deuteronomy and Isaiah, Paul even shows that hearing foreign languages you cannot understand is associated with judgment, not blessing. The true sign of God’s presence in a church is not tongues but the clear proclamation of His Word, which convicts hearts, leads unbelievers to repentance, and builds up believers. Ultimately, Paul urges the church to value understandable teaching, interpretation, and proclamation of Scripture above all, because these strengthen and unify the church.

]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/570280 false 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/573581 Today, Pastor Jeff explains Paul’s instructions for orderly church gatherings, especially regarding tongues (foreign languages), interpretation, and prophecy. He emphasizes that tongues in Corinth referred to the native or foreign languages needing interpretation so the church could be built up, and that prophecy in the New Testament is not the authoritative, inerrant office of Old Testament prophets, but rather believers sharing insights, impressions, or encouragement that God spontaneously brings to mind and always subject to Scripture and to being weighed by the church. Paul’s instructions for women to remain silent are explained as applying specifically to the authoritative judging of prophecies, not to praying, singing, or participating generally. Pastor Jeff highlights that prophecy today still benefits the church when shared humbly and examined together, since God can give insights to any believer through the Holy Spirit.

]]> Today, Pastor Jeff explains Paul’s instructions for orderly church gatherings, especially regarding tongues (foreign languages), interpretation, and prophecy. He emphasizes that tongues in Corinth referred to the native or foreign languages needing interpretation so the church could be built up, and that prophecy in the New Testament is not the authoritative, inerrant office of Old Testament prophets, but rather believers sharing insights, impressions, or encouragement that God spontaneously brings to mind and always subject to Scripture and to being weighed by the church. Paul’s instructions for women to remain silent are explained as applying specifically to the authoritative judging of prophecies, not to praying, singing, or participating generally. Pastor Jeff highlights that prophecy today still benefits the church when shared humbly and examined together, since God can give insights to any believer through the Holy Spirit.

]]> Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/573581 false 1 Corinthians 15:1-20 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/576459 Today, Pastor Jeff focuses on 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul confronts members of the Corinthian church who doubted the bodily resurrection. Paul reminds them of the essential gospel: Christ died for sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses. He explains that denying the resurrection undermines the entire faith. If Christ is not raised, preaching is pointless, faith is empty, believers remain in sin, and there is no hope. But Paul affirms the truth: Christ has been raised, guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. The message concludes with gratitude for salvation, the hope of eternal life, and a prayer for strength and joy until Christ’s return.

]]> Today, Pastor Jeff focuses on 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul confronts members of the Corinthian church who doubted the bodily resurrection. Paul reminds them of the essential gospel: Christ died for sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses. He explains that denying the resurrection undermines the entire faith. If Christ is not raised, preaching is pointless, faith is empty, believers remain in sin, and there is no hope. But Paul affirms the truth: Christ has been raised, guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. The message concludes with gratitude for salvation, the hope of eternal life, and a prayer for strength and joy until Christ’s return.

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/576459 false 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/579922 Today Pastor Jeff is in 1 Corinthians 15:20-34. In it, Paul teaches us that Christ’s resurrection is the first fruits, guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who belong to Him, just as Adam’s fall brought death to all who share his nature. He outlines the order of resurrection. Christ first, then believers at His coming in stages (the Church, Tribulation saints, Old Testament saints), and finally “the end,” when Christ hands the fully redeemed, eternal kingdom to the Father after every enemy-including death-is destroyed. Paul clarifies the Father’s role in subduing all things under the Son, culminating in the perfect unity of the Triune God reigning “all in all.” He dismisses any idea of vicarious baptism, using the Corinthians’ own practices only to emphasize the inconsistency of denying resurrection. Paul argues that without resurrection his own suffering and sacrifice would be pointless, warns that false teaching corrupts the church, and urges believers to live in light of the certainty and hope of the resurrection.

]]> Today Pastor Jeff is in 1 Corinthians 15:20-34. In it, Paul teaches us that Christ’s resurrection is the first fruits, guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who belong to Him, just as Adam’s fall brought death to all who share his nature. He outlines the order of resurrection. Christ first, then believers at His coming in stages (the Church, Tribulation saints, Old Testament saints), and finally “the end,” when Christ hands the fully redeemed, eternal kingdom to the Father after every enemy-including death-is destroyed. Paul clarifies the Father’s role in subduing all things under the Son, culminating in the perfect unity of the Triune God reigning “all in all.” He dismisses any idea of vicarious baptism, using the Corinthians’ own practices only to emphasize the inconsistency of denying resurrection. Paul argues that without resurrection his own suffering and sacrifice would be pointless, warns that false teaching corrupts the church, and urges believers to live in light of the certainty and hope of the resurrection.

]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/579922 false 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/583206 Pastor Jeff teaches from 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 that the resurrection is not only real but essential to Christian hope, explaining that our future resurrection bodies will be transformed, glorified, and imperishable not merely reanimated versions of our current flesh. Using Paul’s seed analogy, he shows that just as a seed dies and is raised into something greater yet still connected, our mortal bodies must give way to spiritual bodies fit for God’s eternal kingdom. He contrasts Adam, who represents earthly, perishable life, with Christ, the “last Adam,” who brings life, immortality, and a heavenly destiny to those who identify with Him. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that believers will still be themselves after the resurrection, recognizable, personal, and embodied yet free from sin, weakness, and death, sharing in Christ’s glory. Ultimately, the resurrection is presented as our promised destiny, grounding present suffering in future hope and assuring believers that God, who creates from nothing, will faithfully raise them to eternal life with Him.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches from 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 that the resurrection is not only real but essential to Christian hope, explaining that our future resurrection bodies will be transformed, glorified, and imperishable not merely reanimated versions of our current flesh. Using Paul’s seed analogy, he shows that just as a seed dies and is raised into something greater yet still connected, our mortal bodies must give way to spiritual bodies fit for God’s eternal kingdom. He contrasts Adam, who represents earthly, perishable life, with Christ, the “last Adam,” who brings life, immortality, and a heavenly destiny to those who identify with Him. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that believers will still be themselves after the resurrection, recognizable, personal, and embodied yet free from sin, weakness, and death, sharing in Christ’s glory. Ultimately, the resurrection is presented as our promised destiny, grounding present suffering in future hope and assuring believers that God, who creates from nothing, will faithfully raise them to eternal life with Him.

]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/583206 false Discovering the origins of Christmas on December 25th. https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/586432 Sun, 21 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/586432 false Christmas, the Prophetic Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/589227 Pastor Jeff teaches that the true story of Christmas is the historical and prophetic fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the birth of Jesus Christ. Walking through Luke and Matthew, he explains how Jesus’ virgin birth, divine identity, and legal descent from David fulfill Old Testament messianic promises, revealing Him as God with us, the rightful King, Priest, and Savior. Born humbly and rejected, Jesus nevertheless inaugurates the New Covenant, marked by the return of God’s glory, the angelic announcement to the shepherds, and the worship of Gentiles through the Magi. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that Christmas is the moment everything changed, making possible Christ’s sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life and a coming everlasting kingdom for all who trust in Him.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches that the true story of Christmas is the historical and prophetic fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the birth of Jesus Christ. Walking through Luke and Matthew, he explains how Jesus’ virgin birth, divine identity, and legal descent from David fulfill Old Testament messianic promises, revealing Him as God with us, the rightful King, Priest, and Savior. Born humbly and rejected, Jesus nevertheless inaugurates the New Covenant, marked by the return of God’s glory, the angelic announcement to the shepherds, and the worship of Gentiles through the Magi. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that Christmas is the moment everything changed, making possible Christ’s sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life and a coming everlasting kingdom for all who trust in Him.

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/589227 false 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/592132 Pastor Jeff teaches from 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 that flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s eternal kingdom and that both the dead and the living in Christ will be instantly transformed into imperishable, glorified bodies at Christ’s coming. He explains this revealed mystery as the rapture of the Church, marked by the last trumpet, which he describes as a military call of return signaling believers being gathered home to God. Pastor Jeff carefully distinguishes the rapture from the second coming of Christ, showing from Scripture that the rapture involves Christ coming in the air to take believers to heaven, while the second coming involves Christ returning to earth with His saints to judge the world and establish His kingdom. He emphasizes that the Church is not destined for God’s wrath, that the rapture is meant to be a source of encouragement, and that believers are therefore called to remain steadfast, faithful, and diligent in the work of the Lord, confident that their labor is not in vain and that Christ will one day bring them home to be with Him forever.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches from 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 that flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s eternal kingdom and that both the dead and the living in Christ will be instantly transformed into imperishable, glorified bodies at Christ’s coming. He explains this revealed mystery as the rapture of the Church, marked by the last trumpet, which he describes as a military call of return signaling believers being gathered home to God. Pastor Jeff carefully distinguishes the rapture from the second coming of Christ, showing from Scripture that the rapture involves Christ coming in the air to take believers to heaven, while the second coming involves Christ returning to earth with His saints to judge the world and establish His kingdom. He emphasizes that the Church is not destined for God’s wrath, that the rapture is meant to be a source of encouragement, and that believers are therefore called to remain steadfast, faithful, and diligent in the work of the Lord, confident that their labor is not in vain and that Christ will one day bring them home to be with Him forever.

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/592132 false 1 Corinthians 16 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/596134 Pastor Jeff teaches from 1 Corinthians 16 that Paul closes his letter with practical instruction and pastoral wisdom for how the church should live, give, lead, and love. He explains that the collection for the Jerusalem church reflects both compassion for persecuted believers and unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians, establishing principles of regular, willing, and cheerful giving through the local church with transparency and accountability. Pastor Jeff highlights Paul’s model of thoughtful planning paired with humility and flexibility under God’s will, showing that open doors for ministry often include opposition and hardship. He emphasizes Paul’s trust in coworkers like Timothy and Apollos, teaching that spiritual leadership involves delegation, mutual respect, and freedom to follow the Spirit without pressure. The message concludes with Paul’s call to be watchful, steadfast, courageous, strong in the Lord, and motivated by love in all things, while recognizing faithful servants within the church, encouraging unity, and living with hopeful expectation for Christ’s return.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches from 1 Corinthians 16 that Paul closes his letter with practical instruction and pastoral wisdom for how the church should live, give, lead, and love. He explains that the collection for the Jerusalem church reflects both compassion for persecuted believers and unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians, establishing principles of regular, willing, and cheerful giving through the local church with transparency and accountability. Pastor Jeff highlights Paul’s model of thoughtful planning paired with humility and flexibility under God’s will, showing that open doors for ministry often include opposition and hardship. He emphasizes Paul’s trust in coworkers like Timothy and Apollos, teaching that spiritual leadership involves delegation, mutual respect, and freedom to follow the Spirit without pressure. The message concludes with Paul’s call to be watchful, steadfast, courageous, strong in the Lord, and motivated by love in all things, while recognizing faithful servants within the church, encouraging unity, and living with hopeful expectation for Christ’s return.

]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/596134 false Micah Chapter 1 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/599642 Pastor Jeff teaches from Micah chapter 1 that God brings a formal charge against Israel and Judah, represented by Samaria and Jerusalem, for covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and moral compromise, especially among their leaders. He explains that Micah’s prophecy presents God as a righteous judge whose announced judgment is both just and merciful, serving as a final call to repentance before inevitable consequences unfold. The destruction of cities, exile, and loss described in the chapter reveal how gradual compromise with surrounding cultures led God’s people away from loyalty to Yahweh, turning what was meant to be a light to the nations into something indistinguishable from the world. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that this warning applies directly to the church today, particularly where outward religion replaces obedience, truth is exchanged for cultural approval, and loyalty to Christ is weakened by modern idols. He concludes that God desires repentance, faithfulness, and obedience rather than religious appearance, and that only steadfast loyalty to Christ can preserve the church, raise up godly leadership, and keep God’s people from repeating the tragic pattern seen in Micah’s time.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches from Micah chapter 1 that God brings a formal charge against Israel and Judah, represented by Samaria and Jerusalem, for covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and moral compromise, especially among their leaders. He explains that Micah’s prophecy presents God as a righteous judge whose announced judgment is both just and merciful, serving as a final call to repentance before inevitable consequences unfold. The destruction of cities, exile, and loss described in the chapter reveal how gradual compromise with surrounding cultures led God’s people away from loyalty to Yahweh, turning what was meant to be a light to the nations into something indistinguishable from the world. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that this warning applies directly to the church today, particularly where outward religion replaces obedience, truth is exchanged for cultural approval, and loyalty to Christ is weakened by modern idols. He concludes that God desires repentance, faithfulness, and obedience rather than religious appearance, and that only steadfast loyalty to Christ can preserve the church, raise up godly leadership, and keep God’s people from repeating the tragic pattern seen in Micah’s time.

]]> Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/599642 false Micah Chapter 2 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/608314 Pastor Jeff teaches that Micah condemns the powerful in Israel and Judah who planned oppression and theft, using their influence to seize land, homes, and inheritances from ordinary families, and he emphasizes that God sees these injustices, cares for the oppressed, and will bring accountability, even to rulers and governments. He explains that the coming exile is God’s just response to sustained covenant disloyalty, and that false prophets tried to silence warnings by insisting judgment would not come, revealing a dangerous presumption that God’s patience cancels the covenant’s demands for loyalty and obedience. The passage shows that prosperity is not proof of God’s approval, and that leaders can defile a people by misrepresenting God’s character while exploiting others. Yet Pastor Jeff highlights a dramatic turn near the end of the chapter where God promises to gather a faithful remnant like a shepherd gathering sheep, led by a coming King who opens the way and brings his people into lasting safety, which he connects to the Messiah and ultimately to Christ’s return and reign. He closes by urging steadfast loyalty to God, discernment against deceptive leaders, and hope in God’s future restoration, when justice will be completed and God’s people will dwell securely with their Shepherd forever.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches that Micah condemns the powerful in Israel and Judah who planned oppression and theft, using their influence to seize land, homes, and inheritances from ordinary families, and he emphasizes that God sees these injustices, cares for the oppressed, and will bring accountability, even to rulers and governments. He explains that the coming exile is God’s just response to sustained covenant disloyalty, and that false prophets tried to silence warnings by insisting judgment would not come, revealing a dangerous presumption that God’s patience cancels the covenant’s demands for loyalty and obedience. The passage shows that prosperity is not proof of God’s approval, and that leaders can defile a people by misrepresenting God’s character while exploiting others. Yet Pastor Jeff highlights a dramatic turn near the end of the chapter where God promises to gather a faithful remnant like a shepherd gathering sheep, led by a coming King who opens the way and brings his people into lasting safety, which he connects to the Messiah and ultimately to Christ’s return and reign. He closes by urging steadfast loyalty to God, discernment against deceptive leaders, and hope in God’s future restoration, when justice will be completed and God’s people will dwell securely with their Shepherd forever.

]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/608314 false Micah Chapter 3 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/612326 Pastor Jeff teaches that Micah’s message exposes the danger of outward religious identity without true loyalty to God, warning that many in Israel believed they were secure simply because they belonged to God’s people, while in reality they lived in disobedience and self-deception. He explains that God’s judgment on Israel shows that proximity to faith, religious participation, or national identity does not equal salvation, and that God holds individuals and leaders accountable for covenant unfaithfulness. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that this warning applies directly to the church today, where people can appear religious yet lack a genuine relationship with Christ, and where leaders can mislead by offering comfort without truth. He stresses that God’s judgment is real but also that God mercifully provides a way of escape through the gospel of Jesus Christ, calling all people to repentance, loyalty to Christ, and true saving faith rather than empty religion.

]]> Pastor Jeff teaches that Micah’s message exposes the danger of outward religious identity without true loyalty to God, warning that many in Israel believed they were secure simply because they belonged to God’s people, while in reality they lived in disobedience and self-deception. He explains that God’s judgment on Israel shows that proximity to faith, religious participation, or national identity does not equal salvation, and that God holds individuals and leaders accountable for covenant unfaithfulness. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that this warning applies directly to the church today, where people can appear religious yet lack a genuine relationship with Christ, and where leaders can mislead by offering comfort without truth. He stresses that God’s judgment is real but also that God mercifully provides a way of escape through the gospel of Jesus Christ, calling all people to repentance, loyalty to Christ, and true saving faith rather than empty religion.

]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/612326 false Micah Chapter 4 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/616525 In this sermon on Micah chapter 4, Pastor Jeff contrasts Israel's coming judgment from earlier chapters with God's hopeful vision of a future millennial kingdom, where Jerusalem will be the supreme center of worship and Christ will reign. Both Jews and Gentiles will come to learn God's ways, war will end as nations beat their swords into plowshares, and peace will prevail. God will regather a faithful Jewish remnant not by birthright but by grace through faith. Pastor Jeff challenges Christians to lovingly share with Jewish people that entry into God's kingdom requires faith in Jesus as Messiah.

]]> In this sermon on Micah chapter 4, Pastor Jeff contrasts Israel's coming judgment from earlier chapters with God's hopeful vision of a future millennial kingdom, where Jerusalem will be the supreme center of worship and Christ will reign. Both Jews and Gentiles will come to learn God's ways, war will end as nations beat their swords into plowshares, and peace will prevail. God will regather a faithful Jewish remnant not by birthright but by grace through faith. Pastor Jeff challenges Christians to lovingly share with Jewish people that entry into God's kingdom requires faith in Jesus as Messiah.

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/616525 false Micah Chapter 5 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/622148 In this sermon on Micah chapter 5, Pastor Jeff explains how the prophecy begins with Jerusalem under siege from Assyria and King Hezekiah's humiliation, then shifts to the promise of a supernatural ruler from Bethlehem Ephrathah who was "active from ancient days" yet will reign in the future. This divine shepherd-king is revealed as Yahweh himself incarnate—Jesus Christ—who will bring lasting peace and regather a believing remnant of Israel. God promises to remove everything Israel wrongly trusted in (military strength, sorcery, idolatry) and establish a millennial kingdom where Christ rules with a rod of iron, swiftly dealing with evil until the final rebellion is crushed forever.

]]> In this sermon on Micah chapter 5, Pastor Jeff explains how the prophecy begins with Jerusalem under siege from Assyria and King Hezekiah's humiliation, then shifts to the promise of a supernatural ruler from Bethlehem Ephrathah who was "active from ancient days" yet will reign in the future. This divine shepherd-king is revealed as Yahweh himself incarnate—Jesus Christ—who will bring lasting peace and regather a believing remnant of Israel. God promises to remove everything Israel wrongly trusted in (military strength, sorcery, idolatry) and establish a millennial kingdom where Christ rules with a rod of iron, swiftly dealing with evil until the final rebellion is crushed forever.

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/622148 false Micah Chaper 6 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/626867 In Micah 6, Pastor Jeff explains, God presents a covenant lawsuit against Israel, calling the mountains as witnesses to their disloyalty. God reminds Israel of His faithfulness, redeeming them from Egyptian slavery, providing godly leaders, and blessing them even when enemies sought to curse them, while Israel repeatedly chased false gods. Through rhetorical questions about burnt offerings and sacrifices, God clarifies that what He truly requires is simple: do justice, love hesed (loyal, loving kindness), and walk humbly with Him. Israel's rejection of this led to judgment, but believers today, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can succeed where Israel failed.

]]> In Micah 6, Pastor Jeff explains, God presents a covenant lawsuit against Israel, calling the mountains as witnesses to their disloyalty. God reminds Israel of His faithfulness, redeeming them from Egyptian slavery, providing godly leaders, and blessing them even when enemies sought to curse them, while Israel repeatedly chased false gods. Through rhetorical questions about burnt offerings and sacrifices, God clarifies that what He truly requires is simple: do justice, love hesed (loyal, loving kindness), and walk humbly with Him. Israel's rejection of this led to judgment, but believers today, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can succeed where Israel failed.

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/626867 false Micah Chapter 7 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/630831 Pastor Jeff opens in Micah 7 today with the prophet lamenting a godless society where the truly faithful, those practicing *chesed* (loyal loving kindness), have all but vanished. Corrupt rulers collude, trust collapses, and judgment looms. Yet Micah anchors himself in God, declaring that the remnant will rise even from captivity. The chapter looks forward to Israel's ultimate restoration under the coming Shepherd King from Bethlehem. It closes with a doxology: God pardons iniquity by bearing it himself, treads sins underfoot, and casts them into the sea's depths. This pictures salvation fulfilled in Christ, extending God's covenant blessing to both Israel and the Gentile church through Abraham.

]]> Pastor Jeff opens in Micah 7 today with the prophet lamenting a godless society where the truly faithful, those practicing *chesed* (loyal loving kindness), have all but vanished. Corrupt rulers collude, trust collapses, and judgment looms. Yet Micah anchors himself in God, declaring that the remnant will rise even from captivity. The chapter looks forward to Israel's ultimate restoration under the coming Shepherd King from Bethlehem. It closes with a doxology: God pardons iniquity by bearing it himself, treads sins underfoot, and casts them into the sea's depths. This pictures salvation fulfilled in Christ, extending God's covenant blessing to both Israel and the Gentile church through Abraham.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/630831 false Jeremiah 49: The Prophecy Against Elam https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/634741 Pastor Jeff examines Jeremiah 49:34-39, correcting the popular claim that Elam equals modern Iran. Elam was a small region in southwestern Iran, distinct from Persia, and its judgment was concurrent with Judah's Babylonian captivity. Drawing on Jeremiah 25 and 27, Jeff shows that Nebuchadnezzar, called God's servant three times, carried out God's decreed judgment against Elam around 596 BC. The promised latter-days restoration points to the millennial kingdom, with a partial fulfillment at Pentecost, when Elamites heard the gospel in their own language. The lesson: scripture interprets scripture, and God remains sovereign over all nations.

]]> Pastor Jeff examines Jeremiah 49:34-39, correcting the popular claim that Elam equals modern Iran. Elam was a small region in southwestern Iran, distinct from Persia, and its judgment was concurrent with Judah's Babylonian captivity. Drawing on Jeremiah 25 and 27, Jeff shows that Nebuchadnezzar, called God's servant three times, carried out God's decreed judgment against Elam around 596 BC. The promised latter-days restoration points to the millennial kingdom, with a partial fulfillment at Pentecost, when Elamites heard the gospel in their own language. The lesson: scripture interprets scripture, and God remains sovereign over all nations.

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/634741 false Galatians Chapter 1:1-10 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/638130 In Galatians 1:1–10, Pastor Jeff shows that Paul defends his apostleship and message as coming directly from the risen Christ, not from people. Paul confronts Judaizers who added obedience to the Mosaic and Pharisaic laws to the gospel, turning it into “a different gospel” that cannot save. Any teacher who changes the gospel is “anathema,” devoted to destruction and to be separated from the church. The true gospel is a free gift of grace in Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, freeing us to live wholly for God’s glory.

]]> In Galatians 1:1–10, Pastor Jeff shows that Paul defends his apostleship and message as coming directly from the risen Christ, not from people. Paul confronts Judaizers who added obedience to the Mosaic and Pharisaic laws to the gospel, turning it into “a different gospel” that cannot save. Any teacher who changes the gospel is “anathema,” devoted to destruction and to be separated from the church. The true gospel is a free gift of grace in Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, freeing us to live wholly for God’s glory.

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/638130 false Galatians 1:11-24 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/642173 Pastor Jeff taught that in Galatians 1:11–24, Paul defends both his apostleship and the true gospel by showing it came directly from Jesus Christ, not from human teaching. Paul’s dramatic conversion from persecutor to preacher proves the gospel’s divine power and undermines the legalistic message of the Judaizers. Jeff emphasized that Christianity is the fulfillment of God’s earlier revelation, not a man-made invention. Because false teaching can still mislead believers today, Christians must stay rooted in Scripture and committed to a solid local church so they can discern truth, resist counterfeit gospels, and grow in confidence in God’s Word.

]]> Pastor Jeff taught that in Galatians 1:11–24, Paul defends both his apostleship and the true gospel by showing it came directly from Jesus Christ, not from human teaching. Paul’s dramatic conversion from persecutor to preacher proves the gospel’s divine power and undermines the legalistic message of the Judaizers. Jeff emphasized that Christianity is the fulfillment of God’s earlier revelation, not a man-made invention. Because false teaching can still mislead believers today, Christians must stay rooted in Scripture and committed to a solid local church so they can discern truth, resist counterfeit gospels, and grow in confidence in God’s Word.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/642173 false Easter Sunday https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/646073 Pastor Jeff’s Easter sermon argues that the resurrection rests on real historical evidence, not blind sentiment. Drawing from Luke and Acts, he emphasizes eyewitness testimony, the guarded and sealed tomb, the women who saw where Jesus was buried, the empty tomb, and Jesus’ many post-resurrection appearances. He stresses that Luke wrote within the lifetime of eyewitnesses, so false claims could have been challenged. The sermon highlights physical details—burial cloths, the stone, the guards, Jesus being seen, heard, touched, and eating with disciples—to show the resurrection was bodily and real. The message: Christians can answer skeptics with confidence because Christ truly rose.

]]> Pastor Jeff’s Easter sermon argues that the resurrection rests on real historical evidence, not blind sentiment. Drawing from Luke and Acts, he emphasizes eyewitness testimony, the guarded and sealed tomb, the women who saw where Jesus was buried, the empty tomb, and Jesus’ many post-resurrection appearances. He stresses that Luke wrote within the lifetime of eyewitnesses, so false claims could have been challenged. The sermon highlights physical details—burial cloths, the stone, the guards, Jesus being seen, heard, touched, and eating with disciples—to show the resurrection was bodily and real. The message: Christians can answer skeptics with confidence because Christ truly rose.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/646073 false Galatians 2:1-14 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/656704 Pastor Jeff walks through Galatians 2:1-14, where Paul defends both his apostolic authority and the gospel of grace against the Judaizers. Using Titus, a believing Greek never required to be circumcised, as his primary exhibit, Paul demonstrates that salvation is by faith apart from the Mosaic law. Peter, James and John affirm this by extending the right hand of fellowship. But when Peter later separates from Gentile believers at Antioch, Paul rebukes him publicly: to treat saved Gentiles as unclean is to deny the gospel's power to cleanse and justify.

]]> Pastor Jeff walks through Galatians 2:1-14, where Paul defends both his apostolic authority and the gospel of grace against the Judaizers. Using Titus, a believing Greek never required to be circumcised, as his primary exhibit, Paul demonstrates that salvation is by faith apart from the Mosaic law. Peter, James and John affirm this by extending the right hand of fellowship. But when Peter later separates from Gentile believers at Antioch, Paul rebukes him publicly: to treat saved Gentiles as unclean is to deny the gospel's power to cleanse and justify.

]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/656704 false Galatians 2:15-31 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/656829 Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 2:15-31, the theological heart of the letter. The central question is who constitutes the people of God. Paul dismantles the Judaizer assumption that Jews are righteous by birth, arguing that no one, Jew or Gentile, is declared righteous through the law. A key exegetical insight: the Greek genitive in verse 16 points to two inseparable aspects of faith, Christ's own faithfulness to fulfill his promises on the cross, and our faith trusting in that faithfulness. Paul then declares that through the law he died to the law, becoming a new creation in which Christ lives in him and he in Christ. Law-keeping contributes nothing to righteousness; if it could, Christ's death was unnecessary.

]]> Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 2:15-31, the theological heart of the letter. The central question is who constitutes the people of God. Paul dismantles the Judaizer assumption that Jews are righteous by birth, arguing that no one, Jew or Gentile, is declared righteous through the law. A key exegetical insight: the Greek genitive in verse 16 points to two inseparable aspects of faith, Christ's own faithfulness to fulfill his promises on the cross, and our faith trusting in that faithfulness. Paul then declares that through the law he died to the law, becoming a new creation in which Christ lives in him and he in Christ. Law-keeping contributes nothing to righteousness; if it could, Christ's death was unnecessary.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/656829 false Galatians 3:1-9 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/657432 Pastor Jeff covers Galatians 3:1-9, where Paul confronts the Galatians as "foolish," meaning willfully unwilling to think critically about the Judaizers' claims. His first argument is from their own experience: they received the Holy Spirit, the New Testament seal of salvation equivalent to circumcision, through hearing and believing the gospel, not through law-keeping. His second argument is from scripture: Abraham was declared righteous by faith in Genesis 15, before circumcision came in Genesis 17, and the promised "seed" is singular, pointing to Christ. True sonship to Abraham is therefore defined by faith, not bloodline, opening God's covenant family to all nations through the one gospel.

]]> Pastor Jeff covers Galatians 3:1-9, where Paul confronts the Galatians as "foolish," meaning willfully unwilling to think critically about the Judaizers' claims. His first argument is from their own experience: they received the Holy Spirit, the New Testament seal of salvation equivalent to circumcision, through hearing and believing the gospel, not through law-keeping. His second argument is from scripture: Abraham was declared righteous by faith in Genesis 15, before circumcision came in Genesis 17, and the promised "seed" is singular, pointing to Christ. True sonship to Abraham is therefore defined by faith, not bloodline, opening God's covenant family to all nations through the one gospel.

]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/657432 false Galatians 3:10-14 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/661464 Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 3:10-14, where Paul contrasts the curse of law-keeping with the blessing of faith. No one can perfectly keep Torah, so all who seek righteousness through works remain under a curse. A notable excursion highlights that the Jewish Mitzvot, Maimonides' list of 613 commandments, includes listening to the prophet like Moses, equated with Messiah, as commandments 9 through 12, pointing directly to Christ. Verse 13 is the pivot: Christ became a curse, bearing the katara we earned, redeeming us in our place. The result, declared in verse 14, is that Abraham's blessing now reaches Jew and Gentile alike through faith.

]]> Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 3:10-14, where Paul contrasts the curse of law-keeping with the blessing of faith. No one can perfectly keep Torah, so all who seek righteousness through works remain under a curse. A notable excursion highlights that the Jewish Mitzvot, Maimonides' list of 613 commandments, includes listening to the prophet like Moses, equated with Messiah, as commandments 9 through 12, pointing directly to Christ. Verse 13 is the pivot: Christ became a curse, bearing the katara we earned, redeeming us in our place. The result, declared in verse 14, is that Abraham's blessing now reaches Jew and Gentile alike through faith.

]]> Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/661464 false Galatians 3:15-20 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/670378 Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 3:15-20, arguing that the Abrahamic covenant, being unconditional and ratified by God alone, cannot be annulled by the later Mosaic law. The singular "offspring" in the Genesis promises points specifically to Christ, through whom God's family expands beyond Israel to encompass the church and ultimately the entire household of God, distinct entities with separate but complementary roles fulfilled in the eternal kingdom. The law was added because of Israel's repeated faithlessness at Sinai, not as a path to justification but as instruction for kingdom living. Moses became intermediary only because the people refused God's direct presence, a distance Christ's mediation permanently closes by dwelling within us.

]]> Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 3:15-20, arguing that the Abrahamic covenant, being unconditional and ratified by God alone, cannot be annulled by the later Mosaic law. The singular "offspring" in the Genesis promises points specifically to Christ, through whom God's family expands beyond Israel to encompass the church and ultimately the entire household of God, distinct entities with separate but complementary roles fulfilled in the eternal kingdom. The law was added because of Israel's repeated faithlessness at Sinai, not as a path to justification but as instruction for kingdom living. Moses became intermediary only because the people refused God's direct presence, a distance Christ's mediation permanently closes by dwelling within us.

]]> Sun, 10 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/670378 false Galatians 3:21-29 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/672013 Pastor Jeff covers Galatians 3:21-29, where Paul resolves the apparent tension between law and promise. The law is not contrary to God's promises but complementary, serving to reveal sin and prepare people for kingdom living, never intended to grant righteousness. Scripture imprisons everything under sin precisely so that Christ's faithfulness, not merely our faith in him, can be received by those who believe. Before Christ the law functioned as a pedagogos, a guardian in protective custody keeping Israel from idolatry until the gospel arrived. After Christ that guardianship is obsolete. Through baptism into Christ, believers are clothed with him, fully identified with his righteousness, so that Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, all can become sons of God and heirs of the promise made to Abraham.

]]> Pastor Jeff covers Galatians 3:21-29, where Paul resolves the apparent tension between law and promise. The law is not contrary to God's promises but complementary, serving to reveal sin and prepare people for kingdom living, never intended to grant righteousness. Scripture imprisons everything under sin precisely so that Christ's faithfulness, not merely our faith in him, can be received by those who believe. Before Christ the law functioned as a pedagogos, a guardian in protective custody keeping Israel from idolatry until the gospel arrived. After Christ that guardianship is obsolete. Through baptism into Christ, believers are clothed with him, fully identified with his righteousness, so that Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, all can become sons of God and heirs of the promise made to Abraham.

]]> Sun, 17 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/672013 false Galatians 4:1-11 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/675594 Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 4:1-11, where Paul illustrates Israel's time under the law using the image of a child-heir who, though owner of everything, is no different from a slave until the father's appointed time. The elementary principles of the world, stoicheia, refer to the fundamental governing principles of each group's old order: Torah for the Jews, idolatry for the Gentiles. When the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born human and born under the law for the specific purpose of redeeming those under it, making adoption as sons possible for both Jew and Gentile. The Spirit seals this adoption, enabling believers to call God Abba Father. Paul's warning to the Galatians is pointed: returning to Torah for righteousness places it in rivalry with Christ, which is functionally no different from idolatry. The law was a guardian for a season, but that season has ended.

]]> Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 4:1-11, where Paul illustrates Israel's time under the law using the image of a child-heir who, though owner of everything, is no different from a slave until the father's appointed time. The elementary principles of the world, stoicheia, refer to the fundamental governing principles of each group's old order: Torah for the Jews, idolatry for the Gentiles. When the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born human and born under the law for the specific purpose of redeeming those under it, making adoption as sons possible for both Jew and Gentile. The Spirit seals this adoption, enabling believers to call God Abba Father. Paul's warning to the Galatians is pointed: returning to Torah for righteousness places it in rivalry with Christ, which is functionally no different from idolatry. The law was a guardian for a season, but that season has ended.

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/675594 false Galatians 4:12-5:1 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/679425 Pastor Jeff covers Galatians 4:12 through 5:1, opening with Paul's personal appeal to the Galatians, who had once received him with extraordinary kindness despite a bodily ailment, but now treat him as an enemy simply for telling them the truth. Paul contrasts his genuine pastoral pursuit of them with the Judaizers' manipulative flattery and exclusionary tactics, a strategy also employed by cults ancient and modern. Paul then builds an allegory from Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac: Hagar and Sinai represent the Old Covenant of slavery and faithlessness, corresponding to earthly Jerusalem under law, while Sarah represents the New Covenant of promise and freedom, corresponding to the heavenly New Jerusalem. Believers are children of promise like Isaac, not children of the slave woman. Paul's conclusion is direct: cast out the persecutors, stand firm in the freedom Christ purchased, and refuse to return to any yoke of slavery.

]]> Pastor Jeff covers Galatians 4:12 through 5:1, opening with Paul's personal appeal to the Galatians, who had once received him with extraordinary kindness despite a bodily ailment, but now treat him as an enemy simply for telling them the truth. Paul contrasts his genuine pastoral pursuit of them with the Judaizers' manipulative flattery and exclusionary tactics, a strategy also employed by cults ancient and modern. Paul then builds an allegory from Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac: Hagar and Sinai represent the Old Covenant of slavery and faithlessness, corresponding to earthly Jerusalem under law, while Sarah represents the New Covenant of promise and freedom, corresponding to the heavenly New Jerusalem. Believers are children of promise like Isaac, not children of the slave woman. Paul's conclusion is direct: cast out the persecutors, stand firm in the freedom Christ purchased, and refuse to return to any yoke of slavery.

]]> Sun, 31 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/679425 false Galatians 5:1-6 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/684063 Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 5:1-6, treating Paul's command to stand firm in freedom as a springboard for an extended examination of legalism. Legalism is defined as elevating non-essentials to essentials, a subtle danger that can creep into any church or individual life through passionate but misplaced priorities, whether circumcision in Paul's day or theological positions, political affiliations, and traditions in ours. The George Whitefield illustration anchors the darker danger: a grace-plus gospel cannot save, as Whitefield himself spent three years in the disciplined Holy Club unredeemed. Paul's warning in verses 2 through 4 is direct: circumcision as a means of justification estranges a believer from Christ and causes them to fall from grace's benefits, like the prodigal son losing the blessings of the father's household while remaining a son. The corrective is verse 6: neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, only faith working through love.

]]> Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 5:1-6, treating Paul's command to stand firm in freedom as a springboard for an extended examination of legalism. Legalism is defined as elevating non-essentials to essentials, a subtle danger that can creep into any church or individual life through passionate but misplaced priorities, whether circumcision in Paul's day or theological positions, political affiliations, and traditions in ours. The George Whitefield illustration anchors the darker danger: a grace-plus gospel cannot save, as Whitefield himself spent three years in the disciplined Holy Club unredeemed. Paul's warning in verses 2 through 4 is direct: circumcision as a means of justification estranges a believer from Christ and causes them to fall from grace's benefits, like the prodigal son losing the blessings of the father's household while remaining a son. The corrective is verse 6: neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, only faith working through love.

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/684063 false Galatians 5:7-15 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/688248 Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 5:7-15, opening with a personal running story that frames Paul's race metaphor. The Galatians were running well until the Judaizers cut them off. The Judaizers' persuasion is not from God, and Paul compares their false teaching to leaven that, left unchecked, corrupts the whole batch. Despite his concern, Paul's confidence rests in the Lord and the Spirit's guarantee, not in the Galatians themselves. His blunt condemnation of the Judaizers, including the pointed sarcasm of verse 12, gives way to a constructive answer to the question legalism raises: if the law is gone, does anything govern behavior? Paul's answer is Christian freedom rightly understood. Freedom in Christ is not license for the flesh but liberation from slavery to sin so that believers are now free to love and serve one another. The whole law is fulfilled in one command: love your neighbor as yourself.

]]> Pastor Jeff works through Galatians 5:7-15, opening with a personal running story that frames Paul's race metaphor. The Galatians were running well until the Judaizers cut them off. The Judaizers' persuasion is not from God, and Paul compares their false teaching to leaven that, left unchecked, corrupts the whole batch. Despite his concern, Paul's confidence rests in the Lord and the Spirit's guarantee, not in the Galatians themselves. His blunt condemnation of the Judaizers, including the pointed sarcasm of verse 12, gives way to a constructive answer to the question legalism raises: if the law is gone, does anything govern behavior? Paul's answer is Christian freedom rightly understood. Freedom in Christ is not license for the flesh but liberation from slavery to sin so that believers are now free to love and serve one another. The whole law is fulfilled in one command: love your neighbor as yourself.

]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://remnantbygrace.churchcenter.com/episodes/688248 false