Critical Issues Commentary Radio

Works of the Flesh, Part 1: Galatians 5:19,20a, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. The flesh is that which shows itself through works of the flesh, in contrast to the Spirit which bears fruit. We point out that works of the flesh are called "obvious" and why that is so. We warn against the sins of sensuality and immorality... (duration 00:36:28)

Led By the Spirit: Galatians 5:17-18, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. The idea of the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is clear in this passage. We compare these verses in Galatians with pertinent ones in Romans 7 and 8. We explore the Biblical understanding of the flesh versus Spirit conflict. We finish with a discussion of what it means to be led by the Spirit. (duration 00:35:45)

Walking in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16, presented by Twin City Fellowship. The command to walk by the Spirit is central in the New Testament and we must understand it and take it seriously. We agree with Luther who said the Holy Spirit comes to us through the Word. We show that walking by the Spirit involves believing Gods Word, trusting what God says, and thus living in a way that displays the fruits of the Spirit. (duration 00:37:39)

By Love Serve One Another: Galatians 5:13, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We are called to liberty, so we show how Jesus came to bring freedom to captives. We are warned not to use this freedom in an invalid, fleshly way. We are warned not to allow liberty to be an excuse to give the flesh a "base of operations." (duration 00:34:09)

Paul's Imprecation Against the Wolves: Galatians 5:12, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We discuss the fact that Paul is very harsh with false law-givers. He sees them as a threat to the gospel. Grace mingled with works ceases to be grace, as Paul warns in Romans 11:6. The wolves who abuse the flock may look harmless and even winsome... (duration 00:31:56)

Watch out for Contrived Persuasiveness: Galatians 5:8, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. This passage warns about "the persuasion" which attacks the gospel and is clearly not from God. The "persuasion" is the prescription of law-works which are promoted by false teachers. All the world's religions teach "the persuasion" in one form or another (duration 00:30:11)

False Teachers Cut in on the Saints: Galatians 5:7, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. The demand that people keep law-works derived from Moses is an attack against the sufficiency of Christ. The gospel is to be obeyed, as the Word of Truth. We point people to the solas of the Reformation that describe the gospel itself. (duration 00:36:31)

The Dangers of Marxism, Part 2, presented by Eric Douma. Eric shows how pernicious Marxism is, influencing education, politics and Christianity in ways that are deceptive and ultimately destructive. (duration 00:39:20)

The Dangers of Marxism, Part 1, presented by Eric Douma. Eric identifies the sources, beliefs, and influences of Marxism, warning against it. (duration 00:36:48)

Faith Working Through Love: Galatians 5:6, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. This show explores Paul's teaching about faith and how it expresses itself through us in Christian love. We discuss the meaning of the phrase "in Christ" where it means "in the sphere of Christ." We discuss Colossians 1:13 and its implications... (duration 00:33:15)

Faith Working Through Love: Galatians 5:6, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. This show explores Paul's teaching about faith and how it expresses itself through us in Christian love. We discuss the meaning of the phrase "in Christ" where it means "in the sphere of Christ." We discuss Colossians 1:13 and its implications... (duration 00:33:15)

The Hope of Righteousness: Galatians 5:5, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. Paul speaks of our future hope of righteousness though we already have the righteousness of Christ. On the final judgment, God will announce publicly what the verdict it. Those who have justification because of faith in Christ will be announced as justified before the whole world. We show the firm relationship between hope and the promises of God. Preachers need to put the promises of God before the people so they will think more biblically. We also discuss the fact that these truths apply to all believers no matter what their cultural background. (duration 00:32:11)

The Sufficiency of Christ or Falling from Grace: Galatians 5:3-4, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. Paul says that if we want to rely on law-works, we must keep the whole law. If we were to try to be perfect through law-works, we would have to conclude that it is hopeless... (duration 00:32:37)

The Absurdity of Christ Being of no Value: Galatians 5:2, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. The Judaizers demanded that gentile, male converts be circumcised to be saved and accepted into fellowship. Paul says that if they were to accept circumcision under such demands, Christ would be of no benefit to them... (duration 00:33:52)

Beware False Law-givers: Galatians 5:1, Part 2, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We discuss the importance of Biblical categories. We apply this to the term "yoke" as used by Paul in Galatians 5:1. We also discuss why we describe the false teaching of the Galatian Judaizers as promoting "law-works." (duration 00:34:50)