Man Talk

Do you have a burden that needs bearing? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2 One of the beautiful aspects of the church is the presence of those who've walked the same paths as you. They've been entangled in the same traps you're caught in now. The church is filled with men who've faced marriage struggles, financial setbacks, career challenges, health problems, and the snares of repetitive sin. Just like you, they've been trapped and found their way out. They've gained spiritual insight through their mistakes and can assist you in finding deliverance and freedom from your current trap. You need these men, and they need you. They can direct you to freedom, and you're their opportunity for ministry, reminding them to remain in freedom. But to break free from your trap, you must humble yourself and make your way to church. Then, you'll need to connect with a

Do you feel stuck? Do you need to get unstuck? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. — Galatians 6:1 One of the great things about the church is that it is filled with people who have walked the same path. There have been many times when I have been stuck in life, only to have a fellow believer who's been there offer invaluable help—coaching, guiding, and praying for me. Many Christians think they can go it alone, but the truth is, you can't. Eventually, you'll need others, just like I have, and the best part is, they'll need you, too. But as this text points out, it needs to be the right believer. It needs to be a believer who has been down the path, who knows the right steps to take, and who knows the right way to say it because they are attentive to the same issues

Do you feel like you are walking a spiritual tightrope? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. — Galatians 5:25-26 This verse might seem like an add-on, but it is not. Paul is explaining the spiritual tightrope we walk each day—the tightrope between an old form of arrogance and a new form of arrogance. The cliff on one side is a life directed by proud fleshly desires. The cliff, on the other side, is a life lived by the Spirit but tempted by a righteous form of pride that takes credit for what the Spirit does. You see, once you have been a believer long enough, you will learn to walk in the Spirit. But sometimes, as we are walking in the Spirit, we will feel a sense of pride for the fruit that is produced through us. We have to be careful at this point because righteous arrogance is just as insidi

Have you truly killed those passions and desires? I want to shout out to all my brothers from Family Community Church in San Jose, California. We had a great time yesterday, and I pray this time of restoration was a blessing for you. Also, remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. — Galatians 5:24 The word that stands out to me in this text is the word crucified because crucifixion is violent. Crucifixion is still one of the most brutal forms of execution in all of history. If you have ever seen Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ," you might remember how chilling and brutal this scene was. Crucifixion involves nailing a victim to a wooden cross, leading to a slow death from asphyxiation, exhaustion, and shock. The excruciating pain arises from both the piercing of nails and the prolonged agony as the body struggles to breathe while suspended. Vic

Do you want more fruit in your life? We are going to be starting a new book of the Bible soon. We are returning to the story of three men: Samuel the Prophet and Kings Saul and David. The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, marked by intrigue, betrayal, and divine intervention. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, it vividly illustrates the complexities of leadership, the consequences of disobedience, and the continuing faithfulness of God amidst human sin. So go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23 Paul's words serve as a stark contrast to the behaviors of the flesh he discussed earlier. He urges believers to embrace the blessings of the "fruit of the Spirit." These qualities, however, are not just positive signs b

Do you feel like you are missing out on something in your spiritual life? We are going to be starting a new book of the Bible soon. We are returning to the story of three men: Samuel the Prophet and Kings Saul and David. The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, marked by intrigue, betrayal, and divine intervention. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, it vividly illustrates the complexities of leadership, the consequences of disobedience, and the continuing faithfulness of God amidst human sin. So go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. — Galatians 5:19-21 Paul clari

Are you feeling weighed down by the expectations of others or limited by your inadequacy? We are going to be starting a new book of the Bible soon. We are transporting back in time to the story of three men: Samuel the Prophet and Kings Saul and David. The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, marked by intrigue, betrayal, and divine intervention. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, it vividly illustrates the complexities of leadership, the consequences of disobedience, and the continuing faithfulness of God amidst human sin. So go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so that you are ready to go when we begin! But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. — Galatians 5:18 Living by the Holy Spirit means living in freedom—but it's not freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want. It is freedom from being a slave to obedience by laws, which reduced obedience to precepts that try to win God's approval. Paul re

Do you sense the war that's raging within you? Our call out today goes to all the men from Texas I spent time with this weekend at Rough Creek Lodge & Resort. I love you guys. Thanks for hosting me at this incredible location. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. — Galatians 5:17 This verse describes one of the harsh realities that often rudely awakens many new believers. We learn that Jesus's free gift of eternal life doesn't free us from our temporal struggles. Within us continues to rage an ongoing war. The war within is a specific battle, one of the desires. One is a longing to fulfill our human desires, and the other is the longing of the Spirit and his desires. It's important to clarify that this is not a war between our flesh and our spirit. Rather, this is a war between our flesh and His Spirit, which by nature infers victory is within our re

Are you walking right today? But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. — Galatians 5:15 For the rest of this chapter and much of the next, Paul will show the Galatians the right way to act. This is an example of great discipleship. Up to this point in the book, he has: Addressed false Gospel teachings. Shared his transformation through the Gospel. Highlighted tension between Jews and Gentiles regarding the Gospel. Centralized justification by faith in the Gospel. Demonstrated the Law's role in revealing the need for the Gospel. Pointed to the promise of the Covenant and the Gospel's fulfillment in Christ. Emphasized freedom from the Law through the Gospel's revelation. That is a comprehensive discipleship method. It reminds me of discipling my children. I have to say it, then say it again, then say it again but differently, then show them how, then get angry with them, then someone else tells them, and they finally listen. In education and psychology, this is affectio

Are you caught in the crossfire of a battle over words? Today, our call-out goes to Craig Rogers from Long Island, NY. Thanks for your encouragement! But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. — Galatians 5:15 This verse gives us new insight into all the issues Paul is trying to address in Galatia. The churches were engaged in a civil war. They were biting, devouring, and consuming one another with their words and opinions. Conflicts and divisions can be disheartening in our family or in the church. Once they begin, they can quickly escalate, especially if our selfish motivations take control. This is precisely why, in the preceding verses, Paul emphasized the importance of love as a motive. In addition, Paul will guide us in a new, more loving way in the following verses. But right here, we are reminded of the crushing and consuming power of words. The old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is a lie. Words do hurt. The

What drives your action? Your love or Christ's love? Today, our call-out goes to Craig Rogers from Long Island, NY. Thanks for your encouragement! For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:14 This is an interesting line from Paul because, throughout this letter, he has been referring to the law and the works of the law negatively. But here, he makes an abrupt turn. He encourages obedience to the law summed up in a single command. So why this change? He does this only because he views the law through the life of Jesus, who fulfilled it. In Jesus's fulfillment of the entire law, we are freed to love. In loving others, we embody Jesus's love because his love sustains and empowers us to love ourselves and others rightly. Returning to the previous text, this all hinges on what motivates our love. Is our love motivated by selfish intent or selfless intent? Do we love our neighbor with our selfish love, or do we love our neighbor with his selfless love? The

Do you rightly understand the freedom you have in Christ? Today, our call-out goes to David Fortney from Sidney, OH. Thanks for your support! For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. — Galatians 5:13 This potent verse by Paul outlines three key ideas: liberty, license, and love. These concepts are crucial to understanding the spiritual life and the potential pitfalls that can lead us astray. Liberty Believers have incredible spiritual liberty. Christ has set us free from slavery to sin. However, our freedom is threatened by the call of legalism. Legalism exchanges those old rusty shackles of sin for the new shiny shackles of our works. While we have incredible liberty, we walk a fine line every day between the call of our old life driven by self-centered sin and the call of our new life driven by our self-centered works. In both cases, the voice of our self-centeredness persuades us. One is the call of disobedie

Is it okay for a Christian to use strong language? Today, our call-out goes to David Garrett from Pasadena, MD. Thanks for your support! I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! — Galatians 5:12 There are a few times in Scripture where we encounter very strong language. This is one of those accounts, if not the most vivid of all accounts. But I would contest: this is not categorically strong language. It's extreme hyperbole (or exaggeration) that leaves room for imagination. Paul is doing something strategic. He is working out their logic. Paul, seasoned at debate, is playing out their theory regarding circumcision. In other words, if these people so adamantly support circumcision because they believe it will enhance a believer's experience, why just trim it up; cut that thing off. Paul intends to illustrate the absurd nature of this religious ritual. If circumcision could have enhanced their relationship with God, then there would have been no need for Jesus. However, if it could by some me

Has your reputation ever been under attack? Today, our call-out goes to Jody Jones from Newcomerstown, OH. Thanks for your support, Jody! Today, our text is Galatians 5:11. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. — Galatians 5:11 What is apparent in this statement is that someone claimed Paul was a proponent of circumcision. We know Paul isn't, and Paul knows he isn't. Yet, someone misappropriated a small reference from him and then borrowed his credibility to manipulate others. Eventually, this happens to everyone. Someone with some influence uses it to intentionally or unintentionally spread disinformation about us. It's a troubling experience, especially if you care about your image and reputation. But Paul's concern is not his own reputation. His concern is Jesus's reputation and representing the Gospel truth. Therefore, Paul is determined to defend it. He confronts the false teachers and defends the Gospel bec

Are there people peddling bad theology in your church? Today, we'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Forte from Astoria, OR. Michael, your support through purchasing materials from our website is invaluable to us. We honestly couldn't do this without you! Let's dive into our scripture for today, a thought-provoking verse from Galatians 5:10. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. — Galatians 5:10 One Bad Apple Continuing with yesterday's lesson, Paul points out that the bacteria of legalism stems from one bad person. He assumes that this guy, whoever he is, is the peddler of all the bad theology that has infiltrated the churches in the area. If you are a new believer, you need to know that sometimes people peddle bad theology. Some people and pastors peddle bad doctrine that is harmful to the Gospel. Usually, it stems from one charismatic person peddling a charismatic idea and spreading it to numer

Are you adding bacteria to the Gospel? Today, we want to extend a special thank you to Chuck Peter from Roseville, MN. Your support of our ministry is invaluable, and we truly appreciate it. We couldn't do this without you! A little leaven leavens the whole lump. — Galatians 5:9 How Leaven Works Here is your science lesson for the day. Leavening causes dough to rise by introducing microorganisms into it. Yeast is the most common form of bacteria. When this is added to a dough, it begins to feed on the sugars. As the yeast feeds on them, it produces carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas forms bubbles within the dough, causing it to expand and rise. One of the byproducts of this reaction is alcohol fermentation, which gives bread its taste. How Legalism Works Paul is making a parallel. Like leaven in a dough, legalism works the same way. Legalism is like bacteria. It is a small additive that spreads fast from one believer to the next. Therefore, a tiny thought of legalism inserted into the Gospel story aff

Are you ready to run a long spiritual marathon? Today, we extend a warm welcome to Patrick Hurley from Liberty Hill, TX, who has recently joined our community by signing up for Video Access on our website. Patrick, we're thrilled to have you on board! You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. — Galatians 5:7-8 A few times in Paul's letters, he uses a running metaphor to describe the spiritual race. This is one of those instances. So, let's lace up our spiritual running shoes and explore three key parallels Paul makes here. There is a Form for the Run Form is crucial when running in any race. Just as a marathon runner needs to maintain proper form to endure the demanding miles ahead, we, too, must cultivate a form that will sustain us. There will be seasons when our spiritual form feels effortless, and we must commit this form to memory. Because there will be more challenging stretches of the race, we will get sloppy, and then we will need to

Does your spiritual life, as of late, feel like it is in an endless free fall? Today's callout goes to Rolf Jostad from Birchwood, WI, who recently signed up for Video Access on our website. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. — Galatians 5:5-6 The Free Fall of Faith Our spiritual journeys can sometimes feel like free falls. This is how faith works. But faith is not like free-falling out of a plane without a working parachute attached to our back or jumping off a cliff without a bungee cord securely attached to our ankles. The spiritual journey comes with an assurance attached—the Holy Spirit. The Free Fall Instinct Yet here is the problem with the free fall of faith. When we take a leap of faith for the first time, we may not completely trust the security of the Holy Spirit. If we don't, we will instinctively reach for something. This som

Are you convincing yourself to do the wrong thing? Today's callout goes to Takoda Ruble from Pace, FL, who recently signed up for Video Access on our website. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. — Galatians 5:4 Your Mind Is Powerful Our minds are powerful tools. They perpetually and privately persuade us. In fact, today, the salesperson living in your mind has already convinced you to say and do things you probably should not do. If people heard even half the thoughts you have in your mind, they would think you are crazy—and maybe a little abusive, insecure, or maybe demented. But here's the deal: Our minds are always stirring. They process information so quickly that sometimes we grab onto thoughts and ideas that are dead wrong. Then, we privately persuade ourselves these thoughts and ideas are true. Without anyone knowing it and with great speed, our minds have convinced us of things that are untrue about ourselves and about God. Our Thoughts

Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. — Galatians 5:2-3 CALL OUT: Today's callout goes to Keron Taylor from Sterling, VA, who recently signed up for video access on our website. Are you feeling the pressure in our culture to conform to practices when they contradict the Gospel of Grace? We have discovered through Galatians that circumcision was the big issue in these churches. Jewish teachers were putting pressure on non-Jewish new male converts to fit in with the new Christian culture by being circumcised. In the following ten verses, Paul will be very direct about addressing this matter among men. What I find interesting about this issue is that new converts, and even some well-known believers, are falling for it. They are succumbing to the pressure to conform because they are convinced there is no harm, and it might enhance their relationship with God