Time In The Word

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. Many of you remember the game call “Simon Says.” What does “Simon Says” have to do with following Christ? Even though that was a childhood game, the fundamental rule is quite applicable to our pursuing Christ. As Christians we need to be engaged in a very real and serious lifelong activity called “Jesus Says.” That is, we need to be listening and following Christ. In The Principle of Following, Dr. Gonzalez covers three critical points. In part 2, he covers the second critical point, that following Christ requires on ongoing choice. The decision to follow Christ is not one we make at some point in our lives, to never make again. Paul does a wonderful job of pointing this out in Philippians 3:7-8. In this passage he speaks of his own experience. _________________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. Many of you remember the game call “Simon Says.” What does “Simon Says” have to do with following Christ? Even though that was a childhood game, the fundamental rule is quite applicable to our pursuing Christ. As Christians we need to be engaged in a very real and serious lifelong activity called “Jesus Says.” That is, we need to be listening and following Christ. In The Principle of Following, Dr. Gonzalez covers three critical points. In part 1, he covers the first critical point, that following Christ is a personal decision. In John 21:18-19 Jesus told Peter, “’I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’” ___________________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez states that considering who Jesus is and what He has done for us, as Christians our response should be characterized by several things, chiefly, by a complete and unreserved love. In the study of The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez is considering three very important principles highlighted in Peter’s failure at the crucifixion of Christ and his restoration by Jesus. In part 3, Dr. Gonzalez discusses the second and begins discussing the third of the three principles– Brokenness: A Love Requirement and Love: Made Possible by Grace. _____________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez states that considering who Jesus is and what He has done for us, as Christians our response should be characterized by several things, chiefly, by a complete and unreserved love. In the study of The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez will consider three very important principles highlighted in Peter’s failure at the crucifixion of Christ and his restoration by Jesus. In part 2, Dr. Gonzalez will finish discussing the first of the three principles – A Tested Love. ________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this series. In The Principle of Love, Dr. Gonzalez states that considering who Jesus is and what He has done for us, as Christians our response should be characterized by several things, chiefly, by a complete and unreserved love. Should we question the sincerity of Peter’s love for Christ? No, what we should do is understand that his love needed to be tested and purified. His love, like ours, is like an impure metal. We can learn a lot from Peter’s failure at the crucifixion of Christ and his restoration by Jesus. In the study of The Principle of Love, we will consider three very important principles highlighted in this story. In part 1, Dr. Gonzalez will start his presentation of the first of the three – A Tested Love. ___________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Exaltation, Dr. Gonzalez argues that the first thing we must endeavor to do is to exalt Him continually and consistently. Colossians teaches us that we are to exalt Christ. Paul wrote, “…so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). There are four major themes concerning how we can exalt Christ. In this message, the third and fourth themes will be presented – Exalting Christ in our family and Exalting Christ in our work. Exalting Christ in every area of life will require selfless commitment on our part. James writes: “Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10 NASB). The higher you exalt Christ, the higher He will exalt you. Exalt Him in your faith, your focus, your family, and your work. He deserves our praise and exaltation. _________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

What does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Exaltation, Dr. Gonzalez argues that the first thing we must endeavor to do is to exalt Him continually and consistently. Colossians teaches us that we are to exalt Christ. Paul wrote, “…so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). There are 4 major themes concerning how we can exalt Christ. In this message, the second theme will be presented – Exalting Christ in our focus. _____________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

If Christ is whom He claimed to be, if His is whom the Scriptures say He is, then the number one priority in our lives should be to pursue Him with everything we have. But what does it mean to pursue Christ? What does making Him Lord of all mean? How do we give Him that place of preeminence He deserves in our hearts? Those questions will be answered throughout this entire series. In The Principle of Exaltation, Dr. Gonzalez argues that the first thing we must endeavor to do is to exalt Him continually and consistently. Colossians teaches us that we are to exalt Christ. Paul wrote, “…so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18). There are 4 major themes concerning how we can exalt Christ. In this message, the first theme will be presented – Exalting Christ in our faith. _____________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

It is when we see the decay, destruction, and corruption around us that we realize the value and necessity of the Bible. In contrast to the world, the Bible is inexhaustible, inextinguishable, and life giving. In part 2 of God’s Provision for Spiritual Growth, Dr. Gonzalez looks at five specific ways the believer is to use God’s Word to ensure spiritual growth. We must: A clear reminder that no spiritual growth takes place without the Word of God. ____________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

It is when we see the decay, destruction, and corruption around us that we realize the value and necessity of the Bible. In contrast to the world, the Bible is inexhaustible, inextinguishable, and life giving. In part 1 of God’s Provision for Spiritual Growth, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us of the absolute and critical importance of the Bible, pointing out that God’s Word: There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. The Bible is central to our spiritual growth, in fact no spiritual growth takes place without the Word of God. ____________________________________________________ Today’s podcast was brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The promises of God are the lifelines of the soul, and the word “promise” is one of the synonyms used by the writer of Psalm 119 for the Word of God. Here we learn that God’s precious promises are to be: Many people today leave their spouses, their churches, their jobs, or their families, claiming their “needs aren’t met.” Our deepest needs can only be met by God through actively discovering, loving, pondering, claiming, and reciprocating His promises. ______________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

If you are a Christian: These blessings can be obtained only through a personal relationship with Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:30 is one of the most comprehensive single passages in all of Scripture. In today’s message, The Believer’s Blessings in Christ, Dr. Gonzalez provides an exposition of the passage in which he explores the blessings mentioned, define their meaning, and draw practical applications to our lives. ___________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

In today’s message, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us that we can’t overlook the importance of making good decisions, for decisions will play a role in determining the course of our lives. There are four pillars we can build on as a good framework for making decisions: Good decisions do not come from intellect or luck, but by using a scriptural framework as a lens through which we can see clearly and decide effectively. Let us listen as Dr. Gonzalez elaborates on these four pillars. ______________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Alexander the Great conquered the world yet died at age 33 in a drunken stupor. Hannibal may have crossed the Alps with elephants, but he had three bushels of gold rings he had taken off knights he slaughtered; and he later committed suicide. Julius Caesar conquered 800 cities across Europe and the Middle East, but he was stabbed by his closest friends. Napoleon was the scourge of Europe, yet he died in banishment. Solomon was the wisest, wealthiest man who ever lived; yet there is a tragedy to his life. and we can learn from it. There are three gigantic mistakes Solomon made in his life from which we can learn a great deal. In today’s message, Learning from Solomon’s Mistakes, Dr Gonzalez will consider the three mistakes found in 1 Kings chapters 3 and 11. ________________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” In today’s message, Jesus’s Present Work and Ministry, Dr. Gonzalez will consider several New Testament passages that reveal to us Christ’s present ministry. Let us listen as he points out that the Lord Jesus Christ is: Dr. Gonzalez ends the message by asking the following: As Christ is doing all this for us in heaven, what are we doing for Him on earth? ________________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

Each Christian has a personal ministry, and many people exercise that ministry in the context of a local church. You're a Bible study leader, do evangelism visitation, volunteer with children or youth, or you’re a choir member. Beware of Satan's greatest tool -- discouragement. He wants us to become weary in well doing. Our greatest weapon is faith in the specific promises God has given us. Deuteronomy 1:21 we read, “See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." In today’s study, Casting Out Discouragement, Dr. Gonzalez reminds us that we not only walk by faith, but we also work by faith. We are not to give up in discouragement, God is using us in ways greater than we know. _______________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES Paul's obsession with the cross was strange for two reasons. First, he refused to live for any of the things that people normally live for. He did not boast about his popularity, intellect, influence, appearance, income, or performance. Nor did he boast about his circumcision. Second, what Paul was willing to boast about was even stranger: the cross of Christ. Christians are used to thinking about the cross as something noble, or even beautiful, but to ancient people it was the ultimate humiliation. The Romans considered the cross degrading, disgusting, detestable, and disgraceful. Boasting in the cross means more than just believing that Jesus died for your sins; it also means living a crucified life. In verse 17 Paul writes, From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. This statement was partly a warning to the Judaizers. They had followed him to interfere with his gospel of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Paul had finally had enough, therefore he warned his opponents not to cause him any more trouble. This statement is also a warning to every Christian, however, for it shows what kind of treatment we can expect for boasting in the cross. Sooner or later, every Christian who glories in the cross will face opposition. ______________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES It must have been a dramatic moment. The Galatian church had gathered for the public reading of a letter from none other than Paul. As the letter ended, they heard these words: See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand (Gal. 6:11). What had probably happened was this: According to his usual custom, Paul had dictated most of this epistle to his secretary. But he finished the document in his own handwriting, personally adding his autograph to give his letter to the Galatians the stamp of his apostolic authority. And he wrote his signature in large letters to underscore his conclusion. The last section of Galatians, therefore, is more than a hastily written postscript, the afterthought of an apostle. Instead, these verses constitute a summary of the entire letter. In his summary, he contrasts circumcision and the cross, showing that justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone means boasting in the cross alone. To understand this is to understand Galatians. More than that, it is to understand the Gospel. ____________________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES Do you remember the first time you observed a seed sprouting in a glass jar? It is a fascinating law of creation, governed by God's providence. God has also created seed so that whatever type of seed planted, that is the plant that will grow and bear fruit. You do not pick grapes from a thorn bush; you pick grapes from a grape vine. Scripture is full of figures of speech, similes and metaphors based on the relationship of seed and plant, and Paul uses such a figure in Galatians 6:6-10, in this case the relationship of sowing to gathering. He uses this figure in order to teach us about stewardship within the body of Christ. He is dealing with how we live with one another. Gospel liberty does not allow us to be self-centered. Paul says Gospel liberty is not a license to sin against God and it is not a license to live self-centeredly amid the community. In the previous section (6:1-5), he gave a practical example of how to live together in humility. Now in verses 6-10, he offers another practical example, the matter of Christian stewardship, particularly in the provision for those in full-time ministry. Once again Paul establishes the principle, that God uses His appointed means to accomplish His spiritual purposes. ______________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES We learn by example; we copy things that we see. This is also true for developing spiritually. We call this biblical principle, modelling. Paul often gave examples to illustrate the principles that he had imparted. In today’s text, Paul exhorts us to live in holiness and in harmony, as we serve one another in love. He concludes the exhortation by relating walking in the Spirit to how we treat one another. In the first 5 verses of chapter 6, he gives an example of serving one another in love, particularly as we deal with sin within the body of Christ. In verses 1-2, Paul begins with an exhortation on how sin should be handled in the body of Christ. Paul's exhortation is an example for implementing his concluding exhortation in chapter 5:26, Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Having shown us the practical example of walking in the Spirit and not challenging one another in jealousy and pride, in verses 3-5, Paul gives the antidote to selfish ambition. Paul warns of the danger of self-deceit: If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. __________________________________________________________ Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.