Critical Issues Commentary Radio

Which Yoke are We Under?: Galatians 5:1, Part 1, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. This passage warns about the "yoke of bondage" that is placed on Christians by would-be law givers. Christ's "yoke" is not like theirs. His burden is light and theirs is both heavy and hypocritical. (duration 00:32:22)

Objective Promises Not Subjective Pietism: Galatians 4:27-31, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We continue to develop the theme of the promises of God, and why understanding the meaning of Scripture is essential. True theology must be grounded in a careful study of Scripture, not theological speculation. We also discuss pietism... (duration 00:33:37)

Believing the Promises of God - Galatians 4:24-26, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. The story of Sarah and Hagar shows the issues of walking in the flesh or walking in the Spirit. We show from Scripture why the issue of the promise of God is so important. God uses the message of the gospel to save those who will believe. That is His promise. It is critical to identify what is or is not the promise of God. (duration 00:34:09)

Finding Valid Promises in Scripture Alone: Galatians 4:21-23, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. The Law (Scripture) teaches justification by faith. We discuss the popular tendency to look to mystical practices in church history rather than to Scripture to validate ones practices. We show how we can identify a means of grace. To place our faith in God and His promises, we must identify what they are. (duration 00:33:19)

Paul Rebukes False Teaching Galatians 4:19-20, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. Paul had tender affection for the Galatian Christians, but they were listening to false teachers. We need encouragement from the gospel to keep us from going back to law-works. We discuss why Paul was so harsh with false teachers. False teaching must be corrected and not allowed to harm the Lords flock. (duration 00:35:38)

Knowing God's Meaning and Believing: Galatians 4:17b-18, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. False teachers had pointed the Galatian Christians away from Paul and the gospel and thus harmed the joy they once had. False teachers cause grumbling as they did in Moses' day. We discuss Rick Warren's "instruction manual" theory of the Bible... (duration 00:34:57)

Stand Firm in the Gospel: Galatians 4:16-17a, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. Because we live in a fallen world, there are always problems which can leave Christians with a sense of dissatisfaction. False teachers claim they have the solution to this dissatisfaction, which is usually more law-works. We need to stay gospel-centric. (duration 00:33:07)

The Blessing of God Through the Gospel: Galatians 4:15, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. False teachers try to cast doubts in the minds of gospel believing Christians. We discuss Finney's harmful influence on evangelical Christianity. Finney was fully Pelagian and we explain how harmful that doctrine is. (duration 00:31:59)

Receiving Those who Bring the Gospel: Galatians 4:14, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. Previously the Galatians had received Paul despite his physical maladies because they responded to his gospel. Now the false teachers were changing that. We discuss the claims of those who say they are "red letter Christians." Their categories are wrong. (duration 00:33:04)

The Importance of the Doctrine of Christ: Galatians 4:13, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We begin with a discussion of implications from the mount of transfiguration. We show that Jesus is the eschatological prophet predicted by Moses in Deuteronomy 18. Thus we must listen to Him. Christ and His apostles have spoken for God. (duration 00:33:55)

Free from Law Works but Under the Law of Christ: Galatians 4:12, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. Paul makes a personal appeal to the Galatians to remain true to the gospel they once received when they received Paul. We discuss the need to lovingly confront those in opposition because we do not know who will and will not repent. (duration 00:33:09)

Do not go Back: Galatians 4:9b-11, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We discuss how Torah observance cannot save anyone from the stoicheia (hostile powers). We also discuss biblical calls to conversion. This passage warns against what we call "reverse conversion" or reversion to idolatry. (duration 00:31:25)

Known By God: Galatians 4:8-9a, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We begin by explaining the importance of verse by verse exegetical teaching. Galatians 4:8 speaks of "beings" to which we were previously enslaved. We show that in pagan religious practices such as astrology, these are demons that are behind the religion. (duration 00:30:24)

Blessed Sons and Heirs: Galatians 4:6-7, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. This section describes the blessings of being sons in God's household. We discuss regeneration and how we go from law-works to grace. Certain false teachers claim to be able to bring healing to the heart through unbiblical practices. (duration 00:30:04)

Redeemed and Adopted: Our Great Blessing: Galatians 4:5, presented by Bob DeWaay and Eric Douma. We discuss implications of redemption and our adoption as sons into the family of God. Justification is not by law-works but by faith in Christ. The long series of contrasts in Galatians shows that blessing is by faith and cursing by works. (duration 00:38:50)