Vince Miller Podcast Vince Miller

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 means improve their relationship with God, why not cut the whole thing off? The progression of this logic suggests they would be even more holy.
I would put to task people who suggest it's okay because this text does not give us permission to curse. But if we were to emulate what Paul did here, it would permit us to play out flawed logic from woke teachers and use hyperbole to illustrate it that might be graphic and vivid. But Paul is not permitting us to curse.
In fact, this same man wrote other letters instructing believers to do the opposite. I have included those texts below.
So, to all my brothers who served in the military or spent time in prison and learned the F-word was a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, you might want to find some more edifying words.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. — Ephesians 4:29
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. — Ephesians 5:4
#ChristianLanguage #TongueTaming #SacredSpeech #WordsOfLife #GracefulCommunication
ASK THIS:
How can we balance authenticity and reverence in our speech, especially when faced with situations that might provoke strong emotions? Reflect on a time when you've been tempted to use strong language. How could applying the principles of Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4 have changed the outcome of that situation? DO THIS: Adjust those unedifying words.
PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to guard my tongue and use my words to build up others, reflecting Your love and grace in all my communication. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.
PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus.

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 because God's grace is at stake. The salvation of the people he knows and loves hangs in the balance, so the veracity of his defense is for them and not for himself.
So the next time people spread disinformation about you, seek the truth over seeking vindication. Instead of engaging in pointless battles to defend yourself, your image, and your reputation, stay focused on sharing God's grace and defending the message of truth with others because God's truth is the only thing worth defending.
#DefendTheFaith #GraceOverGossip #TruthPrevails #FaithfulWitness #IntegrityMatters
ASK THIS:
How can you discern between defending your reputation and defending the Gospel when faced with accusations or misinformation? In what ways can you prioritize sharing God's grace and truth over seeking personal vindication when confronted with false allegations or rumors? DO THIS: Defend the Gospel truth, not yourself.
PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me the strength to uphold your truth with integrity, even in the face of false accusations. Help me to prioritize your Gospel above my own reputation, seeking your grace and wisdom in every circumstance. Amen.
PLAY THIS: My Defender.

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 numerous churches. In my lifetime, I have seen this spread, just like it did here, through the churches in Galatia.
So, how do we respond to bad theology? Here's a clear, three-step process:
Three Good Responses First and foremost, you need to know that not all theology is good theology. Bad theology exists, and it's harmful. As we discussed yesterday, it's like a bacteria that will infect and alter the composition of the truth.
Second, make sure you are listening and learning from people who teach from the Bible. The people and pastors that you listen to need to be people who open the Bible. They should be people who read the Bible, reference it, and live according to it. They will have a rich understanding of biblical truth and teachings because they don't skip over texts and subject their life to the text. In the case of the Galatians, Paul was that man. Paul's intention with this letter was to guide them back to the purity of the Gospel. Fortunately for the churches there, he had enough sense to engage with the issue and point people back to the Bible and the pure Gospel. In the same way, we need to listen to proven teachers like Paul, not simply the ones with the latest and greatest charisma. So, seek out great biblical teachers.
Lastly, the most effective way to detect bad theology is to raise obvious questions when something seems off and wait until you get a logical, biblical answer. When I hear something from a teacher that raises a red flag, questions usually start firing off in my mind, like: What was that again? How does that work? You want me to do what?
For example, suppose you are listening to a teacher who declares that all the men ready to go to the next step in their faith need to line up at the altar for a circumcision ceremony, and Pastor Richard is going to lend a hand. In that case, some questions should be firing off in your mind. Questions like: Pastor Richard is going to do what? Even this suggestion might seem absurd to you, but that's precisely what happened in Galatia, and men were lining up to do it. They lined up to do it because false teachers had manipulated the Old Testament Law to prove a point that wasn't valid, and it appears people lined up without questioning it. Their explanations failed to account for the fact that everything in the Old Testament Law pointed to one man, one birth, one death, and one resurrection accomplished in Jesus—not by the rite of circumcision.
Therefore, if you detect bad theology and it doesn't prove itself in Jesus' accomplished work on the Cross, then it's time to ask Pastor Richard that question that is stirring in your mind before you unbuckle your pants.
#GuardAgainstFalseDoctrine #BewareThePeddlers #PureGospelTruth #SpottingRedFlags #DefendTheFaith
ASK THIS:
How can you actively discern between sound biblical teaching and potentially harmful theology in your own church community? Reflecting on your own spiritual journey, what steps ca

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 affects the whole story. We may think that adding this in is good, but it's not. It changes the composition of the story, thus changing the whole story.
Don't Improve The Gospel With Bacteria Here's the point.
You don't need to improve God's story. It belongs to him. He is the one who told it. Tell it like it is, and stop adding bacteria to it. When you add anything to it, you puff yourself up and distract others from the one who saves. Besides, you can't save anyone anyway. Only Jesus saves, so let's point them all to him.
#GospelIntegrity #LegalismWarning #PureGospel #SpiritualContamination #JesusSaves
ASK THIS:
How can we actively guard against adding our own "leaven" of legalism or personal agendas to the Gospel message in our conversations and teachings? How can we ensure that our presentation of the Gospel remains faithful and true to its original message without being diluted or contaminated by human ideas or traditions? DO THIS: Don't contaminate the gospel with your bacteria.
PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to recognize and resist the temptation to add anything to your perfect Gospel, knowing that your message stands alone in its power to save. Keep my heart focused on pointing others to you, the only true Savior. Amen.
PLAY THIS: The Gospel.

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 return to the memory and habits of that form.
There are Obstacles on the Run No marathon is without obstacles. Runners encounter hills to climb, rugged terrain, and unexpected hurdles. In the same way, our spiritual journey is thick with obstacles that threaten our progress. Whether it's temptation, doubt, or the pressures of the world, there will be moments when we stumble and lose our stride. Yet, as Paul reminds us, these obstacles are not insurmountable, and we can quickly get back to form.
There are Voices as We Run As we race towards the finish line, we are bombarded with voices vying for our attention. Just as an athlete hears the cheers and heckles of the crowd, we, too, encounter voices along our spiritual journey. There are two persuasive voices: the voice that is from God and the voice that is not. Both are persuading you at the same time. One is giving you good advice, and one is giving you bad advice. One is from the Holy Spirit and speaks truth, offering wisdom, guidance, and encouragement that leads you back to the proper form. Conversely, the enemy seeks to deceive and derail us with lies and distractions that lead to bad form.
As you reflect on the text today, here's the call to action: check your form, watch the obstacles, listen to the Spirit's voice, and fix your eyes on the prize. Let us charge ahead with unwavering resolve, ready to run the long race of faith with our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize—eternity with Jesus Christ.
#SpiritualMarathon #RunTheRace #FaithEndurance #KeepTheFaith #EternalPrize
ASK THIS:
How can you actively cultivate and maintain your spiritual form to endure the challenges of the long spiritual marathon? Reflecting on your recent spiritual journey, what obstacles have you encountered, and how have you overcome them to stay on course in your race of faith? DO THIS: Run and keep your form.
PRAY THIS: Father, guide me as I lace up my spiritual shoes and embark on this marathon of faith. Grant me strength to overcome obstacles, discern your voice, and run with endurance towards the eternal prize awaiting me. Amen.
PLAY THIS: Run To The Father.

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 something, whatever it is, is usually something tangible. It is something we have reached for in the past. We reach for it to create a sense of security in the fall. But all this does is tangle our parachute, propelling us faster toward the ground; thus, we end up rejecting our security and salvation through the Holy Spirit.
In the free fall of faith, we need to do what Paul recommends in the text. We need to stop reaching for other things. Rites and rituals are not the right things to reach for in a fall of faith. The right thing to reach for is our security in the Holy Spirit. We must trust that the Holy Spirit is going to catch us. That the Spirit cares about us. That he is interceding for us. He will ensure the parachute will deploy at precisely the right time because he loves us. And this is what Paul means by, "faith working through love."
#FaithJourney #HolySpiritGuidance #TrustInGod #SpiritualFreeFall #EmbraceTheUnknown
ASK THIS:
Reflecting on your own spiritual journey, what tangible "securities" have you instinctively reached for during challenging times? How can you shift your reliance towards trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance instead? In what areas of your life do you struggle the most to let go of control and trust in God's timing and provision? How can you actively cultivate a deeper sense of faith and surrender in those areas? DO THIS: Trust in the love of the Holy Spirit.
PRAY THIS: Father, help me release my grip on earthly assurances and trust wholeheartedly in Your guiding Spirit, knowing that Your love will catch me in every free fall of faith. May my journey be a testament to Your faithfulness and grace. Amen.
PLAY THIS: Give Me Faith.