Author: Texas Gospel

When a nation turns away

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JEFF TURNER

When looking at the spiritual direction of a nation, certain patterns can be seen over time. Sometimes, there are signs that reflect a shift away from belief in God. Some begin to debate if God is not real or does not matter.

Another concern is the growing acceptance of behaviours the Bible says are sinful. These changes bring to mind the teaching found in Romans 1. The passage speaks about God allowing people to follow their own sinful desires, leading to impurity, shameful actions, and a mind that no longer thinks clearly about right and wrong.

The phrase “God gave them over,” which appears several times in Romans, carries an important meaning. It was used in a legal sense to describe someone who had been judged guilty and then handed over to face the result of that judgment. In this biblical context, it shows that God allows a nation to move forward in its chosen path when it rejects Him.

This pattern has been repeated many times throughout history. People begin with a knowledge of God, but they choose to turn away from that truth. Instead, they create their own beliefs and follow their own desires. There is also a clear order in this decline. It begins with general sexual sin, then moves into homosexuality, and finally leads to a state where the mind is no longer able to judge rightly.

When a society starts to accept and even celebrate these things, it becomes a sign that judgment is already taking place. It is not only about future consequences but about what is happening in the present. The condition of the culture shows the result of turning away from God.

In light of this, the proper response is not only concern but also prayer. There is a need to ask God for mercy and to seek a renewal of the message of the gospel. A change in direction can only come through His grace.

 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves up to indecent behavior for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

Ephesians 4:18–19

Faith shared without limits

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JEFF TURNER

Some people who want to share their faith look for guidance in books and resources from the local Christian bookstore. And it is here they often find different ideas that do not always agree. Some teachings suggest a quiet approach. They say a person should prepare their heart, then wait for God to bring someone into their life who is ready to hear the message. Other teachings encourage action. They point to the words of Jesus Christ in Gospel of Matthew, where he calls his followers to go out into the world and share the good news with everyone. How are believers to speak to others about their faith? Instead of looking for a “one size fits all,” consider what the Bible says. The instruction to go into all the world does not set boundaries. It opens the door to many ways of reaching people.

Sharing the message can happen in many places and situations. It may take place from door to door, on the street, in a classroom, or between neighbours. It can happen during times of work, in moments of rest, or even in difficult settings like conflict or competition. It can grow through friendships or simple conversations. The point is that there is no limit to where or how the message can be shared. The call is to speak about it at all times and in all places.

Our faith is not limited by method, but it is guided by truth. And our focus should remain on presenting the message honestly and fully, so that those who hear it understand what it truly means.

How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Romans 10:14–15

Understanding the law and faith

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JEFF TURNER

Some who read the Bible notice that some verses seem to say different things. This can be confusing, especially when two passages appear to oppose each other. One example often raised is found in the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:17 and the teaching of Paul in Ephesians 2:15. At first glance, it may seem like they are not in agreement.

Jesus says that He did not come to remove the law, while Paul writes that Christ has done away with the law of commandments. These statements can sound like they clash, but a closer look shows that they are speaking about different things.

It is important to begin with the understanding that the Bible comes from one source, which is God. Because of this, it does not contain conflict within its message. Each part is given by God, and He does not go against His own word. With this in mind, the goal is to understand what each passage is actually saying.

When Jesus speaks about the law, He is referring to the moral law of God. This law reflects who God is. It shows His character and His nature. The commands found in it are not random rules but are tied to God’s own being. Since God does not change, His moral law does not change either. Jesus makes it clear that He did not come to set this aside or treat it as if it no longer matters.

On the other hand, when Paul writes about the law being set aside, he is addressing a different issue. At that time, many believed that keeping the law could make a person right with God. They treated it as a way to earn salvation. Paul explains that this idea is no longer in place. Christ removed the use of the law as a path to be saved.

This means that the law still shows what is right and reflects God’s character, but it is not the way a person receives salvation. Instead, salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. The misunderstanding of the law as a means to earn favour with God is what has been taken away.

When both passages are understood in their proper meaning, they do not oppose each other. They work together to show that God’s standards remain true, while the way to be made right with Him is found in Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8

Accepting your position in Christ allows his character to show through your life

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

God has given every believer a secure standing before him, described in scripture as being loved, forgiven, reconciled, redeemed, and justified, and accepting that position by faith opens the door for real and lasting change. When a person truly believes what God says about who they are in Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work those truths out through their everyday experiences and relationships.

The character of Jesus Christ is something God places within a believer, not something a person works up through their own effort or willpower. As that character becomes more evident to the people around us, we are living out what God has freely given rather than straining to produce something on our own. That kind of life carries a genuine freedom and liberty that God has both promised and made available to every single believer.

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

A call to purity in a culture of pressure

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JEFF TURNER

It is difficult to ignore how much of our society focuses on sexual behaviour. Issues like early pregnancy, widespread pornography, and unfaithfulness in marriage are common topics. These problems are not only found in society at large but have also made their way into the church. Something is not right, and this should raise serious concern for those who want to live according to God’s will.

This struggle is not new. The early church faced similar challenges. In the 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul clearly explains that God’s desire for His people includes living a holy life. He connects this directly to turning away from sexual sin. This shows that purity in this area is not a small matter but a key part of spiritual growth.

When Paul speaks about becoming holy, he often begins with this issue. The reason is simple. Sexual temptation is strong and affects many people. It has always been this way because human nature is broken. When Paul later writes about the qualities needed for a church leader, he starts by saying that the man must be faithful to his wife. This is not by accident. It shows that self-control and faithfulness in this area are very important.

The strength of this temptation explains why it is often addressed first. If a person can learn to live with purity here, it helps shape the rest of their life. It becomes a starting point for growth in other areas. Paul’s teaching suggests that dealing with this issue early can guide a believer toward a more complete and steady walk with God.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8