Author: Texas Gospel

Why Calling Jesus ‘Lord’ Isn’t Enough

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Many people call Jesus “Lord,” but not everyone who says this truly follows Him. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks why people call Him “Lord” yet do not obey His teachings. He is not just speaking to those outside the faith, but to those who claim to follow Him while ignoring His commands.

This message becomes even clearer in Matthew 7. There, Jesus talks about people who say, “Lord, Lord,” and claim to do many things in His name. But Jesus responds by saying, “Depart from me. I never knew you.” These are not people who lack passion or religion—they are zealous, even emotional in their cries. Yet Jesus sees deeper. Their lives show no true obedience.

Jesus explains that only those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom. Words are not enough. There is a big difference between someone who only claims to believe and someone who lives out that belief. One builds on sand; the other on rock. When trouble comes, only the house on the rock stands.

This message reminds us that real faith means doing what Jesus says. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” True salvation shows in a life of obedience.

God’s Choice: The Unlikely Disciples of Jesus

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

When we look at the twelve disciples Jesus chose, it’s clear they weren’t the kind of men most people would expect to change the world. They weren’t famous, powerful, or educated. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, one was known for his extreme political views, and one even turned out to be a traitor. Still, these are the men Jesus selected to carry out his mission.

In Luke 6:13 we see Jesus and the 12 followers he picked to be his apostles. There’s nothing spectacular in the way the choice was made, and the men themselves were quite ordinary. They didn’t have formal religious training. They weren’t leaders in society. They were regular people who worked with their hands—simple and humble.

But isn’t that the point? Their influence can’t be explained by their own abilities. The power that changed the world came from God working through them. It was never about who they were, but about what God did through them. Consider, 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.”

Why did God choose them? We may never fully understand. But we do know this—He often chooses those who seem unimportant in the eyes of the world so that all the glory goes to Him. These men, just like Jesus from Nazareth, were doubted and dismissed. Yet through humble obedience, God used them to do something amazing.

Trusting God’s Wisdom: Overcoming Doubt

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

When someone needs wisdom, the Bible encourages them to ask God for it. James 1:6 reminds us that when we do ask, we must believe fully, without hesitation. If we doubt, we are compared to a wave in the sea—moved around by the wind, without direction or steadiness.

God is generous and kind. He gives wisdom freely to those who ask. He does not make us feel ashamed or embarrassed for needing help. However, there is a warning: if we question the wisdom God gives, especially just because it doesn’t match what we expect, we become confused and uncertain in all parts of our lives.

This kind of doubt is not about whether God will give us wisdom, but whether we trust the wisdom He provides. When we pray, we should accept God’s answer as the best guidance, even if it doesn’t make complete sense at first.

Proverbs 3:5 supports this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God’s wisdom is higher than ours, and believing in it leads to a steady and peaceful life.

Biblical Insights for Working Moms: Prioritizing Home

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

In today’s world, it’s common for young mothers to take jobs outside the home. Many do this to help meet financial needs, especially when money is tight. Others may have different personal reasons. Still, the Bible gives clear direction. In Titus 2:4-5, Paul encourages young women to love their husbands and children, to live wisely and purely, and to be busy at home, kind, and respectful to their husbands.

This guidance isn’t meant to be harsh or rigid, but it does give priority to the home. While it doesn’t say a woman can never work outside the house, it does show that her main focus should be her family—supporting her husband, caring for her children, and creating a home filled with peace and spiritual focus.

Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned. A woman may lose her husband through death or divorce, or the family may face sudden financial hardship. In such cases, she may need to work to provide for her household. But even then, the long-term goal remains—to make the home a place where love, faith, and family are at the centre.

Scripture sets the standard, but God also sees each person’s situation with compassion and wisdom.

What It Really Means to Be Led by the Holy Spirit

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Some people say they are “led by the Holy Spirit,” but not everyone means the same thing when they use that phrase. This idea comes directly from Galatians 5:18, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

So, what does that mean?

Some think being led by the Spirit is a feeling or special guidance that only a few Christians receive from time to time. However, that’s not what the Apostle Paul was teaching. He was making a clear statement about a believer’s identity. When someone is led by the Spirit, they are no longer under the law’s judgement. That means they are not trying to earn salvation by following rules—they now live under the Spirit’s direction and power.

If you are a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside you. Your body becomes His temple. The Spirit helps you feel close to God, calls out to the Father through you, shows you when you’ve done wrong, and helps you understand the Bible. He also moves you to live in a way that pleases God.

Being led by the Spirit isn’t something that happens sometimes—it’s the way of life for all true believers. Without the Spirit, a person is still under the law’s curse, trying to be saved by good deeds, and without real spiritual strength. But with the Spirit, believers have both freedom and power.