Author: Texas Gospel

The Significance of Jesus Birth in Bethlehem

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

The story of Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem gives us some theological insights about God’s divine plan and grace. In the small, unremarkable town of Bethlehem—whose name means “house of bread”—God chose to bring forth His most significant promise: the birth of the Messiah.

This humble village, too small to even raise an army, became the birthplace of Jesus Christ through divine intention. God deliberately selected an obscure location to demonstrate His power, showing that His greatest works often emerge from the most unexpected places. The choice of Bethlehem highlights God’s ability to use the weak and insignificant to display His extraordinary glory.

The prophecy by Micah, delivered 700 years before Jesus’s birth, foretold a remarkable event where the eternal ruler would emerge from this tiny town. This ruler would not come from a grand city, but from a place of humble origins, symbolizing that God’s salvation is accessible to all, regardless of social status or perceived importance.

God’s selection of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus shows us a fundamental truth about divine grace: salvation is not earned through human achievement, but freely given. Just as Bethlehem was chosen despite its smallness, individuals are invited into God’s redemption not because of their own merit, but because of God’s boundless mercy.

God demonstrated that He can bring hope, light, and redemption through the most unexpected channels. Today, He invites everyone, regardless of their background, to experience His love.

Embracing The Great Commission in Our Lives

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

On a windswept mountain in Galilee, eleven men stood with their eyes fixed on their teacher. Some were filled with wonder, others still wrestled with doubt. Before them stood Jesus, no longer the broken body from the cross, but alive and transformed. The sight of Him sparked worship in their hearts, even as questions lingered in their minds.

From this vantage point atop Mount Arbel, they could see it all – the patchwork of fields in the Jezreel Valley, the shimmering surface of the Sea of Galilee, and the distant peaks of Mount Hermon where Peter had first declared Jesus as the Christ. This was no ordinary gathering. Just as He had used mountains throughout their journey for moments of profound revelation, Jesus had chosen this place for His final command.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” Jesus declared, His voice carrying across the mountain air. The words held weight – not just a statement of power, but a transfer of purpose to these ordinary men who had walked with Him. They had seen Him heal the sick, calm storms, and rise from death itself. Now, He was entrusting them with a mission that would echo through centuries: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

This wasn’t just a suggestion or one option among many. This was the essence of following Jesus – to take what they had received and pass it on to others. Like a gift meant to be regifted, the message of Christ’s salvation wasn’t meant to be kept to themselves. The disciples were being called to more than just adding numbers to their ranks; they were being commissioned to multiply themselves, teaching others to follow and obey everything Jesus had commanded.

The weight of such a task might have crushed them, except for His final promise. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In these words lay both comfort and power – they wouldn’t be doing this alone. The same authority that had raised Jesus from the dead would be with them, working through them as they shared this gift with the world. From that mountaintop moment to every corner of the earth, the message would spread: one life touching another, one disciple making another, until people from every nation would gather around His throne in worship.

Have you exercised The Great Commission this week?

Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime in Arson Case Targeting U.S. Congregation

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Kevin Colantonio, 34, of Rhode Island. has agreed to plead guilty to a hate crime for setting fires at a predominantly Black church earlier this year, federal prosecutors announced. The plea deal includes admitting to arson motivated by racial bias and an additional offence committed while in custody.

Colantonio’s crimes occurred in February, targeting Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence. Court documents reveal that he used gasoline to ignite multiple fires around the church’s exterior shortly after midnight on February 11. The North Providence Police and Fire Departments quickly extinguished the flames, preventing significant damage.

As part of the plea deal, Colantonio admitted to selecting the church specifically because of the race, colour, religion, or ethnicity of its congregants, who are predominantly Black. This admission classifies the arson as a hate crime, carrying enhanced penalties under federal law.

While detained at Wyatt Detention Facility in March, Colantonio committed another serious offence. According to prosecutors, he threw a mixture of faeces and urine at a correctional officer delivering his breakfast.

The potential consequences of Colantonio’s actions are significant. He faces a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 56 years, along with a possible $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. A hearing is scheduled for January 7 at the Rhode Island U.S. District Court in Providence.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha highlighted the importance of the case as part of ongoing civil rights enforcement efforts. Cunha stated that the final sentence would be determined by a federal judge, with recommendations from his office and the probation department.

The arson at Shiloh Gospel Temple, which was unoccupied at the time, left the congregation deeply affected. For many Christians, places of worship represent sanctuaries for prayer, community, and spiritual growth. Targeting such spaces for violence not only damages property but also disrupts the sense of security and unity that churches provide to their members.

Atheist Driver’s Attack on Magdeburg Christmas Market Leaves Christians Mourning

Published on by Texas Gospel50 Comments

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A devastating incident unfolded at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on 20 December, where a vehicle driven by Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, struck a crowd, resulting in five deaths, including a nine-year-old child, and injuring over 200 others. The attack has raised questions about safety, community unity, and the risks posed by extremism.

Abdulmohsen, a Saudi national and refugee, was previously associated with far-right movements and anti-Muslim rhetoric. He had publicly declared himself an atheist and advocated for Middle Eastern non-believers to migrate to Germany. He spoke of this in a July 2019 BBC documentary. Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and The Guardian corroborated his background, noting his atheism and open opposition to Islam.

Concerns about Abdulmohsen’s behaviour had been raised long before this tragedy. German publication Der Spiegel reported that the Saudi secret service had warned Germany’s intelligence agency, the BND, about threats he posted online. In one instance, he warned Germany would “pay a price” for its treatment of Saudi refugees.

Abdulmohsen’s history included other troubling incidents. In 2013, a court in Rostock fined him for “disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes.” More recently, in Berlin, he was investigated for “misuse of emergency calls” following a heated exchange with police officers. He had been on medical leave from his job at an addiction clinic near Magdeburg since October. The day before the attack, he missed a court appearance for charges related to the Berlin incident.

The attack deeply impacted Christians celebrating the Advent season. Christmas markets in Germany are cherished traditions, symbolizing hope and togetherness. The violence disrupted the spirit of the season, leaving the Christian community mourning those lost and praying for the injured.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the scene of the attack, accompanied by national and regional leaders, where they laid flowers near Magdeburg’s main church. A memorial service was held at Johanneskirche, providing a space for reflection and grief.

The incident has led to calls for increased vigilance, especially during public events. For Christians, it serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together in faith and compassion during challenging times.

Insight into the Star and the Wise Men’s Journey

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

They knew the stars well. For years, the wise men of the East had studied the ancient prophecies and watched the night sky, knowing that one day a special star would appear – one that would lead them to a king unlike any other. When that brilliant light finally pierced the darkness, they knew their journey had begun.

These learned men gathered their most precious treasures: gold fit for a king, sweet-smelling frankincense used in temple worship, and myrrh, the burial spice that spoke of mortality. Though the journey would be long and dangerous, they set out with determination, following the star that called them westward. As recorded in Matthew 2:1-2, they arrived in Jerusalem asking, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.”

Their arrival caused quite a stir in Jerusalem. The whole city was troubled, especially King Herod, who gathered his religious advisors to learn where this prophesied king would be born. The scholars knew the answer immediately – Bethlehem. Yet strangely, though these religious leaders knew the prophecies by heart, not one of them made the short five-mile journey to seek this newborn king.

When the wise men finally reached the house where the young Jesus stayed with Mary, they didn’t hesitate or question. These educated, wealthy men immediately fell to their faces in worship. They recognized something the religious scholars had missed – this child was more than just another king. He was worthy of complete adoration. Their expensive gifts carried deep meaning: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh pointing toward His future sacrifice.

Their encounter with Jesus changed everything. Though Herod had asked them to return with news of the child’s location, they heeded God’s warning in a dream and chose a different route home. Like so many who truly meet Jesus, they left walking a new path – one of obedience to God rather than earthly authorities.