Author: Texas Gospel

Turning from Sin and Learning a New Way of Life

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DON HEBERT

When Jesus began teaching in the Gospel of Mark, his first message was, “Repent and believe the gospel.” His words are not just a random spur-of-the-moment command. He gave an invitation into a new life with God. To repent means to turn away from sin and turn toward Christ. It is a complete change of direction toward the living for God.

Repentance is not just feeling sorry for doing wrong. It involves rejecting sin and choosing to obey Christ. Believing the gospel means trusting that Jesus lived perfectly, died for our sins, and rose again to give us new life. The Bible says that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. When we see the goodness and mercy of God through Jesus, our hearts begin to change. The love of Christ moves people to stop clinging to sin and start following him. We no longer love the things that once ruled our lives because we have found something greater.

When a person repents and believes, they become a new creation. God forgives their sin and welcomes them into his family. But repentance does not stop at conversion. Christians continue to repent throughout life because sin still tries to take root in the heart. We grow in holiness by repeatedly turning from sin and returning to God.

Scripture describes believers as both forgiven and still being changed. We are saints, yet we struggle with sin and also suffer in this world. God’s work in us is not finished. When we enter his presence, we often see our sin more clearly. But conviction is not condemnation. Conviction is a sign that God is drawing us closer to himself.

Ephesians chapter 4 teaches how repentance looks in daily life. The passage does not use the word “repent,” but it describes repentance means in action. Based on this chapter, repentance means to put off the old way of life and put on the new. Followers of Jesus are called to quit living like the world around them. Before knowing Christ, people lived for their own desires, unaware that their hearts were hard toward God. But believers are to walk in a different way because they have been made new.

The Christian life is like learning in the school of Christ. We are always learning from Him. We learn about His truth, His ways, and His character. When I speak about “learning Christ,” I mean to shape our thoughts and actions after His example. We act differently on the outside because God has changed us on the inside.

Paul writes that believers must take off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. As our minds are renewed by God’s word, our behaviour begins to change. The image of God, once broken by sin, is restored as we follow Christ’s example.

Ephesians 4 also gives us examples of how repentance transforms everyday life. Those who once lied should now speak the truth. Speech should build others up, not tear them down. Words have power, and corrupt talk grieves the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to speak in ways that show grace and love, not anger or cruelty. I believe that repentance also changes how we work. Those who once took from others are to work honestly and share with those in need. Work becomes an act of service rather than selfish gain. Even anger is addressed. Anger itself is not always sin, but when left unchecked, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, and harm. Instead, believers are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving—just as God has forgiven us in Christ.

Following Jesus means walking in love and His sacrifice on the cross shows what real love looks like. and our repentance is not a one-time act but a lifelong turning of the heart. It is the daily movement of faith that keeps us close to Christ and growing in his likeness.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Suicide bomber targets Christian celebrations in Aleppo, Syria on New Year’s Eve

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on New Year’s Eve, killing one police officer and injuring two others in what authorities described as a failed attempt to attack Christian worshippers, according to The Syrian Interior Ministry.

The Syrian Interior Ministry said on its Telegram channel that the attack occurred in the Bab al-Faraj neighbourhood when the assailant, identified by local authorities as a member of the Islamic State, opened fire during a police interrogation. A police officer physically restrained the attacker, at which point the bomber detonated his explosive belt. According to authorities, the attacker was attempting to reach a nearby Christian neighbourhood and religious sites, including a Greek Orthodox church, to target New Year’s celebrations.

The Aleppo bombing represents the latest in a series of recent Islamic State attacks in Syria. Just a week earlier, an explosion at an Alawite mosque in Homs killed eight people. Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which analysts believe operates as a front for IS, claimed responsibility for that attack. On December 13, an IS attack in Palmyra killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian.

These incidents come as Syria continues military operations against Islamic State remnants under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, an Islamist leader who previously fought against IS during the Syrian civil war. In November, Syria officially joined the U.S.-led coalition against IS and has since been conducting coordinated raids with U.S. Central Command targeting IS sleeper cells throughout the country.

The Need for a New Heart

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AMY TURNER

In the book of Ezekiel, God promises to replace a heart of stone with a heart of flesh. This picture shows the need for deep change INSIDE every person.

In 1967, Dr. Christian Barnard carried out the first human heart transplant. At the time, it was considered an extraordinary step in medicine. Today such operations are more common, but they still remind us that some conditions cannot be treated with medicine, diet, or lifestyle alone. When the heart is too damaged, the only option is replacement.

The Bible explains that all people are born with hearts that are not spiritually healthy. At first, the signs may not be obvious, but with time the evidence shows. Human effort cannot cure this condition. Only God can provide the new heart that is needed for real life.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Standing Firm in the Face of Spiritual Opposition

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FLOYD ROGERS

Choosing to follow Jesus Christ is a lifelong and eternal commitment. Once you belong to Him, there is no turning back. Believers face three constant enemies: the sinful nature, the temptations of the world, and the attacks of the devil. These challenges can leave some feeling worn down and ready to give up.

But giving up only worsens the struggle. Instead, Christians are called to stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word and hold on to their identity as His children. Through Christ’s presence within, they can resist despair and rely on God’s strength.

God’s care, love, and promises surround every believer. He has already provided the tools needed to endure spiritual battles. By trusting Him and holding their ground, Christians can walk forward with confidence, knowing they are never alone.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10

Greater Vision celebrates 35 years of music

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DAVID INGRAM

Thirty-five years ago today, 30 December 1990, Greater Vision stepped onto the platform for the very first time as a trio, presenting their inaugural concert in Grassy Creek, Kentucky. Although that historic morning was not recorded, it marked the beginning of a ministry that would go on to impact countless lives.

©1992 Greater Vision Music Ministries, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Based in Morristown, Tennessee, Greater Vision continues to travel with around 150 road performances each year. The group was founded by Gerald Wolfe, who serves as pianist and emcee. Multi-award-winning songwriter Rodney Griffin provides the lead vocal for the trio, while Chris Allman, also a prolific songwriter, sings tenor. The group’s newest member, Scott Mullins, sings baritone, adding depth ato Greater Vision’s unmistakable sound.

Greater Vision’s influence extends beyond the concert platform. For more than 30 years, they have appeared regularly on the InTouch television programme hosted by Dr Charles Stanley. They also appear on the Gaither Gospel Video Series and have become a central part of the beloved Gospel Music Hymn Sing videos and live events.

The group’s latest release, Your Story, features new songs written by group members Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman, along with contributions from other notable writers. Produced by Gerald Wolfe and Trey Ivey and distributed by Daywind Records, the project continues the group’s tradition of meaningful, message-driven music.

Listen for songs throughout the day by Greater Vision as they celebrate 35 years of Southern Gospel!