Author: Texas Gospel

A warning about deception

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JEFF TURNER

I’m confident you’ve heard discussions about the return of Christ. They often focus on events such as tribulation, war, and and God’s judgment. Yet a warning given by Jesus is sometimes overlooked. He spoke often about deception and the danger it would bring in the future.

In Matthew 24, Jesus told His followers to be careful so that no one would mislead them. He explained that many people would come claiming to represent Him. Some would even say that they themselves were the Christ. Through these claims, many people would be led away from the truth. This raises an important question: If deception will be widespread, can believers also be misled?

The Bible tells us such deception is possible, especially for those who are new in the faith. The apostle Paul addressed this in Ephesians. He urged believers not to remain like children who are easily pushed from one idea to another. Without spiritual maturity, a person can be influenced by many teachings and leaders that do not speak the truth.

New Christians often face this danger because they are still learning. Like infants, they have not yet grown strong in their understanding of God’s Word. Because of this, false teaching and misleading leaders can affect them. The apostle John also spoke about the need for believers to grow in their faith. As they become stronger in truth, they are better able to resist the evil one, who works through deception.

Is this not a reason we should strive to grow in our understanding of Scripture and to remain watchful?

so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

The challenge of salvation

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JEFF TURNER

Some popular gospel materials suggest that becoming a Christian is simple. They often present it as a choice that requires little effort or commitment, just a quick prayer, and a person is considered saved. While salvation is fully a gift of God’s grace and not earned by works, this does not mean it is easy to follow Christ.

Jesus said that entering the kingdom requires serious dedication. He described the way as narrow and said that not everyone who desires it will succeed. Following him involves denying oneself, taking up a cross, and being willing to give up one’s life for his sake. Jesus also warned that a divided heart, one that looks back or clings to earthly attachments over God, is not ready for his kingdom.

Salvation cannot be accomplished by human effort alone; it is impossible without God. Yet, with God, what seems impossible becomes possible. The gift of salvation is a work of God in the life of a person who responds with willingness, persistence, and a heart fully committed to following Jesus.

And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

A few words about prayer

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible gives guidance on prayer, including how to pray, what to pray for, when to pray, and why prayer matters. Even with all these instructions, Paul says believers often do not know the right way to pray. In Romans 8:26, he explains that the Holy Spirit helps us in prayer, even expressing what we cannot put into words.

The reason people struggle with prayer is that they do not always know what is best. For example, when praying for someone who is seriously ill, it may not be clear whether to ask for healing, strength, or another outcome that God sees as better. God’s plans may involve using life’s difficulties to teach, humble, or guide a person in ways we cannot foresee.

Scripture encourages praying for salvation, guidance, and other needs, but the specific results are left to God. Believers are called to pray with sincerity and focus on their intentions, while trusting God to determine the ultimate outcome. In this way, prayer is both an act of personal devotion and a surrender to God’s wisdom.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Fasting as a spiritual choice

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JEFF TURNER

Fasting can mean different things to different people. Some see it as a way to lose weight, while others give it a spiritual focus, such as giving up movies or time on the internet. The New Testament mentions fasting only a few times, which sometimes leaves people unsure if it is required for believers.

In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about fasting and says, “when you fast,” which raises the question of whether fasting is mandatory. In the Bible, only one fast in Judaism was required; all other fasts were voluntary. I believe the New Testament continues this idea, showing that fasting is a choice for those who follow Jesus rather than a command.

Fasting is often connected to prayer, especially in moments of deep need or intense spiritual concern. When a believer is focused on serious prayer, fasting naturally supports that effort by helping remove distractions. The rare practice of fasting can reflect a lack of deep, committed prayer in a believer’s life. Ultimately, I believe fasting is meant to be a voluntary act that complements heartfelt prayer and devotion.

While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 13:2

The Meaning of Fruit in a Christian Life

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible talks about Christians producing fruit in their lives. In most cases, the message is simple: true followers of Jesus will show results in their actions, while those who do not follow him will not. However, some passages are harder to understand. In John 15, Jesus compares himself to a vine and God to the gardener. He says that branches in him that do not produce fruit are removed and burned.

This teaching can raise questions about whether some believers might fail and be lost. The passage is not about faithful followers but is directed at Judas Iscariot. Judas was connected to Jesus and appeared to belong, but his life had no spiritual effect and he produced no fruit. The warning of being gathered and burned refers to eternal judgment, not the loss of a true believer.

A real follower of Jesus cannot be lost because of God’s promise. John 3:16 affirms that anyone who believes in Jesus will not perish but will have eternal life. Those who fail to bear fruit are not true believers, and over time, their lack of fruit shows their real condition. Observing fruit in someone’s life can help identify whether they are genuinely following Christ or not.

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