Category: Top articles

True Freedom in Christ

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

RICHARD CORDER

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul speaks about the freedom believers have through faith in Jesus Christ. He uses the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar as an illustration to show the difference between living under the law and living under God’s promise. This story helps us understand that our salvation is not earned by human effort or religious rules but comes from trusting in Christ alone.

Paul was writing to Christians in Galatia who were being influenced by teachers known as Judaizers. These men insisted that believers had to follow the laws of Moses, such as circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul strongly opposed this message. He reminded the Galatians that salvation is through faith, not through the works of the law. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it. They are evidence that someone truly belongs to Christ, but they do not earn a person’s place with God.

Paul explained that this false teaching was dangerous because it took away from what Jesus had already done on the cross. If salvation could be gained through the law, then Christ’s death would have been unnecessary. The apostle spoke clearly, “Yet we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” The law shows us our sin and our need for a saviour, but only Jesus brings freedom from sin and death.

To illustrate his point, Paul reminded the Galatians of Abraham’s two sons. Ishmael was born from Hagar, the servant, as a result of human planning. Isaac was born to Sarah, the free woman, as the fulfilment of God’s promise. Paul used this as a picture of two covenants. Hagar represents Mount Sinai, where the law was given, and this covenant leads to bondage because no one can perfectly keep the law. Sarah represents God’s promise, which leads to freedom through faith. Those who trust in Christ are like Isaac. They are children of promise, born not of human effort but by the Spirit of God.

Paul told the Galatians that believers must “cast out the bondwoman,” meaning they must turn away from the idea that human effort can bring salvation. Only those who rely on the promise of God through faith in Jesus are heirs of eternal life. Trying to earn salvation through good deeds is like returning to slavery after being set free.

Even today, many people believe that doing good works or following certain traditions will make them right with God. But scripture teaches that eternal life is a gift, not a payment for good behaviour. Paul wrote in Romans that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This truth reminds us that no human effort can remove sin. Only God, through His mercy and grace, offers forgiveness and freedom in Christ.

Paul urged the Galatians to stand firm in that freedom. To be free in Christ does not mean living carelessly, but living gratefully and obediently because of what Jesus has done. Obedience is no longer a way to earn salvation, it is a response of love. When we follow God’s ways, we do it not out of fear of punishment, but out of joy in belonging to Him.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Abiding in Christ Leads to a Fruitful Life

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

ANDY ANDERSON

Every follower of Christ should take time to honestly consider how their spiritual life is going. Some days we may feel strong and growing, while at other times we may simply be surviving or even withering. Whatever our condition, God’s Word speaks directly to us. In John 15, Jesus uses an image to show how spiritual life works: the vine and its branches.

On the night before his death, Jesus spoke with his disciples and compared himself to a vine. He said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” In the Old Testament, Israel was often called God’s vineyard. God planted and cared for them, but they failed to produce good fruit. When Jesus called himself the true vine, he meant that he is everything Israel was meant to be, faithful, fruitful, and obedient. He is the true source of spiritual life. Anyone who belongs to God must be joined to him.

The Father is the gardener who tends the vine. He removes what is dead and prunes what is alive so that it can grow stronger. Jesus explained that those who bear fruit will be pruned so they can bear even more. Pruning may be painful, but it is always done in love. God works in the lives of his people to help them grow, even through loss or hardship. Like a tree branch trimmed by a careful gardener, the believer is shaped by God’s hand to become more useful and beautiful.

Jesus made it clear that real believers always produce some kind of fruit. The ones who show no fruit are like branches that appear connected but are not truly alive. They eventually fall away because they were never part of the vine. True followers of Christ, however, are not cut off. Even when they struggle, God continues his work in them.

To “abide” in Christ means to remain in close relationship with him. A branch stays alive only when it stays connected to the vine. In the same way, spiritual life continues only as we depend on Jesus. Abiding is not about earning our place with God, but about living in daily fellowship with him through prayer, obedience, worship, and trust. It is not a one-time act but a way of life.

Jesus said plainly, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Just as an unplugged device loses power, a believer who tries to live apart from Christ loses spiritual strength. When we rely on him, his life flows through us, producing good fruit. This fruit is seen in changed attitudes, behaviour, and character. As branches of Christ’s vine, we begin to reflect his likeness.

Another result of abiding is visible discipleship. Jesus said that when we bear much fruit, we show that we are truly his disciples and bring glory to God. Every act of faithfulness, whether serving others, forgiving someone, or obeying God’s Word, shows the world who we belong to. The goal is never to draw attention to ourselves but to honour the Father who gives life to the vine.

Abiding also allows us to experience Christ’s love. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” His love is not temporary or limited. It is as strong and deep as the love between the Father and the Son. When we keep his commands, we live within that love. Obedience does not earn God’s love, but it helps us stay aware of it. Obedience leads to joy because it keeps us close to the One who loves us most.

Finally, abiding leads to complete joy. Jesus said he spoke these words so that his joy would be in us and our joy would be full. His joy is not shallow or temporary. It remains even in pain. When we stay close to him, we find a deep and lasting peace that cannot be taken away.

The Christian life is not about doing everything right on our own. It is about staying connected to the One who gives life.

Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.

John 15:4

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

RICHARD CORDER

The final words of the Apostle Peter in his second letter remind believers of two vital truths: the need for spiritual growth and the call to remain faithful. In 2 Peter 3:18, he urges followers of Christ to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This instruction comes as both a warning and an encouragement for all who walk with God.

Peter’s audience faced hardship and confusion. False teachers had spread distorted ideas, leading some away from the truth. Peter’s desire was to protect these believers from losing their stability in faith. He reminded them that the best defence against error is growth. I’m speaking of growth in God’s grace and in understanding who Christ truly is. This growth begins with a firm commitment to God’s Word. Reading, studying, and reflecting on Scripture help believers know God’s character and promises.

The Bible reveals how He is present with us, answers prayer, strengthens us in trials, and keeps us faithful through difficulties. Forgetting these promises can make believers vulnerable to doubt, so Peter calls them to remember what God has said and live by it.

Growth also comes through prayer. Many people find prayer difficult because they feel alone while doing it, but prayer is a real conversation with God. It draws us closer to Him and teaches us trust. Sometimes prayers are answered exactly as asked; other times, God allows challenges to continue so that we can grow in patience and faith. Either way, prayer shapes our hearts to depend on Him.

Worship and fellowship are other ways that God’s grace helps us grow. When believers gather to sing, study, and share life together, they encourage each other and are reminded of God’s faithfulness. The early church devoted itself to these same practices. The early believers practiced teaching each other, breaking bread, prayer, and fellowship. In these they found strength in unity. These same habits remain essential for the church today.

Peter also warns against being influenced by the world’s thinking. The Apostle Paul gave a similar message in Romans 12, where he told believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds through God’s Word. Only Scripture has the power to cleanse our thoughts and guide us toward what is good and pleasing to God. As our minds are renewed, we begin to see life as God sees it and can better understand His will.

Growing in grace means becoming more aware of God’s kindness and influence in our lives. Grace is not only unearned favour, it is also God’s active work in turning us to Christ, strengthening our faith, and helping us live in a way that reflects His character. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship, God’s grace shapes us into people who show love, patience, humility, and faithfulness.

Alongside grace, Peter emphasizes growing in knowledge, knowing Christ personally. This knowledge comes through reading the Gospels, where His life and teachings are recorded, and through daily prayer, where we experience His care in our own circumstances. As believers see how God answers prayers and provides for needs, they come to trust His wisdom more deeply.

Peter ends his letter by directing all praise to Christ, saying, “To him be the glory both now and forever.” Spiritual growth is not only for our benefit; it brings honour to Jesus. When we live in a way that reflects His truth and kindness, we give glory to the One who saved us. The Christian life, then, is a journey of continual growth.

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

Christian-Jewish Charity Delivers Ambulances to Syrian Minorities Near Israeli Border

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

NOAH LEVY (Guest writer)

A Christian-Jewish humanitarian organisation has provided five refurbished ambulances to religious minority populations in southern Syria as violence against Christian and Druze communities escalates, according to a press release from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

The vehicles, formerly operated by Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, were transferred to local medical teams on Sunday and fitted with medical kits to equip emergency medical technicians and doctors responding to civilian casualties.

Medical personnel also received first-aid and emergency response instruction from MDA paramedics focussing on proper operation of the vehicles and equipment.

The Fellowship coordinated the transfer with Magen David Adom, COGAT and the Israel Defence Forces.

“When Druze and Christian communities just across our border are targeted for their faith, indifference is not an option,” Yael Eckstein, the Fellowship’s president and global chief executive, said in the statement.

The delivery follows attacks on the minority populations over the past year in areas where access to emergency medical care remains limited.

Last year, the Fellowship established two medical clinics in buffer zone villages, supplied hospitals in the Al-Suwayda region with equipment and medicines, and distributed thousands of food parcels to families affected by recent violence.

The organisation has previously assisted persecuted Christians in the region, including providing food aid, funding medical facilities and supporting refugees fleeing Islamic State attacks.

A Willing Heart that Builds for God

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

BOB RICHMOND

The words of 1 Chronicles 29:14–18 remind believers that everything they own already belongs to God. King David spoke with deep humility, recognizing that all people are only caretakers of what God provides. When he and his people gave toward building the temple, David understood they were simply returning to God what was already His. True giving begins in the heart. It cannot come from pride or guilt, but from the joy of knowing that God owns all things.

David and Goliath; IRS Images, 2025

David’s life showed how faith grows through trust in God. When he was a young shepherd, he faced a lion and a bear, and later, the giant Goliath. In each challenge, David knew it was not his own strength but God working through him. This same trust guided him in his later years when he desired to build a temple for God. However, God told him that his son Solomon would be the one to complete that work. Though this news must have disappointed him, David accepted it with grace. Instead of being bitter, he poured his effort and wealth into preparing everything Solomon would need. His example moved the whole nation to give willingly and joyfully.

David prayed that the people’s hearts would stay focused on God, that their devotion would grow so strong it would fill their thoughts and dreams. He wanted them to understand that giving to God’s work is not a loss but a privilege. When believers see giving as returning what God already owns, they cannot be angry or defensive about it. Their joy grows when their hearts are right with God.

The message from David’s prayer also reminds Christians today that faith is seen not only in words but in actions. Giving and serving reveal what is in the heart. A soft heart is eager to give and serve; a hard heart resists and finds reasons to hold back. Jesus taught that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If people invest only in earthly things, they risk losing what they value. But when they invest in God’s work, they store up treasures that last forever.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

The story of David also connects to how Christians today should live and give. God blesses people not only for their own comfort but so they can bless others. Those who have been given much are called to use their blessings for God’s purposes. Even small acts of generosity matter when done with a sincere heart. What matters most is not the size of the gift but the willingness behind it.

The Apostle Paul spoke about churches in Macedonia who gave to help others even when they were poor and struggling. They found joy in giving because their hope was not in wealth but in God. Their generosity came from first giving themselves fully to the Lord. When a person gives their heart to God, giving anything else becomes natural.

David’s prayer ended with a request that God would keep the people’s hearts set on Him and that their devotion would continue for future generations. What they gave built more than a building; it built faith, unity, and hope. Their obedience became a testimony that lasted long after David’s lifetime.

Every believer faces the same choice: to hold tightly to what they have or to trust God with it. A willing heart says “yes” to God and helps build something that lasts beyond one lifetime, faith in families, unity in churches, and blessings for generations to come.

Consider Joshua’s words recorded in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Shouldn’t this same spirit of surrender and service continue to shape the lives of those who follow Jesus today?

Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7