Ephesians 2:15 explains that Jesus made one new humanity through the cross. In the world today, people are often divided. Race, wealth, and gender can all become reasons for conflict. In the time of Paul, there was strong tension between Jews and Gentiles. He wrote that Christ’s work on the cross ended that separation.
Through Jesus, a new community is formed, called the church. It is not built on human divisions but on peace with God and with one another. In this body, differences remain, but they do not create walls of hostility. Instead, there is a unity that honours diversity and a fellowship that shows the power of the gospel.
Isn’t this message especially important in a time when the world struggles with division?
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
A Christian convert in Iran is sentenced to prison. Nayereh Arjaneh began her five-year prison term on 23 December. She was charged with “promoting deviant propaganda and teachings contrary to Islamic law.” The Revolutionary Court in Garmsar also assessed a fine of 165 million tomans (around C$ 5,432), two years’ internal exile in Kouhbanan in Kerman province, and a two-year travel ban. She was sentenced to two separate five-year sentences, but they will be served concurrently (at the same time,) and not back-to-back.
Arjaneh was arrested 7 July, 2025, along with her husband, Qasem Esmaili. The couple was taken into custody shortly after returning from a Christian training event in Turkey. Such travel and religious activity often draw the attention of Iranian security forces, especially when Muslims convert to Christianity.
“Christian converts in Iran face systematic persecution, including arbitrary arrests, lengthy prison sentences, and vague national security charges. Iranian authorities consider conversion from Islam illegal and routinely target converts for peaceful religious activities,” said the Center for Human Rights in Iran in a Facebook post about the sentencing .
EsmaiÂli was also sentenced, receiving three years and six months in prison. However, his imprisonment has been postponed for now because he is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
Under Iranian law, trying to spread any religion other than Islam can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The law is also commonly applied in a way that bars Muslim citizens from leaving Islam or adopting another faith.
The final words of the Apostle Peter in his second letter are both a warning and a call to spiritual growth. He wrote to followers of Christ who were scattered in different regions because of persecution. These believers faced hardship in new lands, surrounded by unfamiliar languages, customs, and non-believers. Peter reminded them that even in difficult places, God’s promises remain true, and His strength and grace are available to help them endure.
Peter’s final message in 2 Peter 3:17–18 urges Christians to be alert and steadfast. He warns, “Since you know this beforehand, beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away by the error of the wicked.” He then exhorts, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” These two commands, beware and grow, summarize what every believer must do to stay faithful in a world filled with false ideas and distractions.
A Warning Against Losing Focus
Peter’s warning was serious. Even sincere followers of Christ can be led astray if they are not careful about what they listen to, read, or believe. He had already spoken of false teachers and those who mock God’s word, denying the return of Christ. Such voices existed in Peter’s day and are still present now. They dismiss the Bible as myth and treat its truth with contempt.
When surrounded by doubt, Christians may begin to lose confidence in their faith. Peter understood that discouragement can weaken believers if they are not grounded in God’s word. That is why he called them to be alert and to hold tightly to what is true. When faith is not continually strengthened, the mind becomes open to error, and the heart can drift from its foundation.
Fellowship with other believers is important. Coming together in worship, prayer, and study helps Christians stay centred on the truth. Alone, it is easier to grow weary or confused. Together, believers are reminded of God’s promises and find strength in shared encouragement.
The Call to Grow in Grace
Peter’s second command, to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ, points to a lifelong process. Spiritual growth does not happen quickly or automatically. Just as physical strength requires discipline and practice, spiritual maturity requires daily attention to the word of God.
Reading Scripture each day nourishes the soul. It is not simply an exercise, but a meeting with God through His word. Reflecting on what is read, thinking deeply about its meaning, and applying it to daily life allows believers to grow closer to Christ. This growth comes through prayer, study, and obedience.
Peter reminded his readers that God has already given His people “everything that pertains to life and godliness” through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. His promises are described as “great and precious.” These promises sustain believers during hardship, guiding them toward holiness and trust in God.
The grace of God multiplies in the life of those who keep their hearts open to His truth. The peace that follows comes not from an absence of trouble, but from confidence in His presence and care.
Remaining Anchored in the Word
The Christian life is filled with challenges. Trials, doubt, and opposition are certain, but God’s word offers stability. Peter’s concern was that believers not become distracted by worldly philosophies or discouraged by the mockery of others. To stand firm, the believer must stay anchored in Scripture.
Beware of spiritual danger, and grow in grace. The two are connected. The Apostle Paul expressed a similar truth when he wrote that the church, united in love, “causes growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Each believer has a role in this growth, both personally and within the church community.
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.
Faith is not built in times of comfort. It grows when God leads us into something greater than we can handle. Every major work that has ever honoured God required His power to succeed. From the temple David longed to build, to the ministry buildings and churches of today, all of them began when people trusted God with what seemed too big for them.
When David realized that God had chosen Solomon to build the temple, he did not turn away in disappointment. Instead, he prepared everything he could and encouraged the people to give toward a vision he would never see completed. He praised God before the congregation, reminding them that all power, wealth, and glory belong to the Lord. What David understood is still true: nothing we have is really ours. God owns everything, and we are only managers of what He places in our care.
Faith also relies on God’s power. We are not asked to accomplish great things on our own. God works through His people when they surrender their abilities, time, and resources to Him. When we trust God, He multiplies what we give. .
Throughout history, people have risked everything for what they believed was right. The early founders of nations and countless others acted in faith, trusting that freedom and truth were worth the cost. In the same way, every church, missionary, and believer who steps forward in faith participates in something eternal.
Faith is not only about believing in God’s power but also rejoicing in His provision. When we give what He asks, we open the way for Him to show His faithfulness. David rejoiced that God allowed him to give toward the temple, knowing that everything came from God in the first place.
Saying yes to God in faith may look different for each person. For some, it may be trusting God with finances; for others, it may mean surrendering future plans or stepping forward in service. Whatever the case, God asks for a simple yes. He does not require us to see the full picture, only to trust Him with the next step.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about a “thorn in the flesh” that he carried. He described it as a messenger from Satan, something that caused him pain and hardship. Paul believed God allowed this trial to remain, even though it could have been taken away instantly. The reason was clear to him: He believed God wanted to keep him from becoming proud after receiving great revelations.
The Bible makes it plain that pride is something God does not accept, especially in those who serve Him. Pride places the focus on ourselves instead of on God. Paul’s struggle reminds us that God sometimes allows difficulties in our lives for a greater purpose. These challenges may feel heavy, but they can shape us into people who rely on God rather than on our own strength.
When suffering comes, it may not always be punishment. At times, it may be a tool used by God to help us walk in humility and stay close to Him.
Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Texas Gospel Canada Southern Gospel Radio 