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.
When a person puts their trust in Christ, something real takes place within them. The outside may look the same, but the inside has been made new. The Bible teaches that in Christ, the old self is left behind and a new life begins. This does not mean that temptations disappear or that old struggles instantly vanish. It means that a different kind of life now exists, one that is guided by the Spirit instead of by darkness.
Through Christ, believers gain new strength and new desires that influence the way they think, speak, and act. What was once impossible, things such as growing in faith and maturity, are now possible because of His presence.
This change is not yet complete. There will come a time when the work of renewal is seen fully. Scripture reminds us that when Christ returns, His people will finally be like Him, free from the brokenness of the past and complete in His likeness. Until then, Christians live in the assurance that they are already made new, even while they continue to grow.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call have announced they are welcoming acclaimed Southern Gospel singer Brian Alvey to their ministry family. The talented vocalist, musician, and songwriter brings with him an impressive background in gospel music and a commitment to serving the Lord.
Brian Alvey has built a distinguished career performing with some of the most respected groups in the Southern Gospel Music Industry, including Tribute Quartet, Kingdom Heirs, and most recently Second Chance Ministries. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition not only for his voice but also for his devotion to God’s Word and his dedication to faith, family, and ministry.
“We are blessed to welcome Brian, his wife Amber and his children Collin, Parker and Winston into our ministry family,” said Debra Perry. She noted that his talent, spirit, and love for the Lord make him an ideal fit for their work in advancing God’s Kingdom through music and ministry.
Brian Alvey expressed his enthusiasm about joining the group, saying he is honoured to serve alongside Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call. He looks forward to sharing the message of hope and faith through music and ministering to hearts wherever God leads them.
With their hearts united in purpose and vision, Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call are looking ahead with excitement and prayer, anticipating a fruitful journey as they continue to lift up Jesus through worship, song, and testimony.
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.
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.
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