Category: Top articles

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

The power of defending your faith

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JEFF TURNER

It is common for people to miss chances to share their faith because they do not understand other religions or misleading teachings. Sometimes, an unbeliever may present arguments that leave a believer confused or unsure. Other times, a person may struggle to explain what the Bible teaches and why they believe it.

The Bible offers guidance for these moments. In 1 Peter 3, it says to always be ready to explain the reason for the hope you have. I believe this passage is not only about having an answer for difficult questions but also about showing the personal impact of the gospel in your life. It encourages believers to provide a clear defense of the gospel while sharing how it has brought hope and change to their own lives.

Being prepared means understanding the gospel fully and being able to explain it simply and truthfully. At the same time, it means being able to share personal experiences that demonstrate its power. While it is not necessary to know every false teaching or heresy in detail, knowing the truth of the gospel makes it easy to see when something is not genuine. The strength of the gospel itself is enough to show the difference between truth and error.

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:13