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Living with confidence in God’s promise

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

CONNIE WILLIAMS

We can approach God like a child approaches his father. Our sins lie on the ground like a broken chain. IRS Images, 2025

Fear does not help love grow. If someone lived in fear that their partner might leave them for small mistakes, they could not feel close to them. They would be nervous all the time. In the same way, a person cannot feel close to God if they are always afraid He will push them away. The message of the Gospel gives a different picture. Those who trust in Jesus can know they are held safe by Him. This confidence does not encourage wrong behaviour. It encourages obedience because believers know God is a loving Father, not someone waiting for them to fail.

Jesus said that His followers belong to Him and that no one can pull them from His care. If a believer could still end up in hell after trusting Jesus, it would damage the honour of Christ. He promised eternal life, and He keeps His promises. Knowing this gives believers courage to face hardship. They can remember that they belong to God, and that He will not let them go.

Christians are no longer under the control of sin. Sometimes people hear that they are only human and must give in to anger, revenge, or sexual sin. Some even believe it is unhealthy to show restraint. But the Bible teaches that Christians do not have to obey these desires. God accepts people as they are when they come to Jesus, but He does not leave them unchanged. The Holy Spirit begins shaping them into a new person.

When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

To stay strong, Christians must remember what God has said. Verses like those that promise eternal life can help when doubt appears. Other verses help when temptation comes. Believers can choose to use their lives to serve good instead of evil. Remember: When Jesus covered our sins with His blood, he knew every sin you ever committed. He also knew every sin you would commit from that time on.

When Jesus faced temptation in the desert, He quoted Scripture each time. Satan did not run away because the verses harmed him. He left because he saw that God’s word strengthened Jesus to keep following His Father. That is what the word of God does. It gives strength to keep choosing what is right.

At the centre of all of this is a simple question: Do you know you belong to Jesus?

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

Colossians 2:6

Living in the righteousness of Christ and reaching the next generation

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CHERYL QUIGG

The Psalms often speak about the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Psalm 1 says that the person who follows God’s ways is blessed, while those who reject His guidance face destruction. Psalm 112 describes what a righteous person looks like, saying he or she is someone who fears the Lord, delights in His commands, and lives with generosity, mercy, and justice. Yet Scripture also reminds us that no one is naturally righteous. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, not even one.”

This creates a problem. If no one is righteous, how can anyone live as Psalm 112 describes? The answer is found in Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life that we could not, and He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, our sins can be forgiven, and His righteousness is given to those who trust in Him. When we put our faith in Christ, we receive new life through the Holy Spirit, who helps us to live in obedience to God. Romans 5 explains that just as Adam’s sin brought death to all, Christ’s obedience brings righteousness and life to all who believe.

To live as God’s people is not simply about behaving well or attending church; it is about being transformed by Christ’s Spirit. The church exists to worship God, serve others, and bring His message to the world. Psalm 78 reminds us of the importance of teaching God’s truth to future generations. The psalmist calls the people to remember God’s mighty works and to tell their children, so they do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Faith is not passed down by accident; it must be taught intentionally.

The call to reach the next generation is not only for parents or youth leaders but for the entire church. Every believer has a part to play in guiding young people toward faith in Jesus. The next generation is not “the church of tomorrow”; they are part of the church today. Their voices, service, and faith matter now.

The Israelites often failed because they forgot what God had done for them. They grumbled, doubted, and rebelled. Their forgetfulness led to faithlessness. Psalm 78 shows how they tested God and offered only surface-level repentance. They would confess when punished but quickly returned to sin. Their biggest failure, however, was neglecting to teach their children about the Lord. When one generation remains silent about God’s truth, the next grows up without faith.

As Christians, we must not repeat this pattern. The teaching of Scripture should be central in our homes and churches. Worship and study should be grounded in God’s Word, not in personal preference. Families should remember and share stories of God’s faithfulness, both from Scripture and from their own lives. This strengthens faith and helps children understand that God is active and real.

For a church to reach the next generation effectively, it must be united. The New Testament teaches that unity is not sameness but harmony among diverse people with different gifts. When believers are divided. This ma by by opinion, tradition, or personal comfort and it weakens our witness. Paul urged the church in Ephesians 4 to make every effort to maintain unity through peace, reminding believers that there is one Lord, one faith, and one God. Unity helps the church focus on its true mission: making disciples and proclaiming Christ.

Sometimes churches lose sight of this mission by focusing on preferences instead of principles. Scripture must guide our every decision, not habit or comfort. When the church unites under God’s Word and His purpose, it can reach generations with lasting impact.

Reaching the next generation requires the whole church. Some may teach, some may mentor, others may pray or give, but everyone has a role. Even small acts like praying for a child, baking cookies for youth gatherings, or supporting a ministry, can help share Christ’s love. The goal is not simply to make good people but to lead them to salvation in Jesus.

The message of Psalm 78 is still relevant: remember what God has done, teach it faithfully, and pass it on. Faith does not continue automatically; it grows through intentional effort. The church must take this command seriously. If we fail to share the gospel, we risk raising a generation that does not know the Lord.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you [c]always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19–20

Giving Thanks Before Receiving

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AMY TURNER

The Bible teaches us to give thanks to God even before we receive what we ask for. This idea comes from the Apostle Paul, who wrote in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” This might seem unusual, as it suggests being thankful before receiving an answer.

Paul explains that God is like a loving father who gives good gifts to His children. Whatever God chooses to give us is always for our benefit. By giving thanks in advance, we show our trust in God’s wisdom and goodness. It also helps us focus on God’s character rather than on our immediate needs or desires. Keep in mind that God’s plans are always better than our own.

Being thankful before receiving also helps us to be content in all situations. Giving thanks in advance is not just about feeling grateful; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Marriage that shows faith

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

CHERYL QUIGG

Many people grow up learning about Jesus with their minds. They may know Bible stories, go to church, and speak about faith. Yet knowing facts about Jesus is not the same as trusting Him. Faith is more than information. It is a gift from God leading to salvation. It results in a relationship with the One who gave His life for us.

Every person has done wrong. Whether it is lying, taking something that was not ours, or speaking harmful words, we have all broken God’s standard. Only Jesus lived a perfect life. The Bible teaches that the result of sin is death and separation from God. But God offers a gift that we do not earn. Through Jesus, there is forgiveness and eternal life.

Faith is a Gift, understanding comes from God. IRS Images, 2025.

Faith cannot rest in religion, a church, or a leader. It must be placed in the suffering and resurrection of Jesus. He said He is the only way to the Father. A person must turn from sin and trust the Saviour. Without that, even a faithful marriage on earth does not guarantee life with God in heaven. We are not saved by works.

The way a couple treats each other can show the message of Jesus to others. Marriage should reflect grace, not bitterness. If Christ has forgiven us so much, we should not hold anger against our spouse or others in the church. We are called the bride of Christ, loved and bought by His sacrifice. We are to show that same spirit of forgiveness.

Marriage can also help each partner grow closer to God. A husband should love his wife in a way that helps her walk with Christ, and a wife should support her husband in the same goal. Real spiritual leadership does not belong only to pastors. In the home, both husband and wife can help each other become stronger in faith. Talking about Scripture, praying for each other, and choosing God each day can bring spiritual health into the family.

Faith is not only a Sunday activity. It should fill every day. Work, sports, and hobbies can become more important than spiritual life if families are not careful. Children learn what matters most by watching their parents. If they only see Jesus mentioned once a week, they may think faith has little value. Following Jesus takes effort, but it is always worthwhile.

Bind us together, Lord
Bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken
Bind us together, Lord
Bind us together
Bind us together in Love

Marriage also serves as an example. When others look at a couple, they may see unity or conflict. They may see a love that gives or a love that demands. God’s design is for one man and one woman to share life together and remain faithful. Unity in marriage can help others believe that Jesus is real. Division can push them away.

A strong marriage does not mean life is easy. People do not stay together only when they feel happy. Commitment means staying faithful, just as Jesus never gave up on us. Marriage asks us to grow in holiness, not simply in comfort.

Every person must ask: does my life show the message of Jesus? Does my marriage help my spouse trust God more? Do I follow Jesus only on certain days or in every part of life? Some may be married but have never placed their trust in the Lord. Faith must be real and personal. Only those who belong to Him will share eternity with Him.

A marriage built on God’s purpose can bless many others.

We love, because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Standing Firm in the Freedom of Faith

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

RICHARD CORDER

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul reminds believers that faith in Jesus Christ alone brings true freedom. He warns against returning to the bondage of the law, explaining that anyone who tries to earn salvation through religious rules loses sight of the grace that Christ freely gives. The message of Galatians chapter five is a call to remain steadfast in faith and not to be misled by teachings that add human effort to God’s gift of salvation.

Paul had once established the churches in Galatia and taught them the gospel he received directly from Christ. Over time, however, false teachers known as Judaizers began spreading the idea that faith in Jesus was not enough. They claimed believers must also follow the laws of Moses, including circumcision, dietary restrictions, and Sabbath rules, to be fully accepted by God. Paul writes to correct this misunderstanding. The law, he explains, was never meant to save. It was given to show people their need for a Saviour because no one can keep it perfectly. The law points to Christ, the only one who fulfilled it completely.

Paul reminds the Galatians that salvation is a gift, not a reward for good behaviour. No matter how hard someone tries to follow God’s commands, even one failure shows that human effort cannot make anyone righteous. Christ’s death on the cross paid for humanity’s failure to keep the law. Through repentance and faith in Him, believers are forgiven and set free from sin’s power and the weight of trying to earn God’s approval.

The danger of mixing law with faith is that it shifts trust away from Christ and back to human performance. Paul tells the Galatians that if they rely on circumcision or any other law to be saved, then Christ’s sacrifice means nothing to them. Salvation through works is impossible because anyone who chooses to follow the law must obey all of it perfectly. The moment they fail in one command, they are guilty of breaking it all.

Paul teaches that life in the Spirit is very different from life under the law. The Holy Spirit gives believers freedom and leads them to live in love and obedience, not out of fear or duty, but out of gratitude. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. By contrast, living under strict rules only leads to frustration and disappointment because no one can live up to them.

The apostle urges the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given them. Faith in Him alone is enough for salvation and for growth in holiness. To think of the law as a way to salvation would only lead to spiritual stagnation. Instead, believers should hold fast to what they have learned and live out their faith through love, prayer, worship, and fellowship.

Paul also warns of the danger of falling from grace. When people try to justify themselves through good works, they drift away from the truth that salvation is by grace through faith. Good works are evidence of genuine faith, but they cannot save. Even the best human actions are imperfect before a holy God. The prophet Isaiah said that all human righteousness is like unclean rags before Him. Humanity’s sinful heart, as described in Jeremiah, is deceitful and desperately wicked. For that reason, God sent His Son to do what no person could do. Jesus met the full demands of the law and bear the punishment for sin.

Paul’s deep concern for the Galatians comes from his love for the truth of the gospel. He is grieved that those who once received the message of salvation by faith are now turning to a distorted gospel that has no power to save. He reminds them that in Christ, outward rituals like circumcision have no value. What matters is faith that expresses itself through love.

For believers today, Paul’s message remains vital. Many still believe that good deeds or religious rituals can earn God’s favour. But salvation is not about doing; it is about trusting. The Christian life is not lived by rule-keeping but by walking in the Spirit, who gives strength, wisdom, and peace.

When challenges or confusion arise, Paul’s instruction is clear: stand firm in faith. Do not waver between trusting in Christ and depending on works. James reminds believers to ask God for wisdom and to believe without doubting. A double-minded person, unstable in faith, receives nothing from the Lord. Paul calls believers to be steadfast, grounded in truth, and unshaken by false teaching.

Faith in Christ gives freedom, peace, and hope. Through Him, believers wait eagerly for the full realization of righteousness that has already been given to them by grace. This hope is not built on law but on the finished work of Jesus, who said, “It is finished.”

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8–9