Category: What do you think?

Standing Firm Through Life’s Challenges as a Christian

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

Some people believe that becoming a Christian will make life easier, but Scripture shows that is not always the case. There will be times when challenges and hardship arise, even for those who follow Christ. These difficulties are not meaningless; they are part of God’s plan to shape believers to be more like Jesus.

Christians may face mistreatment or opposition, but these struggles are part of the spiritual battle that comes with faith. Rather than expecting an easy path, believers are called to stay strong, stand firm, and endure when trials come.

Followers of Christ can face life’s challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that victory is certain because of their identity in Him.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;

Romans 8:29

The One Who Did Not See Decay

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

In the book of Acts, Peter explained an important truth on the day of Pentecost. He quoted from Psalm 16, which says that God would not leave His holy one in the grave or let His body decay. Peter made clear that this passage was not speaking about King David. David died, was buried, and his body remained in the tomb.

Peter said it pointed instead to Jesus. Unlike all others, Jesus did not stay in the grave. His body did not waste away. He rose from the dead. Because of this, He has been lifted up and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

I believe there is one way to respond to this. We must turn from our sins, put our trust in Jesus, and be baptized in His name. No one else is worthy of this honour. Only He has conquered death.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 6:5

Abraham the Father of All Who Believe

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

The Bible says Abraham is the father of the Jewish people because the nation of Israel came from his descendants. However, Romans 4 explains that Abraham is also the father of all who have faith, no matter their nationality. This is not about family bloodlines but about a spiritual connection.

In Genesis 15, Abraham believed what God promised, and God counted that faith as righteousness. This shows that salvation comes through trusting God, not by works or heritage. The righteousness Abraham received was not earned; it was given to him by God. This is called imputed righteousness. God credits His righteousness to those who believe.

Abraham was once a sinner who worshipped idols, yet he trusted in God’s promise instead of his own strength. In the same way, all who put their faith in God receive righteousness and become part of Abraham’s spiritual family.

Therefore, recognize that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.

Galatians 3:7

Understanding the Battle Within

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

Every person faces an internal struggle that the Bible refers to as “the flesh.” This is not about the physical body but about the sinful nature we were all born with. It’s our sin-natural pull away from God. When someone chooses to follow Jesus Christ and receives Him as Saviour, the Holy Spirit begins to change their desires and thoughts, turning them toward God.

However, this transformation does not remove the old nature entirely. The ability to act in the ways we once did remains, and at any time we can be tempted to go back to old patterns of behaviour. This ongoing conflict requires constant attention and dependence on God.

The battle is real, but through God’s strength, it can be faced with courage and faith.

For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.

Galatians 5:17

God’s Promise of a New Covenant

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

The prophet Jeremiah spoke of a time when God would make a new covenant with His people, Israel and Judah. This was not a rejection of the covenant given at Mount Sinai but a continuation that would grow deeper. A good picture of this is when a husband and wife renew their vows. They are not saying the first vows were wrong. Instead, they are confirming them with more maturity and understanding, adding greater depth to what was first promised.

In the same way, God’s new covenant does not cancel His earlier one. Rather, it builds on it and opens a fuller way of life through Jesus. What began at Sinai is carried forward in Him, showing God’s steady plan and His faithfulness. God does not go back and forth or change direction. His promises grow stronger over time.

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17