Category: What do you think?

The Fear of Denial and Faith in Jesus

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

In John 18:17, a servant girl asks Peter if he is one of Jesus’ followers. Out of fear, Peter denies it. This moment marks the beginning of Peter’s three denials. It shows us how even the most confident can fall when pressure mounts. While Peter’s courage fails, Jesus stands firm. Faced with false accusations and looming death, Jesus never wavers in declaring who he is.

This contrast between Peter and Jesus demonstrates how easy it is to lose courage when we forget the truth about Christ. Fear, insecurity, and the desire to avoid discomfort can cause anyone to hide their faith. Yet, Jesus calls his followers to remain faithful, no matter the cost.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16

Redemption, Justification, and Sanctification

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

The Bible teaches that God takes powerful action in the lives of people through three important works. First, redemption is when God pays the price to rescue us from the damage and punishment of sin, and He did this through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is something only God can do.

Next is justification. In this, God — the righteous judge — announces that a person is no longer guilty of sin. He declares them innocent, worthy, and even calls them His own child. Again, this is entirely the work of God, not something people can earn for themselves.

Then comes sanctification. This is the ongoing process where God sets a person apart, marking them as His own. Over time, He shapes them to become more like Jesus. It’s a lifelong journey guided by God’s hand.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

James 1:17

Transforming Lives: The Impact of Faith in Christ

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

The apostle Paul spoke of a powerful change that happened in his life when he met Jesus Christ. He explained it by saying that he had been “crucified with Christ.” I understand this to mean that when Christ entered his heart, Paul left behind his old way of living. His past life was gone, and he began a new journey.

In the book of Romans, Paul wrote that just as Christ was buried and rose again, he too rose to live a new life. Though his physical body stayed the same, everything inside him was made new — a new spirit, a new purpose, and a new relationship with God.

What truly changed was that Christ now lived within him. When a person allows Christ to work within them, it transforms every part of life. It affects how we think, how we feel, and how we understand right and wrong. Even our sense of God’s presence grows stronger. This inward change can even touch our physical well-being, showing how deeply connected we are in body, mind, and spirit.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Finding Hope in Darkness: Trusting God’s Timing

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

There are moments when darkness feels overwhelming, and hope seems distant. Psalm 130:6 offers a picture of waiting in those difficult times: “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” In ancient cities, guards stood on the walls through the night, keeping watch for any danger. Their eyes stayed alert, not just for threats, but for the first signs of dawn. Morning meant safety, as the light chased away the fears of night.

In the same way, people of faith wait for God’s presence to bring peace and clarity in troubled seasons. The struggles of this world, along with the confusion within our own hearts, can feel like a long, dark night. But God’s word shines as a guiding light, offering truth and comfort when nothing else does. Just as the watchmen trusted that the sun would rise, believers are reminded to trust that God’s light will break through, no matter how long the night feels.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Finding God’s Voice in Daily Restlessness

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

Many people spend too much time worrying about what others think. We chase after approval, opinions, and praise, and in doing so, we often miss the quiet voice of God. One of the simplest ways God reaches out to us is by stirring a sense of restlessness in our hearts.

This feeling can appear in the middle of daily routines — at work, at home, or even in church. It’s a sense of unease you can’t explain. You might not understand where it’s coming from or why it’s there. But when this unsettled feeling arrives, it’s wise to pause and turn to God in prayer.

Instead of ignoring it or brushing it aside, take a quiet moment to ask, “Lord, are you trying to speak to me? Is there something you want me to notice or change?” Often, this restlessness is God’s gentle way of guiding us toward something important we’ve overlooked.

Stop striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth

Psalm 46:10