Category: What do you think?

The Struggle Against Sin in Christian Life

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A true follower of Christ detests sin. It disrupts worship, damages relationships, and obstructs the path to holiness. Sin is the greatest enemy of a believer. Although Jesus has removed both the power and the penalty of sin through His sacrifice on the cross, its presence remains a daily struggle. The Bible tells us in Romans 8 that those who live according to their sinful nature will face death, but those who, through the Holy Spirit, reject sinful actions will experience life.

This process, known as putting to death the deeds of the body, requires a daily commitment. A Christian must intentionally seek holiness, pursue righteousness, and resist the devil. This means actively looking for the way out of temptation whenever it arises, as Scripture promises there is always an escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though believers are covered by Christ’s righteousness, they still live in a fallen world. The full redemption of the body has not yet taken place. Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7, explaining that while his spirit delights in God’s law, another force within him still desires sin. This inner battle leads him to cry out, “O wretched man that I am!”

Victory over sin is only possible through the Holy Spirit, the guidance of God’s Word, and a heart motivated by love for the Lord. The key is what fills the mind. As David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Immersing oneself in Scripture strengthens the believer’s resolve, allowing them to honour God and reject sin daily.

The Challenge of Controlling Our Speech

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Many people underestimate how powerful their words can be. The biblical writer James understood this deeply, pointing out in his letter that humans struggle to control their speech (James 3:8). This observation remains relevant today, as we witness how careless words continue to create rifts between friends, families, and communities.

The impact of harmful speech spreads rapidly through communities, much like a wildfire through dry brush. Harsh words, gossip, and lies can poison relationships and create wounds that take years to heal. However, this doesn’t mean we should give up trying to speak carefully.

The key to speaking wisely lies not in focusing on the words themselves, but in examining what drives them. Our speech patterns mirror our inner thoughts and feelings. Pure hearts produce uplifting conversation, while troubled hearts generate destructive communication.

By concentrating on developing positive internal qualities, we naturally improve how we communicate with others. The solution isn’t about forcing ourselves to speak differently, but about transforming our hearts, which then influences our words.

Finding Freedom from Shame through Faith

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Shame can be emotionally and spiritually crippling, distorting one’s self-perception and beliefs about God, potentially leading to self-condemnation and a sense of permanent probation. Acknowledging the presence of sin is essential in addressing shame.

Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should look inward, recognize the need for mercy and grace, and drop the metaphorical stones.

1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

The message of release from condemnation offers hope and transformation through faith in Jesus. It does not excuse sin but calls for repentance and a changed life empowered by the Spirit of God.

A Song Only the Redeemed Can Sing

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Heaven will be filled with music unlike anything we have ever heard. Revelation 14:3 tells us that the 144,000 will sing a new song before God’s throne, a song that no one else can learn. This special hymn will belong only to those who have been saved, a melody shaped by their redemption.

This song will not be a repeat of earthly hymns but something completely new, a testimony of salvation. Its words will declare the victory of the redeemed, telling the story of how God rescued them. Voices will rise in perfect harmony, filling eternity with endless praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This song will be so beautiful that even the angels will long to join in, but only those who have experienced salvation will be able to sing it. It will be a song of triumph, echoing beyond time itself. What a joy it will be to lift our voices in worship, celebrating forever the love and mercy of God!

As Psalm 96:1 reminds us, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” In heaven, that new song will never end.

The Serious Responsibility of Responding to the Gospel

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

When reading the Gospels, have you ever imagined witnessing Jesus’ miracles in person? While this might seem incredible, it’s essential to consider the gravity of such an experience. According to Jesus, seeing His works and responding wrongly brought severe consequences. In John 15:24, Jesus said, “If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have both seen and hated both Me and My Father.” This statement reveals a profound truth about accountability.

Those who saw Jesus’ miracles and still rejected Him bore a heavier burden of sin—not because they were free of sin beforehand, but because they chose to reject the clear evidence of His divine mission. Jesus was not saying they were sinless by nature; Scripture makes it clear that all humanity is inherently sinful. Instead, He referred to the specific sin of rejecting Him, which carries the most severe consequences.

The book of Hebrews warns about the punishment for those who hear the Gospel, understand its message, and reject it. It says the person who tramples on the blood of Christ faces a greater judgment (Hebrews 10:29). In this light, rejecting the Gospel after fully understanding it is far more dangerous than never hearing it at all. While all who reject God will face eternal separation from Him, the punishment is greater for those who knowingly turned away after being exposed to the truth.

This is a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with hearing and understanding the Gospel. Doesn’t the mean believers should have an urgency to respond to Christ with faith and obedience?