Category: What do you think?

The Power of God’s Voice

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

In the Old Testament, the phrase “Thus saith the Lord” appears 222 times, especially in the writings of the prophets. These words carried God’s message to His people, often calling them back from straying into harmful ways. The prophets delivered God’s correction, urging His people to return to the path of life and avoid the dangers of the wrong road.

Isn’t it true that we all lose our way at times? Each of us needs guidance and correction. Scripture shines a light on the wrong choices we make and redirects us to the right path. It helps protect us as we walk forward, ensuring we stay on solid ground.

God’s voice should never be ignored or taken lightly. It is a voice full of grace, working to repair what is broken and restore what has been lost. As Proverbs 3:12 reminds us, “For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, Just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.” His words guide us not out of anger, but out of deep love and a desire to see us thrive.

Let us listen to His voice, embracing its call to life and renewal.

Facing Anxiety in Evangelism with Confidence

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The thought of evangelism often stirs mixed emotions—excitement, nervousness, and even fear. This is not surprising, as the New Testament recognizes these reactions and addresses them directly. The Apostle Paul boldly declared in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” While most Christians would agree they are not ashamed of the gospel, many still admit feeling anxious about sharing it. But is there a distinction between anxiety and shame, and what did Paul mean by his statement?

Anxiety and shame are indeed different. Anxiety often arises when we approach someone with the gospel because of the nature of the message. It involves telling people hard truths: that humanity is sinful and deserving of eternal punishment. This can feel daunting because it’s not the easiest conversation to begin. However, acknowledging the problem of sin is essential since the question of salvation hinges on being saved from something—and that something is eternal separation from God.

Paul’s encouragement not to be ashamed reminds believers to move beyond their fears. Sharing the gospel requires confronting these feelings and focusing on the incredible hope offered through salvation. The good news of Jesus Christ is the most transformative message anyone can hear. A practical way to start is by framing it positively: “I have the best news you’ll ever hear.” This approach can help ease anxiety and create an opening for deeper conversation.

Evangelism calls for courage, but it also reminds us of our mission to share God’s love and redemption. As Paul demonstrated, confidence in the gospel’s power can overcome any hesitation.

The Spiritual Decline of Society: A Biblical Perspective

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

In recent years, society has experienced a significant spiritual shift. This change mirrors the pattern described in the Bible, particularly in the book of Romans. As evolution becomes the prevailing worldview and people live as if God doesn’t exist, society has embraced behaviours that the Bible considers sinful.

The apostle Paul’s words in Romans 1 seem eerily relevant to our current situation. He describes a society where God “gave them over” to their sinful desires. This phrase, originally a legal term, signifies divine judgment on nations that reject God’s truth.

The progression of this judgment follows a clear pattern:

  • Sexual immorality becomes widespread
  • Immorality is embraced and celebrated
  • A “reprobate mind” takes hold, where people can no longer discern right from wrong

Sadly, these stages are evident in society today. From the normalization of sexual promiscuity to the widespread acceptance of immorality, and the celebration of increasingly depraved behaviours, the parallels are striking.

Romans 1:28 states, “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” This verse encapsulates the current state of affairs, where moral relativism reigns and biblical values are scorned.

In light of this sobering reality, Christians are called to pray fervently for a spiritual revival. Only through a return to the gospel can the nation hope to reverse this downward spiral and experience God’s grace once more.

The Active Influence of the Bible on Our Lives

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

The Bible’s description of God’s Word as a living, active force surpasses any earthly tool in its power and precision. In Hebrews 4:12, we find a striking comparison between divine utterances and the sharpest of blades. This passage invites us to reconsider our relationship with Scripture.

Consider the various knives in your kitchen, each designed for a specific task. You wouldn’t use a small paring knife to carve a roast, just as you wouldn’t employ a bread knife to peel an apple. We learn to use these tools effectively, mastering the techniques required for each.

However, imagine if these utensils were alive, possessing their own will and purpose. The largest, keenest blade in your home would no longer be a mere instrument under your control. Similarly, God’s Word is not a passive tool we manipulate, but an active force that shapes us.

The Bible’s power lies in its ability to penetrate our innermost being, discerning our thoughts and intentions. Unlike our kitchen knives, which we wield at our discretion, Scripture wields its influence over us. It’s not something we master, but rather something to which we submit.

In essence, our approach to God’s Word should be one of surrender, not control. We don’t bend Scripture to our will; instead, we allow it to transform us. This living Word has the power to cut through our defences and reveal our true selves, guiding us towards spiritual growth and maturity.

A New Creation Through Christ

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come.” What does this tell us about the transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus?

Some may mistakenly believe that God’s aim is to make us better versions of ourselves—better partners, employees, or neighbours. However, the purpose of the Gospel is far greater than self-improvement. Jesus did not sacrifice His life merely to fix what was broken. Instead, He died to give us an entirely new life.

The promise of redemption isn’t about becoming slightly better than before. It’s about becoming something completely new—something we could never achieve on our own. Though we may appear unchanged outwardly, the grace of Christ works deeply within, bringing a radical transformation.

As this new life grows, others should not merely see a better version of us; they should see Christ Himself reflected in how we live. This is the true power of the Gospel—a total renewal of our being through Him.

Read the context:

The Temporal and Eternal – 2 Corinthians 5 NASB:

For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed, in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked. 4 For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge.

6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 but we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are well known to God; and I hope that we are also well known in your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we have lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.

16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NASB)