Category: What do you think?

Outward Religion vs. True Spirituality

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DAVID INGRAM

One of the greatest dangers for Christians is confusing outward religion with true spirituality. Many believe that as long as they avoid major sins and engage in religious activities, they are walking by the Spirit. However, being spiritual is not just about avoiding obvious wrongs or doing good deeds in public.

True spirituality involves living by the Spirit, not just following religious routines. The flesh can still dominate a life that looks religious on the outside. If a person’s heart is filled with pride, greed, or anger, they are still living according to the flesh, regardless of how good they may appear to others.

Walking by the Spirit requires more than outward actions—it demands a heart that is devoted to God. This means daily communion with Him, not just in formal prayers or church services, but in every part of life. It is about letting the Spirit shape every thought, every word, and every action.

Christians must continually ask themselves: Are my religious actions truly spiritual, or are they just outward forms with no heart behind them?

Restoring God’s Image in Us

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DAVID INGRAM

Sin has marred the image of God in humanity, but Christ came to restore it. Before sin entered the world, the soul ruled over the body. This allowed humans to live in harmony with God. However, when Adam sinned, this order was reversed, and the flesh began to dominate.

The result was chaos. People were no longer guided by their souls’ connection to God but by their bodily desires. This is why, in the Bible, those who do not know Christ are often described as living according to the flesh—they are controlled by the physical and not the spiritual. However, salvation through Christ offers a solution.

When someone is born again, the Holy Spirit takes control and restores the proper order between the soul and the body. This regeneration allows believers to live as they were originally designed to—by the Spirit, not by the flesh. Christ’s work in us brings us back to our intended state, where our soul connects us to God, guiding our actions and desires.

This restoration is crucial. Without it, we remain trapped in a life dominated by the flesh, disconnected from God’s will.

The Danger of Fleshly Desires

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the flesh is dangerous. It leads to spiritual death, even though it may seem appealing or comforting at first. The flesh promises satisfaction but delivers destruction. To live by the flesh is to follow a blind guide that will never lead to heaven.

Christ offers a better way—He has given us His Spirit to guide us to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the believer’s constant companion, pointing them toward truth and life in Christ. This guidance leads not only to heaven but to a life of purpose and peace on earth, free from the bondage of sin.

Many people mistakenly believe that only the worst kinds of sins are evidence of living by the flesh. However, sins like anger, pride, and greed—often overlooked—are just as dangerous. These too reveal a heart that is not fully surrendered to the Spirit. A life led by these desires shows a person who is still controlled by the flesh, no matter how respectable they may appear.

Christians are called to examine their hearts, making sure that they are not deceived by these more subtle sins. We must ensure that we are truly walking by the Spirit, rejecting all forms of fleshly living.

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the Spirit is the core of the Christian life, as those who belong to Christ are no longer under condemnation. When a person is saved, their life transforms—they no longer follow the flesh but are guided by the Holy Spirit. The gospel offers two foundational truths: freedom from condemnation and a life led by the Spirit. These are not merely doctrinal points but are meant to fuel a holy life.

The distinction between living by the flesh and by the Spirit goes back to creation. Initially, the soul was meant to guide the body, but when sin entered, this order was reversed. Humans became driven by their bodily desires—an existence shaped by the flesh rather than the Spirit. Those who are not saved by Christ continue in this state, bound by the desires of the flesh.

But there’s hope. When someone is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, the order is restored. The soul regains its authority over the body, and a person can live according to God’s Spirit. Christ offers this restoration, enabling believers to live a life free from the power of sin. This transformation is central to Christian life and testimony.

Therefore, living by the Spirit is not an optional extra for believers. It’s the sign of their freedom from condemnation and their connection to God’s Spirit. Christians are called to reject the ways of the flesh and embrace this new life that Christ has made possible.

The Urgency of the Gospel: Lessons from the Early Church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Ezekiel 33:4 warns that those who hear the trumpet and ignore it bear responsibility for their fate. This, coupled with the Holy Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 4:31, highlights the urgency of the gospel and the responsibility to respond. The filling of the Spirit, though often accompanied by miraculous signs, was meant to empower believers to spread the gospel, not just perform wonders.

While the early church experienced miraculous gifts, the true focus was on heart transformation. Every believer was called to develop the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness—reflecting Christ’s character in everyday life. This inner transformation was more significant than outward signs like speaking in tongues.

Christianity calls for a deep, personal change. When someone accepts the gospel, they receive the Spirit, leading to a new life marked by love for God and others. The early believers’ love for one another made a powerful impact, as they shared what they had and served the needy, embodying Christ’s love.

As Christianity spread, persecution followed. Yet, despite opposition, the gospel continued to thrive. The faith of the early Christians in the face of suffering was a powerful testimony, proving the strength of their message and the unstoppable nature of God’s kingdom.

Though the church faced periods of decline, the vision of a Christian world remains—a time when justice and peace will prevail. This future hope should inspire believers to reflect on their current lives and strive to live out their faith, bringing the love of Christ to a world in need.