Category: What do you think?

Understanding Unbelief: Its Impact on Faith and Salvation

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

One righteous person can save a city, much like Elisha in Samaria, where the king and people had turned to idols, abandoning God. Because of their sin, God allowed their enemies to oppress them. Yet, Elisha, God’s servant, brought hope, prophesying that food would soon be affordable despite the dire conditions.

The people rejoiced at Elisha’s words, but one official doubted, claiming that even divine intervention wouldn’t make it happen. His disbelief was sinful, especially after witnessing Elisha’s miracles, including Naaman’s healing and the defeat of armies. Despite overwhelming evidence, he mocked the prophet’s promise, leading God to declare that he would see the miracle but not benefit from it.

When the prophecy was fulfilled, the official was trampled in the streets of Samaria, witnessing the miracle but unable to enjoy it. This story illustrates two key points: the man’s sin and its consequences, specifically the sin of unbelief.

Unbelief manifests in various forms, from a false humility that questions God’s forgiveness to doubts about His power. Some deny God outright, while others refuse to acknowledge their doubts as sinful. It’s surprising how many don’t see unbelief as a sin, even though the Bible clearly states it is.

Unbelief is serious because it leads to other sins. The fall began with Eve’s doubt, and since then, it has fueled countless wrongdoings, including the murder of Jesus. Unbelief encourages sin and hardens hearts, preventing people from recognizing their need for salvation.

For believers, unbelief can be even more damaging. It can lead to other sins and a lack of faith, impacting their actions. When faced with trouble, a strong belief in God’s provision leads to righteous actions, while doubt can result in sin.

Unbelief stifles good works and can hinder the effectiveness of prayers and worship. It serves as a barrier between individuals and the Gospel, making it impossible to please God without faith.

In summary, unbelief is not just a lack of faith; it is the root of sin that damages our relationship with God and limits our ability to do good.

‘Almost’ Christian vs. True Christian: Key Differences

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In Acts 26:28, King Agrippa says, “Almost you persuade me to be a Christian.” Many people have come close to becoming Christians but stop short. However, being “almost” Christian isn’t enough in God’s eyes. It’s important to understand what it means to be “almost” Christian and what it means to be a true Christian.

Being “almost” Christian means living with good morals, honesty, and kindness, like non-Christians who follow basic moral rules. You don’t lie, steal, hurt others, or break promises. You might even go to church, pray, and act religiously. But without true faith and love for God and others, you’re still just “almost” Christian.

To be a true Christian, you must love God with all your heart and soul, and love others as yourself. True Christianity also involves faith in Jesus, which changes how you live, fills you with love, and gives you peace and joy. True faith leads you to fully trust in God and live for Him.

In short, being “almost” Christian is not enough. True Christians have love for God and others, and live by faith.

Staying Focused on God’s Plan

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In Acts 15:39-16:10, we read about a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. They couldn’t agree on whether to bring John Mark with them on another missionary journey. This led them to part ways, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas to join him in spreading the gospel.

Though the conflict was emotional, God used it to multiply the impact of their ministry. Despite their disagreement, both teams remained focused on God’s mission.

Even today, believers may face conflicts, but we must stay focused on God’s purposes. Our unity in the gospel helps us overcome differences and continue doing Kingdom work. When we focus on His plan, God can work through even difficult situations for His glory.

Paul and Silas continued their journey, meeting Timothy in Lystra and welcoming him as a new companion. Despite initial plans to travel in a different direction, the Holy Spirit led them to Macedonia through a vision. This shows how important it is to stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading.

We might not always understand God’s plan, but if we remain obedient and focused on His will, we can trust that He will guide us to where we need to be.

How do you stay focused on God’s purposes in your life, even in times of disagreement or uncertainty?

Understanding Salvation by Grace Through Faith

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AMY TURNER

All the blessings we receive from God are purely from His grace and kindness. We don’t deserve any of it and can’t earn His mercy. God created man from dust, gave us life, and continues to provide for us. Everything we have comes from Him, and even the good things we do are by His help. Any righteousness we have is also a gift from God.

How then can a sinful man make up for his sins? Through his own good works? No, because even those works are from God, and many are flawed. Our hearts are sinful, and we can’t do anything to earn forgiveness. Only God can offer salvation.

If God shows us favor and continues to bless us, especially with salvation, it’s purely from His grace. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners, showing God’s love. We are saved by grace through faith. Grace is the source, and faith is the means of salvation.

To avoid missing God’s grace, it’s important to understand:

  • What kind of faith saves us.
  • What salvation through faith means.
  • How to respond to common objections.

The faith that saves us isn’t just believing that God exists (like some non-Christians do) or believing like the devil does, who knows God’s power but remains opposed to Him. The faith that saves is trusting in Jesus—His death and resurrection—and relying on Him completely for salvation. This faith isn’t just intellectual but involves a heart belief that leads to righteousness.

Salvation through faith is not something we wait for in the future but something we experience now. It saves us from sin—both its guilt and its power over us. We are justified (made right with God) by faith, and this faith brings peace with God, freeing us from the fear of punishment. Through faith, we are saved from the power of sin, meaning we no longer live in habitual or deliberate sin. This salvation leads to a new life where we grow in God’s grace.

Some may object, saying that preaching salvation by faith alone encourages laziness and neglect of good works. But true faith always leads to good works and holiness. It doesn’t cancel out the law but fulfills it by leading believers to live righteously, trusting in Christ and doing the good works God prepared for them.

Faith leads to a humble and holy life, not pride. Every believer must be careful to remain humble, knowing that all comes from God.

Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:13: God’s Promise of Strength

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

One of the most commonly quoted passages in Christian circles is 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability” (ESV). This verse is often taken out of context, leading to the popular belief that “God won’t put more on you than you can handle.” While this sounds reassuring, it misses the true message of the passage.

The actual point Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is about facing temptation. In verse 12, he emphasizes that no one is exempt from experiencing temptation. Whether strong or weak in faith, everyone faces trials and struggles that test their ability to remain faithful to God. But here’s the good news—God, in His faithfulness, always provides an escape.

When temptations arise—whether it’s a temptation to disbelieve God, fall into sexual sin, lie, gossip, or any other struggle—God offers a way out. This escape is not based on our strength or willpower. Instead, it’s rooted in God’s promise that He will never leave us without help. Jesus Christ is our ultimate escape. Through Him, we have the strength to overcome the lure of sin.

The popular misinterpretation of this verse shifts the focus onto human ability, implying that we can handle anything thrown at us by sheer strength or resilience. But the real teaching here is the opposite: we’re not supposed to rely on ourselves. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:9, “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” Our ability to endure trials and temptations comes from depending on God, not from trusting in our own capacity.

In moments of weakness or when temptations seem overwhelming, the reminder of 1 Corinthians 10:13 should drive us to seek God’s strength and guidance. God’s faithfulness ensures that there is always a way to avoid falling into sin, and that way is always found in Him.