Category: What do you think?

The Transformative Power of Christ’s Resurrection

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JEFF TURNER

In the quiet of dawn, hope emerged from a sealed tomb, transforming despair into joy. Mary Magdalene approached, burdened by grief, expecting to find the lifeless body of Jesus. Instead, she encountered an empty tomb, the ultimate symbol of victory over death. The resurrection of Jesus stands as the climax of the Gospel narrative, encapsulating the essence of Christian hope.

The story unfolds with a profound truth: Jesus was not merely resuscitated; He was resurrected, marking the first true resurrection in history. Previous instances of revival, such as those involving Lazarus or the widow’s son, were temporary restorations to life. In contrast, Jesus emerged from the grave with a transformed body, embodying immortality and offering a promise of eternal life to all who believe.

The narrative of Christ’s sacrifice was not one of vengeance but of divine love. Instead of sending legions to punish His enemies for their role in His crucifixion, God chose to resurrect His Son for them. This act demonstrated that control belonged to God, not to humanity.

The empty cross and tomb serve as God’s receipts for the greatest gift: the assurance that sin has been conquered and that believers have a secure future. In times of struggle or despair, this message resonates deeply—your worst day is never your last day. The resurrection assures us that no diagnosis or circumstance can define our ultimate destiny.

As we reflect on these truths, we see that God’s plan was foretold through numerous prophecies. Even those who opposed Jesus remembered His words about rising on the third day. They attempted to secure His tomb with guards and seals, yet no earthly barrier could contain Him.

On that fateful morning, as Mary approached the tomb with spices in hand, she was met with an angelic proclamation: “He is not here; He has risen!” The stone had been rolled away not just as a physical act but as a divine declaration that death had been defeated.

In this narrative lies an invitation: come and see the power of resurrection. It is an invitation extended to all who seek hope amidst despair. The resurrection is not merely an event in history; it is a living promise that transforms lives today.

Is Fasting Mandatory for Believers?

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JEFF TURNER

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 about fasting have sparked debate among Christians. While He said “When you fast” rather than “If you fast,” this doesn’t necessarily mean fasting is mandatory for believers. Historically, Judaism only required one fast, with all others being voluntary. The New Testament maintains this perspective, presenting fasting as a choice for believers rather than a command.

Fasting is closely linked with prayer, particularly intense, passionate prayer. When believers are deeply concerned about a spiritual issue, fasting often naturally accompanies their fervent petitions to God. The lack of fasting among many Christians today may reflect a lack of engagement with significant spiritual struggles.

Scripture supports this view of fasting as a voluntary spiritual practice. In Matthew 9:15, Jesus says, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Ultimately, fasting remains a personal choice for believers, one that often arises from a deep spiritual need or desire to focus intently on prayer. Its absence in our lives may prompt us to examine our level of spiritual engagement and the intensity of our prayer lives.

Igniting Your Spiritual Fire: The Role of the Holy Spirit

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JEFF TURNER

Today’s distractions make it easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our spiritual lives. Yet, as we reflect on the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

This fire of the Holy Spirit is not just a distant concept, but a living reality that should burn within the hearts of believers. Just as we find comfort in the warmth of a fireplace on a cold night, God desires His people to be spiritual fireplaces, radiating His divine presence and power.

A church that’s truly on fire for God is far from a drowsy, lethargic organization. Instead, it’s full of life with the Spirit’s energy. This fire consumes what’s unnecessary in our lives, purifies us, prepares us for service, cheers us in times of despair, softens hearts, unites believers, and empowers us for God’s work.

When a church is ablaze with God’s fire, it naturally turns to fasting and prayer. These spiritual disciplines become not just occasional practices, but essential parts of seeking God wholeheartedly. The Bible promises rewards for those who fast in secret, and history is filled with examples of great spiritual breakthroughs that came through prayer and fasting.

A church on fire also finds itself uncomfortable with worldly pursuits. The love for God burns so brightly that it naturally diminishes the attraction of worldly things. As 1 John 2:15 warns us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Perhaps one of the most visible signs of a church on fire is its deep care for souls. Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, a Spirit-filled church is moved with compassion for the lost. This compassion isn’t passive; it spurs believers to action, leading them to share the gospel wherever they go.

Being a church on fire means allowing the Holy Spirit to work freely among us, transforming us from the inside out, and using us as instruments of God’s love and power in the world. It’s a challenging call, but one that promises an adventure of faith like no other.

The Essence of Praise in Church: Insights from Psalm 100

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In the landscape of Christianity, the number of truly great churches appears to be dwindling. These churches are not defined by their financial resources, grand buildings, or large congregations, but rather by their commitment to serving the Lord and bringing Him glory. Psalm 100 offers a compelling framework for what it means to be a great church, highlighting the essential role of praise in the life of a vibrant community of believers.

The psalmist calls us to worship with unrestrained joy, urging us to make a “joyful noise” that includes singing, shouting, preaching, and praying. This exuberant worship flows from glad hearts that are fully engaged in expressing their love and adoration for our Creator. As verse 2 states, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” This invitation is not just for individuals but for the entire congregation to unite in joyful praise.

Our motivation for praise is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself. He is Elohim, the strong one; Jehovah, the self-existent one; and Adonai, our Master. As our Creator and Shepherd, He cares for us with unwavering love and attention. His goodness, mercy, and truth form the foundation of our worship, inspiring gratitude that naturally overflows into praise.

While we are encouraged to praise God everywhere and at all times, the church serves as a unique space for communal worship. The psalmist invites us to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”

This collective expression of adoration brings together believers from diverse backgrounds and generations. As we reflect on our individual expressions of worship, it is important to recognize that our emotional responses may differ. Some may express their praise through tears, while others may do so with smiles or laughter, and still others may shout for joy. Regardless of how we choose to express it, our praise should be a sincere outpouring of reverence for the One who is truly worthy of all honour and glory. In this way, we can all contribute to a vibrant culture of worship within our churches and communities across Canada.

Are You a Genuine Follower of Christ? Examining Your Faith

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER STAFF

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus delivers a sobering truth: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” This verse serves as a warning against superficial faith and challenges us to examine the authenticity of our relationship with Christ. In today’s world, many people treat faith like a consumer product—if they don’t like one version, they simply shop around for another. This mindset has led to a proliferation of “generic” Christianity, where people seek convenience and comfort over true obedience to God’s Word. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we genuine followers of Christ, or have we settled for a watered-down version of faith?

Many individuals approach Christianity as though it were a buffet, choosing what suits their preferences while discarding the rest. If someone doesn’t like the teachings or practices of one denomination, they can find another that aligns with their lifestyle. For example, some churches may tolerate behaviors like drinking or gambling that others condemn. Similarly, when it comes to Scripture, many turn away from the King James Bible or other translations rooted in historical accuracy and opt for modern versions that feel easier to digest. While diversity in worship styles and translations isn’t inherently wrong, when these choices are driven by personal comfort rather than a desire for truth, they reveal a deeper problem: a lack of commitment to God’s authority.

This consumer-driven faith mirrors the way people view generic products in stores. Generic medicines often come with disclaimers stating they are not made by the original manufacturer. In the same way, generic Christianity lacks the qualities of true discipleship as taught by Jesus. Genuine Christianity is defined by love, humility, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will. Yet many settle for an imitation—a faith that looks good on the surface but lacks substance. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:22-23 that many will claim to have served Him but will be rejected because their hearts were never truly aligned with Him. These sobering words remind us that outward actions are meaningless without inner transformation.

Some people mistakenly believe they can earn their way into heaven through good deeds or financial contributions. Acts 8:18-22 recounts how Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, only to be rebuked by Peter for his misguided thinking. Similarly, today’s “generic Christians” may rely on church membership or acts of charity as their ticket to salvation. However, God desires more than empty gestures—He seeks hearts fully surrendered to Him. True giving flows from gratitude for God’s grace, not an attempt to earn His favor. Genuine faith is marked by humility and a deep understanding of our dependence on Christ.

To avoid becoming a generic Christian, we must examine our lives honestly. Are we motivated by God’s work in us, or are we simply going through the motions? Psalm 119:165 reminds us that those who love God’s law will not be easily offended—a sign of spiritual maturity and peace. Genuine Christianity requires faithfulness, commitment, sacrifice, and moral purity—qualities that reflect Christ Himself. Heaven will not be a mixture of genuine and generic believers; only those redeemed by Christ’s blood will enter.

Now is the time to get real for Jesus—to reject imitation faith and pursue an authentic relationship with Him that transforms every aspect of our lives.