Category: What do you think?

Finding Grace: Trusting in Jesus for Salvation

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Trying to earn God’s favor through our own efforts is both foolish and impossible. The law demands perfect obedience—every action, thought, and intention must align with God’s will. None of us can meet this standard. Even one failure means we fall short entirely, and the law condemns us. Relying on our own righteousness is like trying to build on a foundation of sand—it cannot stand.

By nature, we are deeply flawed and sinful. Our hearts are filled with pride and selfishness, and our actions are far from perfect. No amount of effort can erase our sins or make us acceptable before God. Trying to earn salvation through our works only reveals our inability to meet God’s perfect standards.

But God, in His mercy, has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him—not through our own efforts, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for our sins, offering us forgiveness as a gift. Acknowledging our need for Him and trusting in His righteousness is not weakness; it is wisdom. It’s the only way to truly be right with God.

If you feel distant from God, don’t wait to fix yourself. You cannot make yourself good enough—no one can. Instead, come as you are and trust in Jesus. Believe in Him as the one who has already done what you could never do. As Scripture says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Today, accept His gift of grace, and let Him make you whole.

Understanding Righteousness: Law vs. Faith

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Moses described righteousness through the law, saying, “The person who obeys these commands will live by them.” Paul, however, speaks of a righteousness based on faith. This doesn’t require impossible tasks like ascending to heaven or descending to the depths. Instead, it declares, “The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the message of faith we preach.

Paul wasn’t contrasting Moses’ covenant with Christ’s. Even in Deuteronomy, Moses pointed to the covenant of grace—a promise that has existed throughout all time. This covenant opposes the one given to Adam, which demanded perfect obedience. Paul lamented that his fellow Israelites, despite their zeal for God, misunderstood this. They tried to establish righteousness through their own efforts rather than accepting God’s gift of grace through faith in Christ.

The righteousness of the law demanded perfect, uninterrupted obedience—every action, thought, and desire aligned with God’s will. Falling short, even slightly, meant failure. In contrast, the righteousness of faith doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t ask us to earn God’s favor but instead calls us to trust in Jesus, who justifies the ungodly and imputes righteousness through faith. As Scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

This new covenant doesn’t require payment for sins because Christ has already paid the price. It offers forgiveness and salvation freely through faith. Unlike the unattainable demands of the law, this covenant is near and accessible. It invites us to bring our sins to God, who forgives them completely. We are justified not because we are righteous, but because God justifies those who believe in Him. So, believe in Jesus, and you will be saved.

The Gospel: Power and Wisdom for the Believer

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JEFF TURNER

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is far more than words; it is the power of God and the wisdom of God to those who are called and saved (1 Corinthians 1:24). This truth is not just intellectual but deeply experiential. If you have been called by God, you know it in your heart. There are times of doubt when faith may waver, yet the believer ultimately finds assurance in Christ’s grasp, not in their hold on Him.

The Gospel transforms lives with undeniable power. Like a mighty hand, it frees us from the bondage of sin and brings us into the liberty of Christ. It is this power that compels missionaries to leave all they know, ministers to risk their lives for the sick, and ordinary believers to show extraordinary courage and love in the face of trials. The cross of Christ fuels their strength and devotion.

Consider the steadfastness of martyrs who, even in the flames, declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Or the serene faith of a dying believer who whispers hymns of trust in Christ. What sustains them in such moments? It is the Gospel—the power of God unto salvation.

Yet the Gospel is not only powerful but wise. It is a divine plan where justice and mercy meet, revealing mysteries that surpass human understanding. For the believer, it becomes the foundation for all learning and wisdom. When Christ is at the center, everything else finds its rightful place.

Let us examine our hearts: do we belong to those who reject Christ, calling His message foolishness? Or are we among the called, who know and experience the Gospel’s power and wisdom?

The Gospel: Triumph in Calling and Grace

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JEFF TURNER

The Gospel, though often rejected, holds a triumphant power that cannot be stopped. As the Scriptures declare, “Unto us who are called, both Jews and Greeks, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Though many mock and dismiss it, God’s Word never fails. His promise stands firm: “My word shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please” (Isaiah 55:11).

Christ’s sacrifice will never be in vain. If some reject the Gospel, others will embrace it. Heaven will not be lessened by opposition or unbelief. For every soul that resists, there are others who are called and saved. This calling is not by human effort but by the work of God Himself.

The call of God is twofold. There is a general call, like a bell summoning everyone, and a special, personal call, meant only for His children. The general call goes out to all, but the special call is irresistible and effectual. When Jesus calls a person by name, as He did Mary and Zaccheus, the response is immediate and life-changing.

This special call breaks the hardest hearts and draws sinners to Christ. It is the power of God at work, transforming lives in ways no human persuasion could achieve. Have you heard His call? If so, it is His grace working in you, drawing you to salvation, and ensuring that His triumph is complete.

Why Do People Reject the Gospel?

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JEFF TURNER

It’s surprising to think that people reject the Gospel, a message of love and salvation from God. You might assume everyone would eagerly embrace such a gift. Instead, history shows that many scorned it, even opposing Jesus Himself and His followers. From the early days when Christ was crucified to the persecution of His disciples, rejection has been a common response to the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). This verse highlights two groups of people who struggled to accept the Gospel: those tied to religious traditions and those devoted to worldly wisdom.

For some, like the ancient Jews, religious rituals and traditions overshadowed the Gospel’s truth. They found it difficult to believe in a Messiah who challenged their customs and came from humble beginnings. Modern parallels exist, as many people focus on religious rules or church attendance but neglect a true relationship with Christ. Faith becomes about outward appearances, not heart transformation.

Others dismiss the Gospel as foolishness. Like the Greeks of old, who valued philosophy and human reasoning, many today see faith as irrational. They accept every belief as valid or reject all spirituality outright, finding no place for the Bible’s message of grace and salvation.

This rejection of the Gospel reveals the unchanged nature of the human heart. Whether through pride in religion or reliance on intellect, people continue to resist God’s offer of grace. The challenge is clear: to set aside our own understanding and humbly accept Christ as Savior. Only then can we find true peace and hope for eternity.

Will you accept the message of the cross, or let it be a stumbling block to your soul?