The Power of Humble Faith in the Gospel

JEFF TURNER

Christ calls His army, not with mighty warriors, but with humble fishermen—ordinary people who confound the wisdom of the world. These men, with the power of God, would challenge the philosophies of their time and plant the Gospel in the hearts of nations. Though the message of Christ crucified might seem foolish to some, it stands as a beacon of truth, exalted above all else (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

This Gospel has been carried on by successors of the apostles, not through bloodlines but through God’s call to preach. Preaching Christ and Him crucified means proclaiming clear biblical truths, such as justification by faith, the sovereignty of God, and His unchanging love. It is not about human philosophy or vague teachings but about the power and wisdom of God revealed through Christ.

The Gospel divides people into those who reject it and those transformed by its truth. To the called, it is the power of salvation and the wisdom of God, triumphing over all opposition.

The Folly of Worldly Wisdom

JEFF TURNER

What does God think of human wisdom? The Bible shows us that He has exposed its limitations and folly. Humanity, boasting in its intellect, claimed it could find and understand God completely. God allowed this wisdom to operate freely, giving it the vast universe to study and thousands of years to discover Him. Yet, despite having the stars, earth, and life as evidence of His power and nature, worldly wisdom failed.

The ancient world, instead of finding God, fell into deep moral decay. People worshipped idols—blocks of wood and stone—while engaging in vile practices. Instead of honoring the Creator, they exalted vices and called them religion. Human reasoning, when left to itself, revealed its depravity, proving its inability to discover God or true worship.

God, in His wisdom, chose a different path to reveal Himself—not through human intellect, but through the “foolishness” of preaching. As Scripture declares, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). True understanding comes not from prideful reasoning but from humble, child-like faith in Him.

True Freedom Comes Through Christ

JEFF TURNER

Religion often promises to make people better. It claims to help them overcome bad habits and sinful desires. However, these efforts fail to free us from guilt and condemnation. Many believe that by following rules, practicing rituals, or striving to obey perfectly, they can earn God’s favor. This is the essence of human religion: a cycle of trying harder to fix ourselves.

The problem lies in the human heart. Every person has a God-given conscience that reminds us of our guilt before Him. Deep down, we know He exists, and we feel accountable to Him. Yet, instead of turning to Him, the natural response is to attempt self-improvement, hoping to make ourselves acceptable. But this leads to slavery to sin, guilt, and an endless cycle of failure.

Scripture tells us the truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Only Jesus can set us free from sin’s power and the weight of condemnation. Religion is man’s effort. But salvation comes as a gift through faith.

Have you experienced this life-transforming freedom? Come to Jesus in simple faith, and He will lift the burden of guilt and give you peace with God.

Staying Connected to Christ

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

The Church, made up of believers, is the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head. Our spiritual life and growth come from Him alone. Throughout your journey as a Christian, you may encounter people or movements promising unique ways to deepen your faith—through extreme practices, unusual rituals, or dramatic experiences. They might claim that without these, your faith is lacking.

However, these distractions often lead away from what truly matters: a steady, faithful walk with Christ. The Christian life is not about chasing trends but about consistent connection to Jesus. This means meeting Him daily in His Word, confessing sin, seeking His grace, and regularly gathering with fellow believers. It involves prayer, service, and staying rooted in Him.

Ephesians 4:15-16 reminds us that “we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” As we remain connected to Him, Jesus will strengthen and sustain us, shaping our faith over a lifetime.

Who Rules Over Hell?

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

When believers discuss hell, some mistakenly think of Satan as its ruler. However, Scripture paints a very different picture. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus says, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Here, Jesus does not name who’s in charge, but the context makes it clear: this is not Satan. It is God.

God, not Satan, is the sovereign ruler. Satan is not its king; he is its prisoner. Revelation 20:10 confirms that Satan, along with the beast and the false prophet, will be cast into the lake of fire. This lake of fire, prepared for Satan and his fallen angels, was created by God.

Jesus’ warning to fear God is serious. While people can harm our bodies, only God has the power to determine the eternal fate of our souls. He will judge all, including Satan, demons, and sinners who reject Christ.

The message is clear: fear God, the righteous Judge. Physical harm is temporary, but the eternal destiny of your soul is what matters most. Through Jesus, God offers salvation, but rejecting Him leads to judgment in hell.