Category: What do you think?

Understanding the Warning About God’s Grace

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JEFF TURNER

In 2 Corinthians 6:1, the Apostle Paul gives a strong warning to the church in Corinth about not receiving God’s grace without purpose. Paul’s message is clear: believers must not treat God’s gift of grace as something worthless or without effect.

This warning can be understood in two important ways. First, Paul may be addressing those in the church who did not truly believe. He encourages the Corinthian Christians to carefully examine themselves to be sure they really have faith. Some people in the church might have heard the gospel but never truly accepted it, so the grace of God had no real impact on their lives.

Second, Paul could also be warning true believers who had accepted God’s grace but were beginning to live by strict rules instead of by faith. He asks if they are now trying to be made perfect by following the law. He reminds them that salvation comes through the Holy Spirit’s work, not by human efforts or legalism. In other words, some believers might reject the freedom found in grace and try to earn God’s approval through their own actions.

Paul’s message shows that grace must be received sincerely, either by truly believing or by continuing to rely on God’s Spirit rather than human effort. Christians should avoid treating grace as meaningless and instead live in the freedom and power it offers.

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

John 6:29

Growing a Heart That Listens to God

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FLOYD ROGERS

Learning to hear God is not something that happens by accident. It takes effort and intention. If we want to listen to Him, we need to treat it as a central part of our relationship with Him. When we read the Bible or pray, we should be asking, “Lord, help me hear Your voice.”

This kind of listening doesn’t come overnight. It requires a heart that is open, and a mind that is willing to be taught. We must ask God to help us become better listeners and keep practising it through prayer and reflection.

For parents, this is one of the most meaningful lessons they can pass on to their children. Teaching them to listen to God means they will not be left without guidance when they grow up and leave home. God will continue to lead them, because they’ve learned how to hear Him.

The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 11:15

Jesus Above All Things

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AMY TURNER

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul explains that Jesus is first in every way. He describes who Jesus is, what he has done, and what he continues to do. Paul ends with the clear truth that Christ stands over everything else in creation.

Because of Paul’s words, I believe it’s not possible to speak too much about Jesus. Any words we use will always fall short of his true worth. No subject is more important than him, and no one deserves more of our time, love, or attention.

Shouldn’t our response to God’s love be to worship him without end?

so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Philippians 2:10

Salvation Is God’s Complete Gift

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JEFF TURNER

Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Some wonder whether the “gift” in this verse refers only to faith, only to grace, or to both. The passage shows that the answer includes all of it. It includes grace, faith, and salvation. All are given by God. None of them come from human effort.

The chapter explains the need for this gift. Before receiving new life, people are spiritually dead because of sin, following the ways of the world and under God’s judgment. This is the natural state of humanity, separated from Him and unable to save itself.

The turning point is found in the words “But God.” Because of His mercy and great love, He gives spiritual life, provides His grace, grants saving faith, and brings complete salvation. All who are saved have received every part of it from Him alone.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Learning to Hear God Speak

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FLOYD ROGERS

God, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, always present, and perfectly loving, has made it clear in His Word that He speaks to people personally. He is the source of every good thing, including the life we have. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly says one simple word: “Listen.” He would not ask us to listen if He had nothing to say.

God still communicates with His people, but hearing Him requires something from us. First, we need a heart that is open to learn. If we think we already know everything, we won’t be ready to hear what He wants to teach us. Second, we must be fully present and pay close attention, not distracted or half-listening.

Developing the ability to hear God clearly starts with being humble and willing to learn, and it continues with staying focused on His voice. Is it an audible voice? An inner voice? Read the scripture and ask God.

A wise person will hear and increase in learning,
And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

Proverbs 1:5