Category: What do you think?

Restoring God’s Image in Us

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DAVID INGRAM

Sin has marred the image of God in humanity, but Christ came to restore it. Before sin entered the world, the soul ruled over the body. This allowed humans to live in harmony with God. However, when Adam sinned, this order was reversed, and the flesh began to dominate.

The result was chaos. People were no longer guided by their souls’ connection to God but by their bodily desires. This is why, in the Bible, those who do not know Christ are often described as living according to the flesh—they are controlled by the physical and not the spiritual. However, salvation through Christ offers a solution.

When someone is born again, the Holy Spirit takes control and restores the proper order between the soul and the body. This regeneration allows believers to live as they were originally designed to—by the Spirit, not by the flesh. Christ’s work in us brings us back to our intended state, where our soul connects us to God, guiding our actions and desires.

This restoration is crucial. Without it, we remain trapped in a life dominated by the flesh, disconnected from God’s will.

The Danger of Fleshly Desires

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the flesh is dangerous. It leads to spiritual death, even though it may seem appealing or comforting at first. The flesh promises satisfaction but delivers destruction. To live by the flesh is to follow a blind guide that will never lead to heaven.

Christ offers a better way—He has given us His Spirit to guide us to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the believer’s constant companion, pointing them toward truth and life in Christ. This guidance leads not only to heaven but to a life of purpose and peace on earth, free from the bondage of sin.

Many people mistakenly believe that only the worst kinds of sins are evidence of living by the flesh. However, sins like anger, pride, and greed—often overlooked—are just as dangerous. These too reveal a heart that is not fully surrendered to the Spirit. A life led by these desires shows a person who is still controlled by the flesh, no matter how respectable they may appear.

Christians are called to examine their hearts, making sure that they are not deceived by these more subtle sins. We must ensure that we are truly walking by the Spirit, rejecting all forms of fleshly living.

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the Spirit is the core of the Christian life, as those who belong to Christ are no longer under condemnation. When a person is saved, their life transforms—they no longer follow the flesh but are guided by the Holy Spirit. The gospel offers two foundational truths: freedom from condemnation and a life led by the Spirit. These are not merely doctrinal points but are meant to fuel a holy life.

The distinction between living by the flesh and by the Spirit goes back to creation. Initially, the soul was meant to guide the body, but when sin entered, this order was reversed. Humans became driven by their bodily desires—an existence shaped by the flesh rather than the Spirit. Those who are not saved by Christ continue in this state, bound by the desires of the flesh.

But there’s hope. When someone is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, the order is restored. The soul regains its authority over the body, and a person can live according to God’s Spirit. Christ offers this restoration, enabling believers to live a life free from the power of sin. This transformation is central to Christian life and testimony.

Therefore, living by the Spirit is not an optional extra for believers. It’s the sign of their freedom from condemnation and their connection to God’s Spirit. Christians are called to reject the ways of the flesh and embrace this new life that Christ has made possible.

The Urgency of the Gospel: Lessons from the Early Church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Ezekiel 33:4 warns that those who hear the trumpet and ignore it bear responsibility for their fate. This, coupled with the Holy Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 4:31, highlights the urgency of the gospel and the responsibility to respond. The filling of the Spirit, though often accompanied by miraculous signs, was meant to empower believers to spread the gospel, not just perform wonders.

While the early church experienced miraculous gifts, the true focus was on heart transformation. Every believer was called to develop the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness—reflecting Christ’s character in everyday life. This inner transformation was more significant than outward signs like speaking in tongues.

Christianity calls for a deep, personal change. When someone accepts the gospel, they receive the Spirit, leading to a new life marked by love for God and others. The early believers’ love for one another made a powerful impact, as they shared what they had and served the needy, embodying Christ’s love.

As Christianity spread, persecution followed. Yet, despite opposition, the gospel continued to thrive. The faith of the early Christians in the face of suffering was a powerful testimony, proving the strength of their message and the unstoppable nature of God’s kingdom.

Though the church faced periods of decline, the vision of a Christian world remains—a time when justice and peace will prevail. This future hope should inspire believers to reflect on their current lives and strive to live out their faith, bringing the love of Christ to a world in need.

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.