Category: What do you think?

You Will Know Them by Their Fruit

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JEFF TURNER

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “You will know them by their fruit,” from Matthew 7. It’s often used to judge whether someone’s faith is real, with the idea that a true Christian must prove their salvation through visible results. Some go so far as to treat this as a command to doubt every profession of faith until evidence is shown.

But this passage isn’t meant to test believers. In its context, Jesus is warning about false teachers, not questioning the salvation of sincere followers. His focus is on protecting people from spiritual deception, not urging them to challenge each other’s faith.

Jesus is talking about false prophets, that is, those who appear genuine but teach lies. They will show signs of who they really are. Their actions, morals, and even their followers can reveal their true nature. These outward signs are what expose their falsehood.

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?

Matthew 7:15–16

The Certain Return of Christ and the Call to Prepare

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AMY TURNER

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ will one day return to the earth. Revelation 1:7 tells us that he will come with the clouds, and every person will see him — including those responsible for his death. People from every nation will mourn when this happens because it will mark the moment of final judgement.

This event will be public and undeniable. Christ will not return in secret or as a distant idea. His coming will be visible and real, and it will affect every human being. No one will be able to avoid this moment. We’re told in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

Doesn’t knowing this truth call for a serious response from each of us?

because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:31

Belief Requires Understanding for True Salvation

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JEFF TURNER

In Acts 16, when the jailer asked Paul and Silas how he could be saved, their response was direct: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Some interpret this to mean that salvation requires no further explanation or mention of repentance. However, doesn’t this view overlooks the broader context?

I don’t believe this statement given to the jailer not meant to stand alone. It is reasonable to assume that Paul and Silas had already explained who Jesus is, what He had done, and why the man needed saving. Without this knowledge, belief would be empty. Romans 10:14 asks, “How will they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” True faith requires understanding the person and work of Christ, including His death and resurrection.

The command to believe is central, but it is built upon clear teaching. Evangelism is not about offering vague assurances; it is about presenting the full message of Jesus so that belief is rooted in truth.

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3

The Lasting Impact of a Mother’s Faith

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JEFF TURNER

Every mother has the opportunity to leave something valuable behind. It could be kindness, love, or wisdom. But one of the most meaningful gifts she can pass on is the knowledge of God’s Word. In the New Testament, Paul writes to Timothy and honours his mother and grandmother for teaching him the Scriptures from a young age (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Their faithful teaching shaped Timothy’s life and faith.

Mothers today can do the same. Even without taking over their husband’s leadership role, they can influence their children spiritually in powerful ways. Through daily care, comfort, and guidance, a mother has unique access to her children’s hearts. She can use that bond to share the truth about God and salvation.

Paul also spoke of women being “saved through childbearing” (1 Timothy 2:15). This doesn’t mean salvation comes from having children. Instead, it means that women find purpose and honour in raising children who follow God. By investing spiritually in the next generation, mothers help heal the damage caused by sin and contribute to a legacy of faith.

A godly mother shapes not only her children’s lives but also their futures.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Titus 2:3–5

God’s Mercy in Everyday Moments

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AMY TURNER

In Mark 1:30, a quiet yet meaningful event takes place in a family home. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever. Those in the house told Jesus about her condition, and without delay, he went to her, took her hand, and helped her to her feet. The fever left her, and she immediately began to care for those around her.

While this wasn’t a life-threatening illness, doesn’t this show us that God’s grace is present in everyday situations? Most of us have experienced minor illnesses and received kindness from those nearby. Though Peter’s mother-in-law might have recovered in time without intervention, Jesus still chose to heal her.

God’s care is not limited to serious or dramatic problems. His mercy reaches into the ordinary parts of life.

The Lord is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.

Psalm 145:9