Category: What do you think?

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

Jesus Is the Way the Truth and the Life

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AMY TURNER

Jesus is described in many ways throughout the Bible. He is known as Christ, Lord, Saviour, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. He is also called the Alpha and Omega, meaning the beginning and the end. Other names include the son of David, the great king, the lamb of God, and the lion from the tribe of Judah. These titles reflect different parts of who he is and what he came to do.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements that begin with “I am,” where he reveals more about himself. One important statement is found in John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus does not just show the way to God. He is the way.

Through Jesus, people can know the truth and receive life that never ends.

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12

God’s Perfect Wisdom in Every Circumstance

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FLOYD ROGERS

God’s wisdom has no limits. In every situation, He understands what is truly best for each of us. Because God loves His people and always acts in ways that are right, He must also have perfect wisdom to know what that is at all times.

Unlike people, God never needs advice or a group to help Him make decisions. He does not seek counsel from angels or hold meetings to figure out what to do. Every decision comes from His flawless, endless wisdom. There is no uncertainty with God. He knows what should happen in every moment and situation.

Even when life feels uncertain, believers can be sure that God’s choices are made through perfect understanding.

Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Romans 11:33