Category: What do you think?

Jesus Unites Jews and Gentiles

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

When Jesus gave His life, He removed the division that once separated Jews and Gentiles. This division was caused by the law, which acted like a wall, keeping the two groups apart. But through His death, Jesus fulfilled the law and took away its power to judge. By doing this, He brought both groups together and created something new—a united body, His church.

Ephesians 2:15 explains that Jesus ended the hostility caused by the law, making one new man out of two, and in this way, brought peace. This peace is not only between people, but also between us and God.

As believers, we must remember this unity, especially when we disagree on matters that are not essential to our faith. The church is meant to be a place of peace, not conflict. Christ made us one people through His sacrifice, and we should live in a way that reflects that peace.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.

Romans 12:18

James says God doesn’t tempt, but Matthew says the Spirit led Jesus to be tempted; what’s going on here?

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM, SR.

James 1:13 tells us that “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. But Matthew 4:1 says Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Do these scriptures contradict?

The answer is no, though at first glance it might seem like they do. Let’s unpack them carefully in context.

James 1:13 (NASB) says: “No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”

This verse is speaking about the nature of God Himself — that He is perfectly holy, incapable of being enticed by evil, and that He does not actively tempt people to sin. The Greek word here can mean to test, to tempt, or to entice to sin, but context determines the nuance. In James, the emphasis is on temptation with an evil intent, to cause someone to stumble.

Matthew 4:1 (NASB) says: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Here, it says Jesus was led by the Spirit into a situation where temptation would occur — but notice, it is the devil who tempts, not God. The Holy Spirit’s role was to bring Jesus into the wilderness for a period of testing as part of His messianic mission, but not to entice Him to sin. It was a proving ground, much like how God allowed Job to be tested by Satan in the Old Testament — not to cause sin, but to reveal character and fulfill a divine purpose.

And though Jesus is fully divine, He was also fully human. Hebrews 4:15 (NASB) — “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.”

Pain with a Purpose: How God Can Use Suffering to Shape Us

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

Floyd Rogers

Suffering is not useless. It may feel heavy and difficult, but it can serve a purpose. God may allow pain in our lives, not by accident, but with careful thought. He never gives more than we can handle. He knows exactly when and how to allow it. He can use pain like a tool—like sanding wood, or pruning a tree—removing parts of us that do not reflect His Son, Jesus Christ.

For those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour, He lives within them. His goal is to shape us so that His life is seen through ours. This shaping process can be uncomfortable, even painful. But through it, God can work to make us more like Christ.

We may not understand why we suffer, but we can trust that God does. Suffering may not be punishment, but God preparing us.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Limitless blessings and God’s Generosity

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

God has the power to give us far more than we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of this truth: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Doesn’t this tell us that God’s ability goes beyond what we can request or even dream?

When the verse begins with “Now to Him,” it points directly to God—the One who is able. But what is He able to do? Everything we ask? Yes—but not just that. He can do even more. Even if we have many needs, or big requests, God is not limited. He offers more than just enough. He gives an overflowing, endless supply of blessings.

This is not just about what we say in prayer. It’s also about what we think—our hopes, our silent thoughts, even our deepest dreams. God can go beyond all of it.

This truth brings peace and encouragement. We serve a powerful God whose generosity has no limits. His power is already at work inside us, making this promise real each day.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

You are loved

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

Every person matters to God. No matter who you are or what your story is, Jesus loves you without change or limit. Many people in the world feel unnoticed or forgotten, as though they don’t matter to anyone — but that is never true in God’s eyes.

From the moment you were born, Jesus has loved you completely, and that love has never faded. Right now, just as you are, you are precious to Him. Nothing you do, and no one else’s opinion, can stop Jesus from loving you.

When we stop focusing only on ourselves and start looking toward Jesus, the Son of God, something inside us changes. We begin to understand our worth and value through His love. God sees each of us as important and worthy.

The Bible reminds us of this in John 3:16, where it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse shows that His love is for everyone — including you.