Category: What do you think?

A New Creation: The Promise of Heaven

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible gives a powerful assurance about the future: God will create a completely new Heaven and Earth. In Revelation 21:5, we read, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also, he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” This promise is not just about fixing the broken world we know today. Instead, God will replace the old with something entirely fresh.

Many people imagine Heaven as a perfected version of life as we know it. However, Scripture makes it clear that the transformation will be far greater. The suffering and loss we experience now will no longer exist. The sea, often symbolic of chaos and separation in the Bible, will be removed. Pain and death will be erased forever.

Although we cannot fully grasp what this new creation will be like, we can trust in God’s wisdom and goodness. His power and love ensure that eternity will be both glorious and perfect—not only for His.

REF 21:1-5 NASB:
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Pathways to Deeper Faith: Engaging in Action and Experiencing Divine Power

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article contains positions that are not fully agreed upon among the staff at Texas Gospel. While we agree God’s Word is the final Word, we believe that sometimes His Word is misunderstood. If you have Biblical input, please leave it in the comments below. Be civil, and post anything in a spirit of unity and a desire to understand God’s will.

The journey of spiritual growth is a deeply personal one, often involving introspection and the cultivation of inner virtues. However, throughout history, another powerful dimension of this journey has been the active participation in demonstrating one’s beliefs and extending care to others. This approach suggests that a profound deepening of faith occurs not only through contemplation but also by stepping into the world and engaging in actions that reflect the very heart of one’s spiritual convictions.

From the earliest accounts, foundational ministry was characterized by tangible expressions of God’s compassion and power. It was not only a matter of proclaiming His message but also of demonstrating it through acts of healing and liberation. Luke chapter 4 tells us the announcement of ministry included bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and letting the oppressed go free, drawing from the prophecy of Isaiah chapter 61: 1-4. This historical precedent highlights the significance of both word and deed in the expression of faith.

Furthermore, the empowering and sending out of followers to continue this work shows us the importance of active engagement. Disciples were not only taught but also given authority and power to heal the sick and cast out demons, as seen in the commissioning of the twelve in Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:1-8, and Mark 6:7. This was further extended when seventy others were commissioned and sent out with similar instructions to heal and proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God in Luke 10:1-9. These accounts reveal a model where active participation in ministry was central to the development of those who followed.

This shows us that spiritual growth is intertwined with doing the work of ministry. Engaging in practices such as praying for the sick and sharing the core message are not simply tasks but opportunities to witness. The joy experienced upon seeing positive outcomes, such as healing, further reinforces faith and deepens one’s connection to the divine, as evidenced by the return of the seventy who rejoiced that even demons submitted to them in the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17.)

A vital component of this dynamic approach is the recognition and reliance on the Holy Spirit as an empowering presence. The initial announcement of ministry was linked to the Spirit of the Lord being upon the one sent (Luke 4:18 quoting Isaiah 61:1). This concept extends to the idea that the provision of the Spirit and its work is for all generations, as suggested in Isaiah 59:21, which speaks of the Spirit and the words put in one’s mouth not departing. This empowering presence is seen as essential for carrying out the works of ministry effectively.

Through this active engagement in ministry, a deeper and more intimate relationship with the divine is often reported. The shared experiences, the reliance on what is believed to be divine power, and the witnessing of transformative events contribute to a strengthened bond. It becomes a reciprocal process where doing the work of faith leads to a greater knowing and understanding of the divine’s love and power in one’s own life I Corinthians 11:1 encourages imitation based on this relationship.

While personal devotion and inner reflection are valuable aspects of spiritual growth, the path of active participation in ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offers a powerful and transformative dimension. By stepping out in faith and engaging in actions that reflect core spiritual beliefs, individuals can experience a deeper connection with the divine and witness the impact of their faith in tangible ways, leading to profound personal and spiritual development.

A Different Kind of Ambition

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

When people think of ambition, they often picture success, power, or greatness. However, the Apostle Paul connects ambition with something unexpected—living a quiet life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, he encourages believers to aspire to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands. At first, this might seem like a call to mediocrity or passivity, but that is not the case.

Paul is not speaking about ministry, evangelism, or holiness within the church. Instead, he is giving guidance on how Christians should live in society. He urges believers to be hardworking, peaceful members of their communities. Causing trouble is not the goal; instead, obedience to God’s commands should be the focus. The Bible makes it clear that providing for one’s family is a responsibility—2 Thessalonians 3:10 tells us, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

True ambition is not about selfish gain. It is about striving to live in a way that honours God, both in the church and in daily life. When our desires align with God’s instructions, we find purpose and fulfilment in even the simplest aspects of life.

The Power of Words: Taming the Tongue

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible teaches that controlling our speech is a great challenge. James 3:8 tells us no one can completely tame the tongue because it is restless and filled with harmful potential. This warning is not an exaggeration. When we think about the pain, deceit, and broken trust caused by words, we realize their true power.

Like a fire, words can spread destruction. A single harmful statement can ruin relationships, create division, and plant seeds of doubt. However, James does not say that controlling speech is impossible. Instead, he highlights that our words are a reflection of our hearts. Jesus also taught this truth—what we say comes from what is within us. If our hearts are pure, our speech will be uplifting and kind. If our hearts hold bitterness, our words will show it.

The key to guiding our speech lies in guarding our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” By keeping our hearts filled with truth, love, and wisdom, we ensure that our words bring healing instead of harm.

Seek Godly Wisdom and navigate Life with Proverbs

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

In the book of Proverbs, we find a profound emphasis on wisdom. The Bible references wisdom over two hundred times, highlighting its importance in our lives. Proverbs, along with Ecclesiastes and Job, delves into the depths of wisdom, offering guidance on how to live wisely, explore its limitations, and understand God’s mysterious ways. James, in the New Testament, urges us to embody wisdom in our daily lives, navigating a world filled with distractions and endless options.

In today’s world, knowledge is readily available at our fingertips. We can access information instantly through our devices, but the wisdom the Bible speaks of is far deeper than superficial knowledge. It’s about shaping our hearts and aligning our lives with God’s will. True wisdom involves understanding how to live in harmony with God’s purpose and plan for us.

Wisdom is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. The more we examine our lives and the world around us, the more we realize how much we don’t know. That’s why we must seek Godly wisdom, recognizing that God knows and has a plan for us. Solomon, the author of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, began his reign with wisdom, understanding his need for it to fulfill God’s plan.

Our roles as parents, spouses, Christians, and citizens are bigger than ourselves. We need God’s wisdom to navigate these responsibilities effectively. Young people, especially, need wisdom to choose the paths that lead to fullness of joy in God’s presence. Lack of wisdom is not just about not knowing what to do; it’s about not understanding everything God has for us.

The call to wisdom requires a response. We must receive and respond to God’s wisdom in our lives. God wants us to live in wisdom, providing us with a way to obtain it through His word. The passage calls us to hear, heed, holler, and hunt for wisdom.

First, we are called to hear the word of God. Faith comes by hearing, and we must seek every opportunity to hear truth proclaimed and taught. However, hearing alone is not enough; we must also heed the word of God. We must apply the truths we know from the Bible to our lives. Wisdom is the knowledge or truth that is applied in our lives. We do it because God says so, and we live it because we know it’s the truth.

Furthermore, we are called to holler after knowledge, crying out to God for understanding. This is not a passive pursuit but a devoted commitment to finding God’s wisdom. We must recognize that we need what God is trying to teach us. We need to cry out for the wisdom of God in our lives, acknowledging that He has all wisdom and promises to give it to us.

Finally, we are called to hunt for wisdom, seeking it as we would hidden treasure. We must dig into the word of God and look for its treasures. The problem many of us face is that God is not the priority in our lives. Seeking the wisdom of God should not be a one-time thing but a daily, moment-by-moment pursuit.

The knowledge of God surpasses all other forms of knowledge. It’s about having a relational understanding of His character, ways, and will. This knowledge is not a burden but a delight to those who truly seek Him. The more we get to know God and His wisdom, the more we can live for Him and the more He can work in and through us.

Above all, we must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all these things shall be added unto us.