Category: What do you think?

The Spiritual Decline of Society: A Biblical Perspective

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

In recent years, society has experienced a significant spiritual shift. This change mirrors the pattern described in the Bible, particularly in the book of Romans. As evolution becomes the prevailing worldview and people live as if God doesn’t exist, society has embraced behaviours that the Bible considers sinful.

The apostle Paul’s words in Romans 1 seem eerily relevant to our current situation. He describes a society where God “gave them over” to their sinful desires. This phrase, originally a legal term, signifies divine judgment on nations that reject God’s truth.

The progression of this judgment follows a clear pattern:

  • Sexual immorality becomes widespread
  • Immorality is embraced and celebrated
  • A “reprobate mind” takes hold, where people can no longer discern right from wrong

Sadly, these stages are evident in society today. From the normalization of sexual promiscuity to the widespread acceptance of immorality, and the celebration of increasingly depraved behaviours, the parallels are striking.

Romans 1:28 states, “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” This verse encapsulates the current state of affairs, where moral relativism reigns and biblical values are scorned.

In light of this sobering reality, Christians are called to pray fervently for a spiritual revival. Only through a return to the gospel can the nation hope to reverse this downward spiral and experience God’s grace once more.

The Active Influence of the Bible on Our Lives

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

The Bible’s description of God’s Word as a living, active force surpasses any earthly tool in its power and precision. In Hebrews 4:12, we find a striking comparison between divine utterances and the sharpest of blades. This passage invites us to reconsider our relationship with Scripture.

Consider the various knives in your kitchen, each designed for a specific task. You wouldn’t use a small paring knife to carve a roast, just as you wouldn’t employ a bread knife to peel an apple. We learn to use these tools effectively, mastering the techniques required for each.

However, imagine if these utensils were alive, possessing their own will and purpose. The largest, keenest blade in your home would no longer be a mere instrument under your control. Similarly, God’s Word is not a passive tool we manipulate, but an active force that shapes us.

The Bible’s power lies in its ability to penetrate our innermost being, discerning our thoughts and intentions. Unlike our kitchen knives, which we wield at our discretion, Scripture wields its influence over us. It’s not something we master, but rather something to which we submit.

In essence, our approach to God’s Word should be one of surrender, not control. We don’t bend Scripture to our will; instead, we allow it to transform us. This living Word has the power to cut through our defences and reveal our true selves, guiding us towards spiritual growth and maturity.

A New Creation Through Christ

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come.” What does this tell us about the transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus?

Some may mistakenly believe that God’s aim is to make us better versions of ourselves—better partners, employees, or neighbours. However, the purpose of the Gospel is far greater than self-improvement. Jesus did not sacrifice His life merely to fix what was broken. Instead, He died to give us an entirely new life.

The promise of redemption isn’t about becoming slightly better than before. It’s about becoming something completely new—something we could never achieve on our own. Though we may appear unchanged outwardly, the grace of Christ works deeply within, bringing a radical transformation.

As this new life grows, others should not merely see a better version of us; they should see Christ Himself reflected in how we live. This is the true power of the Gospel—a total renewal of our being through Him.

Read the context:

The Temporal and Eternal – 2 Corinthians 5 NASB:

For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed, in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked. 4 For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge.

6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 but we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are well known to God; and I hope that we are also well known in your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we have lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.

16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NASB)

Sharing the Gospel: A Call to Action

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Some believe that sharing the gospel is best done by waiting for opportunities that God provides. Others emphasize a more proactive approach, inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This call to action suggests no boundaries—every method and place can be used to spread the good news.

Evangelism can take many forms: speaking with neighbours, engaging in street or classroom discussions, building friendships, or even sharing faith in competitive or challenging environments. The key is to consistently proclaim the message of Christ wherever we are.

However, the method of sharing is less important than the message itself. It’s vital to ensure that the gospel is communicated truthfully and accurately. Becoming a follower of Christ involves more than a simple prayer; it requires recognizing one’s sin, turning to Jesus in repentance, and fully committing to Him as Lord and Master. This transformation brings deep joy and purpose to the believer’s life, as seen in Romans 6:22: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Evangelism is an urgent mission for every believer. It’s a call to both action and truth, ensuring that the life-changing message of Christ reaches all.

Understanding God’s Love and Justice Through Jesus

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

God’s love and justice may seem at odds when it comes to human sin, but they are beautifully reconciled through Jesus Christ. Despite our transgressions against God’s laws, His deep love for us compelled Him to provide a way for salvation. This path, however, had to satisfy His perfect justice.

The solution came in an act of divine sacrifice. God Himself, in the person of Jesus, entered our world. Born of a virgin, Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. He lived a sinless life and then willingly bore the punishment for our sins on the cross. This supreme act of love fulfilled the demands of justice, as the penalty for sin was paid in full.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, God demonstrated His love while upholding His justice. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Now, because of Jesus’ work, we can receive forgiveness and eternal life. God remains both loving and just, having provided a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him without compromising His righteous standards.