Tag: Bible

Understanding Identity in Christ Through Obedience

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AMY TURNER

When we hear God’s word but do not follow it, we lose sight of who we really are. James 1:23 compares this to someone who looks in a mirror and then quickly forgets their own face. It sounds strange, because most people remember what they look like after looking in a mirror. But James is making a deeper point—not about how we look, but about our spiritual life.

This verse warns us that simply listening to the Bible is not enough. If we do not act on what we learn, we become spiritually confused. Just like a mirror shows us our physical appearance, God’s word shows us who we truly are. But only when we live out what the Bible teaches do we stay rooted in that truth.

Obeying scripture helps us understand our identity in Christ. Without obedience, our faith becomes weak, and we forget our purpose.

Jesus said in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” Living by God’s word keeps us strong in faith and clear about who we are.

Love One Another: A New Commandment from Jesus

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AMY TURNER

In the final hours before His death, Jesus gave His disciples a powerful command. In John 13:34, He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” While the idea of loving others was already known in Jewish teachings, Jesus introduced something different.

This command was not just about kindness or good behaviour—it was rooted in a deeper connection. Much like a young man saying “I love you” in a wedding vow brings new meaning to familiar words, Jesus gave fresh depth to the call to love. He was forming a new bond with His followers, and this new relationship called for a higher standard.

What made His instruction new was the example He gave. The disciples were not simply to love in the way people normally do; they were to love as He had loved them—with sacrifice, patience, and humility.

Today, that same command applies to all who follow Him. We are called to love others in the way Jesus loves us. Isn’t this what we find in 1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Feeding Your Soul: The Power of God’s Word

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AMY TURNER

Jeremiah 15:16 says, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.” This verse gives us an unusual picture—not of seeing or hearing God’s truth, but of eating it. The prophet Jeremiah didn’t just read or listen to God’s words—he took them deep into himself, like food.

At first, this might sound strange, but it speaks to a deep truth. Our souls, just like our bodies, get hungry. The things of the world may keep us busy, but they don’t satisfy us for long. Over time, we start to feel empty, craving something real. That’s where God’s Word comes in. His truth feeds the heart, brings joy, and keeps us spiritually strong.

God’s voice fills the emptiness we feel inside. It helps us grow and keeps us alive in a deeper way. So don’t just hear the Bible—take it in fully. Let it be your soul’s daily bread. Let it satisfy you completely.

Jesus’ Love: A Lesson on the Golden Rule

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JEFF TURNER

In today’s world, many misunderstand the true meaning of the Golden Rule. Some even joke that it means “Whoever has the gold makes the rules.” But Jesus gave a much deeper teaching in Luke 6:31, where He said, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”

While many world religions share similar values, the key difference lies in how the Golden Rule is expressed. In traditions like Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, the rule is often given as a warning: “Do not do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you.” This negative form focuses on avoiding harm.

Jesus, however, made the rule positive. He taught not just to avoid doing bad, but to actively do good. This shift is powerful. It shows that Christian love is not just about staying out of trouble or protecting yourself—it’s about reaching out to others, even when they don’t treat you well.

Jesus’ teaching calls His followers to give love, kindness, and grace—even when those things are not returned. This is not a love that waits for fairness; it’s a love that mirrors God’s heart. Consider Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

This kind of love changes people. It’s not about self-interest—it’s about bringing God’s goodness into someone else’s life. That is the heart of true Christianity.

Navigating Faith: Living with an Unbelieving Spouse

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JEFF TURNER

Living with an unbelieving spouse can be one of the hardest challenges a Christian may face. It might feel lonely or confusing, especially when faith is a core part of your life. But the Bible offers clear direction and encouragement for those in this situation.

In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul tells Christians not to leave their unbelieving husbands or wives. He explains that the believing partner brings a kind of spiritual blessing into the home. Paul writes, “For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband” 1 Corinthians 7:14, ESV.

Doesn’t this tell us that God’s presence in the life of the believer has an effect on the entire household? His grace and blessing spill over, even reaching those who do not yet know Him. Instead of being influenced by the unbeliever’s lack of faith, the believer becomes a channel of God’s grace.

Some early Christians felt they had to leave their spouses in order to stay pure, but Paul corrects this thinking. He reminds them—and us—that God protects and sanctifies His people, even in difficult situations. In fact, a believer may be the very tool God uses to draw their spouse closer to Him.

Staying in a mixed-faith marriage, when possible, is not just about commitment; it’s about being a light in someone else’s life.