Tag: Faith

Igniting Your Spiritual Fire: The Role of the Holy Spirit

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JEFF TURNER

Today’s distractions make it easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our spiritual lives. Yet, as we reflect on the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

This fire of the Holy Spirit is not just a distant concept, but a living reality that should burn within the hearts of believers. Just as we find comfort in the warmth of a fireplace on a cold night, God desires His people to be spiritual fireplaces, radiating His divine presence and power.

A church that’s truly on fire for God is far from a drowsy, lethargic organization. Instead, it’s full of life with the Spirit’s energy. This fire consumes what’s unnecessary in our lives, purifies us, prepares us for service, cheers us in times of despair, softens hearts, unites believers, and empowers us for God’s work.

When a church is ablaze with God’s fire, it naturally turns to fasting and prayer. These spiritual disciplines become not just occasional practices, but essential parts of seeking God wholeheartedly. The Bible promises rewards for those who fast in secret, and history is filled with examples of great spiritual breakthroughs that came through prayer and fasting.

A church on fire also finds itself uncomfortable with worldly pursuits. The love for God burns so brightly that it naturally diminishes the attraction of worldly things. As 1 John 2:15 warns us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Perhaps one of the most visible signs of a church on fire is its deep care for souls. Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, a Spirit-filled church is moved with compassion for the lost. This compassion isn’t passive; it spurs believers to action, leading them to share the gospel wherever they go.

Being a church on fire means allowing the Holy Spirit to work freely among us, transforming us from the inside out, and using us as instruments of God’s love and power in the world. It’s a challenging call, but one that promises an adventure of faith like no other.

Are You a Genuine Follower of Christ? Examining Your Faith

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER STAFF

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus delivers a sobering truth: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” This verse serves as a warning against superficial faith and challenges us to examine the authenticity of our relationship with Christ. In today’s world, many people treat faith like a consumer product—if they don’t like one version, they simply shop around for another. This mindset has led to a proliferation of “generic” Christianity, where people seek convenience and comfort over true obedience to God’s Word. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we genuine followers of Christ, or have we settled for a watered-down version of faith?

Many individuals approach Christianity as though it were a buffet, choosing what suits their preferences while discarding the rest. If someone doesn’t like the teachings or practices of one denomination, they can find another that aligns with their lifestyle. For example, some churches may tolerate behaviors like drinking or gambling that others condemn. Similarly, when it comes to Scripture, many turn away from the King James Bible or other translations rooted in historical accuracy and opt for modern versions that feel easier to digest. While diversity in worship styles and translations isn’t inherently wrong, when these choices are driven by personal comfort rather than a desire for truth, they reveal a deeper problem: a lack of commitment to God’s authority.

This consumer-driven faith mirrors the way people view generic products in stores. Generic medicines often come with disclaimers stating they are not made by the original manufacturer. In the same way, generic Christianity lacks the qualities of true discipleship as taught by Jesus. Genuine Christianity is defined by love, humility, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will. Yet many settle for an imitation—a faith that looks good on the surface but lacks substance. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:22-23 that many will claim to have served Him but will be rejected because their hearts were never truly aligned with Him. These sobering words remind us that outward actions are meaningless without inner transformation.

Some people mistakenly believe they can earn their way into heaven through good deeds or financial contributions. Acts 8:18-22 recounts how Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, only to be rebuked by Peter for his misguided thinking. Similarly, today’s “generic Christians” may rely on church membership or acts of charity as their ticket to salvation. However, God desires more than empty gestures—He seeks hearts fully surrendered to Him. True giving flows from gratitude for God’s grace, not an attempt to earn His favor. Genuine faith is marked by humility and a deep understanding of our dependence on Christ.

To avoid becoming a generic Christian, we must examine our lives honestly. Are we motivated by God’s work in us, or are we simply going through the motions? Psalm 119:165 reminds us that those who love God’s law will not be easily offended—a sign of spiritual maturity and peace. Genuine Christianity requires faithfulness, commitment, sacrifice, and moral purity—qualities that reflect Christ Himself. Heaven will not be a mixture of genuine and generic believers; only those redeemed by Christ’s blood will enter.

Now is the time to get real for Jesus—to reject imitation faith and pursue an authentic relationship with Him that transforms every aspect of our lives.

Why Do People Reject the Gospel?

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JEFF TURNER

It’s surprising to think that people reject the Gospel, a message of love and salvation from God. You might assume everyone would eagerly embrace such a gift. Instead, history shows that many scorned it, even opposing Jesus Himself and His followers. From the early days when Christ was crucified to the persecution of His disciples, rejection has been a common response to the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). This verse highlights two groups of people who struggled to accept the Gospel: those tied to religious traditions and those devoted to worldly wisdom.

For some, like the ancient Jews, religious rituals and traditions overshadowed the Gospel’s truth. They found it difficult to believe in a Messiah who challenged their customs and came from humble beginnings. Modern parallels exist, as many people focus on religious rules or church attendance but neglect a true relationship with Christ. Faith becomes about outward appearances, not heart transformation.

Others dismiss the Gospel as foolishness. Like the Greeks of old, who valued philosophy and human reasoning, many today see faith as irrational. They accept every belief as valid or reject all spirituality outright, finding no place for the Bible’s message of grace and salvation.

This rejection of the Gospel reveals the unchanged nature of the human heart. Whether through pride in religion or reliance on intellect, people continue to resist God’s offer of grace. The challenge is clear: to set aside our own understanding and humbly accept Christ as Savior. Only then can we find true peace and hope for eternity.

Will you accept the message of the cross, or let it be a stumbling block to your soul?

True Freedom Comes Through Christ

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JEFF TURNER

Religion often promises to make people better. It claims to help them overcome bad habits and sinful desires. However, these efforts fail to free us from guilt and condemnation. Many believe that by following rules, practicing rituals, or striving to obey perfectly, they can earn God’s favor. This is the essence of human religion: a cycle of trying harder to fix ourselves.

The problem lies in the human heart. Every person has a God-given conscience that reminds us of our guilt before Him. Deep down, we know He exists, and we feel accountable to Him. Yet, instead of turning to Him, the natural response is to attempt self-improvement, hoping to make ourselves acceptable. But this leads to slavery to sin, guilt, and an endless cycle of failure.

Scripture tells us the truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Only Jesus can set us free from sin’s power and the weight of condemnation. Religion is man’s effort. But salvation comes as a gift through faith.

Have you experienced this life-transforming freedom? Come to Jesus in simple faith, and He will lift the burden of guilt and give you peace with God.

INTERNATIONAL: Pastor T.D. Jakes Receives Medical Attention After Sermon

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AMY TURNER

Pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a “slight health incident” while delivering a sermon on Sunday at The Potter’s House, his megachurch.

The 67-year-old religious leader was seen pausing and shaking during his hour-long message, prompting several individuals to approach him on stage. Social media footage captured the moment.

The church posted a statement on X saying, “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.”

The Potter’s House, founded by Jakes in 1996 and boasting over 30,000 members, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers.

Jakes, who is also an author, film producer, and was a speaker at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, leads a non-denominational church with campuses in Texas and Colorado.