Tag: Faith

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.

Deception in the Last Days: A Warning for Believers

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

In discussions about the Second Coming, many focus on tribulation, war, and judgment. However, a crucial aspect often overlooked is deception. Jesus himself emphasized the prevalence of mass deception in the end times, particularly in Matthew 24. He cautioned his followers to be vigilant, stating, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (NASB).

This warning raises questions about the vulnerability of true believers to misleading influences. While it’s possible for Christians to be temporarily led astray, especially those new to the faith, the Bible assures us that those who genuinely belong to Christ will not be permanently deceived.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in Ephesians 4:14, comparing new believers to children who can be easily swayed by false teachings. This underscores the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in resisting deception.

Looking ahead to the future, Matthew 24 describes a time of intense deception. However, it also offers reassurance that God will protect His chosen ones by limiting the duration of this deceptive period. This divine intervention prevents even the elect from being hopelessly misled.

In our present day, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in safeguarding believers against deception. This protection extends into the future, where God’s constraining power will continue to shield His people from ultimate deception.

As we navigate these challenging times, it’s essential for believers to remain grounded in their faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and trust in God’s protective care.

A Journey of Faith: Libbi Perry Stuffle’s 54 Years in Gospel Music

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AMY TURNER

On Christmas Day 2024, Libbi Perry Stuffle marked an incredible milestone in her career – 54 years of singing Gospel music. This remarkable journey has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, but through it all, Stuffle’s faith has remained unwavering.

Reflecting on her decades-long career, Stuffle shared, “You know, I look back and there’s been a lot of good times, there’s been a lot of bad times, there’s been a lot of tragic times.” Despite the ups and downs, she maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that “there’s never been a day that God’s not been faithful and never been a morning that His mercies went new.”

Libbi Stuffle Courtesy Perrysministries.com

Stuffle acknowledges that during difficult periods, it was sometimes hard to see God’s presence. However, with hindsight, she recognizes His constant support. “Looking back, I mean, God has been with us every step of the way. He has provided, He has been everything that He said that He would be, that He would never leave us, never forsake us,” she affirmed.

While the length of her career might make her “feel old,” Stuffle remains grateful for the opportunity to continue her calling. She expressed, “I’m just honoured to be able to still get out here and do the calling that He’s placed on us.”

The Perry family’s commitment to Gospel music continues to thrive. Their latest project, titled “Long, Long Road,” features their current single, “You Can’t Hurry God.” This new release demonstrates that even after more than five decades, the Perrys’ passion for sharing their faith through music remains strong.

As Libbi Perry Stuffle looks back on 54 years of singing Gospel music, her journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of Gospel music.

Salvation is a Challenging Journey of Faith

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The path to salvation is often misrepresented as a simple, effortless process. However, this notion of “easy believism” contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ and the true nature of spiritual transformation. While salvation is indeed a gift of grace, not earned through works, it requires a profound commitment and personal sacrifice.

Jesus himself spoke of the difficulties in entering the kingdom of heaven. He described a narrow way that few find, emphasizing the rarity of true salvation. The journey demands a complete denial of self, a willingness to bear one’s cross, and a readiness to forsake everything for Christ’s sake.

The call to follow Jesus is not a casual invitation but a life-altering decision. It involves prioritizing one’s relationship with God above all else, even family ties. This level of devotion can seem daunting, as it requires a radical reorientation of one’s life and values.

In fact, Jesus stated that salvation is impossible for humans to achieve on their own. It is only through God’s power and grace that this transformation becomes possible. This underscores the miraculous nature of salvation and the need for divine intervention in the human heart.

The Bible reinforces this perspective, encouraging believers to persevere through trials and difficulties. James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Doesn’t this verse tell us of the challenging nature of the Christian walk and the rewards that await those who remain faithful?

While salvation is a free gift from God, the journey of faith is far from easy. It demands unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to be transformed by God’s power. True salvation is a profound, life-changing experience that goes far beyond a simple prayer or superficial belief.

Active Demonstration of Faith in Everyday Life

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JEFF TURNER

Faith is more than a passive belief; it requires active demonstration through compassionate actions and genuine commitment to living out one’s spiritual convictions.

In the early Christian community, believers wrestled with understanding the true nature of faith. The core message emphasizes that authentic faith is not merely an internal declaration, but a transformative force that compels individuals to serve others and embody Christ’s teachings. As illustrated in the biblical passage from James, faith without corresponding actions is essentially lifeless—comparable to offering empty words of comfort to someone in desperate need without providing tangible help.

The Bible gives us examples of faith in action: Abraham, who demonstrated his trust in God by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, and Rahab, a woman who risked her own safety by protecting messengers. These stories underscore that genuine faith goes beyond intellectual assent and manifests through courageous, selfless deeds that reflect a spiritual transformation.

True faith is dynamic and externally visible, not confined to private thoughts or isolated spiritual experiences. Shouldn’t we move beyond passive religiosity and embrace a holistic spirituality that integrates belief and action?