Tag: Faith

Living with quiet hostility toward Christian faith

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DON HEBERT

Many believers today feel worn down by steady criticism. It is not always loud or violent, but it can still sting. Small jokes, unfair claims, etc., these things take a toll. When Christians sense rising hostility, it can shake their sense of peace.

Jesus walking with his disciples. IRS Images, 2025

The teachings of Jesus in John 15 speak directly to this struggle. In the final hours before His arrest, when He gathered with His disciples at the Last Supper and then walked with them toward Gethsemane, He prepared them for life without His physical presence. He also spoke honestly about the hatred they would face.

Jesus explained that believers are often disliked because they belong to Him. The “world,” meaning the moral order that resists God, treats Christians as outsiders. Jesus described this rejection plainly: if the world hated Him first, His followers should expect similar treatment. This knowledge does not remove the pain, but it helps prevent surprise. He wanted His disciples to count the cost of following Him and to recognize that rejection does not mean abandonment. He walked this path before they ever did.

Some today claim to like Jesus but not Christians. But Jesus pointed out that many people actually reject the real Jesus while accepting softened versions that fit their own views. When His followers live by His teachings and speak truth about Him, they may stir the same reactions He did.

Take the world, but give me Jesus
All its joys are but a name
For His love abideth ever
Through eternal years the same

Jesus told His disciples that they once belonged to the world but were now chosen out of it. This shift can make Christians seem like traitors to those still resisting God. People may not realize their conflict with Him, but Scripture teaches that this conflict is real. Believers are not trying to attack others; they have simply joined themselves to the One who offers life. Still, their new loyalty can be misunderstood.

Children and adults alike may fear being disliked for their faith, but Jesus reminded His followers that belonging to Him is greater than any rejection. He also said a servant should not expect to be treated better than the master. If He was mistreated, His people may be as well. Yet He added that some would listen and believe, just as some believed Him.

This raises an important question: is what believers in Canada face truly persecution? While many do not face violence, Scripture identifies insults, ridicule, lies, and public shame as real forms of suffering for Christ. These experiences should not be dismissed. Words can wound deeply. Some believers lose friendships, face hostility in academic settings, or feel pressure in workplaces. Many read hateful comments online and feel shaken. These pressures are not imaginary, and Jesus encouraged His followers to continue standing firm.

Still, not every Christian will face open hostility. Believers should not seek conflict or provoke anger. Jesus explained that hatred toward believers ultimately comes from not knowing God. This should shift believers from anger toward compassion. If people truly knew God’s goodness, they would not reject Him so easily. Their hostility does not make them innocent, but it does reveal their deep need for God.

Jesus also taught that the world’s hatred is without excuse. The people of His time witnessed His words and His miracles firsthand. They rejected God’s clearest revelation. Their reasons were real, but not justified. Jesus was hated without cause, and His followers may experience similar treatment.

The most important preparation for hostility is remembering what Jesus taught. He warned that persecution should not cause His followers to fall away. The greatest danger is not physical harm but abandoning faith.

The core question remains: who do believers belong to, the world or the One who saves? If they belong to Christ, their lives should show it. And they should be ready, with God’s help, to endure hardship with patience and faith.

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

John 15:18

Understanding Worship Beyond Music

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

ALEKSANDR IVANOV

There are people today who connect worship mainly with music, but the Bible presents a much deeper picture. Over time, the meaning of “worship” has shifted. It is now often linked to a musical style rather than to a spiritual act of surrender and reverence before God. To understand what true worship is, it helps to set aside everything we know about church traditions, instruments, or songs, and look only at what Scripture teaches.

Imagine someone who had never attended church, never seen Christian music, and only had the Bible. If that person tried to build a worship service, what would it look like? There are no notes or melodies written in Scripture. Yet, the Bible often speaks about songs and praises to God. This means the form of worship was never the focus. Its essence was. If there were no music at all, would we still know how to worship? The answer must be yes, because true worship is not built on melodies but on the heart.

In the Old and New Testaments, music is mentioned, but it never causes conflict or division. Unlike today, there were no debates about worship styles or instruments. That raises an important question: why do these issues divide churches now? If the early believers never fought over music, maybe we are focusing on the wrong thing.

Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 speak of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Are these meant to separate types of Christian music, or to describe ways the heart responds to God?

Psalms were poetic songs often accompanied by instruments, expressing a wide range of emotions, everything from joy to doubt.

Hymns were solemn songs that praised the greatness and majesty of God.

Spiritual songs were personal songs that carried faith and truth from Scripture.

In all cases, the heart’s gratitude to God mattered more than the sound or rhythm. The Bible never defines a “worship style.” What we often call “worship music” today was never meant to be a genre. Instead, worship is a life response.

True worship begins long before any song. It starts when a person turns to God in repentance and surrender. Worship is recognizing His power and our weakness. It is humility before the Creator. This is why Jesus said the Father seeks those who worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” To worship in spirit is to be renewed by the Holy Spirit; to worship in truth is to live by God’s Word.

Real worship happens when we accept God’s will, even when it is painful. When God says “no,” our reaction shows whether we truly worship Him. To bow before His decision without anger or complaint is to honour Him. As Job said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Worship is not found in comfort but in submission.

The Psalms also teach that “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” A heart softened by humility is more valuable than any song. When we forgive others, seek peace, and let go of pride, we offer God true worship. If we sing but keep anger or pride in our hearts, the song loses its meaning.

Worship is also giving everything to God. It is trusting Him with our choices, our time, and even our losses. When we face trials and still thank Him, that is worship. It is the daily act of learning to say, “Your will be done.” Music can express this, but it cannot replace it. One could say that glorifying God is the outward expression of this inward worship. It may be through songs, testimonies, service, or kindness. But without inward surrender, outward praise is only noise.

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1

A New Movement of Faith Among the Young

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

NELSON NOLAND

As I write this in 2025, something is stirring among young people. For many years, those who worked in youth ministry felt that faith was difficult to plant in the hearts of teenagers. The message of Jesus often fell on hard ground. When a young person chose to follow Christ, it was rare. The world offered many distractions that seemed more exciting than faith. But over the past few years, there has been a noticeable change. Since around 2020, after the global pandemic, a growing number of youth and young adults have begun to seek what is real and lasting. During that time, many lost things they deeply valued, graduations, sports seasons, friendships, and normal routines. When everything stopped, many started asking deeper questions: What is life about? What is true? What can I trust?

This search has opened hearts to God. In colleges and universities across the country, students are choosing to be baptized and to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Many now believe that the way of Jesus is better than any other path. Those who work with youth are witnessing lives being changed more often than ever before. Conversations that once felt heavy and fruitless are now bearing fruit, as young people respond with soft hearts and sincere faith.

The story in Acts chapter 3 offers a clear picture of how the message of Jesus changes lives. Two of Jesus’s first followers, Peter and John, were going to the temple to pray. At the gate, they met a man who had never walked. Each day, people carried him there to ask for help from those entering the temple. When the man asked Peter and John for money, Peter replied that he had no silver or gold, but he did have something greater. In the name of Jesus Christ, he told the man to stand and walk. At that moment, the man’s legs became strong. He stood, walked, and even began to jump and praise God. Everyone around recognized him as the same man who used to beg at the gate. His life had changed completely. He was no longer defined by his weakness but by his worship.

The people watching were filled with wonder. They saw with their own eyes that the name of Jesus brought healing and power. Peter used that moment to explain that the same Jesus who had been crucified had risen from the dead and was still at work changing lives. Because of that truth, many believed. In this we see that following Jesus brings both a new direction and a new purpose. When Jesus called Peter and John years earlier, He told them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” They left their fishing nets behind to follow Him, and in Acts 3, we see that calling fulfilled. They were no longer catching fish, they were helping others find life in God.

To follow Jesus means to change course. It requires turning from one way of living to another. It also gives clear meaning to life. Many young people today are drawn to causes that matter, and the cause of Christ gives the greatest reason to live. It is to help others find hope and reconciliation with God.

Parents have an important part in this movement. Churches and ministries can teach and encourage, but no one has more influence on a child’s faith than a parent. When parents live out their faith with sincerity and love, their children notice. A parent’s passion for Jesus often lights the same fire in the hearts of their sons and daughters.

I believe the book of Acts reminds believers that making disciples is not the job of a few but the mission of all. To do that well, followers of Jesus are called to four things. First, be with Jesus, a person cannot lead others where they have not gone. Second, be bold, faith grows when it is shared, not hidden. Third, be ready for opportunities, God often opens doors in everyday moments. And finally, be humble, it is not our power but God’s grace that changes lives.

Just as the man at the gate was lifted to his feet, many today are finding new life through faith in Jesus.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Every new beginning calls us to worship

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

WILLIAM KILLIAN

The Christian life is filled with new beginnings. From the moment a person turns to Christ, life itself is made new. God, in His mercy, brings change through renewal by giving spiritual birth through His Spirit. In John 3 we see Jesus explaining to Nicodemus that entering God’s kingdom requires being “born again.” This new birth changes the heart, leading a person to turn from sin and trust in Christ.

The Bible often speaks of this newness. Paul wrote that anyone in Christ becomes a new creation, the old life is gone, and everything is made new. He also taught that believers must set aside their old ways and live as people renewed in spirit and truth. This renewal is not a one-time event; it continues throughout a believer’s life. God gives His people many fresh starts. Every new beginning is another chance to trust Him again.

Noah’s Ark after the waters receded. IRS Images, 2025

The story of Noah offers a clear example of this truth. After the flood, when the waters finally receded, Noah and his family stepped onto a changed earth. Everything familiar was gone. Their home, neighbours, and community had vanished under the judgment of God. The first thing Noah did was not rebuild or plant crops. He built an altar and worshipped. His first act after surviving such destruction was to give thanks.

Noah’s worship showed deep gratitude. He recognized that he was alive only because of God’s mercy. While others perished, God preserved him and his family. Out of thankfulness, Noah offered clean animals as sacrifices. This was not a small gesture because it cost him something valuable. The animals he offered could have helped repopulate the earth or fed his family. Yet Noah gave them to God as a symbol of gratitude and dependence. True worship often requires giving up something precious.

Noah’s offering also showed his understanding of sin and forgiveness. Burnt offerings in the Old Testament represented atonement and complete dedication to God. The sacrifice was fully burned, symbolizing the worshipper’s total surrender. From the earliest days, these sacrifices pointed ahead to the perfect atonement that would come through Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. The blood of animals could not remove sin forever, they only pointed toward the cross, where Christ would give His life for humanity.

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
no other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice. His death fully paid for sin and brought forgiveness to all who believe. Through faith in Him, we receive the same mercy that saved Noah, not from a flood of water, but from the judgment our sins deserve.

Noah’s worship also demonstrated consecration. He devoted himself completely to God, acknowledging his dependence and desire to live in obedience. Christians today are called to do the same. Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, lives set apart for God’s purpose, holy and pleasing to Him. Living this way means submitting our will to God, allowing His word to shape how we think and act.

Finally, Noah’s faith was expressed through trust. After his sacrifice, God promised never again to destroy the world by flood. Even though human hearts remained sinful, God declared that the natural order, seedtime and harvest, day and night, would continue as long as the earth remains. This was a promise of mercy, despite humanity’s continued weakness.

Noah did not hear God’s promise immediately. The Scripture says God spoke these words “in His heart.” Yet Noah still believed. His faith was shown through his obedience and worship. In the same way, believers today are called to live by faith, trusting God’s word even when His promises are not yet seen.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Holding to the True Gospel

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

RICHARD CORDER

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul warns believers not to be led away from the truth of the gospel. In Galatians 5:7–12, he expresses deep concern for Christians who had once walked faithfully but were being influenced by false teachers. These teachers, called Judaizers, were convincing the Galatians that faith in Christ was not enough for salvation. They taught that following the laws of Moses, including circumcision and certain rituals, was also necessary. Paul saw this as a serious threat to the purity of the gospel.

Apostle Paul  Creative Commons George E. Koronaios

Paul reminds the believers that they began their spiritual journey well. They had accepted the message of salvation through faith in Christ alone. Yet someone had come among them and persuaded them to believe a different message. Paul makes it clear that this persuasion did not come from God. To add human works to the message of grace is to change the gospel completely. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ cannot be mixed with rules and rituals. Christ’s death and resurrection are sufficient for forgiveness and eternal life.

I think it’s important to mention here: I am speaking about salvation through works. There are Messianic Christians today who believe that to follow the law is to avoid sin, but not something that leads to salvation. To be clear, avoiding sin doesn’t save. Faith as a gift from God saves. But this doesn’t mean we should go ahead and sin. I don’t want to get off topic, but I want to be very clear what the Messianic Christians believe. Is this what Paul was talking about?

Paul’s concern is not only for the Galatians but for all believers. He knows that small errors can grow into serious problems. He warns that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Just as a small amount of yeast spreads through dough, even a small distortion of the gospel can corrupt the entire message. History shows that this has often happened when people have questioned or altered the truth of God’s word. For that reason, Paul calls for faithfulness to Scripture and careful study so that believers will not be deceived.

Nothing But The Blood – HeartCry Worship

Even though Paul speaks firmly, he does not lose hope. He tells the Galatians that he trusts the Lord will help them return to the truth. His confidence is not based on their strength but on God’s ability to guide those who truly belong to Him. However, Paul also warns that the person leading them astray will face judgment. False teachers, motivated by pride or sin, will one day answer for their actions before God.

Paul also addresses accusations made against him. Some claimed that he preached one message to Jews and another to Gentiles. He denies this, explaining that he never taught that the law could save anyone. For Jewish believers, keeping certain customs was a matter of culture, not salvation. For Gentiles, such practices were never required. Paul’s message was the same for all: salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone. The cross is offensive because it tells people they cannot save themselves, but Paul refuses to soften that truth.

Finally, Paul expresses a strong wish against the false teachers who were disturbing the Galatian churches. His words are sharp, showing how seriously he viewed their actions. These men were spreading lies that could destroy the faith of many. Paul’s language may sound severe, but it reflects his passion for the gospel’s purity. He saw that false teaching was not just an error, it was an attack on the truth that saves.

Paul’s warning remains important today. Many still try to add human effort to God’s grace or twist the message of salvation to fit their own ideas. Believers are called to guard the truth carefully and to know Scripture well so they are not easily misled. The gospel of Christ does not need improvement or addition. It stands complete as the good news that brings freedom from sin and peace with God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Ephesians 2:8