The Importance of Listening to God in Faith

FLOYD ROGERS

In any healthy relationship, communication must go both ways. This is true not only with people but also in our relationship with God. Many times, we focus on telling God what we need, how we feel, and what we hope for. While speaking to God is important, it is just as important — and often more difficult — to learn how to listen to Him.

Throughout history, God has spoken to His people in many ways, and He still speaks today. The challenge for many believers is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are truly listening. Good communication with God requires both talking and listening. If we only speak and never listen, we miss the wisdom, guidance, and comfort He wants to share.

Listening to God takes patience, humility, and a quiet heart. It may not come easily at first, but it is essential for a strong and growing faith.

You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

James 1:19

Southern Baptist Convention Calls for Overturn of Same-Sex Marriage Ruling, Reinforces Traditional Christian Teachings

STAFF/VOLUNTEER

At its recent annual meeting in Dallas, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) approved a resolution asking for the repeal of the 2015 United States Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The resolution was one of several passed by delegates, each designed to reaffirm conservative Christian beliefs about family, gender, and marriage.

The resolution is titled “On restoring moral clarity through God’s design for gender, marriage, and the family.” It is presented as a theological statement, expressing specific views about the created order, marriage, abortion, fertility, family structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, free speech, and miscarriage. A key part of the resolution urges the rejection of court rulings that deny the biological categories of male and female.

Baptist News Global, a U.S.-based religious news outlet, reported that resolutions passed by the Convention are nonbinding. This means they are statements reflecting the beliefs of those in attendance at a particular meeting, rather than enforceable policies. However, the same report noted that there have been growing calls to treat these resolutions as tools for shaping doctrinal positions and influencing political discussions within the denomination and beyond.

Along with the resolution on same-sex marriage, the Convention also adopted statements addressing other social concerns. These included resolutions on the dangers associated with sports betting, a call to ban pornography, and a declaration against the use of abortion pills.

For Christians, especially within Southern Baptist communities, these resolutions reflect ongoing efforts to maintain traditional teachings about family and moral life. The Convention’s position on these issues continues to influence how churches under its banner address topics related to marriage, sexuality, and personal conduct.

While these resolutions do not hold legal authority, they signal the Convention’s continued commitment to specific interpretations of Christian doctrine. These positions may shape conversations in churches, schools, and other religious settings in Canada, particularly among Christians who share similar theological beliefs.

The SBC has seen a larger movement among conservative Christian groups to respond to changes in legal and cultural attitudes toward gender, marriage, and family.

Strengthening Faith Through Personal Reflection

FLOYD ROGERS

Life often brings hard moments that test our strength and faith. One important way to face these times is by remembering how God has helped us before. Looking back on past victories reminds us that we are not alone and that God has been faithful through every challenge.

A helpful practice is keeping a personal record of these moments. Writing down what God has done, how you felt, and how you responded during struggles can strengthen your faith. Include Bible verses that spoke to your heart in those times. This kind of record becomes a story of God’s care and guidance in your life.

As the pages fill, you’ll see a pattern of grace and strength. These memories help when new troubles come, giving you hope and courage.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 (NASB)

The Power of Obedience in Faith

FLOYD ROGERS

God understands exactly what it takes for each of us to learn how to follow Him. He will never ask us to do something that we are unable to handle without His help. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, God provides the strength and guidance we need to obey Him.

What matters most is reaching a point in life where we decide, with firm commitment, to follow God’s direction no matter what. This decision means choosing to obey Him in every situation, trusting that His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit will make it possible.

It’s not always easy. We may not like what God asks of us, but faithfulness means doing it anyway. The goal is to make obedience our way of life — a steady, daily choice. As we obey God, we leave the results in His hands, knowing He will take care of everything.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Understanding Salvation by Grace through Faith

FLOYD ROGERS

The message of the gospel is clear: salvation comes by grace through faith, and nothing else. No one can earn eternal life by following rules, keeping rituals, or obeying commandments alone. The purpose of the law — including the Ten Commandments — was never to provide salvation. Instead, it was meant to reveal our inability to live perfectly and show our need for God’s grace.

Long ago, people under the Mosaic Law could not achieve salvation by keeping it, and the same is true today. Trying to be saved by obeying the Ten Commandments will always fall short because no one can fully meet those standards. Both then and now, people are saved by placing their faith in God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB) tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation has always been, and will always be, a gift received by faith, not earned by deeds.

because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:20