Tag: Jesus

Finding Fulfillment: Jesus as the Bread of Life

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JEFF TURNER

Life often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. We might chase after success, money, or relationships, thinking these will fill the void inside us. But even when we achieve these things, we can still feel a deep hunger for something more.

Jesus spoke about this emptiness and offered a solution. He called himself the “bread of life,” using a metaphor his listeners could easily understand. In those days, bread was essential for survival. By comparing himself to bread, Jesus was saying he’s just as crucial for our spiritual well-being.

Jesus challenged people to look beyond their physical needs and focus on what truly matters. He said, “Don’t work for food that spoils, but for food that lasts forever.” He wasn’t telling people to stop earning a living, but rather to prioritize their spiritual health alongside their physical needs. Jesus claimed he could provide a kind of spiritual nourishment that would satisfy people’s deepest longings.

The people listening to Jesus were skeptical. They wanted proof that he was as special as he claimed to be. Jesus responded by saying that believing in him was the most important thing they could do. He promised that anyone who comes to him would never be spiritually hungry or thirsty again.

This message is still relevant today. Many of us feel empty inside, even when our lives seem successful on the outside. Jesus offers a different path to fulfillment, one that doesn’t depend on material possessions or worldly achievements. He invites everyone to come to him, promising that he can satisfy our deepest needs in a way nothing else can.

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.

The Essence of Praise in Church: Insights from Psalm 100

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In the landscape of Christianity, the number of truly great churches appears to be dwindling. These churches are not defined by their financial resources, grand buildings, or large congregations, but rather by their commitment to serving the Lord and bringing Him glory. Psalm 100 offers a compelling framework for what it means to be a great church, highlighting the essential role of praise in the life of a vibrant community of believers.

The psalmist calls us to worship with unrestrained joy, urging us to make a “joyful noise” that includes singing, shouting, preaching, and praying. This exuberant worship flows from glad hearts that are fully engaged in expressing their love and adoration for our Creator. As verse 2 states, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” This invitation is not just for individuals but for the entire congregation to unite in joyful praise.

Our motivation for praise is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself. He is Elohim, the strong one; Jehovah, the self-existent one; and Adonai, our Master. As our Creator and Shepherd, He cares for us with unwavering love and attention. His goodness, mercy, and truth form the foundation of our worship, inspiring gratitude that naturally overflows into praise.

While we are encouraged to praise God everywhere and at all times, the church serves as a unique space for communal worship. The psalmist invites us to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”

This collective expression of adoration brings together believers from diverse backgrounds and generations. As we reflect on our individual expressions of worship, it is important to recognize that our emotional responses may differ. Some may express their praise through tears, while others may do so with smiles or laughter, and still others may shout for joy. Regardless of how we choose to express it, our praise should be a sincere outpouring of reverence for the One who is truly worthy of all honour and glory. In this way, we can all contribute to a vibrant culture of worship within our churches and communities across Canada.

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.

God’s Goodness: Our Reason to Be Thankful

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Adapted from a sermon delivered by George Whitefield (C 1735)

Want to know one of the clearest signs that we’ve drifted from God? It’s how hard we find it to be thankful. Think about it – when things are going well, how often do we actually stop to say “thank you”?

When God first created humans and placed them in paradise, they were naturally filled with gratitude. They used every breath to praise God, recognizing that their very existence depended on Him. Even now, when we imagine heaven, we picture angels and perfected souls constantly praising God, acknowledging His worth and power.

What was natural for humans at creation, and what will be our joy in heaven, should be part of our life now. But let’s be honest – how rarely do we feel moved to praise God! Even when guardian angels watch over us, they must be amazed at how seldom we express gratitude for all we’ve been given.

We never lack reasons to be thankful, especially those of us saved by Jesus. We see God’s goodness everywhere – in sunshine, in daily blessings, in His care for all people. But few of us have reached the point where we can genuinely rejoice in others’ blessings as much as our own. That kind of perfect love will only be fully achieved in heaven, where every blessing given to others will give us new reasons to be thankful.

What usually moves us to gratitude is personal blessing – things that directly affect us. This makes sense – when something touches our own lives, it feels more real. When God shows us special favor or delivers us from trouble, it hits different. It’s like the Psalmist who kept saying, “If only people would praise God for His goodness and for the amazing things He does for them!”
The Psalmist’s passionate plea shows both how important gratitude is and how often we neglect it. It’s like the story Jesus told about the ten lepers – they all cried for help when they were sick, but only one came back to say thanks when they were healed. Sadly, that’s pretty typical of how most of us act.

For four months, we’ve been at sea together. We’ve seen storms that lifted waves high as mountains. We’ve felt our courage melt away in trouble. But we cried out to God, and He brought us safely through. He calmed the storms and brought us to our destination. Shouldn’t we praise Him for His goodness? Shouldn’t we tell others about what He’s done for us?

Don’t just say “thank you” with your lips while your heart is far away – that’s just pretending. God didn’t save us from storms just to hear empty words. He wants our lives to show our gratitude.
Give God your whole heart. Let His love draw you to honor and obey Him. You couldn’t serve a better master – His service brings freedom, His requirements become easy with practice, and His rewards are amazing: love, peace, and joy now, plus eternal glory later.

If we don’t respond to God’s kindness with changed lives, we’re in serious trouble. God is both merciful and just. The more blessings we receive, the more responsible we are for how we use them. Don’t let God’s blessings become reasons for greater judgment.

But I believe better things for you. I’ve seen positive changes among you. The cursing has decreased, and recent hardships have made you think more seriously about eternal things. Keep going in this direction. Nothing would make me happier than to hear you’re living according to truth.

Remember, you’re entering a new world with new challenges. Show by your lives that God’s mercy hasn’t been wasted. Let your gratitude show in how you live, not just in what you say.
May God bless you, guide you, and bring us all finally to that eternal haven where we’ll praise Him forever for His goodness and declare the wonders He has done for us.