Tag: Salvation

Making God’s work our own

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

CONNIE WILLIAMS

Years ago, the evangelist D.L. Moody met a stranger on the streets of Chicago and asked him if he was a Christian. The man told Moody to mind his own business, to which Moody answered, “This is my business.” Though Moody sold shoes for a living, he knew that his true purpose was to share the message of Jesus Christ. The work of spreading the gospel is not only for pastors or missionaries. It is the calling of every believer.

When a person chooses to make God’s work their own, life gains direction and meaning. Sharing the gospel brings peace and strength, even against spiritual opposition. The Apostle Paul spoke of this in Ephesians 6, describing the “shoes of the gospel of peace” as a defense against evil. Living with this purpose helps people choose purity over temptation, generosity over greed, and discipline over aimlessness.

To live this way, a person must first be convinced that others need Christ. Sometimes people hesitate to speak about faith because they are not sure that salvation through Jesus is the only way to eternal life. These are folks who need to examine their own salvation. The Bible is clear when Jesus says in John 14:6 that no one comes to the Father except through Him. If that is true, then believers must understand that every person without Christ faces eternal separation from God. Only a deep conviction of this truth will lead someone to speak up about their faith.

Second, those who share the gospel must have confidence that God has the power to save. No person can bring someone to faith through persuasion alone. Salvation is not something that happens because of our effort. It comes from faith that is a Gift from God. Jesus said in John 6:44, no one can come to Him unless the Father calls them.

Third, sharing the gospel wisely means understanding a person’s level of openness. It’s not about giving a long, one-sided talk without listening. But real communication takes patience and respect. It allows space for honest questions and ongoing conversations. Still, relationships alone are not enough. The message must be spoken, because faith comes through hearing the Word of God.

Finally, to represent God’s message faithfully, one must understand it clearly. Believers are ambassadors for Christ, not creators of a new message. Their duty is to represent what God has already said. The gospel can be explained in four main truths:

First, everyone has sinned. Romans 3:23 says that all people have fallen short of God’s standard. Some may live better lives than others, but none are good enough to reach God on their own.

Second, sin deserves punishment. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death This is eternal separation from God.

Third, Jesus Christ died for our sins. Romans 5:8 teaches that God showed His love by sending Jesus to take the punishment we deserved. Through His death, justice was satisfied and mercy was offered.

Fourth, salvation is a gift that must be received. John 1:12 says that those who receive Christ and believe in His name become children of God. A gift is not truly ours until we accept it. In the same way, forgiveness and eternal life belong only to those who personally receive what Jesus has done for them.

There is no deeper satisfaction than seeing someone find life in Christ. That joy is not meant only for preachers but for every follower of Jesus.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

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

Salvation Is God’s Complete Gift

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Some wonder whether the “gift” in this verse refers only to faith, only to grace, or to both. The passage shows that the answer includes all of it. It includes grace, faith, and salvation. All are given by God. None of them come from human effort.

The chapter explains the need for this gift. Before receiving new life, people are spiritually dead because of sin, following the ways of the world and under God’s judgment. This is the natural state of humanity, separated from Him and unable to save itself.

The turning point is found in the words “But God.” Because of His mercy and great love, He gives spiritual life, provides His grace, grants saving faith, and brings complete salvation. All who are saved have received every part of it from Him alone.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

The Holy Spirit: Our Source of Comfort

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

FLOYD ROGERS

When someone places their trust in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, something important happens. According to Scripture, the Holy Spirit comes to live within that person. While God the Father and Jesus the Son remain in heaven, the Holy Spirit works here on earth, living in every believer.

The Holy Spirit has many roles, but one key purpose is to bring comfort. This means that those who follow Christ are never truly alone. They do not need to search outside themselves for peace or strength in hard times, because God’s Spirit already lives within them.

Unlike the rest of the world, believers have access to comfort that doesn’t depend on outside circumstances. The presence of the Holy Spirit offers a steady and lasting sense of peace that comes from God.

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever;

John 14:16

The Good Work God Completes in Believers

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes that the Lord will finish the good work He has begun in His people until the day of Christ. This good work is salvation. Salvation is not only a moment in time but a work of God that stretches across all time.

When a person first repents and trusts in Jesus, they are saved from the penalty of sin. The believer is made right with God. But the work does not stop there. The Holy Spirit continues to shape the believer’s life, helping them turn away from sin and grow more like Christ. This present part of salvation is called sanctification.

There is also a future promise. One day, when believers are with Christ forever, they will be completely free from the presence of sin. This final part of salvation is known as glorification.

So salvation is one work of God with three parts: we were saved from the penalty of sin, we are being saved from the power of sin, and we will be saved from the presence of sin. This is the work the Lord will bring to completion.

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

Ephesians 2:8