Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Understanding the law and faith

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JEFF TURNER

Some who read the Bible notice that some verses seem to say different things. This can be confusing, especially when two passages appear to oppose each other. One example often raised is found in the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:17 and the teaching of Paul in Ephesians 2:15. At first glance, it may seem like they are not in agreement.

Jesus says that He did not come to remove the law, while Paul writes that Christ has done away with the law of commandments. These statements can sound like they clash, but a closer look shows that they are speaking about different things.

It is important to begin with the understanding that the Bible comes from one source, which is God. Because of this, it does not contain conflict within its message. Each part is given by God, and He does not go against His own word. With this in mind, the goal is to understand what each passage is actually saying.

When Jesus speaks about the law, He is referring to the moral law of God. This law reflects who God is. It shows His character and His nature. The commands found in it are not random rules but are tied to God’s own being. Since God does not change, His moral law does not change either. Jesus makes it clear that He did not come to set this aside or treat it as if it no longer matters.

On the other hand, when Paul writes about the law being set aside, he is addressing a different issue. At that time, many believed that keeping the law could make a person right with God. They treated it as a way to earn salvation. Paul explains that this idea is no longer in place. Christ removed the use of the law as a path to be saved.

This means that the law still shows what is right and reflects God’s character, but it is not the way a person receives salvation. Instead, salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. The misunderstanding of the law as a means to earn favour with God is what has been taken away.

When both passages are understood in their proper meaning, they do not oppose each other. They work together to show that God’s standards remain true, while the way to be made right with Him is found in Christ.

“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.”

Ephesians 2:8

A call to purity in a culture of pressure

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JEFF TURNER

It is difficult to ignore how much of our society focuses on sexual behaviour. Issues like early pregnancy, widespread pornography, and unfaithfulness in marriage are common topics. These problems are not only found in society at large but have also made their way into the church. Something is not right, and this should raise serious concern for those who want to live according to God’s will.

This struggle is not new. The early church faced similar challenges. In the 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul clearly explains that God’s desire for His people includes living a holy life. He connects this directly to turning away from sexual sin. This shows that purity in this area is not a small matter but a key part of spiritual growth.

When Paul speaks about becoming holy, he often begins with this issue. The reason is simple. Sexual temptation is strong and affects many people. It has always been this way because human nature is broken. When Paul later writes about the qualities needed for a church leader, he starts by saying that the man must be faithful to his wife. This is not by accident. It shows that self-control and faithfulness in this area are very important.

The strength of this temptation explains why it is often addressed first. If a person can learn to live with purity here, it helps shape the rest of their life. It becomes a starting point for growth in other areas. Paul’s teaching suggests that dealing with this issue early can guide a believer toward a more complete and steady walk with God.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8

Accepting your position in Christ allows his character to show through your life

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

God has given every believer a secure standing before him, described in scripture as being loved, forgiven, reconciled, redeemed, and justified, and accepting that position by faith opens the door for real and lasting change. When a person truly believes what God says about who they are in Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work those truths out through their everyday experiences and relationships.

The character of Jesus Christ is something God places within a believer, not something a person works up through their own effort or willpower. As that character becomes more evident to the people around us, we are living out what God has freely given rather than straining to produce something on our own. That kind of life carries a genuine freedom and liberty that God has both promised and made available to every single believer.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Faith without fame

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JEFF TURNER

It is common to see a well-known person speak about faith in Christ and quickly become a major voice among believers. Within days, a celebrity who shares a testimony may be invited to speak, represent Christian causes, or be treated as a spiritual example. Christians should be glad whenever anyone comes to faith. The salvation of a person matters whether that person once lived on the street or held an important office in government. Every life changed by Christ is a reason for joy.

Yet there is a growing habit in the church that deserves careful thought. Some believers seem very eager to highlight the conversion of wealthy or famous people. Their stories are often promoted in a way that gives them a place of influence almost right away. This approach can move attention away from the message of the gospel itself.

The apostle Paul addressed something related to this in his first letter to the church in Corinth. He reminded believers that not many who follow Christ are considered wise, powerful, or noble by the standards of the world. Instead, God has chosen people who appear weak or foolish in the eyes of society. Through them, He shows that human wisdom and human pride cannot produce salvation.

One reason for this is that people who hold power, wealth, or social honour often place great value on their achievements. Their identity may be built on success, status, and reputation. Because of that, the message of the gospel can be difficult for them to accept. The gospel calls people to humility and surrender. It asks them to let go of the things they trust in and to place their hope fully in God.

The story of the rich young ruler in the Gospels gives a clear picture of this struggle. The man wanted eternal life and came to Jesus with respect. Yet when he was told to give up his riches and follow Christ, he left with sadness. His wealth and position meant too much to him. He desired life with God, but he was not ready to give up what he already had.

By contrast, many of the people who came to Jesus during His ministry were those whom society pushed aside. Tax collectors, prostitutes, and people known for crime often listened closely to His words. They knew their lives were broken. They were not pretending to be righteous. Because they understood their need, they were ready to receive mercy.

The religious leaders and respected teachers of that time often reacted very differently. Many of them opposed Jesus and rejected His message. They trusted their knowledge, their traditions, and their position in the community. Their confidence in themselves kept them from seeing their need for grace.

There is also a deeper reason behind this pattern. God often works through those who appear weak so that His power is clearly seen. When a person with little status or influence is transformed by faith, the change points directly to God’s work. No one can say the result came from human strength or talent. The grace of God becomes visible.

For this reason, believers should celebrate every true conversion without turning the spotlight toward fame or status. The gospel is not strengthened by celebrity influence. It stands on the truth of Christ and the work of God in ordinary people. When lives are changed, the glory should return to Him alone.

but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

1 Corinthians 1:27

The purpose of a Church gathering

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JEFF TURNER

In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul addressed serious problems in the church. One issue involved the misuse of spiritual gifts during their meetings. Instead of bringing order and understanding, their gatherings had become disorderly. Paul described the result with one clear word: confusion.

The situation had become so chaotic that if an unbeliever entered their meeting, the reaction could be alarming. Observers might look around and decide that the people were behaving as if they had lost their senses. This picture showed how far the church had moved away from the purpose of a proper gathering. With this in mind, Should a church service be planned mainly with unbelievers in mind, or should it focus on believers?

To understand my answer, it helps to first remember what a church is. A church is the gathering of people who have been redeemed by God. When these believers come together, the purpose of the meeting is centered on their relationship with Him and with one another. During these times, believers worship God together. They give praise to Him and honour Christ. Their focus is not on entertainment or on adjusting the message to attract outsiders. Instead, the gathering is meant to direct hearts and minds toward God.

Church meetings are also a time for believers to strengthen one another. Fellowship with other Christians is an important part of spiritual life. By being together, they encourage each other to continue walking in faith.

I believe another key part of a church gathering is the teaching of Scripture. God’s Word is read, explained, and applied so that believers grow in their understanding. Through this process, they become stronger in their faith and better prepared to live according to God’s truth.

Prayer also holds an important place in these meetings. Believers come before God together, bringing their needs and requests to Him. They confess their sins, ask for His mercy, and seek the strength that only He can give.

All of these elements form the heart of a Christian gathering. Please don’t think I’m writing a how-to-do manual. I’m speaking of things that should be part of our gathering as the Church. The purpose is to build up believers and deepen their worship of God. Because of this, shaping a church service mainly for unbelievers does not match the design of the church.

There is, however, a place for events that focus on reaching those who do not yet believe. Special gatherings can be arranged where the message of the gospel is clearly presented to them. These occasions can help people hear the truth about Christ.

But if a church replaces its regular worship gatherings with constant outreach events, a different problem can develop. The church may become spiritually weak. In some cases, people who do not truly believe may feel comfortable in that setting without realizing their real need for salvation.

Do you agree? disagree? I would love to see your comments below.

What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. All things are to be done for edification.

1 Corinthians 14:26