Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

The Warning Against a Different Gospel

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AMY TURNER

In Galatians 1, Paul speaks strongly to believers who were turning away from the true message of Christ. He tells them they were being drawn to another gospel, which was not the gospel at all. This false message centred on the idea that salvation could come through keeping the law and through human effort.

Paul reminds the church that faith begins with the Spirit, not with the works of the flesh. To return to law-keeping as a way of salvation is to go back to weak and empty things. In chapter 5, he makes it clear that such a path is disobedience to the truth.

The danger in Galatia came from those who insisted that Christians must still follow Jewish laws to be saved. Paul’s teaching is clear: if works are added to grace, then grace is lost. Any message that mixes human effort with God’s free gift of salvation is not the gospel and cannot save.

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

Ephesians 2:8

Living Under the Spirit’s Guidance

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JEFF TURNER

In Ephesians 5:18, Paul tells believers not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We should allow the Spirit to guide and influence thoughts, words, and actions, instead of being controlled by anything else.

When alcohol controls a person, it changes how they think, speak, and behave. In ancient pagan practices, some believed drunkenness helped them connect with their gods. Paul rejects this idea, teaching that Christians should be led by an inner power. The Holy Spirit should guide us rather than alcohol or any other influence.

The Holy Spirit works through God’s truth. Colossians 3:16 explains this as letting the word of Christ live richly in the mind. When a believer’s thoughts are shaped by Scripture, the Spirit uses that truth to direct life. This guidance becomes visible in behaviour, speech, and even inner attitudes.

Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event, but an ongoing way of living where God’s truth shapes every part of life.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

John 16:13

Why We Often Make Poor Choices

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FLOYD ROGERS

Many people find themselves making the wrong decisions time and again. A common reason for this is that we often rely on our own judgement instead of seeking guidance from God. Every person has natural habits, weaknesses, and limitations, and no one is without fault. It feels easy and even normal to follow what seems right to us in the moment. But choosing what feels natural instead of what God directs can lead to trouble.

When we face problems, we may try to figure things out on our own. But if we leave God out of our thinking, we increase the chance of making a mistake. God is always ready to help us make wise choices, but we have to be willing to listen.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

Understanding What the Bible Says About Divorce

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AMY TURNER

Romans 7:2 explains that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if he dies, she is free from that bond. Some take this as proof that divorce is never allowed, but the wider teaching of Scripture gives more clarity.

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul writes that if a believer is married to someone who does not believe and that person chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to remain. This shows that abandonment can bring an end to a marriage.

Jesus also speaks in Matthew 5:19, warning against divorce, but he gives one clear reason where it may take place: sexual immorality. Sin of this kind breaks the covenant of marriage and can lead to divorce.

Marriage is intended to be for life, but Scripture makes room for certain broken situations. When divorce happens for biblical reasons, the person is free to marry again.

Yet if the unbelieving one is leaving, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.

1 Corinthians 7:15

God’s Witness in Every Heart

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible teaches that even those who have never heard the gospel are still accountable to God. In Romans 1:20, Paul explains that God’s character and power are clearly seen in creation, leaving people “without excuse.” This means that every person has enough built-in knowledge to recognize there is a God and to seek Him.

Paul says that although people know God exists, they often choose not to honour Him or give thanks. Instead, they create false ideas and worship idols. Romans 2 adds that God has written His law in every human heart, and the conscience works according to that law. It is either accusing or defending a person’s actions.

This inner witness points to the truth that God is real, moral, and has given moral guidance. If a person responds to the light they have, the Spirit of God will lead them toward the full message of salvation through Christ.

This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person.

John 1:9