Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Finding Strength in God’s Presence

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FLOYD ROGERS

There is a kind of deep safety that no person or promise on earth can provide. It stays with you through hardship, suffering, or shame—no matter what you face. This lasting security comes from knowing that God’s Spirit lives within you. Even when life brings pressure or pain, there is a quiet confidence because you are not alone.

The enemy may tempt you to give up or run away, but God’s Spirit speaks within, reminding you of who walks beside you. You are in the presence of the Father, the one who rules over all creation. He is not distant. He is near. And He can bring about things in your life you could never have expected.

This truth gives peace and courage.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:11

The Gospel Requires Words

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AMY TURNER

Some people repeat a phrase connected to St. Francis of Assisi, though there is doubt he ever said it. The phrase suggests that one should share the gospel mainly by actions, using words only if needed. At first it may sound wise, but it leaves out something important. Words are not optional when it comes to spreading the message of Christ.

Paul makes this clear in Romans 10:13-14, where he asks how people can believe if they have never heard, and how they can hear without someone speaking. Faith grows when the good news is spoken. Actions may support the message, but the gospel itself must be said.

Sharing the message with words is not only important but also the way people come to know the truth of Christ.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15

What the Bible Says About Believers and Judgement

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JEFF TURNER

Some people wonder if Christians will face judgement after they die, and some even suggest this might involve something like purgatory. However, the Bible does not support the idea of purgatory. It is not mentioned anywhere in Scripture. Instead, when people die, they go either to be with God or to a place of suffering, as shown in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). There is no in-between state where souls are purified before entering heaven.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 explains that believers will be judged, but not for their sins. Those have already been forgiven through Jesus’ death. Instead, this judgement is about what each person has done for God’s kingdom. Paul says that some works will last, like gold or silver, while others will be burned up, like wood or straw. This burning doesn’t mean punishment, but a loss of reward. The believer will still be saved, but their worthless works, those without lasting spiritual value, will not count for anything in eternity.

Each believer will appear before Christ to receive what is due for their deeds.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

A Table of Peace in Troubled Times

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:5 tells us that God sets a table for His people even when enemies are close by. The picture is not one of comfort and quiet, but of danger and pressure. Imagine preparing to share a meal with family while storms strike the house and violent voices shout outside the door. Most would struggle to enjoy that moment because fear and noise take over.

David reminds us that God, like a shepherd, does not wait for safe and easy conditions before caring for His flock. The meal is spread out even while threats are near. Enemies may roar, but they cannot remove the shepherd’s protection. The sheep can still eat because their safety depends on the shepherd, not on their surroundings.

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

What It Really Means Not to Judge

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JEFF TURNER

Many people, especially those outside the Christian faith, turn to Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” when they feel challenged about sin. But this verse is often misunderstood. Jesus was not saying that believers should never make judgments. Instead, He was warning against taking the place of God by acting as if we have final authority over others.

Just a few verses later, in the same chapter, Jesus says not to give what is holy to dogs or to throw pearls before pigs. To follow that instruction, a person has to make a judgment. I’m speaking of a judgement that involves spiritual understanding. This shows that some level of discernment is necessary when handling sacred things, especially the message of the gospel.

The warning in Matthew 7:1 is really about pride and hypocrisy. Jesus was speaking against the religious leaders of the time who were treating others harshly, as if they had God’s insight and power. While Christians are called to evaluate right from wrong, they must remember that only God can make the final judgment, because only He sees everything clearly.

Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

John 7:24