Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Trusting God’s Love in the Middle of Life’s Storms

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AMY TURNER

In Mark 4:35-41 we’re told of a dangerous storm striking as Jesus and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee. The boat begins to fill with water, and the disciples, filled with fear, wake Jesus from sleep. In their alarm, they ask him, “Don’t you care if we drown?”

Jesus then rises and commands the wind and waves to be still. Instantly, the storm calms. Afterward, he questions his disciples, asking why they are so afraid and whether they still lack faith. The heart of this account is not about whether Jesus could calm the storm — his power was never in question. What mattered was the disciples’ trust in him.

Their words show us their doubt. Not doubt in his ability, but in his concern for them. Faith involves more than believing in God’s strength; it requires confidence in his constant love.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very ready help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

What the New Earth Might Be Like

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JEFF TURNER

Some people imagine heaven as a place filled with clouds, harps, and endless singing. However, the Bible gives a different picture. In Revelation 21, it describes a “new heaven and a new earth,” and this new earth shares some similarities with the one we live on now.

One key difference is that the new earth will not have seas. Currently, water covers about 75 percent of the planet. The future earth will be different. Nothing in the description mentions a water-based world. This apparent change could reflect a return to how the earth was before the flood described in Genesis. That flood reshaped the world through rain and underground waters, forming oceans and continents as we know them today.

The new earth might resemble the Garden of Eden, a place of beauty, rivers, and balance. Although we can’t know all the details, it’s likely the new earth will be full of life and peace, free from the destruction of past disasters.

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

You Will Know Them by Their Fruit

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JEFF TURNER

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “You will know them by their fruit,” from Matthew 7. It’s often used to judge whether someone’s faith is real, with the idea that a true Christian must prove their salvation through visible results. Some go so far as to treat this as a command to doubt every profession of faith until evidence is shown.

But this passage isn’t meant to test believers. In its context, Jesus is warning about false teachers, not questioning the salvation of sincere followers. His focus is on protecting people from spiritual deception, not urging them to challenge each other’s faith.

Jesus is talking about false prophets, that is, those who appear genuine but teach lies. They will show signs of who they really are. Their actions, morals, and even their followers can reveal their true nature. These outward signs are what expose their falsehood.

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?

Matthew 7:15–16

The Certain Return of Christ and the Call to Prepare

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AMY TURNER

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ will one day return to the earth. Revelation 1:7 tells us that he will come with the clouds, and every person will see him — including those responsible for his death. People from every nation will mourn when this happens because it will mark the moment of final judgement.

This event will be public and undeniable. Christ will not return in secret or as a distant idea. His coming will be visible and real, and it will affect every human being. No one will be able to avoid this moment. We’re told in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

Doesn’t knowing this truth call for a serious response from each of us?

because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:31

Belief Requires Understanding for True Salvation

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JEFF TURNER

In Acts 16, when the jailer asked Paul and Silas how he could be saved, their response was direct: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Some interpret this to mean that salvation requires no further explanation or mention of repentance. However, doesn’t this view overlooks the broader context?

I don’t believe this statement given to the jailer not meant to stand alone. It is reasonable to assume that Paul and Silas had already explained who Jesus is, what He had done, and why the man needed saving. Without this knowledge, belief would be empty. Romans 10:14 asks, “How will they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” True faith requires understanding the person and work of Christ, including His death and resurrection.

The command to believe is central, but it is built upon clear teaching. Evangelism is not about offering vague assurances; it is about presenting the full message of Jesus so that belief is rooted in truth.

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3