When a person puts their trust in Christ, something real takes place within them. The outside may look the same, but the inside has been made new. The Bible teaches that in Christ, the old self is left behind and a new life begins. This does not mean that temptations disappear or that old struggles instantly vanish. It means that a different kind of life now exists, one that is guided by the Spirit instead of by darkness.
Through Christ, believers gain new strength and new desires that influence the way they think, speak, and act. What was once impossible, things such as growing in faith and maturity, are now possible because of His presence.
This change is not yet complete. There will come a time when the work of renewal is seen fully. Scripture reminds us that when Christ returns, His people will finally be like Him, free from the brokenness of the past and complete in His likeness. Until then, Christians live in the assurance that they are already made new, even while they continue to grow.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
In the time of the prophet Isaiah, many questioned whether his writings could have come from one person. Some scholars in the 1800s believed that the book had been written by two or even more authors because of the different styles found within it. Yet Isaiah’s message is unified. It tells of prophet chosen by God who served for more than forty years, speaking to the people of Judah during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
Isaiah began his ministry when Uzziah ruled Judah. Uzziah was a strong and faithful king for much of his life, but pride led to his downfall when he tried to take on the role of a priest by burning incense in the temple. This act brought God’s judgment on him, and he was struck with leprosy. His son Jotham shared the throne with him until Uzziah’s death. Even during these times of relative peace, Isaiah’s words carried warnings about the nation’s growing spiritual sickness.
When Uzziah’s son Ahaz became king, Judah’s condition worsened. The nation turned to empty religious practices while ignoring true devotion to God. They offered sacrifices, kept holy days, and prayed often, but their hearts were far from Him. Isaiah warned that these outward actions meant nothing without faith and obedience. God’s people were compared to Sodom and Gomorrah where people lived in places of great sin and had little knowledge of God. Judah, however, had been blessed with truth and light yet chose to live in rebellion. He told them that their cities would burn and their land would be left in ruins but reminded them that God had kept a small remnant from Sodom and Gomorrah. the remnant was a faithful few who had not turned away. This idea of a remnant runs throughout the book, showing that God always preserves a people for Himself even in times of judgment.
The prophet also pointed out the hypocrisy of their worship. God had given them sacrifices and holy days, but He rejected them when they were done without sincerity. He said their hands were covered in blood, and He refused to hear their prayers. Instead, God called them to change their ways. And then came one of the most powerful promises in Scripture: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Forgiveness was possible if the people would turn back to God, they would find mercy. If they refused, they would face destruction.
Later in the chapter, Isaiah compared Jerusalem to a once-faithful woman who had become unfaithful. The city that was meant to be full of justice had turned to corruption. Leaders chased after bribes, and the poor were ignored. Yet even in this dark picture, God promised hope. He would purify His people like metal refined in fire. Their judges and counselors would be restored, and the city would once again be called “the city of righteousness.”
God’s message through Isaiah is not only about wrath. It was also about redemption. Those who turned back to God would be restored. The unfaithful could become faithful again. While outward religion is empty without a sincere heart. True faith shows itself in obedience, justice, and mercy. The promise of cleansing from sin points ahead to Jesus Christ, who would bring complete forgiveness through His sacrifice.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call have announced they are welcoming acclaimed Southern Gospel singer Brian Alvey to their ministry family. The talented vocalist, musician, and songwriter brings with him an impressive background in gospel music and a commitment to serving the Lord.
Brian Alvey has built a distinguished career performing with some of the most respected groups in the Southern Gospel Music Industry, including Tribute Quartet, Kingdom Heirs, and most recently Second Chance Ministries. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition not only for his voice but also for his devotion to God’s Word and his dedication to faith, family, and ministry.
“We are blessed to welcome Brian, his wife Amber and his children Collin, Parker and Winston into our ministry family,” said Debra Perry. She noted that his talent, spirit, and love for the Lord make him an ideal fit for their work in advancing God’s Kingdom through music and ministry.
Brian Alvey expressed his enthusiasm about joining the group, saying he is honoured to serve alongside Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call. He looks forward to sharing the message of hope and faith through music and ministering to hearts wherever God leads them.
With their hearts united in purpose and vision, Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call are looking ahead with excitement and prayer, anticipating a fruitful journey as they continue to lift up Jesus through worship, song, and testimony.
When Jesus began teaching in the Gospel of Mark, his first message was, “Repent and believe the gospel.” His words are not just a random spur-of-the-moment command. He gave an invitation into a new life with God. To repent means to turn away from sin and turn toward Christ. It is a complete change of direction toward the living for God.
Repentance is not just feeling sorry for doing wrong. It involves rejecting sin and choosing to obey Christ. Believing the gospel means trusting that Jesus lived perfectly, died for our sins, and rose again to give us new life. The Bible says that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. When we see the goodness and mercy of God through Jesus, our hearts begin to change. The love of Christ moves people to stop clinging to sin and start following him. We no longer love the things that once ruled our lives because we have found something greater.
When a person repents and believes, they become a new creation. God forgives their sin and welcomes them into his family. But repentance does not stop at conversion. Christians continue to repent throughout life because sin still tries to take root in the heart. We grow in holiness by repeatedly turning from sin and returning to God.
Scripture describes believers as both forgiven and still being changed. We are saints, yet we struggle with sin and also suffer in this world. God’s work in us is not finished. When we enter his presence, we often see our sin more clearly. But conviction is not condemnation. Conviction is a sign that God is drawing us closer to himself.
Ephesians chapter 4 teaches how repentance looks in daily life. The passage does not use the word “repent,” but it describes repentance means in action. Based on this chapter, repentance means to put off the old way of life and put on the new. Followers of Jesus are called to quit living like the world around them. Before knowing Christ, people lived for their own desires, unaware that their hearts were hard toward God. But believers are to walk in a different way because they have been made new.
The Christian life is like learning in the school of Christ. We are always learning from Him. We learn about His truth, His ways, and His character. When I speak about “learning Christ,” I mean to shape our thoughts and actions after His example. We act differently on the outside because God has changed us on the inside.
Paul writes that believers must take off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. As our minds are renewed by God’s word, our behaviour begins to change. The image of God, once broken by sin, is restored as we follow Christ’s example.
Ephesians 4 also gives us examples of how repentance transforms everyday life. Those who once lied should now speak the truth. Speech should build others up, not tear them down. Words have power, and corrupt talk grieves the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to speak in ways that show grace and love, not anger or cruelty. I believe that repentance also changes how we work. Those who once took from others are to work honestly and share with those in need. Work becomes an act of service rather than selfish gain. Even anger is addressed. Anger itself is not always sin, but when left unchecked, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, and harm. Instead, believers are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving—just as God has forgiven us in Christ.
Following Jesus means walking in love and His sacrifice on the cross shows what real love looks like. and our repentance is not a one-time act but a lifelong turning of the heart. It is the daily movement of faith that keeps us close to Christ and growing in his likeness.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on New Year’s Eve, killing one police officer and injuring two others in what authorities described as a failed attempt to attack Christian worshippers, according to The Syrian Interior Ministry.
The Syrian Interior Ministry said on its Telegram channel that the attack occurred in the Bab al-Faraj neighbourhood when the assailant, identified by local authorities as a member of the Islamic State, opened fire during a police interrogation. A police officer physically restrained the attacker, at which point the bomber detonated his explosive belt. According to authorities, the attacker was attempting to reach a nearby Christian neighbourhood and religious sites, including a Greek Orthodox church, to target New Year’s celebrations.
The Aleppo bombing represents the latest in a series of recent Islamic State attacks in Syria. Just a week earlier, an explosion at an Alawite mosque in Homs killed eight people. Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which analysts believe operates as a front for IS, claimed responsibility for that attack. On December 13, an IS attack in Palmyra killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian.
These incidents come as Syria continues military operations against Islamic State remnants under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, an Islamist leader who previously fought against IS during the Syrian civil war. In November, Syria officially joined the U.S.-led coalition against IS and has since been conducting coordinated raids with U.S. Central Command targeting IS sleeper cells throughout the country.
Texas Gospel Canada Southern Gospel Radio 