The Gospel – Word for the Soul

Theologically Speaking

July 23, 2026July 22, 2026 Loring Schultz

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 6:20 ESV

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” John 6:35 ESV

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I have heard it said from a well-known modern-day theologian that everyone is a theologian. All of us have a theology that we hold to. You may say I have no theological point of view, not even a thought of one. But you do and have thought about it. Simply put, theology is the study of God. You may not study God, but you have thoughts about Him, and even if you say there is no God, you have thought about Him who you believe is not there, theologically speaking.

Even among Christians there are differing theological views concerning God and His Word. Putting a stronger emphasis on certain doctrines will distinguish a theological view not held by all Christians. This doesn’t insinuate error but a disagreement on the subject matter. There are many such passages presented in Scripture which can be worked out between believers or agreeing to disagree as the saying goes.

One example would be the text verses above, two statements by Jesus concerning those who have a hunger for God and righteousness. Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Lk.6:20 esv) Jesus is speaking of those who are poor in spirit seeking righteousness. In the book of John Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” (Jn.6:35 esv) Jesus is not referring to physical hunger, but again a spiritual hunger.

In the above example some people will put a stronger emphasis on ‘poor’ and ‘hunger’ in their theological view in caring for the poor and hungry. No doubt helping the less fortunate is what all Christians ought to be doing. Helping the poor in spirit by feeding them the gospel message not only helps them in this life but saves their soul from eternal torment in eternity. The line between the two must be removed to see the truth of Scripture clearly and know our priorities as Christians, theologically speaking.

Devotionals

Self-deceived

July 20, 2026July 17, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven” Matthew 7:21 NLT

Young woman looking at her fragmented reflection in a broken mirror

How often have you been deceived? How many times have you been taken advantage of through deception of one kind or another? Have you ever invested in a project, no matter how noble, that turned out to be a sham? There have been many fraudulent schemes in past years that continue on even more aggressive in our day. They even affect our financial future. The effects of being deceived through misrepresentation of investing for future financial gains to secure a better life for yourself and others are heartbreaking when it is realized the returns are not there.

It is one thing to be deceived by others, but it is quite another when you deceive yourself. You may actually deceive yourself into believing you know best by putting your trust into your abilities and the actions you take. Again, the effects are heartbreak in this life when they fail, but they are more than heartbreak in eternity when you deceive yourself.

Jesus is recorded as saying, concerning the Day of Judgment, “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” (Mt.7:22-23 nlt) Apparently there were people in Jesus’s day who preached the name of Jesus and perform great deeds in Jesus’ name that Jesus will confirm that He never knew them. We can be sure there are those today who make the same claim. They also in return never knew the Lord Jesus as their Savoir, but deceived themselves into thinking they were heaven bound due to their performance here on earth.

Let us not deceive ourselves into applying this only to the so-called charlatans of our day whose preaching and antics distort the truth of the Gospel and the Word of God. This also includes the regular church attendee, the board member, Sunday school teacher, food bank organizer, choir director along with all who sing in the choir, the custodian, and all others within the church and outside the church who are deceiving themselves that good deeds will get you to heaven.

As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) It is not by your works but being born again by the grace of God. Do not be ‘self-deceived.’

Devotionals

Maximum Effort

May 29, 2026May 26, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB

There are various things in life that require our maximum effort. Rearing children to adulthood needs more than casual supervision. Working your way through medical school is a vast undertaking that shapes your priorities to maximize your efforts where they need to be. Going back to the moon and safely returning takes maximum effort from every individual involved in every step of the entire project. Doing anything that is vital for our quality of life will take maximum effort to be achieved successfully. Anything less will fail.

In the Christian life one of the most important things that require maximum effort is to present ourselves approved to God. What is meant by, ‘approved to God’? For starters it means are we being faithful to God through obedience? Are we applying maximum effort to live a life unblemished by the world? Our deeds should not put us in a spotlight of embarrassment before others, especially those outside the faith. If we are applying maximum effort to live pure lives before others it will bring good results and that will bring God’s approval.

There is one other vital aspect in presenting ourselves approved to God and that is handling the word of truth, the Bible, accurately. This is not just for pastors, Bible teachers, and seminary professors. Every Christian needs to know Scripture well enough to handle the truth correctly. The truth of the gospel is the most important message you can convey to others. In a world where this truth gets distorted every day, it is vital for true Christians to understand salvation and be able to explain it through Scripture. It will take maximum effort but we have the Holy Spirit to help us with that extra boast we need to get us there. With His help we can accurately handle the word of truth.

Devotionals

The Right Words

May 18, 2026May 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 10:16-20 NLT – “Look, I am sending you out as sheep – Bible Gateway

“God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20 NLT

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How many times have you been in a situation where you could not find the right words to say? How did you feel? Depending on the circumstances you may have felt embarrassed, not up to speed, or even frighten. You were counselling someone who needed help and your mind drew a blank or you were afraid of their reaction would be to what you were about to say. Whatever the case may be, Christians should not be afraid but encouraged for we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us through.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand He told them to beware. They were be aware of the coming resistance. First of all, they will be as sheep among wolves. They will be handed over to the authorities and beaten for their spoken words. Proclaiming the good news of Jesus would have them arrested and put on trial. But Jesus tells them to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to these rulers in the courts and all who are present about the gospel.

Today in 2026 Jesus is still sending out His disciples (us) to proclaim the gospel. All that early disciples were to beware of applies to us today. There is an increasing negativity of Christianity worldwide. We are beginning to see persecution in countries where Christianity and the gospel was freely heard and accepted. Several European countries and our friends to the north in Canada have laws on the books to suppress Christianity by claiming it is hate speech. And I am afraid it is soon coming to America.

We need not be afraid when that day comes but encouraged. God will give us the right words to say in proclaiming the Gospel and He will give us the right words when we are put on trial for speaking those right words of the gospel. “For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt.10:20 nlt)

Devotionals

To Whom Will You Go?

May 14, 2026May 13, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: John 6:60-69 NLT – Many Disciples Desert Jesus – Many of – Bible Gateway

“Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’” John 6:68-69 NLT

The New Testament book of John chapter 6 records the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Most of those people followed Him back to Capernaum for what Jesus said of them, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.” (Jn.6:26 nlt) The people were content to have their stomachs full. They could not look past their concern for their physical needs. Jesus told them not to be concerned about the food that perishes but for the food that leads to eternal life. (Jn.6:27)

Jesus then explained that He was the bread of life coming down from heaven giving life to the world. Salvation is granted to all who eat His flesh and drink His blood. (Jesus is using a spiritual analogy here-Jn.6:53-59) It represents Christ’s physical death on the cross and His shed blood as necessary for eternal life. Those who accept Christ as savior receive (His flesh and blood) as payment for their sins and have everlasting life. This is hard for people today to grab hold of and understand and even more so in Jesus’ day as he spoke these words. And the Scriptures say many left Him after these words.

The story above is not the only one used in our day to refute Christianity. There are many which orators take out of context to explain away the truth of the gospel that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Sadly, many people are taken in and led amiss by these teachers, and yes pastors, with their false words. The disciples were asked by Jesus if they were going to follow the crowd away from Jesus and Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (Jn.6:68 nlt) Peter’s words are still true today, ‘to whom will you go?’

Devotionals

Serious Business

May 13, 2026May 12, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” 2 Timothy 2:4 NLT

The Christian life is serious business. Our responsibilities must be taken seriously. We are Jesus’ followers who bear His name and are His representatives on earth. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” (2Cor.5:20) The gospel message which leads to salvation is placed upon every Christian to share with others as they are so gifted. Not everyone is a pastor, missionary, or Bible teacher but God has gifted each believer in Christ the ability to speak for Him right where they are.

Not only are we ambassadors for Christ, but we are soldiers in His army. Those in military service know their first allegiance is to the country they serve and their commanding officers. Christians are in the heavenly kingdom and our commander is the Lord Jesus. Soldiers in today’s army must restrict themselves from the things of civilian life. Their duty is total loyalty to the mission that is in front of them. Christians in Christ’s army have their mission instilled in their hearts and minds and must be ready to be deployed as He commands. Loyalty to our God and Savior takes first place.

The work that is put before us is of the upmost importance. There are countless important and vital jobs to better our lives and to save lives in the world today. Praise God if He has called you into one of those positions, but the most crucial job today saves lives from eternal damnation to eternal life with the lifesaving gospel of Jesus Christ. Be careful not to get caught up in frivolous things but remember who enlisted us to be in His army. It is serious business.

Devotionals

Never be ashamed and be ready to suffer

May 7, 2026May 6, 2026 Loring Schultz

“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.” 2 Timothy 1:8 NLT

Group of U.S. Army soldiers standing outdoors in uniform, smiling and posing for a photo

For what are you willing to suffer? I should get right to the point and ask, for what are you willing to die? Here in America men and women are willing to put their lives in harm’s way in military service for the protection and freedom of their country they love. I would say most of them truly have this sentiment, but there are many who never realize the depth of what they signed up for.

This is true for Christians as well in God’s service. If you are a child of God you are in God’s army. Some Christians do not like to equate their faith as being in a war, a battle, or even part of an army even when things get rough. God’s army is designed to stand for the truth of the gospel, the testimony of Jesus Christ. The first requirement for Christians is to never be ashamed of sharing the good news with others. The second requirement, as the apostle Paul tells Timothy, is to be ready to suffer for what you have just shared.

Suffering for sharing good news does not make much sense. We would think people would be pleased and rejoice in hearing the good news of Jesus Christ and indeed some are. However, the underlying reason most are not and why there is hostility with it, is Satan, the evil one. Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesus, said, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph.6:12 nlt)

Paul is reminding Timothy that suffering will come in sharing the gospel. He also encourages Timothy that God will give him strength to go through the suffering. God’s strength is still available to every Christian today in His army, ‘So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord and be ready to suffer with me (Paul) for the sake of the Good News.” (2Tim.1:8 nlt)

Devotionals

Our Greatest Need

April 30, 2026April 29, 2026 Loring Schultz

“O let me never lose sight of my need of a saviour, or forget that apart from him I am nothing, and can do nothing.” (1)

What is your greatest need? Have you ever thought about it? This question is often asked in light of the current moment in time. We do live in the present. Have you ever considered there is one need that is supersedes all other needs in our lives? This need, when met, will assist us with dealing with all other needs because it is our greatest need, our need of a savior. Our greatest need in this life is to make sure our greatest after this life is met. Along with the fulfillment of that need comes help from above in our everyday walk in this life.

The Puritan writer in the ‘Valley of Vision’ collection of Puritan devotions writes, “O let me never lose sight of my need of a saviour, or forget that apart from him I am nothing, and can do nothing.” (1) We can get so tangled in our present needs we lose sight of the bigger picture. What is important and what should be our primary priorities are overshadowed by current troubles. Yes, our pressing needs are a concern and need to be dealt with and the provider of our greatest need is there to help us through them.

Our greatest need must be met first. All of us are alienated from God due to our sinful nature and must be reconciled to Him. That reconciliation was made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Ro.5:10 niv) When we accept Christ as savior our greatest need in this life and more importantly in eternity has been met. So, have you taken care of your greatest need? Once you are assured of that, the rest of this life with all its needs will be met by the one who solved your greatest need, your need of a savior.

(1) Arthur Bennett Ed. The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press, 2023. Pg. 32

Devotionals

I believe in God, so I spoke

April 21, 2026April 20, 2026 Loring Schultz

“But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, ‘I believed in God, so I spoke.’” 2 Corinthians 4:13 NLT

What are you passionate about? How passionate are you in what you believe in? What does it take for others to know where your passions lie? If you are like me, my passions become clear to others as we engage in conversations about issues in life that are dear to me. Being somewhat of an introvert, it is obvious when hitting on a subject that I am passionate about it is hard not to notice.

The last few years been anything but normal across the globe, but particularly here in the United States. Individual passions have risen to a new level. One’s belief system is being assessed and demonstrated as never before. That is not to say that they are not legitimate. Expressing one’s beliefs and passions about right and wrong, justice and injustice, unjust war and just war and racial inequality is something all Christians need to be involved in. But with that being said, what is number one on your passion list, me included. What is the most important thing you believe in?

The apostle Paul quoting from the Old Testament to the church in Corinth, says “I believe in God, so I spoke.” This was Paul’s number one passion, presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ in a clear and understanding manner to those around him. This serves as an example for every Christian to make this the number one priority above everything else. Yes, we are to support the efforts to secure peace and justice, and it starts by sharing Jesus Christ with the world. All the world’s problems are due to sin. America has a sin problem. The world has a sin problem. It is due to the fact that ‘we the people’ are sinners. The world has a sin problem because, “…..all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)

The overriding issue above all others in the world today is the need for individuals to acknowledge their sin before God confessing and repenting accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, for salvation. For those of us who have done this, it is time to live righteously and godly in every area of our life. Our lives in this world are but a vapor, soon to be gone. Let us do what we can while the vapor is still visible living by God’s standards. If we genuinely believe in God, then let us speak. It is the most important message you can speak today, and the world needs to hear it. Christians, if we believe in God, then let us speak.

Devotionals

Guard what has been entrusted to you

April 17, 2026April 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21 NASB

What treasures have you been entrusted with? Those of you blessed with children have those precious jewels placed in their trusting care from God. Those who work in financial institutions have large sums of money entrusted to them. Those who serve in law enforcement have the safety of the lives they protect and serve entrusted to them. And those of us who are Christians have the treasure of the Gospel entrusted to us.

The apostle Paul instructs his son in the faith, Timothy, to guard the treasure which had been entrusted to him, the life giving message of Salvation. Timothy was instructed to guard or keep watch over the presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ against the false teachers of his day.

Just as Timothy had false teachers in his day, we also have false teachers in our day who distort the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to guard and keep watch, “through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” the True Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. And we can use Jesus’s own words:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life……….I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn.3:16, 14:6 nasb)

We have been entrusted with the most valuable treasure known to mankind. May we realize our responsibility and guard what has been entrusted to us!