Author: Texas Gospel

Discover ‘Man on the Middle Cross’ by Sound Street

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 23, 2025) — “We’re so excited to share our next streaming release, ‘Man on the Middle Cross,'” says Jarrod Vanderslice of Sonlite Records’ Sound Street. “This song found its way to us in an unexpected but special way: Debra Talley, wife of our producer Roger Talley, mentioned it to us as a song worth considering. To be honest, we weren’t very familiar with it at first—but the moment we listened to the original version, we knew it was something special. The message gripped us immediately, and we felt it would be a powerful addition to our music catalog.”
That original version, sung by co-writer Rhett Walker, was strong enough to earn a recent Dove Award nomination for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and the Southern Gospel trio leans, with Talley’s help, even more strongly into the song’s country roots, swapping the original’s darker textures and grittier tones for airier, more acoustic touches and framing the clarity of Jarrod Vanderslice’s lead vocal with vivid harmonies from daughter Jaylee Vanderslice and family friend Ryan Bilby. From start to finish, Sound Street’s take on “Man on the Middle Cross” transforms an already powerful song into a moving celebration of Christ’s gift to sinners.

“The story behind this song is one we can all relate to,” says Jarrod. “On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, two men hung beside Him—two sinners, two different responses. One was broken and full of regret, recognizing his need for mercy. The other was hardened, defensive, and convinced it was too late for him. If we’re honest, at some point in life, we’ve all been like one of those men. We’ve all faced moments of fear, regret, or the feeling of being too far gone. But then—there’s Jesus. The Man on the Middle Cross. The One who took the worst of us and gave us the best of Himself. The One who made a way for redemption, no matter who we are or what we’ve done.

Musically, this song has a fresh, modern country feel, blending heartfelt storytelling with a melody that stays with you long after the final note. It’s the kind of song that not only fits our style but truly reflects the heart of what we want to share—hope, grace, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. We can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Listen to “Man on the Middle Cross” HERE.

About Sound Street
Oklahoma-based trio Sound Street is Jarrod Vanderslice, his daughter Jaylie Vanderslice and long-time family friend Ryan Bilby.

Established in July of 2020, Sound Street has garnered the attention of southern gospel music fans and tastemakers alike. The trio was selected out of the Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage during the National Quartet Convention in 2021 and was nominated in the top 10 for favorite new artist 2022’s Singing News Fan Awards. Their radio single “I’ll Take The Old Highway” peaked at #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’ Top 100 and “The Old Story” debuted at #67 on Singing News’ March 2022 chart.

Performing more than 80 dates a year, Sound Street has been inspiring and communicating the message of the Gospel through their music to all audiences.

The Inclusive Love of Jesus

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FLOYD ROGERS

No one is left out of Jesus’ love. It doesn’t matter where a person comes from, what language they speak, or what their background is. No race, belief, or past mistake can place someone beyond the reach of His care. Jesus welcomes every person, no matter their story.

When someone chooses to accept Jesus Christ, something powerful happens in their life. It starts by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God, sent by the Father into this world. He gave His life on the cross, shedding His blood to pay for the sins of all people. When a person confesses this truth and receives Jesus as their personal Saviour, their life is made new.

Jesus did not come to judge or push people away. His purpose was to save, to bring hope, and to offer a new beginning to anyone who will receive Him.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:17

The Consequences of Sin

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JEFF TURNER

Throughout the Bible, God consistently calls people to turn from their sins and believe in Christ. This message is clear and repeated often. However, there is a passage in the final chapter of Revelation that, at first glance, seems confusing. It says: “Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy.” (Revelation 22:11, NASB).

At first, it might appear as if sinners are being encouraged to remain in their sin. But that is not the true meaning. The message here is about the lasting consequences of a person’s choice in response to the Gospel. Those who reject the truth and continue in sin will remain that way for eternity, separated from God. In contrast, those who accept the Gospel, live righteously, and show true faith will continue in holiness forever in God’s presence.

Nowhere in Scripture does God invite people to keep sinning. Every call to sinners urges them to leave behind what is evil and pursue what is good through faith in Jesus Christ. The decisions made in this life will set one’s eternal future.

And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment,

Hebrews 9:27

Trusting God’s Timing in Your Life Journey

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FLOYD ROGERS

God has designed a unique purpose and plan for each of our lives. He is always doing something meaningful, even when we don’t fully understand it. Since He created us with a clear purpose, we should trust that He also has a perfect schedule for how and when things should happen. We can infer from God’s word that he wants us to set aside our own plans, follow His ways, and watch how He moves in our lives.

It’s surprising how some people live as if God isn’t working around them. No matter what situations we face, His goodness never changes. He remains kind and faithful to each one of us. Because God knows everything, He understands the best path for us, the perfect moment for every event, and the right timing for every step we take.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Greater Vision Welcomes New Baritone Singer Scott Mullins

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JEFF TURNER

Greater Vision, widely recognized as the most awarded trio in Gospel music, has announced an exciting addition to their lineup with the welcoming of Scott Mullins as their new baritone singer. Gerald Wolfe says Mullins will be a welcome addition to the trio, marking a significant milestone for both Greater Vision and Mullins’ former group, The Guardians.

For Scott Mullins, this opportunity represents nothing short of a dream come true. “These gentlemen have been my heroes for many years,” Mullins shared. “I would go to the National Quartet Convention and see Greater Vision on stage performing with excellence and would dream of being able to stand side by side on stage with them. Now, God has allowed that dream to become reality.” His first official performance with Greater Vision is scheduled for June 4th in Shipshewana, Indiana, launching what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his musical career.

The humility and gratitude in Mullins’ words reflect the deep respect he holds for his new bandmates. “I am truly humbled to be a part of Greater Vision. To Gerald, Rodney, and Chris, I say thank you,” he expressed, while also acknowledging his former group: “To Dean, John Darin, Pat, and Paul, I say thank you for 5 and a half wonderful years. God has great things in store for The Guardians.”

Greater Vision founder Gerald Wolfe emphasized that the decision to bring Mullins aboard was based on more than just musical talent. “We’ve known Scott for several years, and have always appreciated his singing ability, but more importantly, his love for God, his sincerity, and his friendship,” Wolfe explained. “We’re looking forward to what’s ahead for both Greater Vision and The Guardians.”

This sentiment of mutual respect extends to Mullins’ former group as well. John Darin Rowsey of The Guardians praised his departing bandmate, saying, “For five and a half years, Scott has been a great asset to The Guardians. His passion for our ministry and music is second to none. Pat, Paul, and myself wish him the best, and know his future is bright with Greater Vision.”

Following his debut performance in Indiana, fans can expect to see the newly configured Greater Vision—featuring Scott Mullins alongside veteran members Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman, and Gerald Wolfe—performing throughout the coming months. The group will be appearing in concerts this summer, at the National Quartet Convention, Gospel Music Hymn Sing events, and various other venues this fall.