Joseph Habedank has spent over two decades pursuing a dream that began when he was just five years old. His love for southern gospel music started early, with influences from legendary groups like Gold City, the Kingsmen, the Singing Americans, and the Cathedrals.
Reflecting on his childhood, Joseph shared his deep connection to the music. “I remember as a five-year-old sitting with my headphones listening to Gold City and the Kingsmen and the Singing Americans, Cathedrals, and thinking this is what I want to do. I mean, I can remember sitting on the couch, but I fell in love with the music and I just wanted to do it the rest of my life.”
Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records Jesus walked in (feat. Chris Blue) · Joseph Habedank · Chris Blue autobiography ℗ 2024 Daywind Records Released on: 2024-04-19
For Joseph, the clarity of his passion at such a young age was unique. “It was crazy. It sounds so odd to say as a five-year-old I knew, but I knew,” he recalled. His determination to follow his dream has led to a successful career that he remains committed to. “So yeah, I’m so grateful I get to live out my dream and been doing it for over two decades now and I don’t think I’m going to quit anytime soon,” he added.
Joseph’s latest song, Jesus Walked In, continues to showcase his love for gospel music and his dedication to sharing its message with audiences. For him, the journey is far from over, as he remains deeply inspired by the genre that first captured his heart.
Christmas was especially joyful this year for Fayth and Jake Whisnant, members of The Lore Family.
The couple recently announced some exciting news about their growing family. Fayth shared, “My husband Jacob Wisnet and I have our baby boy Josiah, and he’ll be 16 months old at the end of this month. And we are now expecting baby number two, and we just found out that we are having a girl, so we are super excited about that.”
Their happiness is shared by all who know them, as they prepare to welcome their daughter into the world.
The Lore Family and their fans are thrilled for Fayth and Jake during this special time, and so are we!
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In Matthew chapter 8, following the high ethical standards presented in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew introduces a series of miracles performed by Jesus. These miracles are not presented in chronological order but rather in a logical sequence to demonstrate that the King who gave the ethic also possesses the power to enable its accomplishment. Dr. McGee emphasizes that just as believers today can do nothing without Christ, these miracles reveal Jesus’ divine power. The chapter begins with Jesus descending from the mountain, followed by great multitudes, and proceeds to narrate six miracles showcasing his power over various realms.
The miracles in Matthew 8 illustrate Jesus’ comprehensive authority. He heals a leper through touch, signifying his power over human disease. He heals the Centurion’s servant from a distance, demonstrating his authority without physical contact and marveling at the Centurion’s faith. Jesus then heals Peter’s mother-in-law by touching her and casts out demons, moving into the supernatural realm. He further demonstrates his power over nature by stilling a storm. Finally, he casts out demons from two men, highlighting his authority over the spiritual realm and a particularly difficult case. These miracles are presented to show the multifaceted power of the King.
Moving into Matthew chapter 9, the theme of Jesus’ power continues with six more recorded miracles. Upon returning to Capernaum, Jesus heals a paralytic, notably connecting the healing with the forgiveness of his sins, a power exclusive to God. Matthew himself is called to be a disciple, and Jesus associates with publicans and sinners, emphasizing his mission to call the sick rather than the righteous. The chapter also includes the healing of a woman with a twelve-year issue of blood after she touched his garment, and the raising of a ruler’s daughter from the dead, marking the first instance of Jesus raising someone from death in the Gospels. Additionally, he heals two blind men and a dumb man possessed by a demon, further displaying his widespread healing power.
In Matthew chapter 10, having demonstrated his power through these twelve miracles, Jesus commissions his twelve disciples, now referred to as apostles, to go to the nation of Israel and preach the gospel of the Kingdom. He gives them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all kinds of sickness and disease, providing them with the same credentials he possessed. Their specific mission is directed towards “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” and they are instructed to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons freely. Dr. McGee emphasizes that these instructions were specific to that time and mission to Israel, not necessarily a direct mandate for all Christians today.
While the specific instructions given to the apostles in Matthew 10 were for a particular context, Dr. McGee points out that the chapter also contains general principles applicable to all believers. Jesus warns them of coming persecution, instructing them to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. He tells them not to fear those who can kill the body but rather fear God. He assures them of God’s care and the importance of confessing him before men. The chapter concludes with a call for total commitment and the promise of reward for those who receive his messengers. Dr. McGee encourages listeners to interpret these instructions within their historical context while still recognizing the enduring spiritual truths they contain.
The thought of evangelism often stirs mixed emotions—excitement, nervousness, and even fear. This is not surprising, as the New Testament recognizes these reactions and addresses them directly. The Apostle Paul boldly declared in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” While most Christians would agree they are not ashamed of the gospel, many still admit feeling anxious about sharing it. But is there a distinction between anxiety and shame, and what did Paul mean by his statement?
Anxiety and shame are indeed different. Anxiety often arises when we approach someone with the gospel because of the nature of the message. It involves telling people hard truths: that humanity is sinful and deserving of eternal punishment. This can feel daunting because it’s not the easiest conversation to begin. However, acknowledging the problem of sin is essential since the question of salvation hinges on being saved from something—and that something is eternal separation from God.
Paul’s encouragement not to be ashamed reminds believers to move beyond their fears. Sharing the gospel requires confronting these feelings and focusing on the incredible hope offered through salvation. The good news of Jesus Christ is the most transformative message anyone can hear. A practical way to start is by framing it positively: “I have the best news you’ll ever hear.” This approach can help ease anxiety and create an opening for deeper conversation.
Evangelism calls for courage, but it also reminds us of our mission to share God’s love and redemption. As Paul demonstrated, confidence in the gospel’s power can overcome any hesitation.
December 28, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Southern Gospel’s Rodney Griffin as he celebrated 31 years with Greater Vision.
Reflecting on this achievement, Griffin expressed his gratitude, saying, “Most groups don’t stand business that long, so I’m so grateful for Gerald Wolfe and the opportunity to have a place to sing.” He added that he was, “Very grateful for the Lord’s doors he’s opened for us and for Chris, for John. Everyone involved along the way has made this so fun and it makes me look forward to the future.”
The longevity of Griffin’s career with Greater Vision is not just measured in years but also in performances. It’s estimated that he has taken part in more than 5,000 concerts during his time with the group.
Greater Vision’s latest release is I’d Rather Hear Preachin’. This new track showcases the group’s ongoing dedication to creating meaningful gospel music.
As Rodney Griffin looks back on 31 years of music ministry with Greater Vision, his words reflect not only gratitude for the past but also enthusiasm for what lies ahead.