Author: Texas Gospel

Threats to Christian Communities in Syria This Christmas

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Syrian church leaders have advised Christians to scale back Christmas celebrations this year, despite assurances from the newly empowered Islamist group that religious freedom will be respected.

On December 18, a Greek Orthodox church in Hama was attacked by unidentified gunmen. The assailants entered the church compound, attempted to destroy a cross, and damaged headstones in a nearby cemetery.

In Damascus, residents of Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood, were unsettled by SUVs driving through the area playing Islamic songs at high volume.

The Iraqi Christian Foundation has reported that Christians in Maaloula, an ancient town in southwestern Syria where Aramaic is still spoken, are being threatened with expulsion by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group. The organization described this as an act of ethnic cleansing.

Rights activists have also raised concerns about the lack of internet access and communication in Maaloula, warning of a potential massacre in this historically significant Christian town.

The Iraqi Christian Foundation, which advocates for Christian rights in West Asia and provides aid to Christian genocide victims in Iraq and Syria, shared this information on social media, calling for prayers for Syrian Christians.

Orthodox Christmas is 7 January, 2025.

Southbound’s Insight into a New Year and New Kind

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AMY TURNER

Southbound is set to mark 32 years as a band in 2025. Clint Brown recently shared a perspective on the concept of a new year.

“I’ve learned through the years that at the end of the year, we all say the same thing, happy new year, as that clock ticks right over midnight. And I’ve learned through the years that new is two different things: There’s a new in time, and there’s a new in kind.”

Brown went on to illustrate this concept with a clever analogy:

“If I have a car that’s a 2015 Honda Accord and someone gives me a 2023 Honda Accord, they’ve only given me a car that’s new in time. But if they give me a 2023 Mercedes, that’s a new kind of car.”

Applying this idea to the concept of a new year, Brown pointed out, “Every year, we get the same amount of time that we had in the last year.”

Brown concluded his thoughts with a heartfelt wish for Southbound’s listeners, “So, my prayer for you this year is that you would not have just a new year in time, but that you would have a new kind of new year. So, from southbound to all of you that are listening, we pray this year that God gives you a brand new, happy, new kind of year.”

Southbound’s latest project which will release January 17t. It includes the recent single release, I Left It In The Water.

Misuse of Noble Pursuits

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DAVID INGRAM

Throughout history, leaders have committed atrocities in the name of religion. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all religion is inherently evil. A parallel can be drawn with science, where unethical experiments like the Tuskegee syphilis study have been conducted in the pursuit of knowledge.

The issue lies not with religion or science themselves, but with flawed individuals who use these noble pursuits to justify their immoral actions. Often, it’s a lack of morality and an overwhelming desire for success that drives such wrongdoing.

It’s interesting that these individuals may not always be consciously deceiving others; they might be blind to their own malevolent actions.

Consider what is written in Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

The Dangers of Elevating Celebrity Converts in Christianity

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A concerning trend emerged that continues to this day from the early Christian church, : the elevation of certain believers to celebrity status. This phenomenon, while seemingly harmless, can have detrimental effects on the faith community and runs counter to biblical teachings.

The apostle Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Corinthians, cautioning against the glorification of individuals based on worldly standards. He emphasized that God’s wisdom often contradicts human expectations, stating, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Today, we witness a similar pattern when high-profile individuals profess their faith. The church often rushes to showcase these conversions, potentially overlooking the equally significant spiritual journeys of less prominent believers. While it’s natural to rejoice in anyone’s salvation, the disproportionate attention given to celebrities can be problematic.

This focus on the rich and famous contradicts the essence of the Gospel message. Jesus himself primarily attracted those on the fringes of society – tax collectors, outcasts, and those deemed “sinners” by the religious elite. These individuals, lacking societal prestige, were more receptive to Christ’s teachings due to their awareness of their own brokenness and need for salvation.

By design, God often works through the humble and seemingly insignificant. This approach ensures that His grace remains the focal point, rather than human achievements or status. When we elevate celebrity converts, we risk shifting the spotlight away from God’s transformative power and onto human personalities.

As believers, we must be mindful of this tendency and strive to value all members of the faith community equally, regardless of their worldly status or influence.

A Journey of Faith: Libbi Perry Stuffle’s 54 Years in Gospel Music

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AMY TURNER

On Christmas Day 2024, Libbi Perry Stuffle marked an incredible milestone in her career – 54 years of singing Gospel music. This remarkable journey has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, but through it all, Stuffle’s faith has remained unwavering.

Reflecting on her decades-long career, Stuffle shared, “You know, I look back and there’s been a lot of good times, there’s been a lot of bad times, there’s been a lot of tragic times.” Despite the ups and downs, she maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that “there’s never been a day that God’s not been faithful and never been a morning that His mercies went new.”

Libbi Stuffle Courtesy Perrysministries.com

Stuffle acknowledges that during difficult periods, it was sometimes hard to see God’s presence. However, with hindsight, she recognizes His constant support. “Looking back, I mean, God has been with us every step of the way. He has provided, He has been everything that He said that He would be, that He would never leave us, never forsake us,” she affirmed.

While the length of her career might make her “feel old,” Stuffle remains grateful for the opportunity to continue her calling. She expressed, “I’m just honoured to be able to still get out here and do the calling that He’s placed on us.”

The Perry family’s commitment to Gospel music continues to thrive. Their latest project, titled “Long, Long Road,” features their current single, “You Can’t Hurry God.” This new release demonstrates that even after more than five decades, the Perrys’ passion for sharing their faith through music remains strong.

As Libbi Perry Stuffle looks back on 54 years of singing Gospel music, her journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of Gospel music.