Author: Texas Gospel

The Divine Prophecy: Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

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JEFF TURNER

The world stood on the brink of a divine moment. Prophecies whispered through generations were about to be fulfilled in the most unexpected way. Caesar Augustus, unknowingly playing a part in God’s grand design, issued a decree that would force a young couple to travel to Bethlehem – exactly as the ancient prophecies had foretold.

Mary and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth, a trip of about 70 miles, to the small town of Bethlehem. Every step was predetermined, every detail orchestrated by a plan far greater than human understanding. The prophecy from Micah was clear – the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” a place that would become synonymous with hope.

When they arrived, there was no grand welcome. No palace awaited the King of kings. Instead, a humble stable became the birthplace of Jesus – the eternal God who had always existed, now entering human history as a vulnerable infant. This was no ordinary birth, but the arrival of the Redeemer Isaiah had spoken about – Emmanuel, “God with us.”

The significance was profound. This child was the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption. He came not to be served, but to serve. From his birth in a lowly manger to his future sacrifice, Jesus embodied God’s love for humanity. He would become the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world, offering salvation to all who would believe.

Just as people then weren’t ready for his first coming, the sermon warned that many remain unready for his return. The message was clear – salvation is available to everyone, not through personal perfection, but through believing in Jesus Christ. The invitation stood then as it stands now: come as you are, and believe.

Finding Fulfillment: Jesus as the Bread of Life

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JEFF TURNER

Life often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. We might chase after success, money, or relationships, thinking these will fill the void inside us. But even when we achieve these things, we can still feel a deep hunger for something more.

Jesus spoke about this emptiness and offered a solution. He called himself the “bread of life,” using a metaphor his listeners could easily understand. In those days, bread was essential for survival. By comparing himself to bread, Jesus was saying he’s just as crucial for our spiritual well-being.

Jesus challenged people to look beyond their physical needs and focus on what truly matters. He said, “Don’t work for food that spoils, but for food that lasts forever.” He wasn’t telling people to stop earning a living, but rather to prioritize their spiritual health alongside their physical needs. Jesus claimed he could provide a kind of spiritual nourishment that would satisfy people’s deepest longings.

The people listening to Jesus were skeptical. They wanted proof that he was as special as he claimed to be. Jesus responded by saying that believing in him was the most important thing they could do. He promised that anyone who comes to him would never be spiritually hungry or thirsty again.

This message is still relevant today. Many of us feel empty inside, even when our lives seem successful on the outside. Jesus offers a different path to fulfillment, one that doesn’t depend on material possessions or worldly achievements. He invites everyone to come to him, promising that he can satisfy our deepest needs in a way nothing else can.

Inspiration Behind the Steele’s song ‘On the King’s Shoulders’

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AMY TURNER

Brad Steele of The Steels took some time to be interviewed by Texas Gospel about thegroup’s new song, “On the King’s Shoulders.”

“On the King’s Shoulders is a song that was written by me and my dad,” Steele explained.

He told us the inspiration for the song came from an unexpected source. “We wrote this a few years ago after a sermon he had preached around Christmas time, ironically, where he talked about the portion of Scripture that says he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father and the government will be on his shoulders,” Steele recounted.

The sermon sparked an idea that would eventually become the core message of the song. Steele continued, “He talked about in that sermon, all of the different things that we can put on his shoulders, all of the different things that he can take, he can take the load on his shoulders. And that gave the idea for on the King’s shoulders”

Like many inspired songs, it didn’t take long from start to finish. “So we wrote the song, and it was really a short co-write, only took about an hour-and-a-half, I would say, to write the song. Really just came natural,” Steele said

The Steeles had a clear vision for the song’s style and impact. “We wanted it to be a toe-tapper. Wanted it to be a fast, upbeat song that people could enjoy,” Steele shared.

However, beyond the catchy melody, there’s a profound message. “And of course, the message that people take away is that you know, whatever you’re going through in your life, whatever’s going on in our world and in our nation, he can bear the weight. He can take the weight of whatever is weighing you down on his shoulders”

The lyrics reflect this message of comfort and support. Lines such as “Each burden has a resting place. Every heartache has a home where worries all get much lighter because he will carry the load” encapsulate the song’s theme

The song also touches on the idea of perspective, with lyrics like “Jesus sees a grain of sand when we just see a boulder”

This imagery encourages listeners to trust in God to handle their problems.

For those facing unexpected challenges, the song offers reassurance: “If a storm has surprised you, there’s someone walking beside you. He has power in his hand, and he will help you stand”

Listen for On the King’s Shoulders throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

The Transformative Power of Christ’s Resurrection

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JEFF TURNER

In the quiet of dawn, hope emerged from a sealed tomb, transforming despair into joy. Mary Magdalene approached, burdened by grief, expecting to find the lifeless body of Jesus. Instead, she encountered an empty tomb, the ultimate symbol of victory over death. The resurrection of Jesus stands as the climax of the Gospel narrative, encapsulating the essence of Christian hope.

The story unfolds with a profound truth: Jesus was not merely resuscitated; He was resurrected, marking the first true resurrection in history. Previous instances of revival, such as those involving Lazarus or the widow’s son, were temporary restorations to life. In contrast, Jesus emerged from the grave with a transformed body, embodying immortality and offering a promise of eternal life to all who believe.

The narrative of Christ’s sacrifice was not one of vengeance but of divine love. Instead of sending legions to punish His enemies for their role in His crucifixion, God chose to resurrect His Son for them. This act demonstrated that control belonged to God, not to humanity.

The empty cross and tomb serve as God’s receipts for the greatest gift: the assurance that sin has been conquered and that believers have a secure future. In times of struggle or despair, this message resonates deeply—your worst day is never your last day. The resurrection assures us that no diagnosis or circumstance can define our ultimate destiny.

As we reflect on these truths, we see that God’s plan was foretold through numerous prophecies. Even those who opposed Jesus remembered His words about rising on the third day. They attempted to secure His tomb with guards and seals, yet no earthly barrier could contain Him.

On that fateful morning, as Mary approached the tomb with spices in hand, she was met with an angelic proclamation: “He is not here; He has risen!” The stone had been rolled away not just as a physical act but as a divine declaration that death had been defeated.

In this narrative lies an invitation: come and see the power of resurrection. It is an invitation extended to all who seek hope amidst despair. The resurrection is not merely an event in history; it is a living promise that transforms lives today.

At lest three dead in U.S. Christian school shooting

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A devastating shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin on Monday has left three people dead, including a child and the suspected shooter. Seven others were injured in the incident, which unfolded shortly before 11:00 a.m.

Initial reports described multiple injuries at the nondenominational school, which serves approximately 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The scene prompted a swift response from local law enforcement, who have cordoned off the area and are urging the public to stay clear.

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Details surrounding the motive and sequence of events remain unclear as authorities work to piece together what led to the tragedy.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a statement expressing his concern for the victims and their families and extending gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly in the aftermath.

The incident has left the Madison community reeling as investigators continue their work to understand what happened at the school on Monday.