Author: Texas Gospel

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the Spirit is the core of the Christian life, as those who belong to Christ are no longer under condemnation. When a person is saved, their life transforms—they no longer follow the flesh but are guided by the Holy Spirit. The gospel offers two foundational truths: freedom from condemnation and a life led by the Spirit. These are not merely doctrinal points but are meant to fuel a holy life.

The distinction between living by the flesh and by the Spirit goes back to creation. Initially, the soul was meant to guide the body, but when sin entered, this order was reversed. Humans became driven by their bodily desires—an existence shaped by the flesh rather than the Spirit. Those who are not saved by Christ continue in this state, bound by the desires of the flesh.

But there’s hope. When someone is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, the order is restored. The soul regains its authority over the body, and a person can live according to God’s Spirit. Christ offers this restoration, enabling believers to live a life free from the power of sin. This transformation is central to Christian life and testimony.

Therefore, living by the Spirit is not an optional extra for believers. It’s the sign of their freedom from condemnation and their connection to God’s Spirit. Christians are called to reject the ways of the flesh and embrace this new life that Christ has made possible.

The Jordan Family Band Celebrates Alex and Jayleigh’s Wedding

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JEFF TURNER

The Jordan Family Band recently celebrated a joyful occasion as Alex Jordan and Jayleigh Jones tied the knot over the weekend. The couple, who met while on tour, have been eagerly awaiting this moment and are now excited to begin their journey as husband and wife.

Alex expressed the significance of this special day, sharing, “Me and Jayleigh have been looking forward to our wedding day for a super long time now. Most of you guys don’t know she’s lived in Arkansas and I live in Georgia. We met on tour and that’s how the distance is there.”

Despite the distance, their love flourished, and they knew they were destined to be together. “We just knew the distance wouldn’t last long. We just didn’t know how to bring to the table with our parents. We knew that we wanted to be married very soon,” Alex said.

Filled with excitement and anticipation for the future, Alex also admitted to feeling a mix of emotions. “So many different emotions. We’re feeling very excited, very nervous, and we’re just looking forward to moving on and starting life with each other.”

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Alex and Jayleigh Jordan as they begin this exciting new chapter!

Southern Gospel Community Unites After Hurricane Helene

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AMY TURNER

Hurricane Helene made a significant impact on Southern Gospel artists, especially those based in North Carolina and East Tennessee. While Asheville, NC, the home base of The Kingsmen, was heavily affected by the storm, Alan Kendall reassures us that all group members are safe. “The Kingsmen are thankful that all family and all property is safe. Praise the Lord for that,” Alan shared. He went on to explain how the timing of their trip to Pigeon Forge spared them from being in the direct path of the hurricane. “We were all in Pigeon Forge when the hurricane weather struck over there. So we were not in Asheville at the time. The bus was not in Asheville when all this happened.”

Alan Kendall of The Kingsmen shared with us that The Kingsmen are safe (Daywind Music Photo)

However, many others in the Southern Gospel community continue to face challenges. Kendall mentioned that The Kingsmen’s bus is currently parked at Tony Gore’s property, alongside the Troy Burns family’s bus, as both families are unable to return to their homes due to the damage. “Troy and Tammy Burns are also not able to return home right now. I believe they live in the Fletcher area,” he explained, emphasizing the need for prayers. “We want you to join us in praying for Asheville and all the surrounding communities.”

Kendall also provided updates on others in the Southern Gospel family affected by the storm. He urged fans to keep Wyatt Austin of The Inspirations in their prayers. “Wyatt has gotten home. There’s a lot of devastation in the Morganton area,” Kendall reported, noting that Wyatt had some tree damage at his residence. He also expressed concern for The Whisnants, who are based in the same area. Though they remain safe, “the Whisnants continue to be without power,” confirmed Susan Whisnant.

Another prayer request came for gospel legend Squire Parsons and his wife, Linda. “Squire obviously has some health concerns. And I don’t know what the power situation is,” Kendall noted, as uncertainty looms over the aftermath in their area.

One of the most heart-wrenching reports involved Josh Garner of The Chuck Wagon Gang. “Josh’s family, as far as we know, they are safe, but all bridges that lead to Josh’s home are gone, and he is unable to get to his family last I checked,” Kendall shared. Garner’s home in Chucky, Tennessee, has been cut off by the devastation, highlighting the extensive impact of the storm.

As these beloved artists and their families recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the Southern Gospel community rallies together in prayer and support.

The Urgency of the Gospel: Lessons from the Early Church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Ezekiel 33:4 warns that those who hear the trumpet and ignore it bear responsibility for their fate. This, coupled with the Holy Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 4:31, highlights the urgency of the gospel and the responsibility to respond. The filling of the Spirit, though often accompanied by miraculous signs, was meant to empower believers to spread the gospel, not just perform wonders.

While the early church experienced miraculous gifts, the true focus was on heart transformation. Every believer was called to develop the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness—reflecting Christ’s character in everyday life. This inner transformation was more significant than outward signs like speaking in tongues.

Christianity calls for a deep, personal change. When someone accepts the gospel, they receive the Spirit, leading to a new life marked by love for God and others. The early believers’ love for one another made a powerful impact, as they shared what they had and served the needy, embodying Christ’s love.

As Christianity spread, persecution followed. Yet, despite opposition, the gospel continued to thrive. The faith of the early Christians in the face of suffering was a powerful testimony, proving the strength of their message and the unstoppable nature of God’s kingdom.

Though the church faced periods of decline, the vision of a Christian world remains—a time when justice and peace will prevail. This future hope should inspire believers to reflect on their current lives and strive to live out their faith, bringing the love of Christ to a world in need.

Understanding Unbelief: Its Impact on Faith and Salvation

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

One righteous person can save a city, much like Elisha in Samaria, where the king and people had turned to idols, abandoning God. Because of their sin, God allowed their enemies to oppress them. Yet, Elisha, God’s servant, brought hope, prophesying that food would soon be affordable despite the dire conditions.

The people rejoiced at Elisha’s words, but one official doubted, claiming that even divine intervention wouldn’t make it happen. His disbelief was sinful, especially after witnessing Elisha’s miracles, including Naaman’s healing and the defeat of armies. Despite overwhelming evidence, he mocked the prophet’s promise, leading God to declare that he would see the miracle but not benefit from it.

When the prophecy was fulfilled, the official was trampled in the streets of Samaria, witnessing the miracle but unable to enjoy it. This story illustrates two key points: the man’s sin and its consequences, specifically the sin of unbelief.

Unbelief manifests in various forms, from a false humility that questions God’s forgiveness to doubts about His power. Some deny God outright, while others refuse to acknowledge their doubts as sinful. It’s surprising how many don’t see unbelief as a sin, even though the Bible clearly states it is.

Unbelief is serious because it leads to other sins. The fall began with Eve’s doubt, and since then, it has fueled countless wrongdoings, including the murder of Jesus. Unbelief encourages sin and hardens hearts, preventing people from recognizing their need for salvation.

For believers, unbelief can be even more damaging. It can lead to other sins and a lack of faith, impacting their actions. When faced with trouble, a strong belief in God’s provision leads to righteous actions, while doubt can result in sin.

Unbelief stifles good works and can hinder the effectiveness of prayers and worship. It serves as a barrier between individuals and the Gospel, making it impossible to please God without faith.

In summary, unbelief is not just a lack of faith; it is the root of sin that damages our relationship with God and limits our ability to do good.