Author: Texas Gospel

Living in the world without confusing the kingdom

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JEFF TURNER

Christians have often argued about how much they should take part in public life. Some ask whether believers should seek government positions. Others wonder if voting matters or if public protests and boycotts are worth the effort. These questions often come up when faith meets politics and culture.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to Pilate, who was a Roman authority. Jesus says that his kingdom does not belong to this world. Those words give important guidance, but I think they are sometimes misunderstood. Do they mean that Christians must avoid all public activity? Or do they help believers understand where their main loyalty should be?

Christians are free to run for office if they choose. They can take part in elections and cast their votes. They may also speak out in public when they believe a law or policy is wrong. Standing against actions that go against what is right can be a proper response. These choices are allowed, and for some people they may even be necessary.

However, these actions should not be mistaken for building the kingdom of God. Political systems and governments belong to the present world, not to the heavenly kingdom that Jesus spoke about. Because of this, believers are called to think carefully about how much time, money, and effort they put into worldly causes. The question is not only what can be done, but what should be done.

There is also a limit to what human effort can change. Scripture teaches that the world, as it is now, is not under human control. It is broken and marked by sin. Christians are not given the task of fixing every part of society or making the world pure through laws and power. Trying to repair everything through political struggle can lead to frustration, because the problem runs deeper than policies.

Jesus was not leading a political movement. He explained that if his rule were based on earthly power, his followers would have fought to defend him. They did not, because his reign comes from another place. His kingdom does not rise or fall with elections, governments, or public opinion. It is not protected by force, and it does not advance through conflict.

Because of this, believers are encouraged to think about where they invest their lives. Energy spent only on worldly battles can be misplaced, especially when those battles cannot bring lasting change. Christians are reminded that they are not the ones in charge of the present world order. That role belongs to forces that oppose God, and no amount of human effort can fully undo that reality.

Christians live in the world, but their hope is not rooted in it. They can take part in society, but they are warned not to confuse temporary systems with God’s eternal reign. Shouldn’t we be more concerned that our actions lead people to Christ rather than winning a political battle?

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’” John 18:36

Joseph Habedank shares family news as he and wife Lindsay prepare for twin daughters

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Lindsay and Joseph Habedank have shared joyful news as they prepare to welcome twin daughters later this year.

The couple announced they are expecting twin girls, with a due date of Oct. 22. They noted, however, that twins often arrive earlier than expected.

The Habedanks said they are both excited and grateful as they prepare for what they describe as a “crazy fall.” They also shared that twins run in Lindsay’s family, and that they had a strong feeling early on that they would be expecting two children.

That feeling was confirmed during a doctor’s visit, when two babies were seen.

While acknowledging that raising twins can be challenging, the couple said they are looking forward to what they called “the best adventure of a lifetime.”

They are also asking for prayers as they prepare for the arrival of their daughters.

Right Road Quartet’s Matt Linton asks for prayers as wife faces emergency eye surgery

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Matt Linton of Right Road Quartet is asking friends and fans for prayers following a serious diagnosis involving his wife, Cynara.

Linton shared that what began as a routine eye exam a couple of weeks ago led to concerning findings. During the appointment, the eye doctor identified an issue and referred her to a specialist.

The couple visited the specialist last week. Linton said he became concerned when multiple medical professionals entered the room to review the scans.

According to Linton, the specialist determined that Cynara Linton has detached retinas in both eyes. He said the doctor told them he did not know how she was not already blind based on the scans.

Linton said the specialist advised that immediate surgery on both eyes is necessary and warned that without treatment, she could become completely blind within 10 years.

The Lintons were expecting the surgery to take place this week.

Clayton Inman to be inducted into Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame class of 2026

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A major honour is coming to one of gospel music’s own.

Southern Gospel Music Association President Arthur Rice interrupted a set at Scotty Inman’s Hometown Jam in Sevierville to announce that Clayton Inman will be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

The announcement came just days ago and drew strong support from those in attendance, who praised Inman’s contributions to gospel music.

Organizers say they are proud of the achievement and describe Inman as “the best of the best.”

Supporters are encouraged to follow social media pages for additional images and video from the announcement.

Plans are now underway for the induction ceremony, set for Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the National Quartet Convention. Attendees are invited to take part in recognizing Inman’s impact on the gospel music community.

The separation that comes when Christ returns

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JEFF TURNER

The Bible describes a future event in Matthew 25 where Jesus Christ will judge humanity by separating people into two groups, much like a shepherd dividing sheep from goats. This judgment happens at a specific time in history, after a seven-year period of great suffering known as the tribulation.

When Jesus comes back to Earth, He arrives with two purposes. First, He will judge all people who are still living at that moment. Second, He will establish His kingdom on Earth. This kingdom represents a thousand-year period of His rule, often called the millennial reign.

The judgment itself uses imagery that people in ancient Israel would have understood immediately. Shepherds regularly separated their flocks because sheep and goats often grazed together in mixed herds. Even today in Israel, you might see these animals grouped together.

In this judgment, the goats represent those who have rejected God. These individuals will face condemnation and destruction. They will be sent to hell for their unbelief and rebellion against God. This fate awaits everyone on Earth at that time who does not belong to Christ.

The sheep, however, represent those who have placed their faith in Jesus and belong to Him. These believers will not face destruction. Instead, they will enter directly into Christ’s kingdom while still alive. They will receive the promised blessings that come with His reign on Earth.

This separation is final and complete. Everyone alive when Christ returns will be evaluated and placed in one of these two categories. There is no middle ground or third option. The judgment covers all people across the entire planet at that moment in time.

The event marks the beginning of a new era. After removing the ungodly from the Earth, Jesus will rule with His faithful followers in a kingdom of glory. This fulfills ancient promises made throughout Scripture about a coming age of peace and righteousness under the Messiah’s direct leadership.

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:31-34