Author: Texas Gospel

Salvation Is God’s Complete Gift

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JEFF TURNER

Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Some wonder whether the “gift” in this verse refers only to faith, only to grace, or to both. The passage shows that the answer includes all of it. It includes grace, faith, and salvation. All are given by God. None of them come from human effort.

The chapter explains the need for this gift. Before receiving new life, people are spiritually dead because of sin, following the ways of the world and under God’s judgment. This is the natural state of humanity, separated from Him and unable to save itself.

The turning point is found in the words “But God.” Because of His mercy and great love, He gives spiritual life, provides His grace, grants saving faith, and brings complete salvation. All who are saved have received every part of it from Him alone.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Learning to Hear God Speak

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FLOYD ROGERS

God, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, always present, and perfectly loving, has made it clear in His Word that He speaks to people personally. He is the source of every good thing, including the life we have. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly says one simple word: “Listen.” He would not ask us to listen if He had nothing to say.

God still communicates with His people, but hearing Him requires something from us. First, we need a heart that is open to learn. If we think we already know everything, we won’t be ready to hear what He wants to teach us. Second, we must be fully present and pay close attention, not distracted or half-listening.

Developing the ability to hear God clearly starts with being humble and willing to learn, and it continues with staying focused on His voice. Is it an audible voice? An inner voice? Read the scripture and ask God.

A wise person will hear and increase in learning,
And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

Proverbs 1:5

The Meaning of the Resurrection

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AMY TURNER

The Christian faith stands on the truth of Jesus rising from the dead. Without the resurrection, the message of the gospel would have no foundation, and faith would be empty. Christianity is not only a way of thinking, nor is Jesus remembered simply as a wise teacher. Believers confess him as the eternal Son of God who entered the world, took on human life, suffered, and died to bring forgiveness for sin.

Jesus himself promised that if his body was destroyed, he would bring it back to life in three days. No other person has ever broken the power of death in this way. His resurrection is not just a part of the story; it is the very core.

The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

2 Timothy 2:11

The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day

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JEFF TURNER

Colossians 2:16–17 teaches that no one should judge believers regarding food, drink, festivals, or Sabbath days. These Old Testament observances were shadows pointing to Christ, and with his coming, their ceremonial requirements are no longer binding.

The Sabbath in the Old Testament marked God’s rest after creation. In the New Testament, the focus shifts to a new commemoration, the resurrection of Jesus. The early church gathered on the first day of the week, which Revelation 1 calls “the Lord’s Day.” This day became a time of worship and celebration of the risen Christ, not a continuation of the Old Testament Sabbath law.

While the New Testament does not transfer Sabbath regulations onto Sunday, it is still valuable for believers to set aside time for worship. Each day belongs to the Lord, and Christians can honour him every day while also cherishing a dedicated time to gather and exalt the Saviour.

One person values one day over another, another values every day the same. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.

Romans 14:5

New Salem releases Christmas single “Heaven’s Holy Child”

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

New Salem has released a new Christmas single called “Heaven’s Holy Child.” The group shares the message of the season through their warm vocal style and strong musical ability. These qualities have become the hallmarks of New Salem’s sound.

Heaven’s Holy Child · New Salem · Jennifer McCallister · Bobby McCallister Heaven’s Holy Child â„— New Salem Publishing, BMI Released on: 2025-11-03

The group was previously known as The Bradleys. They perform in a smooth style that draws from Southern Gospel music with some bluegrass influence. New Salem continues to bring their music to audiences who appreciate this traditional approach.

The name of the group is a reference to its home base, the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. But the name has more meaning than a regional reference. According to the group’s website, “It is in the Bible; Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4, and Hebrews 6:20 & 7:1-3. SALEM, in the Hebrew language is SHALOM, which means PEACE, Righteousness and Wholeness.”

New Salem has earned recognition for their songwriting work. Several gospel groups have recorded songs written by members of New Salem, including The McKameys, The Primitives, and Troy Burns Family, among others.

During their time as The Bradleys, the group received a Dove Award nomination in the Bluegrass Album of the Year category for their album “So Glad.” They also won the Singing News Songwriting Competition with their song “Heavenly Peace.”

The new single “Heaven’s Holy Child” focuses on the birth of Christ. The group brings their diverse musical talents together to deliver this Christmas message.

Listen for New Salem’s latest release on Texas Gospel Canada!