Author: Texas Gospel

Faith That Shows Through Actions

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JEFF TURNER

The second chapter of James raises a question that some people struggle with. James 2:21 asks if Abraham was made right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. A few verses later, James says that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. At first glance, this might seem to suggest that salvation comes through what we do.

However, the wider message of the Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can take credit for it. This teaching appears throughout the New Testament and aligns with what the prophet Habakkuk wrote: “The just shall live by faith.”

So what did James mean? The key lies in understanding that James is not contradicting the message of salvation by grace. Instead, he is showing that real faith produces visible results. Abraham’s willingness to obey God, even in offering his son, revealed the depth of his faith. His actions were evidence of an inward change. His acts were the result of his faith.

The way we live proves whether our faith is genuine. True faith will always lead to faithful living.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13

Kingsmen Quartet Marks 70 Years with New Album and Tour

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JEFF TURNER

The Kingsmen Quartet is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026 with a series of special projects. Plans include a commemorative album, a documentary, and a tour to mark the milestone.

On September 9, 2025, the group held a historic recording session at Crossroads Studios. Several former members joined the current line-up to contribute to the anniversary album.

Alan Kendall described the atmosphere inside the studio. “We are in the midst of recording what is going to be our 70th anniversary album. Been in Crossroads Studio and have just had a blast singing some brand new songs along with some of the favourite Kingsman hits from years gone by,” he said.

One of the highlights came when past and present members came together to sing. “And one particular moment that I will always cherish, always remember is that we called several former members of the Kingsman. We actually invited all of them, but we got several former members of the Kingsman that were able to be there and we recorded a song together and I cannot wait for everyone to hear it,” Kendall explained.

The album and documentary are set to be released in time for the anniversary year. A tour celebrating the group’s 70-year legacy will take place throughout 2026.

Jesus Offers What the Temple Could Only Symbolize

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AMY TURNER

In Matthew 12:6, Jesus makes a statement that deeply unsettled the religious leaders of His day. He told them, “Something greater than the temple is here.” This was a bold claim, especially considering how important the temple was to the Jewish people. It was not only an impressive building, but also the centre of worship, sacrifice, and the symbol of God’s presence among His people.

The temple was the place where offerings were made to seek forgiveness, and it held the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space, believed to be where God’s presence rested. Yet Jesus declared that He Himself fulfilled all these purposes in a greater way. He provides forgiveness and brings people directly into God’s presence through Himself.

Through Christ, what the temple represented is now fully and personally available to those who believe in Him.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6

The Good News of the Christian Faith

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AMY TURNER

At the centre of Christianity is a message called the gospel, which simply means good news. This message is not just positive or uplifting; it is true. The heart of this news is that Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins. His sacrifice was not something anyone could earn or achieve, but it was freely given through God’s grace.

This gift of forgiveness and salvation is not meant to be kept private. Christians are called to share it with others. In the New Testament, Jesus gives a clear instruction: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

The Christian faith, then, is both a gift received and a message to be shared. It reminds believers of the hope they have in Christ and calls them to pass that hope on to others.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16

A Serious Warning from Hebrews 6

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JEFF TURNER

Hebrews 6:4–6 often raises concern because it describes people who have seen and experienced spiritual truth, but then fall away. At first glance, this sounds like someone losing their salvation. However, a closer look shows something different.

The passage mentions those who were “enlightened,” who “tasted the heavenly gift,” shared in the Holy Spirit, and experienced the goodness of God’s word and the power of the coming age. But after all this, they turned away. The writer then says it is impossible to bring them back to repentance.

Some believe this means salvation can be lost, but if that were true, the text clearly says it could never be regained. That would mean once someone loses salvation, there would be no chance to return to God—a very final statement. But the passage doesn’t use words like “saved,” “born again,” or “justified.” Instead, it talks about people who were exposed to God’s truth, who tasted it but never fully embraced it.

The warning is aimed at those who had every opportunity to believe but still rejected the message. Jesus said something similar in Matthew 11:20, where He rebuked towns that saw His works but did not repent. Hebrews 6 is not about losing salvation. It is about the danger of resisting it completely after fully understanding it.

They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be evident that they all are not of us.

1 John 2:19