Category: News

Church leaders with Grace Community Church say John MacArthur, ‘may be in the presence of the Lord soon’

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

John MacArthur, the well-known California author, speaker and pastor, has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. The news was shared with the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley during a Sunday morning service. Church leaders spoke openly about the seriousness of his condition, acknowledging that he may soon be called home to be with the Lord. Pastor Tom Patton, a longtime member of the church’s leadership, invited the congregation to pray for MacArthur and his family during this difficult time.

Over the past couple of years, MacArthur’s health has faced ongoing setbacks. In early 2023, he experienced breathing complications shortly after preaching, which led to multiple heart surgeries and a lung procedure. Following an extended hospital stay, he returned home but was unable to resume his regular preaching schedule. Though he remained hopeful and expressed a desire to return to ministry, his physical challenges have kept him from public appearances and key church events throughout 2024.

During the Sunday service, Patton offered a heartfelt prayer, asking for strength and peace for MacArthur’s wife, Patricia, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spoke of MacArthur’s lifelong faithfulness and devotion to his calling, and prayed for God’s grace to surround the entire family as they walk through this uncertain time. The church community was encouraged to rally in prayer and support for a man whose ministry has shaped lives for generations.

For over five decades, MacArthur has been a significant figure in Evangelical circles, known both for his preaching and his Grace to You broadcast, which reaches audiences worldwide. He has written extensively on theology and Scripture, leaving a lasting legacy through thousands of sermons and published works. In a reflective interview last year, MacArthur acknowledged the realities of aging, saying he was aware he was nearing the final chapter of his earthly journey — a truth he faced with faith and gratitude.

Sound Street’s Uplifting New Release ‘I’m So Blessed’

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AMY TURNER

Sound Street continues to make an impact in 2025 with their latest release, “I’m So Blessed.” The trio, made up of Jarrod Vanderslice, his daughter Jaylie Vanderslice, and family friend Ryan Bilby, has already seen success with their debut album, Good Seed, under Sonlite Records. Their music has maintained a presence on Southern Gospel airplay charts, and their momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Sound Street recently released their version of “I’m So Blessed,” a song originally recorded by the Christian group Cain. Producer Roger Talley helped shape this new rendition, adapting the song to fit within the Southern Gospel style. The track begins with an energetic guitar introduction that leads into Jaylie Vanderslice’s lead vocals and a chorus that carries a clear and uplifting message:

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I’m So Blessed · Sound Street I’m So Blessed ℗ 2025 Sonlite Records Released on: 2025-03-28 Main Artist: Sound Street Producer: Roger Talley Composer: Logan Bryant Cain Lyricist: Logan Bryant Cain Composer: Madison Caitlyn Cain Lyricist: Madison Caitlyn Cain Composer: Matz Taylor Cain Lyricist: Matz Taylor Cain Composer: Jonathan L Smith Lyricist: Jonathan L Smith Composer: Matthew J West Lyricist: Matthew J West Music Publisher: All Essential Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Be Essential Songs (BMI) Music Publisher: Cashagamblejet Music (BMI) Music Publisher: Combustion Five Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Logan Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Madison Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Taylor Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Third Story House Music (ASCAP)

On my best day, I’m a child of God
On my worst day, I’m a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You’re the reason why
I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn’t matter about the rest
If I’ve got You, Lord, I’m so blessed

The arrangement features strong harmonies and a spirited instrumental backing. A unique aspect of this version comes midway through the song when Jarrod and Jaylie’s 9-year-old daughter, Johanna, adds a special vocal moment. This unexpected feature brings a fresh element to the song and reinforces its message of faith and gratitude.

Sound Street has been active since 2020, gaining recognition in the Southern Gospel community. The group was chosen from the Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage at the National Quartet Convention in 2021. They were also nominated for the Top 10 Favorite New Artist category in the 2022 Singing News Fan Awards. Their previous singles have received radio success, with “I’ll Take The Old Highway” reaching #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’s Top 100 and “The Old Story” debuting at #67 on Singing News’ chart in March 2022.

Performing more than 80 concerts each year, Sound Street continues to share their message of faith through music.

India: Arunachal Pradesh to Enforce Religious Conversion Law Amid Rising Concerns

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh plan to enforce a decades-old law restricting religious conversions, following a court directive requiring its implementation by March. The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, passed in 1978, was originally intended to prevent conversions by force or fraudulent means. However, strong opposition from local legislators and Christian organizations had previously prevented the law from being enforced. The recent decision to implement the law has raised concerns among religious groups about potential restrictions on religious freedom.

Christianity has grown significantly in Arunachal Pradesh since the late 1960s, despite past instances of persecution. Between 1968 and 1974, government actions included arrests, destruction of churches, and restrictions on religious gatherings. By the 1970s, Christianity had expanded enough to prompt legal and social opposition, including violent crackdowns and new laws aimed at limiting conversions. Despite these measures, the number of Christians in the state continued to rise, making it one of the largest religious groups in the region today.

The enforcement of the conversion law comes as Hindutva organizations have gained influence in the region. These groups have worked to formalize and promote indigenous faiths, framing them as cultural alternatives to Christianity. Schools, prayer centers, and religious texts have been introduced to reinforce traditional beliefs, and there have been reports of Christian gatherings being disrupted. The government, which had previously considered repealing the law, has now shifted toward enforcing it, in line with the growing influence of nationalist groups.

Legal and religious organizations have raised concerns that the enforcement of the law could lead to renewed restrictions on religious activities. Past incidents in the region have included government scrutiny of religious practices, as well as limitations on the construction of new places of worship. Reports indicate that religious gatherings have already faced opposition in certain areas, suggesting that implementation of the law may result in increased monitoring and regulation of religious activities.

Christian groups in the state are organizing protests and legal challenges in response to the decision. A demonstration is planned for early March, coinciding with discussions on the law in the state assembly. Organizations advocating for religious freedom argue that the enforcement of the law could lead to further restrictions, despite constitutional protections guaranteeing the right to practice and propagate religion. The outcome of these legal and political efforts remains uncertain as the deadline for enforcement approaches.

Threats to Christian Communities in Syria This Christmas

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Syrian church leaders have advised Christians to scale back Christmas celebrations this year, despite assurances from the newly empowered Islamist group that religious freedom will be respected.

On December 18, a Greek Orthodox church in Hama was attacked by unidentified gunmen. The assailants entered the church compound, attempted to destroy a cross, and damaged headstones in a nearby cemetery.

In Damascus, residents of Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood, were unsettled by SUVs driving through the area playing Islamic songs at high volume.

The Iraqi Christian Foundation has reported that Christians in Maaloula, an ancient town in southwestern Syria where Aramaic is still spoken, are being threatened with expulsion by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group. The organization described this as an act of ethnic cleansing.

Rights activists have also raised concerns about the lack of internet access and communication in Maaloula, warning of a potential massacre in this historically significant Christian town.

The Iraqi Christian Foundation, which advocates for Christian rights in West Asia and provides aid to Christian genocide victims in Iraq and Syria, shared this information on social media, calling for prayers for Syrian Christians.

Orthodox Christmas is 7 January, 2025.

The LeFevre Quartet: Trusting Christ in Uncertain Times

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JEFF TURNER

The LeFevre Quartet‘s song, “Things We Cannot Change,” brings a powerful message of faith and reliance on Christ, a theme deeply rooted in biblical truth. Drawing inspiration from Colossians 2, the song echoes the apostle Paul’s warnings to the early church in Colossae, where false teachings, human philosophies, and rigid spiritual practices threatened to confuse believers. Paul’s message was clear: Jesus alone is sufficient, and believers are made complete through Him.

Mike LeFevre spoke of Paul’s teaching as he reflected on how Colossians 2:10 relates to the message of the song. “In Colossians 2:10, God reminds us that we have been made complete in Him. He is our fullness, and when we need strength and when we need somewhere to go, He is our answer,” Mike says. His words underscore the importance of trusting in Christ’s sufficiency, especially in times of uncertainty.

“Things We Cannot Change” beautifully expresses this truth, reminding listeners that while life is filled with uncertainties and challenges, faith in Christ provides the strength we need. As Mike shares, “That’s why I love this song ‘Things We Cannot Change,’ because our life is filled with things that are uncertain, and we need to live by faith, and this song reminds us that He is our strength.”

For believers today, much like in the time of the Colossians, the temptation to rely on worldly philosophies or additional practices for spiritual fulfillment can be strong. But this song encourages a return to the simplicity of the gospel, where Christ is all we need, no matter what we face. The LeFevre Quartet delivers a message that resonates with listeners, pointing them back to the sufficiency of Christ in a world filled with things beyond our control.