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Karen Peck & New River release powerful album ‘I Speak Jesus’

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SPECIAL DAYWIND RADIO

NASHVILLE, TN (July 16, 2025) – GRAMMYⓇ-nominated, multi-Dove Award and Singing News Fan Award-winning Karen Peck & New River announce the release of their new radio single, their Southern Gospel version of the beloved worship anthem, “I Speak Jesus.” The song, featured on the group’s most recent Daywind Records’ album, Good Answers, has created incredible God moments in concerts across the nation, and now the group wants to share this powerful message with radio listeners. 

(Image courtesy Daywind Records)

“There is power in the name of Jesus,” Karen Peck stated, quoting the song’s signature line. “Two weeks before our precious Mom passed away, she said something that has never left us: ‘I’ve prayed to God, and He gives good answers.’ That simple truth has resonated in our hearts ever since. No matter what we face, we can rest in knowing the Lord has every situation covered.“

Karen continues, “It’s been a long time since we’ve sung a song with such power and proclamation. We are so blessed to sing this anthem that challenges every mom, dad, grandparent, and great-grandparent to boldly speak the name of Jesus over their families. This song declares hope over depression, freedom over bondage, and peace over every mind. ‘I Speak Jesus’ will forever be a classic.”

Celebrating the release of the single, Dusty Wells, Daywind’s Director of Artist & Label Relations, stated, “Our team here at Daywind Records is beyond thrilled about the release of the song ‘I Speak Jesus’ from our dear friends Karen Peck and New River. This powerful anthem—filled with hope, healing, and the authority of His Name—is moving hearts everywhere. The group has been closing their concerts with this song, and the response is nothing short of overwhelming. When they sing it… Jesus is truly spoken over every hurt, struggle, fear, and need. What a song! What a message! What a moment!”

Critics have praised the group’s latest album, Good Answers, with Southern Gospel Spotlight giving it a perfect 5-star rating and raving: “KPNR delivers yet again with the heartfelt and inspirational Good Answers featuring top-notch musicianship, incredible songs, and stellar vocals. Highlights include: ‘Be Ready,’ ‘River of Life,’ ‘That’s What Faith Looks Like,’ ‘I Speak Jesus,‘ ‘Mama Knows,’ ‘Ain’t No Satisfaction’, and ‘Good Answers.'”

With its timeless message of faith, courage, and the power of prayer, “I Speak Jesus” exemplifies the group’s mission to spread His gospel through the proclaiming of truth of Jesus Christ. As the group continues to share Good Answers and its impactful songs on stages across the country, be sure to follow Karen Peck & New River on their website and social media for the latest updates and to check out their upcoming tour dates. You won’t want to miss what God is doing through KPNR.

The Significance of Jesus’ Burial in Christian Faith

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AMY TURNER

The burial of Jesus is more than a simple event in history. It holds deep meaning for Christians. In John 19:40, we read how Jesus’ body was wrapped in linen and spices, following Jewish burial customs. This confirms that Jesus died. His death was final, and the grave made that clear.

His burial also fulfilled ancient prophecies. Isaiah spoke of the Messiah resting in a rich man’s tomb, and Jesus himself said he would be in the earth for three days, just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish. These moments were not accidents, but part of God’s plan.

Perhaps most importantly, the grave represents hope. Jesus did not remain in the tomb, and for those who belong to him, death is not the end either. The promise is sure. The grave could not hold Christ, and it will not hold his followers.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 6:5

John MacArthur, Influential US Pastor and Author, Dies at 86

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DAVID INGRAM

John MacArthur Jr., one of the most influential and polarizing figures in American evangelicalism, passed away on Monday. His death was announced by Phil Johnson, the longtime director of MacArthur’s media ministry. The announcement was confirmed by Grace to You, the ministry MacArthur founded and led for decades, which posted on its website, “After dealing with some significant health challenges dating back to early 2023, our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has gone to be with Christ..”

MacArthur’s final years were marked by a series of serious health challenges. In early July 2025, he was hospitalized with pneumonia, following years of heart and lung surgeries. Tom Patton, an associate pastor at Grace Community Church, had previously informed the congregation that MacArthur’s recovery from three major surgeries in the second half of 2024 was “slower than expected,” with complications affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys. In recent months, it became increasingly evident that his time was drawing to a close.

John MacArthur’s ministry career spanned nearly six decades. In 1969, he became the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he remained until his death. Under his leadership, the church grew into a flagship of conservative evangelicalism.

MacArthur’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his church. Through his Grace to You radio ministry, launched in the 1970s, he reached a global audience. Today, the program broadcasts in nine languages across more than 2,400 radio stations worldwide. His teaching, marked by a meticulous, verse-by-verse expository preaching style, earned him the reputation as “the world’s premier expositor.”

Pastor MacArthur wrote or edited hundreds of books, Bible commentaries, and theological works. His MacArthur Study Bible, first published in 1997, remains a staple in evangelical circles, with more than four million copies sold. He also founded and led The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary, institutions dedicated to training pastors and Christian leaders in his theological tradition.

His ministry’s slogan, “Unleashing God’s Truth, One Verse at a Time,” encapsulated his commitment to a literal, inerrant, and authoritative interpretation of scripture, an approach that shaped generations of pastors and laypeople.

While revered by many for his uncompromising theological stance and dedication to biblical exposition, MacArthur’s legacy is also marked by controversy. He was a central figure in the resurgence of Calvinist doctrine in the United States and a vocal critic of cultural and theological movements he viewed as incompatible with biblical Christianity.

MacArthur openly opposed feminism, LGBTQ politics, and the teaching of evolution. In later years, he took combative positions in America’s cultural battles, condemning critical race theory and denouncing what he called “wokeness.”

Despite controversies, John MacArthur’s impact on American evangelicalism is undeniable. His unwavering commitment to expository preaching, church leadership, and theological education shaped the faith and practice of countless Christians worldwide.

MacArthur is survived by Patricia, his wife of 61 years, their four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In the wake of his death, Grace to You affirmed its mission remains unchanged: “As the Lord sustains this work, Grace to You will always and only distribute the Bible teaching of John MacArthur.”

John MacArthur was 86.

Mark Bishop’s New Single Offers Healing Through Music

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (July 11, 2025) — Sonlite Records’ Mark Bishop reminded listeners of his vivid imaginative skills as a songwriter with his last single, “Now Lazarus Can Sing.” Now, the popular Southern Gospel singer has issued a reminder of the depth and finesse that he brings to his writing with “There’s A Medicine For That,” an extended revelation of a simple yet profound analogy set in a soulful arrangement.

“The longer you live,” Bishop observes, “the more you begin to realize that everyone you know is going through something. Everyone is dealing with some sort of stress or worry, pain or grief. As much as we would like to say the right words, or pitch in and try to help, we soon realize that we don’t have the power to change the situation.

“I’ve recently had some health issues of my own,” he continues, “and was soon aware that even with insurance, the doctor bills keep coming in. But there is also a doctor who listens to us for free.”

Produced by award-winning producer Jeff Collins, who pulls triple duty with flourishes of both piano and organ, “There’s A Medicine For That” frames Bishop’s thorough exploration of this powerful insight:

I know everybody needs Him, there’s no immunity.
Sooner or later life will cut you to the bone.
If it’s pain or grief or worry, He sees the depths of your heart.
Whatever the ailment, when your last hope is gone…

There’s a medicine for that when times have been tough
There are people who’ve been praying and lifting you up
There’s a medicine for that, there’s peace for your soul.
There’s a remedy for a broken heart, He wants you to know.
That wherever you’re at
There’s a medicine, a medicine for that.

With a simmering background reminiscent of African-American gospel classics — and a heartfelt “choir” of Lauren Talley, Freddie Ratliff and 11th Hour’s Victoria Bowlin — “There’s A Medicine For That” is a timely reminder of the healing that Christ’s mercy brings to believers.

“He listens to us and He knows the exact medicine we need,” says Bishop. “And whatever we bring to him, He looks at us and says, ‘There’s a medicine for that.’ His name is Jesus, and He’s always on call.”

“There’s A Medicine For That” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.

About Mark Bishop

Mark Bishop is a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning Christian music artist who resides in east-central Kentucky with his wife Carolyn. In 2024, Mark celebrates a forty-year career in Gospel Music as a recording artist and songwriter.

A music reviewer once said, “Mark Bishop’s music gives us the glasses to see the bigness of God in everyday happenstance.” Linda, an Amazon reviewer said simply, “You just need Mark Bishop’s music in your life.”

In 1984, along with his father and brother, The Bishops began a recording and touring career that would span seventeen years, reaching millions for Christ. The family enjoyed appearances on popular TV programs such as TNN’s Nashville Now, Crooke and Chase, The Grand Ole Opry, The World Today with John Hagee, The Bill Gaither Homecoming video series and many more. They were blessed with twenty-seven Top 40 songs, numerous #1 songs, along with countless awards and industry recognitions.

Many of the group’s most popular songs were penned by Mark. He continues to be a prolific songwriter today, writing music for his own recordings, and other artists such as Brian Free and Assurance, The Kingdom Heirs, The Kingsmen, Legacy Five, Allison Durham Speer, and many others.

Mark’s solo career began after the family group retired in 2001, with that yielding more chart-topping and #1 songs. Mark was voted “Soloist of the Year” in 2005 at the Singing News Fan Awards. In 2020, Mark’s “Beautiful Day” album was a Top-5 Grammy nominee for “Best Roots Gospel Album”. In 2022 he was the recipient of the “J.D. Sumner Living Legend Award” from the readers of SGN Scoops Magazine.

The Meaning of ‘It Is Finished’ in John 19:30

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AMY TURNER

When Jesus was about to die on the cross, he spoke powerful words recorded in John 19:30: “It is finished.” These words were more than a statement about his suffering ending. In the original Greek, the word used means something completed or fully accomplished — a task brought to its final purpose.

Jesus wasn’t simply announcing his death. He was declaring that the mission God had given him was fully achieved. Every prophecy written about the Messiah was now fulfilled. Every demand of the law was satisfied. Most importantly, the price for humanity’s sin was completely paid. There was nothing left to be done.

For believers today, this means that salvation is whole and perfect in Christ. People cannot earn it by their own efforts, nor can anything be taken away from what Jesus accomplished. The cross was not a moment of failure, but a moment of absolute victory.

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14