The Eternal Choice Between Mercy and Judgement

AMY TURNER

The Bible speaks clearly about the reality of eternal life and judgement. In Revelation 20:15, it says that anyone whose name is not found in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire represents hell, a place of final separation from God. The passage reminds us that every person faces one of two final destinations: either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him.

Importantly, this choice is not based on human achievement or personal worthiness. No one can earn their way to heaven by good deeds or accomplishments. Instead, entry into heaven comes only through God’s grace and mercy, offered freely to those who accept it. It is given to those who recognise their need and trust in the gift of life through Jesus Christ.

The message is simple yet serious: heaven is a place for those who have received mercy, not for those who rely on their own strength.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

The Rogers Family signs with Horizon Records, announces new single

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 2, 2025) — Horizon Records announced today that it has signed The Rogers Family of North Carolina to their roster of Southern Gospel artists. The announcement comes simultaneously with news of the group’s debut single for the label, “He’s Still God,” now available for pre-save/add ahead of its September 26 release.

“A couple years ago at my home church, Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, The Rogers Family had been invited to be a part of our annual Jubilee week,” recalls Horizon Records A&R Director Greg Bentley. “I had not heard of them before, but introduced myself since I do house sound for the church and got them set up and ready for sound checks. Not knowing what to expect, they kicked off the first song — and I’m sure that if anyone had been watching my face, they would have seen a big smile come up as the Family dove right in!”

“Since that day,” he adds, “I’ve watched them very closely and have gotten to know them much better. Not only is their God-given talent obvious, but their love for what they do and for the people they sing to is clear as well. I am beyond excited to start this journey with The Rogers Family on Horizon Records, and have already seen the Gospel music fan base embracing them. With Roger Talley at the producer’s desk and with his expertise in family harmonies, I know we are going to create something the world is going to fall in love with.”

Carrying on a tradition — and a name — that began when Ray & Helen Rogers founded The Rogers Family with their daughter Kim, the group now consists of Kim Shields on piano and her singing children: Samuel, who plays bass and guitar, Rebekah and Hannah. Their label debut, “He’s Still God,” features the group’s own creative arrangement of the song’s triumphant celebration of God’s everlasting power.

“We are thrilled,” the group says, “to begin this partnership with Crossroads, and look forward to working with Roger Talley and the rest of the team to create uplifting gospel music that will encourage the listener and magnify the Savior!”Pre-save/add “He’s Still God” HERE.

The Complete Healing of Jesus

AMY TURNER

In Mark 7:37, people expressed their amazement at Jesus, saying He did all things well, even making the deaf hear and the mute speak. A man who could not hear and could barely talk was brought to Him. Hearing loss had also limited the man’s speech, as often happens when someone cannot hear their own voice.

Jesus could have restored only the man’s hearing, allowing him to learn speech over time. Instead, His compassion matched His power. In one moment, both the man’s ears and his ability to speak were restored. He spoke clearly right away.

This act revealed more than a miracle of physical healing. It shows us the fullness of His mercy. It may not happen when we want. It may not happen how we want. But it will be complete.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

Eighteen Mile releases debut single,”Above The Clouds”

SPECIAL: MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC COMPANY

August 29, 2025 — Newly signed to Mountain Home Music Company, bluegrass gospel quintet Eighteen Mile took shape when young musicians performing in the ministry-supporting Steve Pettit Band felt called to seek their own professional path after wrapping up an album with producer Andy Leftwich, who recommended them to the label’s attention. For their debut Mountain Home single, the group presents “Above the Clouds,” a gently flowing meditation on the blessing of assurance.

“I wrote ‘Above the Clouds’ during a season when I was wrestling with uncertainty and learning to trust God more deeply,” says the song’s lead vocalist and Eighteen Mile bassist, Hallie Ritter. “The song became a reminder to myself that no matter what we face — doubt, anxiety, or pain — God is steady and present above it all. I wanted the music to feel hopeful, something that lifts listeners up and reminds them that the sun still shines above every storm.”

Bandmates Carson Aaron (guitar, mandolin) and Emily Guy complement Ritter’s confident voice on the chorus’s elegantly phrased simplicity:

This old world can’t hold me down, I’ve got another life I’ve found
And a greater God
This old man can’t change my mind, I know the sun will always shine
Above the clouds

Eighteen Mile’s other multi-instrumentalist, Jack Ritter, offers some delicate guitar picking that underlines the tranquillity of that other life, while fiddler Savannah Aaron delivers the arrangement’s signature figure that punctuates the song from beginning to end. The combination of vocal strength, sympathetic instrumental work and well-crafted writing exemplified by “Above the Clouds” make Eighteen Mile artists to watch — and to listen to.

Says the group, “We hope this song is an encouragement to listeners in all areas of life who may be dealing with clouds of doubt, pain, and anxieties. The sun will always shine above the clouds.”

“Above the Clouds” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.

Choosing Eternal Hope Over Temporary Glory

AMY TURNER

Revelation 20:4 tells us about the future of those who remain faithful to God, even in the face of death. This verse describes people who gave their lives because they spoke about Jesus and held firmly to God’s word. It also mentions those who refused to worship the beast or accept its mark on their bodies. These faithful ones are brought back to life and will rule with Christ for a thousand years.

The heart of this message is about loyalty and sacrifice. Following Jesus may come with hardship now, but it leads to lasting reward. Each person is faced with a decision: to seek temporary honour and comfort in this world or to choose the everlasting hope offered by God.

The Bible encourages believers with promises like this. The decision belongs to each of us.

and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:17