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Thru the Bible: Matthew 18-21

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POSTED BY TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

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In the 18th chapter of Matthew, Dr. McGee highlights several key aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven. He emphasizes that entering the kingdom requires conversion and becoming like little children. This isn’t about reverting to childish behavior but rather experiencing a new spiritual birth, akin to starting life anew as a child spiritually. Dr. McGee notes that the disciples’ concern about who is greatest in the kingdom is secondary to the primary importance of securing entrance through the new birth. He underscores the Lord’s teaching that unless one is converted and becomes as a little child, they shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Dr. McGee stresses the immense value God places on children, stating that the evangelization of children is a Divine imperative. He cites the Lord’s strong words against those who would offend or cause these little ones to stumble. McGee interprets the passage about angels beholding the Father’s face as indicating that when little ones die, their spirits go immediately to be with God because Jesus died for them. He emphasizes the responsibility of parents and the church towards children, lamenting societal trends that harm them. Dr. McGee connects the Lord’s teaching on children to the discussion on divorce, noting that the well-being of children should be a paramount consideration for Christian couples.

Moving into Matthew 19, Dr. McGee addresses the crucial topic of marriage and divorce. He explains that Jesus takes the Pharisees back to God’s original ideal for marriage: one man and one woman becoming one flesh. While the Mosaic Law permitted divorce due to the hardness of hearts, Dr. McGee highlights that Jesus provides a new principle, stating that the only scriptural ground for divorce is fornication (adultery). He clarifies that while believers may separate on other grounds, remarriage after divorce is only permissible for the innocent party in cases of adultery. Dr. McGee also touches on the topic of singleness, noting that some are uniquely suited for it, and the decision to marry or remain single is ultimately a personal one.

As the narrative progresses, Dr. McGee discusses the concept of true greatness in the Kingdom. He explains that it is found not in seeking exalted positions but in humbling oneself and becoming a servant. This is exemplified by Jesus himself, who came not to be ministered to but to minister and give his life as a ransom for many. Dr. McGee emphasizes that rewards in heaven are determined by faithfulness to the task God has given, regardless of how significant or prominent it may seem. He notes Peter’s question about reward and Jesus’ response about judging the tribes of Israel, highlighting that sacrifice for Christ’s sake will be rewarded.

In the later chapters, Dr. McGee addresses Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his interactions with the religious leaders. He distinguishes between the initial entry and the true triumphal entry at the second coming. Dr. McGee interprets the cursing of the fig tree as symbolic of Israel’s fruitless religious system. He highlights the confrontation between Jesus and the chief priests regarding his authority, noting how Jesus skillfully exposes their hypocrisy. Through the parable of the two sons and the wicked husbandmen, Dr. McGee emphasizes that outward religious profession without genuine obedience and fruit is insufficient. He concludes by underscoring the importance of recognizing oneself as a sinner and coming to Christ for salvation.

Southbound Explores the Cleansing Waters of Forgiveness With “I Left It In The Water”

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AMY TURNER

Southern Gospel trio Southbound has released their latest single, “I Left It In The Water”. The digital release happened 11 October following the renewal of their recording relationship with Daywind Records. The song addresses the concept of baptism as a symbolic act of spiritual cleansing and forgiveness, as reflected in its lyrics.

The lyrics of “I Left It In The Water” reference past mistakes and the idea of being absolved through baptism. It begins with acknowledging our past errors: “I had a past I carried so long. Didn’t get it all right. Got a lot of it wrong”. The act of baptism is described as a form of burial: “When they laid me down in that watery grave, came up without a trace. It was covered by grace”.

The central theme of the song is expressed in the repeated line, “I left it in the water”. This phrase is directly linked to the concept of forgiveness received during baptism: “when I was baptized. I left it in the water. Buried in the tide, my past was forgiven. That very hour, guilt, sin, and shame no longer remain cuz I left it in the water”. The lyrics suggest a complete separation from the past self: “If you look for old me, friend, don’t even buy Father, there’s just a headstone saying that man is gone. Cuz I left it in the water”.

Clint Brown of Southbound gave us some context for the song’s message. He said while some people may consider themselves saved, baptism holds a specific significance. Brown explained that “I Left It In The Water” offers an opportunity to communicate the meaning of baptism as representing “the cleansing uh power of God in your life”.

The release of this single coincided with Southbound’s renewed partnership with Daywind Records. Clint said the continued collaboration comes with the value of associating with experienced professionals in the industry and expressed his anticipation for their ongoing work together to “bring hope, help, and blessing through the songs we sing”.

Mark Bishop Celebrates a New Kind of Love with “Grandkids”

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JEFF TURNER

Mark Bishop, a well-respected figure in Southern Gospel music, has released a new song called “Grandkids”. This is his first new music with Sonlite Records since his album “Home” from last year. The song is a heartfelt tribute to the special experience of having grandchildren.

Before he became a grandfather, Bishop heard many people say that the love for a grandchild was unlike any other. He remembers thinking, “‘wait… I love my wife and my daughters as much as I could love anyone… so it’s like that right?’ They said, ‘no… it’s a whole new love.’ I immediately dismissed it, thinking, ‘yeah, right.'”. However, Bishop now understands this unique bond, saying, “But it turns out that they were right”. He explains that “It really is a whole new love,” and “that ‘new’ love… that’s what this song is about”.

The song “Grandkids” starts with a piano melody that appears before each part. The first verse and chorus feature Bishop’s voice accompanied by gentle finger-picked guitar. As the song progresses, more instruments and harmonies are added, but they never become too loud, keeping the focus on Bishop’s personal delivery. The lyrics describe simple and joyful moments like “Chasing butterflies without a hope of catching one” and “Holding onto little hands, wading in the creek”. It also paints pictures of “Sitting on the front porch swing… falling fast asleep”. The song is meant to bring joy to anyone who has grandchildren or looks forward to having them.

Mark Bishop has had a long and successful career in Gospel music, spanning forty years in 2024. He is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist. Before his solo career, Bishop was part of the family group The Bishops from 1984 to 2001, along with his father and brother. The Bishops were popular, appearing on television shows like TNN’s Nashville Now and The Grand Ole Opry. They had many successful songs and received numerous awards.

Many of The Bishops’ well-known songs were written by Mark Bishop. He continues to be a busy songwriter, creating music for his own albums and for other artists in the genre. After The Bishops retired, Mark started his solo career in 2001 and continued to have chart-topping songs. He was recognized as “Soloist of the Year” at the Singing News Fan Awards in 2005. His album “Beautiful Day” was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2020. In 2022, he received the “J.D. Sumner Living Legend Award”. Through his music, Mark Bishop aims to help people see the importance of God in their everyday lives. With “Grandkids,” he shares a deeply personal experience of love and joy.

A New Chapter Begins for The Guardians

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JEFF TURNER

The southern gospel quartet known as The Guardians is about to enter a new phase in their journey. Dean Hickman, who has led the group for a long time, has announced that John Darin Rowsey will become the new owner on April 1.

(The Guardians) Dean Hickman is a founding member of The Guardians. 

Dean Hickman reflected on the beginnings of The Guardians. He remembered a call in 1987 from Del Yurick, asking if he could help with some shows in Michigan with Del’s sons, the Yurick brothers. Dean then contacted his friend Harold Patrick, with whom he had previously sung as the Centuries. As Dean recalled, “So I called my buddy Harold Patrick and we had been singing as the centuries, but then we shut down So I said Harold, you still on the bus? He said yeah, I said let’s go up and help him So we did a few dates and then people started calling us and we said wait a minute. We can’t be the Yurick brothers So And it got together in 1988 and said, ‘Oh, let’s go ahead and see where God wants to take this.'”.

This led to the formation of The Guardian’s Quartet in 1988. Dean Hickman explained that they “always sang meaty songs, just loved to minister” as a regional group.

(The Guardians) John Darin Rowsey

Over the years, The Guardians faced changes. Harold Patrick passed away in 2001. Homer Fry, who had sung with the Gospel Harmony Boys, joined the group and stayed until 2012. Dean noted that both Harold and Homer continued to sing shortly before their deaths. John Darin Rowsey joined The Guardians in 2012, and Homer Fry passed away in 2014.

Dean Hickman recognized the potential of the group with John Rowsey. He said, “And then we did a CD and I called John. I said, ‘John, we’ve got blend. You know, maybe God’s wanting to take this somewhere.'”. Dean also shared his philosophy on leadership: “And when you don’t care who gets the credit for done it’s easy you know you get put people in great spots you give them in power you stand back you don’t you don’t need to really do anything just stand back and let them do it”.

Today, The Guardians consist of John Darin Rowsey, Pat Barker, Scott Mullins, and Paul Lancaster. Occasionally, founding member Dean Hickman still joins them on stage. They are known for their unique sound and tight harmony, and their main goal is to share the gospel through their music.

The Guardians have been blessed with three Dove Award nominations, multiple #1 songs, and Fan Awards. Their commitment as a group is to glorify Jesus Christ, and their guiding principle is John the Baptist’s words: “He must increase but I must decrease”. With the upcoming ownership transition, The Guardians are looking forward to continuing their ministry in southern gospel music. Dean Hickman has been involved in southern gospel music for over 60 years.