Salvation Is Beyond Human Effort

JEFF TURNER

In the Gospel of John, we often read about large crowds gathering to hear Jesus speak. However, many of these people left when His message challenged their beliefs. In John chapter 6, Jesus told the crowd that no one could come to Him unless the Father drew them. This statement offended many then, and it still unsettles people today.

The reason for this discomfort lies in human pride. All people are born sinners and naturally resist the idea that they cannot save themselves. Most false religions are built on the idea that people can earn their way to heaven through good works. But the Christian message is different. It teaches that salvation is not something we achieve; it is a gift from God, given through faith, so no one can boast about earning it.

Many struggle with this because they want to take credit for their salvation. Yet the Bible is clear: we are spiritually dead, blind, and trapped in sin without the power to free ourselves.

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

Ephesians 2:8-9

HighRoad’s Sarah Davison Shares Praise Report After Daughter’s Medical Emergency

AMY TURNER

The Southern Gospel community rallied in prayer this past week as High Road’s Sarah Davison and her husband Trevor faced every parent’s worst nightmare. Their six-month-old daughter, Ruth Ann, suffered a fall that resulted in bleeding on the brain, sending the family into a time of uncertainty and fear.

What began as a medical emergency has transformed into a testimony of God’s healing hand and faithful provision. Sarah Davison recently shared an encouraging update about Ruth Ann’s condition that has given us a reason to rejoice.

“We got the best care in the whole world. I think I was so impressed with the doctors and the nurses there,” Sarah reported. “We ended up having her admitted and the next day the doctors came in and after another scan, they said it looked like the bleeding had clotted and that we could go home that night.”

The relief and gratitude in Sarah’s voice was unmistakable as she continued: “So we are praising God big time right now for just the miraculous healing job that he did on Ruth Ann this weekend and we just gave him all the glory because it’s truly just a miracle that it wasn’t any worse than it was and we are home safe now with our little girl and she is doing great.”

Sarah’s heartfelt thanks extended to the prayer warriors who lifted their family up during this difficult time: “Thank you all so much for the prayers man our God is so awesome and he is so good to us.”

This testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God and the strength found in Christian community during times of trial. The Davison family’s experience demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change when the Lord intervenes, turning fear into praise and anxiety into thanksgiving.

Prayers Requested for High Road’s Sarah Davison and Family After Daughter’s Accident

AMY TURNER

The Southern Gospel community is rallying in prayer for the family of Sarah Davison, founding member of High Road, after her young daughter, Ruth Ann Randolph, suffered a serious fall on Thursday, 22 May. Ruth Ann was transported by ambulance to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where doctors initially feared significant bleeding on her brain.

After a period of waiting, the pediatric neurologist brought encouraging news: only three tiny spots of bleeding were found, and Ruth Ann will not require surgery. She remains in the hospital for observation as doctors continue to monitor her recovery.

Sarah, her husband Trevor, and little Ruth Ann are grateful for the support and prayers they’ve received so far. As Ruth Ann continues to heal, the family asks for continued prayers from friends, fans, and the entire Gospel music community.

Please join us in lifting up the Randolph family during this challenging time, and let’s believe together for Ruth Ann’s complete recovery.

Discover ‘Man on the Middle Cross’ by Sound Street

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 23, 2025) — “We’re so excited to share our next streaming release, ‘Man on the Middle Cross,'” says Jarrod Vanderslice of Sonlite Records’ Sound Street. “This song found its way to us in an unexpected but special way: Debra Talley, wife of our producer Roger Talley, mentioned it to us as a song worth considering. To be honest, we weren’t very familiar with it at first—but the moment we listened to the original version, we knew it was something special. The message gripped us immediately, and we felt it would be a powerful addition to our music catalog.”
That original version, sung by co-writer Rhett Walker, was strong enough to earn a recent Dove Award nomination for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and the Southern Gospel trio leans, with Talley’s help, even more strongly into the song’s country roots, swapping the original’s darker textures and grittier tones for airier, more acoustic touches and framing the clarity of Jarrod Vanderslice’s lead vocal with vivid harmonies from daughter Jaylee Vanderslice and family friend Ryan Bilby. From start to finish, Sound Street’s take on “Man on the Middle Cross” transforms an already powerful song into a moving celebration of Christ’s gift to sinners.

“The story behind this song is one we can all relate to,” says Jarrod. “On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, two men hung beside Him—two sinners, two different responses. One was broken and full of regret, recognizing his need for mercy. The other was hardened, defensive, and convinced it was too late for him. If we’re honest, at some point in life, we’ve all been like one of those men. We’ve all faced moments of fear, regret, or the feeling of being too far gone. But then—there’s Jesus. The Man on the Middle Cross. The One who took the worst of us and gave us the best of Himself. The One who made a way for redemption, no matter who we are or what we’ve done.

Musically, this song has a fresh, modern country feel, blending heartfelt storytelling with a melody that stays with you long after the final note. It’s the kind of song that not only fits our style but truly reflects the heart of what we want to share—hope, grace, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. We can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Listen to “Man on the Middle Cross” HERE.

About Sound Street
Oklahoma-based trio Sound Street is Jarrod Vanderslice, his daughter Jaylie Vanderslice and long-time family friend Ryan Bilby.

Established in July of 2020, Sound Street has garnered the attention of southern gospel music fans and tastemakers alike. The trio was selected out of the Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage during the National Quartet Convention in 2021 and was nominated in the top 10 for favorite new artist 2022’s Singing News Fan Awards. Their radio single “I’ll Take The Old Highway” peaked at #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’ Top 100 and “The Old Story” debuted at #67 on Singing News’ March 2022 chart.

Performing more than 80 dates a year, Sound Street has been inspiring and communicating the message of the Gospel through their music to all audiences.

Greater Vision Welcomes New Baritone Singer Scott Mullins

JEFF TURNER

Greater Vision, widely recognized as the most awarded trio in Gospel music, has announced an exciting addition to their lineup with the welcoming of Scott Mullins as their new baritone singer. Gerald Wolfe says Mullins will be a welcome addition to the trio, marking a significant milestone for both Greater Vision and Mullins’ former group, The Guardians.

For Scott Mullins, this opportunity represents nothing short of a dream come true. “These gentlemen have been my heroes for many years,” Mullins shared. “I would go to the National Quartet Convention and see Greater Vision on stage performing with excellence and would dream of being able to stand side by side on stage with them. Now, God has allowed that dream to become reality.” His first official performance with Greater Vision is scheduled for June 4th in Shipshewana, Indiana, launching what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his musical career.

The humility and gratitude in Mullins’ words reflect the deep respect he holds for his new bandmates. “I am truly humbled to be a part of Greater Vision. To Gerald, Rodney, and Chris, I say thank you,” he expressed, while also acknowledging his former group: “To Dean, John Darin, Pat, and Paul, I say thank you for 5 and a half wonderful years. God has great things in store for The Guardians.”

Greater Vision founder Gerald Wolfe emphasized that the decision to bring Mullins aboard was based on more than just musical talent. “We’ve known Scott for several years, and have always appreciated his singing ability, but more importantly, his love for God, his sincerity, and his friendship,” Wolfe explained. “We’re looking forward to what’s ahead for both Greater Vision and The Guardians.”

This sentiment of mutual respect extends to Mullins’ former group as well. John Darin Rowsey of The Guardians praised his departing bandmate, saying, “For five and a half years, Scott has been a great asset to The Guardians. His passion for our ministry and music is second to none. Pat, Paul, and myself wish him the best, and know his future is bright with Greater Vision.”

Following his debut performance in Indiana, fans can expect to see the newly configured Greater Vision—featuring Scott Mullins alongside veteran members Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman, and Gerald Wolfe—performing throughout the coming months. The group will be appearing in concerts this summer, at the National Quartet Convention, Gospel Music Hymn Sing events, and various other venues this fall.