Paul spoke of being “crucified with Christ,” meaning his old life was gone, and he now lived a new one through Jesus. He explained that when a person follows Christ, they become a new creation, no longer controlled by their past ways. The Spirit of God now lives within them, offering strength to resist sin.
Paul believed that as long as he stayed firmly rooted in faith, depending on what Jesus did on the cross, sin might still attempt to tempt him, but it would not win. His victory came not from personal strength, but from trusting in the power of the cross each day.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Arden, North Carolina (July 18, 2025) — Teamed for the first time with producer/pianist Roger Talley, the young men making up the refreshed lineup of legendary quartet, The Inspirations are back from the ever-flowing well of tradition with Up Above The World So High, a new collection for Horizon Records that’s sure to bring joy to any listener whose soul has ever resonated with the classic Inspirations sound.
“I attended my very first Inspirations concert in 1970,” notes Talley, “and I’ve admired them from afar ever since then. When they asked me to produce their new album, I got to know them in a far greater capacity by getting on the bus and going with them for a weekend of concert dates. These young men really care about the people they sing to, and I quickly learned how fiercely their fans love and support them in return.”
Indeed, the reasons for the fans’ devotion are apparent from the first notes of the album opener, “I’ll Wear a White Robe,” as Talley’s piano and pedal steel guitar from the group’s baritone singer—and multi-instrumentalist— Luke Vaught ring out with a profoundly traditional sound. At a time when the Southern Gospel tag includes so many modern variations, the thrilling sounds of yesteryear that the quartet — Roland Kesterson (lead), Isaac Moore (tenor), Wyatt Austin (bass) and Vaught — have captured so well serve not only to remind long-time listeners of the genre’s historical heights and offer an introduction to new fans, but center once again the kinds of lessons and stories that have brought comfort and joy to millions through the years.
This video is a link to YouTube. Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Up Above The World So High · The Inspirations Up Above The World So High ℗ 2025 Horizon Records Released on: 2025-07-18
With its blend of thoughtfully selected classics like the title track, the Luke Vaught guitar-driven “Press On, O Pilgrim, There Is Joy Ahead” and the intricately harmonized “I’ve Been A Walking With My Lord,” and well-matched new songs such as “He’s Still The Same God” brought to life with spirited arrangements that offer each member of the quartet a chance to take center stage, Up Above The World So High captures the musical and spiritual renewal The Inspirations bring to each of their performances.
Says Talley, “I admire their talents, but even more their dedication to serving the Lord and His children. I’m proud to call them my friends, and I hope you enjoy and are blessed by this new project!”
Listen to Up Above The World So High on Texas Gospel Canada!
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.Â
(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 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,
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.”
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