Category: Top articles

The Darkness at the Cross

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JEFF TURNER

The death of Jesus Christ stands out as the most significant moment in the New Testament. When Jesus hung on the cross, he spoke words that seem almost impossible to understand. He called out to God, asking why he had been abandoned. This moment reveals something much deeper than physical suffering.

During the crucifixion, darkness covered the land for three hours. This was not just a natural event. During those dark hours, Jesus took upon himself the sins of every person who would ever be saved throughout all of history. This raises an important question. How could three hours be enough time to pay the punishment that would normally last forever for so many people?

The answer lies in who Jesus is. Because he is God, he could endure an infinite amount of punishment in a limited time. His divine nature made it possible to absorb what would otherwise require eternity. As he bore this judgment in the darkness, he experienced something he had never experienced before. For the first time in his life on Earth, Jesus’ perfect relationship with God the Father was broken.

Until those hours, Jesus had only experienced complete and uninterrupted fellowship with the Father. But now that connection was cut off in a way we cannot fully grasp. God the Father, who had always loved the Son perfectly, now judged him perfectly instead. This happened because Jesus was carrying our sins.

Jesus spoke those words because they were true. He really was forsaken in that moment. He asked “why” because he was completely without sin and did not deserve this punishment. Yet he willingly took our place.

Growing together with care for conscience

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JEFF TURNER

In First Corinthians chapter 8, the Bible speaks about how Christians should think about conscience. The passage deals with a dispute in the church about eating meat that had been offered to idols. Some believers would not eat it because their conscience troubled them. Paul described this as a weak and even harmed conscience.

There is a mild correction in his words. Some Christians worry too much about actions that are not sinful in themselves. Paul explains that idols have no real power, so food linked to them is not changed by that past use. In that sense, there is no true danger in eating such meat.

At the same time, Paul does not tell these believers to simply get over it. Many of them grew up surrounded by idol worship. For them, objects and practices connected to idols were tied to dark and sinful experiences they had left behind. Because of that history, it is hard for them to see those things as neutral.

The same care is shown in another setting. When a Jewish person becomes a Christian, old food rules can still weigh heavily on the conscience. Giving such a new believer food that breaks those rules would cause inner conflict.

The New Testament calls for patience in these cases. Believers are meant to grow over time in understanding their freedom. Until then, those who are more settled in their faith are asked to limit their own freedom out of love. Kindness, grace, and restraint help the whole church grow together.

The coming test of our work

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JEFF TURNER

Most Christians enjoy praise, good marks, or a prize that comes after effort. The work matters as much as the reward. Yet many today want the reward without the testing. For Christians, Scripture says a test is ahead, and it cannot be avoided.

Paul writes that every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. This moment raises concern for some, but it is not about punishment. Jesus promised that those who belong to him will not face condemnation. This coming review has a different purpose. It is an examination of what believers have done with their lives.

The Bible illustrates this by using materials. Some works are like gold, silver, and precious stones. These stand for actions that have lasting value and serve God’s purposes. Other efforts are compared to wood, hay, and straw. These are not sinful acts. They are simply things that do not last, have little value, and can be replaced. Much of daily life can fall into this second group.

At the judgment seat of Christ, the worthless work will pass away, and the lasting work will remain.

Forgiveness that shapes daily faith

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JEFF TURNER

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus gives guidance on prayer. Near the end of that prayer, he asks God to forgive our debts in the same way we forgive others. At first glance, this can sound like God’s forgiveness depends on our actions. The meaning is practical and close to daily life.

The point is not about losing salvation. When a person trusts in Christ, their sins are forgiven. That does not get taken back. Instead, I believe this teaching is about our personal growth in faith after salvation. Am I wrong? A Christian’s sins are ALREADY FORGIVEN. When we accepted Jesus’ redemption, he knew every sin we had committed as well as sins we would commit in the future.

When someone refuses to forgive, that choice is a sin. This does not cancel salvation, but it does damage their walk with God. It creates a break in closeness. The person steps away from the place where God gives guidance, help, and steady blessing. They weaken themselves and may come under God’s correction.

Unforgiveness is a serious issue that many overlook. Holding onto it blocks the ongoing sense of God’s forgiveness in daily life.

The Hyssongs

Horizon Records signs The Hyssongs; Debut single due May 1

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JEFF TURNER

NASHVILLE — Horizon Records has added The Hyssongs to its roster of Southern Gospel artists, the label announced, with the Maine-based group set to release its debut single for the label on May 1.

The single, titled “Good News Savior,” arrives as the trio , and now quintet, marks a significant milestone: 30 years in music ministry this summer.

Core members Dell, Susan and Richard Hyssong have built a loyal following over three decades through consistent radio airplay and a sound that sets them apart in the genre. Dell plays trumpet and Richard plays trombone, brass instruments rarely heard in Southern Gospel. Their debut Horizon single, however, takes a different sonic direction, featuring keyboard and guitars in place of the group’s signature horns.

The group’s membership has grown to include Kelly Hyssong, Richard’s wife, and Makayla Hyssong, their daughter, rounding out what is now a five-member ensemble known for its distinctive vocal style and musical approach.

The Hyssongs’ track record in the genre is well-established. The group has earned multiple Singing News Fan Awards as well as Diamond Awards from Southern Gospel News, known in the industry as SGNScoops.

Horizon Records said it anticipates a strong and lasting working relationship with the group.

“Good News Savior” will be available May 1.