Tag: Christian

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”.

A Different Kind of Ambition

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

When people think of ambition, they often picture success, power, or greatness. However, the Apostle Paul connects ambition with something unexpected—living a quiet life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, he encourages believers to aspire to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands. At first, this might seem like a call to mediocrity or passivity, but that is not the case.

Paul is not speaking about ministry, evangelism, or holiness within the church. Instead, he is giving guidance on how Christians should live in society. He urges believers to be hardworking, peaceful members of their communities. Causing trouble is not the goal; instead, obedience to God’s commands should be the focus. The Bible makes it clear that providing for one’s family is a responsibility—2 Thessalonians 3:10 tells us, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

True ambition is not about selfish gain. It is about striving to live in a way that honours God, both in the church and in daily life. When our desires align with God’s instructions, we find purpose and fulfilment in even the simplest aspects of life.

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – March 2025

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DAVID INGRAM

Welcome to the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 Songs of March 2025! This list is meticulously compiled based on the actual number of plays each song received in the previous month (February.) The Texas Gospel Top 30 is proudly submitted to top Southern Gospel publications including The Singing News and SGNScoops.

1 Grateful For The Gospel – Brian Free & Assurance – Daywind/New Day
2 More Than You Know – Tim Livingston – Diamond Mill Music
3 Bigger On The Inside – Legacy Five – StowTown/Provident-Sony
4 Big Ole Stone (Victory) – Triumphant Quartet – StowTown/Provident-Sony
5 The Good, Bad And The Ugly – Justified Quartet – Big Picture Records/New Day
6 The Hour I First Believed – PromisedLand Quartet – StowTown/Provident-Sony
7 No One Greater – Browns – StowTown/Provident-Sony
8 My Name’s Already There – Inspirations – Horizon/Crossroads
9 When It’s Gone For Good – Gold City – New Haven/Provident-Sony
10 Come On Let’s Go To That Land – Tribute Quartet- Daywind/New Day
11 What Are You Waiting For – Tim Menzies (with The Isaacs) – ARS/New Day
12 Rock Bottom – 11th Hour – Sonlite/Crossroads
13 Jesus Walked In – Joseph Habedank – Daywind/New Day
14 We Still Believe – Hyssongs – ARS/New Day
15 Can He, Could He, Would He – Mark Trammell Quartet – Crimson Road
16 There’s A River – High Road – New Day Records/New Day
17 I’d Rather Hear Preachin’ – Greater Vision – Daywind/New Day
18 If Not For Christ – Whisnants – Independent
19 I Left It In The Water – Southbound – Daywind/New Day
20 I Remember Lost – Poet Voices – StowTown/Provident-Sony
21 Keep Turning Your Eyes On Jesus – Booth Brothers – StowTown/Provident-Sony
22 Count For Something – Jay Stone Singers – ARS/New Day
23 Things We Cannot Change – LeFevre Quartet – New Day Records/New Day
24 By Grace – Lore Family – Horizon/Crossroads
25 Thank You Jesus For The Blood – Lauren Talley – Horizon/Crossroads
26 I Just Stopped By On My Way Home – Kingsmen – Horizon/Crossroads
27 God Won’t – Nelons (featuring Autumn Nelon Streetman) – Daywind/New Day
28 Good Ole Gospel Sing – Kelly Garner – Independent
29 Old Blind Bartimaeus – Jonathan Wilburn – Daywind/New Day
30 God Has A Way Of Workin’ It Out – Chronicle – ARS/New Day

Sharing the Gospel: A Call to Action

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Some believe that sharing the gospel is best done by waiting for opportunities that God provides. Others emphasize a more proactive approach, inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This call to action suggests no boundaries—every method and place can be used to spread the good news.

Evangelism can take many forms: speaking with neighbours, engaging in street or classroom discussions, building friendships, or even sharing faith in competitive or challenging environments. The key is to consistently proclaim the message of Christ wherever we are.

However, the method of sharing is less important than the message itself. It’s vital to ensure that the gospel is communicated truthfully and accurately. Becoming a follower of Christ involves more than a simple prayer; it requires recognizing one’s sin, turning to Jesus in repentance, and fully committing to Him as Lord and Master. This transformation brings deep joy and purpose to the believer’s life, as seen in Romans 6:22: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Evangelism is an urgent mission for every believer. It’s a call to both action and truth, ensuring that the life-changing message of Christ reaches all.