Tag: Faith

Pathways to Deeper Faith: Engaging in Action and Experiencing Divine Power

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article contains positions that are not fully agreed upon among the staff at Texas Gospel. While we agree God’s Word is the final Word, we believe that sometimes His Word is misunderstood. If you have Biblical input, please leave it in the comments below. Be civil, and post anything in a spirit of unity and a desire to understand God’s will.

The journey of spiritual growth is a deeply personal one, often involving introspection and the cultivation of inner virtues. However, throughout history, another powerful dimension of this journey has been the active participation in demonstrating one’s beliefs and extending care to others. This approach suggests that a profound deepening of faith occurs not only through contemplation but also by stepping into the world and engaging in actions that reflect the very heart of one’s spiritual convictions.

From the earliest accounts, foundational ministry was characterized by tangible expressions of God’s compassion and power. It was not only a matter of proclaiming His message but also of demonstrating it through acts of healing and liberation. Luke chapter 4 tells us the announcement of ministry included bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and letting the oppressed go free, drawing from the prophecy of Isaiah chapter 61: 1-4. This historical precedent highlights the significance of both word and deed in the expression of faith.

Furthermore, the empowering and sending out of followers to continue this work shows us the importance of active engagement. Disciples were not only taught but also given authority and power to heal the sick and cast out demons, as seen in the commissioning of the twelve in Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:1-8, and Mark 6:7. This was further extended when seventy others were commissioned and sent out with similar instructions to heal and proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God in Luke 10:1-9. These accounts reveal a model where active participation in ministry was central to the development of those who followed.

This shows us that spiritual growth is intertwined with doing the work of ministry. Engaging in practices such as praying for the sick and sharing the core message are not simply tasks but opportunities to witness. The joy experienced upon seeing positive outcomes, such as healing, further reinforces faith and deepens one’s connection to the divine, as evidenced by the return of the seventy who rejoiced that even demons submitted to them in the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17.)

A vital component of this dynamic approach is the recognition and reliance on the Holy Spirit as an empowering presence. The initial announcement of ministry was linked to the Spirit of the Lord being upon the one sent (Luke 4:18 quoting Isaiah 61:1). This concept extends to the idea that the provision of the Spirit and its work is for all generations, as suggested in Isaiah 59:21, which speaks of the Spirit and the words put in one’s mouth not departing. This empowering presence is seen as essential for carrying out the works of ministry effectively.

Through this active engagement in ministry, a deeper and more intimate relationship with the divine is often reported. The shared experiences, the reliance on what is believed to be divine power, and the witnessing of transformative events contribute to a strengthened bond. It becomes a reciprocal process where doing the work of faith leads to a greater knowing and understanding of the divine’s love and power in one’s own life I Corinthians 11:1 encourages imitation based on this relationship.

While personal devotion and inner reflection are valuable aspects of spiritual growth, the path of active participation in ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offers a powerful and transformative dimension. By stepping out in faith and engaging in actions that reflect core spiritual beliefs, individuals can experience a deeper connection with the divine and witness the impact of their faith in tangible ways, leading to profound personal and spiritual development.

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.

The Message Behind “Things We Cannot Change”

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The song Things We Cannot Change carries a message of faith and hope. For The LeFevre Quartet, the song is a reminder that no matter what happens in life, Jesus Christ provides strength and guidance.

Mike LeFevre explains why the group was drawn to the song:”One of the main things that attracted us to the song Things We Cannot Change is the positive message. As Christians, we deal with things every day that we don’t necessarily expect, but through Jesus Christ, He has equipped us to deal with these things. And so, I love this song. It’s a positive message. It’s all about Jesus.”

Life is full of unexpected moments. A day that starts off as routine can suddenly take a turn in ways we never imagined. Mike LeFevre reflects on this reality, “I’m sure we’ve all had a day where we started out and everything was supposed to be normal, but that day eventually turned out to be anything but normal, anything but what we expected. And it’s natural for human beings to try to fix the things that are going on around them. But as Christians, if we live by faith and realize that He is our source, we have the problem fixer on our side. This song is a great reminder that through all the things that we cannot change, He can take care of them.”

New bass vocalist Daniel Ashmore also shares his perspective on how quickly life can shift, “When I think of the song Things We Cannot Change, I think about life and how quickly things can change. One minute you’re on the mountaintop, the next minute you’re in the valley, and you don’t know what’s going to happen. You never know what’s going to change. A loved one may get cancer. Your car breaks down on you. You have no means to pay for it. Your best friend may let you down. Your government will let you down. People will let you down. Through all of that, there’s one who doesn’t change. It’s the same one who created this world. He’s not changed a bit. He’s still God. He still can help you in your situation. So no matter what you’re going through, just remember, through the things you can’t change, there’s one you can run to that will never change.”

The song includes a powerful lyric that states, “He is a Light when we cannot see.” Mike LeFevre reflects on the importance of these words:”There’s a line in that song that says, ‘He is light when we cannot see.’ And I can tell you from over the years that I’ve lived in this world, that there’s been plenty of times I couldn’t see. And He has been my light because you don’t know what direction to go. You don’t know where you’re headed, and you feel so lost. Just a strange place you find yourself sometimes. I love that line that says He’s a light when we cannot see.”

Through Things We Cannot Change, The LeFevre Quartet delivers a message of unwavering faith. Life may bring unexpected challenges, but God remains constant. He is the light in the darkness, the problem solver, and the unchanging presence in a world full of uncertainty.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The Message Behind ‘I Left It In The Water’

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

You never know what will spark the inspiration for a great southern gospel song. For Clint Brown, the idea for Southbound’s song, “I Left It In The Water,” came from a simple t-shirt with a powerful message.

Brown recalls the moment clearly: “We were at Josh Frank’s church in Tennessee, and we saw someone walk across the front with a t-shirt on that said, ‘I left it in the water.’ And so we asked Josh, ‘What is that shirt about?’”

Josh Franks explained that the words came from a man who had just been baptized. “There was a gentleman that we baptized. When he came out of the water, we started asking him about some things, and man, he was so excited, so we were so interested in his testimony. And when they started asking him about his testimony, he said, ‘You know what? I would just rather say this. Everything about my past, I left it in the water.’”

That statement became the heart of the song. “I Left It In The Water” speaks of transformation, forgiveness, and the power of baptism. The lyrics tell the story of someone burdened by their past, carrying guilt and shame. However, through baptism, they experience a renewal—leaving behind their old self and embracing a new beginning.

The song captures this change with words like:

“I had a past I carried so long / Didn’t get it all right, got a lot of it wrong / When they laid me down in that watery grave / Came up without a trace, it was covered by grace / When I left it in the water.”

The message is clear: baptism is not just a symbolic act, but a moment of deep spiritual significance. As the song continues, it emphasizes how forgiveness and grace wash away the weight of the past:

“My past was forgiven that very hour / Guilt, sin and shame no longer remain / Cause I left it in the water.”

Through these lyrics, Southbound delivers a powerful reminder that no matter how heavy a person’s past may be, there is freedom and redemption through faith. The song resonates with many who have experienced similar transformations in their spiritual journey.

A simple t-shirt at a church in Tennessee carried a message that turned into an inspiring gospel song. “I Left It In The Water” now serves as a testimony of hope, grace, and the power of leaving the past behind.

Overcoming Shame Through Jesus’ Grace

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

There is hardly anything more emotionally and spiritually crippling than shame. It clings to us, whispering lies about our worth, our failures, and our standing before God. Shame robs us of joy, poisons our peace, and makes love seem distant. It convinces us that we are unworthy, that we stand forever on probation before God, always at arm’s length, never truly accepted. We begin to see Him not as a loving Father but as an ill-tempered celebrity—someone to be respected, perhaps, but not approached too closely.

But Jesus came to set us free.

Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery. She was dragged into the public square, exposed before the crowd, her shame laid bare for all to see. The religious leaders, eager to trap Jesus, demanded a verdict: “The Law of Moses commands us to stone such a woman. What do you say?”

Jesus said nothing at first. Instead, He bent down and wrote on the ground. What did He write? We do not know. Some have speculated that He traced the commandments, or perhaps the sins of her accusers. Whatever it was, the silence stretched long enough for the weight of the moment to settle. And then He stood and spoke:

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

One by one, the stones fell from their hands. The oldest left first, their years making them more keenly aware of their own sinfulness. Soon, only Jesus remained. He, the only sinless One, the only one truly qualified to condemn her, looked at the woman and asked, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, Lord.”

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

These are the sweetest words a sinner could ever hear. Neither do I condemn you. This is not because Jesus dismisses sin. No, sin is real. It is ugly. It is destructive. But He could speak those words of mercy because He would soon take her condemnation—and ours—upon Himself. The sinless One would carry our guilt to the cross. He did not pick up a stone that day; instead, He picked up a cross.

But His grace is not an invitation to continue in sin. “Go, and from now on sin no more.” He calls us out of shame, not so that we can return to what bound us, but so that we can walk in freedom. Grace is not a license to sin; it is the power to leave it behind.

The invitation stands for all of us. We do not have to live in shame. We do not have to remain in condemnation. Jesus has made a way. Let us run to Him, draw near to His throne of grace with confidence, receive His mercy, and find the strength to live in the freedom He has won for us.

For those who come to Him, there are no stones—only grace.