Ernie Haase on Faith, Passion, and Authenticity in Gospel Music

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

For decades, Ernie Haase has been a familiar name in Gospel music. As tenor of Earnie Haase and Signature Sound and founder of StowTown Records, Haase has dedicated his life to sharing his faith through song. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on why he does what he does, the best advice he has ever received, and how he stays true to himself.

When asked about his motivation for singing Gospel music, Haase emphasized the importance of purpose. “Why I do what I do is because people need the gospel. They need to know that there is more to life than just living and dying and just trying to make it through another day another night,” he said. For Haase, music is more than entertainment—it is a way to share the message of faith and hope with others.

The wisdom passed down to Haase by his grandfather has also played a significant role in his journey. “Find something you love and you have passion for, and whatever you do in life, if you do that, you probably will never consider yourself working,” he recalled. This advice has shaped his career, helping him stay dedicated despite the challenges that come with life on the road. The love and passion for Gospel music have been his driving force, making the work feel less like a job and more like a calling.

Authenticity is another key aspect of Haase’s life and career. He believes that staying true to oneself requires reflection and prayer. “When you humble yourself and you kneel before the Lord, and you don’t come to him with any request as far as blessings, you come to him just as a servant, and you are totally transparent before him,” he explained. According to Haase, this kind of humility allows one to see what is truly aligned with faith and purpose.

When asked what three words he would share with a large audience, Haase’s answer was simple yet profound: “God is love.” He acknowledged that while this message may seem familiar, its true meaning is powerful. “When you feel the divine smile of God’s love on you, all earthly frowns are inconsequential,” he said.

Through his music and message, Ernie Haase continues to inspire Gospel music lovers. His dedication to faith, passion, and authenticity serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for sharing hope and love with the world

Finding Freedom from Shame through Faith

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Shame can be emotionally and spiritually crippling, distorting one’s self-perception and beliefs about God, potentially leading to self-condemnation and a sense of permanent probation. Acknowledging the presence of sin is essential in addressing shame.

Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should look inward, recognize the need for mercy and grace, and drop the metaphorical stones.

1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

The message of release from condemnation offers hope and transformation through faith in Jesus. It does not excuse sin but calls for repentance and a changed life empowered by the Spirit of God.

A Song Only the Redeemed Can Sing

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Heaven will be filled with music unlike anything we have ever heard. Revelation 14:3 tells us that the 144,000 will sing a new song before God’s throne, a song that no one else can learn. This special hymn will belong only to those who have been saved, a melody shaped by their redemption.

This song will not be a repeat of earthly hymns but something completely new, a testimony of salvation. Its words will declare the victory of the redeemed, telling the story of how God rescued them. Voices will rise in perfect harmony, filling eternity with endless praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This song will be so beautiful that even the angels will long to join in, but only those who have experienced salvation will be able to sing it. It will be a song of triumph, echoing beyond time itself. What a joy it will be to lift our voices in worship, celebrating forever the love and mercy of God!

As Psalm 96:1 reminds us, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” In heaven, that new song will never end.

A New Covenant That Lasts Forever

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 8:8 that, “The days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” This new promise would be unlike the first, one that would last forever.

Imagine purchasing a car with a seven-year warranty. During those years, you feel secure, knowing that any issue is covered. As the warranty nears its end, the dealer calls to offer you a free lifetime warranty—an agreement far better than the first. Who would refuse such a generous offer?

Similarly, the old covenant served its purpose, but it was only temporary. Through Jesus, God brought a new covenant that is eternal, unchanging, and available to everyone. This promise, sealed by Christ’s blood, offers complete assurance and peace.

As believers, we are called to trust in this everlasting covenant. Just as the old gave way to the new, God’s promise in Jesus is far greater, providing a lasting relationship with Him.

“For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 9:15)—a promise we can rely on forever.

Thru the Bible: Matthew 14-17

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In Matthew chapter 14, Dr. McGee begins by discussing Herod’s reaction to the fame of Jesus, believing him to be John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod’s superstitious nature and guilt over the beheading of John are highlighted. The circumstances surrounding John’s death, influenced by Herodias and her daughter, are recounted as a “sadistic sad sorted sorry account”. Following this, the narrative shifts to Jesus withdrawing and then performing the miracle of feeding the 5,000. This miracle is emphasized as being recorded in all four gospels, highlighting its importance. The disciples’ initial suggestion to send the multitude away contrasts with Jesus’ command to feed them.

Dr. McGee then details the event of Jesus walking on the water, which occurs after he sends the multitude away to pray. The disciples’ fear at seeing him, believing him to be a spirit, is mentioned. Peter’s attempt to walk on water and his subsequent sinking when he loses focus on Jesus are described, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s eyes on the Lord. The disciples’ eventual worship of Jesus as the Son of God after the wind ceases is noted. The speaker then transitions to Jesus healing multitudes in the land of Gennesaret.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Jesus’ confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees who questioned his disciples about not washing their hands before eating. Jesus rebukes them for prioritizing their traditions over the commandments of God, using the example of honoring parents. He accuses them of hypocrisy, quoting Isaiah to highlight the disparity between their outward actions and inward hearts. Jesus clarifies that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, proceeding from the heart, listing evils such as evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, etc.. This confrontation is described as the real break between Jesus and the religious leaders.

Dr. McGee then delves into the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17. This event is presented as a vision shown to Peter, James, and John, where Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and Moses and Elijah appeared talking with him. The speaker emphasizes that the Transfiguration sets forth the perfect humanity of Christ and the hope of humanity for future glorification. God the Father’s voice from the cloud declaring, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him,” is highlighted as God’s ultimate testimony and the final authority. The disciples’ fearful reaction and Jesus’ reassuring touch are mentioned, culminating in them seeing “no man save Jesus only”.

Finally, Dr. McGee covers the healing of a demon-possessed boy that the disciples were unable to cure due to their unbelief. Jesus’ powerful rebuke of the demon and the subsequent healing are described as the “worst case” he dealt with. Jesus reiterates his impending betrayal, death, and resurrection to his disciples, who react with sorrow. The chapter concludes with the incident of the tribute money, where Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish containing the necessary coin, demonstrating his power and provision. The speaker concludes by noting that the disciples were slow to believe and understand, and that Jesus is patient with believers today.