Tag: Gospel

Why Do People Reject the Gospel?

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JEFF TURNER

It’s surprising to think that people reject the Gospel, a message of love and salvation from God. You might assume everyone would eagerly embrace such a gift. Instead, history shows that many scorned it, even opposing Jesus Himself and His followers. From the early days when Christ was crucified to the persecution of His disciples, rejection has been a common response to the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). This verse highlights two groups of people who struggled to accept the Gospel: those tied to religious traditions and those devoted to worldly wisdom.

For some, like the ancient Jews, religious rituals and traditions overshadowed the Gospel’s truth. They found it difficult to believe in a Messiah who challenged their customs and came from humble beginnings. Modern parallels exist, as many people focus on religious rules or church attendance but neglect a true relationship with Christ. Faith becomes about outward appearances, not heart transformation.

Others dismiss the Gospel as foolishness. Like the Greeks of old, who valued philosophy and human reasoning, many today see faith as irrational. They accept every belief as valid or reject all spirituality outright, finding no place for the Bible’s message of grace and salvation.

This rejection of the Gospel reveals the unchanged nature of the human heart. Whether through pride in religion or reliance on intellect, people continue to resist God’s offer of grace. The challenge is clear: to set aside our own understanding and humbly accept Christ as Savior. Only then can we find true peace and hope for eternity.

Will you accept the message of the cross, or let it be a stumbling block to your soul?

The Power of Humble Faith in the Gospel

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JEFF TURNER

Christ calls His army, not with mighty warriors, but with humble fishermen—ordinary people who confound the wisdom of the world. These men, with the power of God, would challenge the philosophies of their time and plant the Gospel in the hearts of nations. Though the message of Christ crucified might seem foolish to some, it stands as a beacon of truth, exalted above all else (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

This Gospel has been carried on by successors of the apostles, not through bloodlines but through God’s call to preach. Preaching Christ and Him crucified means proclaiming clear biblical truths, such as justification by faith, the sovereignty of God, and His unchanging love. It is not about human philosophy or vague teachings but about the power and wisdom of God revealed through Christ.

The Gospel divides people into those who reject it and those transformed by its truth. To the called, it is the power of salvation and the wisdom of God, triumphing over all opposition.

Gospel Music Stars Come Together for Benefit Concert to Support Hurricane Victims in North Carolina

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Amy Turner

A group of gospel music’s most iconic performers is joining forces for a special benefit concert aimed at raising funds for hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The event, set to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, NC, will bring together some of the genre’s biggest names, all volunteering their time and talents to aid those affected by the recent natural disasters.

The benefit concert will feature performances from gospel music’s beloved family, The Hoppers, the legendary Kingsmen Quartet, and The Inspirations, fan favorites from the Gospel Music Fan Awards. Other performers include The Littles, a family ensemble known for their harmonious sound, and Band of Brothers, along with some surprise guests expected to make an appearance throughout the night.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Hearts With Hands, a Christian humanitarian nonprofit based in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Founded by Ralph Sexton, the organization provides critical relief to communities in crisis, with a current focus on helping those in Western North Carolina recover from recent hurricanes.

The concert is also supported by the leadership of Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, which has generously opened its doors for the event. The collaboration between the artists and the church underscores the power of community and faith in times of hardship.

This event is set to be a remarkable show of solidarity from the gospel music world, as they come together to support those rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the devastating storms.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Gospel Songwriter Rodney Griffin

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JEFF TURNER

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame expanded its prestigious ranks this weekend, inducting gospel music songwriter Rodney Griffin as part of its Class of 2024. The Saturday night ceremony showcased Kentucky’s continued recognition of diverse musical genres, including southern gospel.

“It was really a surprise to me,” Griffin shared about his induction. The renowned songwriter noted the Hall of Fame’s rich musical heritage, pointing out that “it’s full of country bluegrass rock and roll artists from Kentucky.”

While gospel music representatives are fewer among the inductees, Griffin expressed appreciation for the genre’s inclusion. “For them to in 2024 still recognize our genre with that honor was really nice,” he said.

Griffin, who was supported at the ceremony by his fellow Greater Vision members, sees the recognition as more than a personal achievement. He hopes it will serve a greater purpose: “It’s good to try to be a light to those who’ve never heard gospel music so if somehow through this the Lord can reach somebody then that’ll be a good thing.”

This honor adds to Griffin’s legacy in gospel music, cementing his place among Kentucky’s most influential musical artists.

Joseph Habedank on Adapting Methods to Reach a Broader Audience

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JEFF TURNER

Southern gospel music continues to evolve, offering a spectrum of styles from deeply traditional to more progressive sounds. Joseph Habedank, known for leaning toward the progressive side, recently discussed the direction of his latest project, Autobiography, in a conversation with gospel legend Gerald Wolfe.

While Habedank’s sound may have evolved, his core message remains unchanged. “Yeah, I was just talking to Gerald yesterday about, you know, we don’t change our message ever, but we do change our method,” Habedank shared. He emphasized the need for adapting approaches to reach a diverse audience, saying, “The Bible talks about this… preach the gospel to every creature, not just, you know, young people, old people, middle-aged people, not just Americans, everybody.”

This shift in method has proven successful for Habedank, who has witnessed significant growth in his ministry. “So far, especially in the past year, we’ve watched just amazing growth and we’re so grateful, so grateful for that,” he said.

With Autobiography, Habedank continues to balance the timeless message of gospel with a fresh, progressive sound, aiming to reach listeners from all walks of life.