Standing Firm Through Life’s Challenges as a Christian

FLOYD ROGERS

Some people believe that becoming a Christian will make life easier, but Scripture shows that is not always the case. There will be times when challenges and hardship arise, even for those who follow Christ. These difficulties are not meaningless; they are part of God’s plan to shape believers to be more like Jesus.

Christians may face mistreatment or opposition, but these struggles are part of the spiritual battle that comes with faith. Rather than expecting an easy path, believers are called to stay strong, stand firm, and endure when trials come.

Followers of Christ can face life’s challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that victory is certain because of their identity in Him.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;

Romans 8:29

The Kingdom Heirs names John Young as new tenor

DAVID INGRAM

The Kingdom Heirs has announced that John Young will take over the tenor position for the Southern Gospel group.

Young has been with The Kingdom Heirs for nearly three years. He currently works as a utility player and vocalist with the band. He will now join the front line of singers in his new role.

John got his professional start in music in 2016 at Dollywood singing and playing guitar in various shows on the park, according to the group’s website. John then worked for The Country Tonite Theatre for four years as a lead vocalist and lead guitar player. Along with singing and playing guitar, John also enjoys song writing. In recent years, John has written multiple songs with various hit songwriters in Nashville. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Lorle, and dog, Josie.

The group said the decision followed a two-month search process. They stated they spent time in prayer while looking for the right person for the position.

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The Kingdom Heirs has won multiple awards over the years. The group is based in Tennessee and performs traditional Southern Gospel music.

The band thanked people who applied for the tenor position during the search. They said they received many responses from interested singers. The group expressed appreciation for everyone who reached out and shared their abilities.

The Kingdom Heirs asked supporters to continue their prayers for the group’s ministry work.
Young’s move to the tenor spot marks a change in the group’s lineup. He will step into a lead singing role after his time working in different positions with the band.

The Kingdom Heirs did not announce who will fill Young’s previous utility player role.

The One Who Did Not See Decay

AMY TURNER

In the book of Acts, Peter explained an important truth on the day of Pentecost. He quoted from Psalm 16, which says that God would not leave His holy one in the grave or let His body decay. Peter made clear that this passage was not speaking about King David. David died, was buried, and his body remained in the tomb.

Peter said it pointed instead to Jesus. Unlike all others, Jesus did not stay in the grave. His body did not waste away. He rose from the dead. Because of this, He has been lifted up and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

I believe there is one way to respond to this. We must turn from our sins, put our trust in Jesus, and be baptized in His name. No one else is worthy of this honour. Only He has conquered death.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 6:5

Waylon Bayes to leave Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call after four years

AARON TURNER

Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call has announced that vocalist Waylon Bayes will be departing the group after four years of service, effective 1 January.

Christopher Reed reflected on Bayes’s contribution to the group and the organisation’s history of launching talented singers. Reed noted that the group has featured several notable vocalists over the years, including Grant Gibson, who went on to join 11th Hour, as well as Carrapec and Jerich Grubbs. He described the group as one that helps artists get their start in the industry.

Speaking about Bayes specifically, Reed drew a comparison to past praise given to another musician. “He’s a diamond in the rough, and that’s what Waylon Bayes is,” Reed explained. He emphasised that Bayes was an unknown talent when he joined the group at just 17 years old, and that Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call gave him his first opportunity in the industry.

Bayes will leave the group to pursue his education at trade school, which represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream. The group has asked supporters to keep both Bayes and Jaidyn’s Call in their prayers during this period of transition.

Abraham the Father of All Who Believe

JEFF TURNER

The Bible says Abraham is the father of the Jewish people because the nation of Israel came from his descendants. However, Romans 4 explains that Abraham is also the father of all who have faith, no matter their nationality. This is not about family bloodlines but about a spiritual connection.

In Genesis 15, Abraham believed what God promised, and God counted that faith as righteousness. This shows that salvation comes through trusting God, not by works or heritage. The righteousness Abraham received was not earned; it was given to him by God. This is called imputed righteousness. God credits His righteousness to those who believe.

Abraham was once a sinner who worshipped idols, yet he trusted in God’s promise instead of his own strength. In the same way, all who put their faith in God receive righteousness and become part of Abraham’s spiritual family.

Therefore, recognize that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.

Galatians 3:7