Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

A call to pursue holiness in the new year

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JEFF TURNER

When a new year begins, people take time off work to celebrate. They gather with loved ones for meals and write down goals that most will forget about later. For Christians wanting to focus their hearts on what matters most in the coming year, there is an important question to consider. What does God want for His people?

I believe God desires holiness for those who follow Him. He wants His people to grow in purity and become more like Christ. This is not just one priority among many. It is the central reason God gave believers the Holy Spirit.

Church leaders are given their role to feed and nurture God’s people toward this same goal. The apostle Paul wrote with deep emotion about his longing to see believers mature in their faith. He told one church he wanted to present them to Christ as a pure bride. He told another group that he felt like he was in labor pains, waiting for Christ to be fully formed in them. These were not casual wishes. They came from the core of his spiritual concern.

Shouldn’t every Christian pray for holiness in their own life and in the lives of other believers?

Indian court rules Bible distribution and preaching not illegal without coercion

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JEFF TURNER AND RAMESH SINGH

The Allahabad High Court ruled this month that distributing Bibles and preaching religious doctrine are not crimes under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law when there is no coercion or inducement involved. The decision was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Justices Abdul Moin and Babita Rani, who found serious flaws in how police had handled the case.

The case began when police registered an FIR based on a complaint alleging that the accused had hosted religious gatherings at his residence. The complaint described the use of an LED screen, the delivery of sermons, and the distribution of Bibles during these gatherings.

However, the court found that these activities alone do not violate the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The judges noted that the FIR failed to identify any individual who had been subjected to coercion, inducement, or threats. At the time the complaint was filed, there was no identifiable victim in the case. The court emphasized that coercion, inducement, or fraudulent means are essential elements required to invoke the 2021 Act. The absence of any allegation of actual or attempted conversion was a central reason for the court’s intervention.

The bench was particularly critical of the Uttar Pradesh Police for their handling of the matter. The court faulted officers for registering an FIR without identifying any victim and for acting in haste in a case where no person had claimed to have been converted.

As a result of its findings, the court granted bail to the accused and issued notice to the complainant in the case. The ruling clarified that simply distributing Bibles or preaching does not automatically trigger the anti-conversion law. More broadly, the judgment reaffirmed constitutional protections for lawful religious expression in India.

2nd Chance Ministries Announces Tenor Singer Departure

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JEFF TURNER

2nd Chance Ministries has announced that Brian Alvey, the group’s tenor singer, is leaving the ministry. The announcement was posted to the group’s Facebook page. The change comes as Alvey feels called to pursue a different direction in his ministry work with his family.

Brian Alvey (Courtesy 2nd Chance Ministries)

Alvey has spent several years with the group, traveling and performing Gospel music while sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The group expressed gratitude for his contributions during his time with the ministry.

“We are so thankful for Brian and all he’s done for our ministry and express our love and support to Brian and his family. But also moving forward we are very positive and excited about what God has planned for us in this next season,” said Ricky Malloy of 2nd Chance Ministries.

The group has asked for prayers as Alvey and his family begin this new chapter. 2nd Chance Ministries stated they will maintain their friendship with Alvey and continue to keep him and his family in their prayers.

The ministry is now looking for a new tenor singer to join the group. Anyone interested in the position who has a heart for ministry should contact TenFiftySeven Media at mmc@tenfiftysevenmedia.com with their interest and contact information.

2nd Chance Ministries plans to maintain a busy touring schedule in the coming year. The group is dedicated to spreading the message of hope and salvation through music and continues its commitment to sharing the Gospel.

The ministry has requested prayers during this period of transition.

The True Meaning of Taking Up the Cross

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JEFF TURNER

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, “If anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” He was not telling people to carry an actual wooden cross. Instead, He was speaking about the cost of true discipleship.

Some today think of “a cross to bear” as a personal hardship or illness. While those can be difficult, Jesus’ words went much further. In His time, everyone knew the cross was an instrument of execution. It was not a symbol of beauty or decoration but a sign of death and suffering.

When Jesus told His followers to take up their cross, He meant that following Him could require their very lives. This was a warning that loyalty to Him could lead to rejection, persecution, or even death.

Discipleship is not about comfort but about full commitment, even when the path is hard.

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:27

Living the Christian Life Through the Power of the Holy Spirit

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FLOYD ROGERS

Peter, James, and John spent three years with Jesus, watching His miracles and hearing His teaching, yet He told them they were still not ready for the work He had called them to do. They needed the Holy Spirit to fill them, guide them, and give them strength. Without that, they could not accomplish their mission.

The same truth applies today. Living the Christian life cannot be done in our own power. The Holy Spirit enables believers to face temptation, pain, and difficulties, as well as to serve in teaching, singing, and helping others. This requires a daily choice to trust and surrender to God’s Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us.

I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him [a]bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5