Anthem Edition offers a powerful testament with “Still Under His Feet”

SPECIAL: HORIZON & SONLITE RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 27, 2024) — Their first single of the year is just making its way onto the Southern Gospel airplay charts, but Anthem Edition (formerly known as The Old Paths) are keeping fans happy with another release: “Still Under His Feet,” a song that offers a message of hope and resilience born of faith.

“Featuring Cameron Eden’s debut as tenor,” observes lead singer Tim Rackley, “‘Still Under His Feet’ is a powerful testament to God’s unwavering sovereignty.” And indeed, with a powerful rhythm section that surges underneath piano and guitars — including pedal steel supplied by master studio musician David Johnson — at a measured pace, the song convincingly conveys the burdens of anxiety and doubt before supplying the answer of salvation in its stirring chorus:

I’ve tried walking on water, in my own ability,
Just to find myself drowning, in a sea, of anxiety,
But just when it feels like, I’m going down, for the last time,
From out of nowhere, Jesus slips His hand in mine….

When I’m in, over my head, it’s still under His feet,
When I’m barely holding on, He’s holding me,
When waves of sorrow, are crashing over me…
When, I’m in, over my head, it’s still under His feet.

“As Cameron’s first national single and the winner of the Singing News Songwriting Contest in 2023,” Rackley notes with conviction, “This song is destined to resonate deeply with listeners and become a defining moment in Southern Gospel music.”

“Still Under His Feet” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL.

Understanding Salvation by Grace Through Faith

AMY TURNER

All the blessings we receive from God are purely from His grace and kindness. We don’t deserve any of it and can’t earn His mercy. God created man from dust, gave us life, and continues to provide for us. Everything we have comes from Him, and even the good things we do are by His help. Any righteousness we have is also a gift from God.

How then can a sinful man make up for his sins? Through his own good works? No, because even those works are from God, and many are flawed. Our hearts are sinful, and we can’t do anything to earn forgiveness. Only God can offer salvation.

If God shows us favor and continues to bless us, especially with salvation, it’s purely from His grace. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners, showing God’s love. We are saved by grace through faith. Grace is the source, and faith is the means of salvation.

To avoid missing God’s grace, it’s important to understand:

  • What kind of faith saves us.
  • What salvation through faith means.
  • How to respond to common objections.

The faith that saves us isn’t just believing that God exists (like some non-Christians do) or believing like the devil does, who knows God’s power but remains opposed to Him. The faith that saves is trusting in Jesus—His death and resurrection—and relying on Him completely for salvation. This faith isn’t just intellectual but involves a heart belief that leads to righteousness.

Salvation through faith is not something we wait for in the future but something we experience now. It saves us from sin—both its guilt and its power over us. We are justified (made right with God) by faith, and this faith brings peace with God, freeing us from the fear of punishment. Through faith, we are saved from the power of sin, meaning we no longer live in habitual or deliberate sin. This salvation leads to a new life where we grow in God’s grace.

Some may object, saying that preaching salvation by faith alone encourages laziness and neglect of good works. But true faith always leads to good works and holiness. It doesn’t cancel out the law but fulfills it by leading believers to live righteously, trusting in Christ and doing the good works God prepared for them.

Faith leads to a humble and holy life, not pride. Every believer must be careful to remain humble, knowing that all comes from God.

Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:13: God’s Promise of Strength

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

One of the most commonly quoted passages in Christian circles is 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability” (ESV). This verse is often taken out of context, leading to the popular belief that “God won’t put more on you than you can handle.” While this sounds reassuring, it misses the true message of the passage.

The actual point Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is about facing temptation. In verse 12, he emphasizes that no one is exempt from experiencing temptation. Whether strong or weak in faith, everyone faces trials and struggles that test their ability to remain faithful to God. But here’s the good news—God, in His faithfulness, always provides an escape.

When temptations arise—whether it’s a temptation to disbelieve God, fall into sexual sin, lie, gossip, or any other struggle—God offers a way out. This escape is not based on our strength or willpower. Instead, it’s rooted in God’s promise that He will never leave us without help. Jesus Christ is our ultimate escape. Through Him, we have the strength to overcome the lure of sin.

The popular misinterpretation of this verse shifts the focus onto human ability, implying that we can handle anything thrown at us by sheer strength or resilience. But the real teaching here is the opposite: we’re not supposed to rely on ourselves. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:9, “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” Our ability to endure trials and temptations comes from depending on God, not from trusting in our own capacity.

In moments of weakness or when temptations seem overwhelming, the reminder of 1 Corinthians 10:13 should drive us to seek God’s strength and guidance. God’s faithfulness ensures that there is always a way to avoid falling into sin, and that way is always found in Him.

The Allens Capture ‘Cross Over’ Music Video on the Sea of Galilee

JEFF TURNER

Have you seen The Allens’ latest music video for their song “Cross Over”? If not, you’re missing out on a breathtaking visual experience set in an incredible location—none other than the Sea of Galilee in Israel. This powerful song, which speaks of a miracle that took place on these very waters, is now accompanied by a video filmed in the exact spot where history and faith meet.

Josh Allen shared the significance of shooting the video in such a meaningful location:

“The extraordinary opportunity to do a music video for it in the country of Israel on the Sea of Galilee, which is neat because the song talks about a miracle that took place on the Sea of Galilee. So just the significance of being able to sing not just on the shore, but on a boat, you know, going on the actual sea. That’s an experience that not a lot of people get.”

Shooting on the Sea of Galilee itself brought a unique layer of authenticity to the project. “We are so excited about what’s happening with the song,” Allen added.

“Cross Over” is more than just a song—it’s a testimony brought to life in a video that captures the heart and message of the lyrics. You can catch the song playing throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

Karen Peck & New River: Behind the Scenes with The Night Owls

AMY TURNER

Karen Peck & New River, six-time Grammy nominees, have become a powerhouse in Gospel music. Their latest song, “Be Ready,” released in June, is in the top lineup at Texas Gospel Canada. But what do these award-winning singers do when they’re not in the studio?

Enter The Night Owls, a fun and engaging Facebook Live series led by Susan Peck Jackson. Each Friday night, Susan, along with Grant and Matthew, brings fans behind the scenes for a candid look at life offstage. The series has become a favorite among fans for its humor and realness.

Susan shares, “We have a lot of fun, and we’re always laughing at each other… Grant, Matthew, and myself do The Night Owls on Friday night, and so it’s late, like 11 or 12 o’clock at night. They get on there and start talking, and I just oversee everything.”

The live series isn’t just about fun, though. Susan keeps things in check, saying, “When they start talking about things that they shouldn’t, I’ll call them down.”

Don’t miss Karen Peck & New River’s Night Owl Diaries on Facebook Live this Friday night—tune in for laughter, insight, and the occasional late-night surprise!