Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

God’s Unbreakable Love: Insights from John 10

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

For many Christians, the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John has served as a source of hope and reassurance during moments of uncertainty. In this passage, Jesus refers to himself as “The Good Shepherd” and to his followers as his flock. He makes a profound promise in verse 28, saying that no one can take his sheep away from him. He continues, emphasizing that his Father, who entrusted the believers to him, is greater than all, and thus no one can remove them from the Father’s grasp.

However, some interpret this comforting passage to mean that, while God won’t abandon his people, a believer might still choose to abandon God. In response to this interpretation, one might ask: where does the text say that a person can slip away from God’s care? Such an idea doesn’t align with what the passage actually communicates. The scripture clearly states that no one—not even the believer themselves—can be taken from Jesus’ or the Father’s hand. The promise is about absolute security, not conditional protection.

This passage from John parallels the assurance found in Romans 8: if God is on our side, who can oppose us? If Christ has purchased our redemption, who has the power to undo it? Neither life nor death, nor any other power or force, has the ability to separate us from God’s love through Christ Jesus our Lord. The message throughout scripture is consistent: the embrace of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is unbreakable and irrevocable. That’s the guarantee believers have from God’s word.

A Simple Question Sparked a Musical Legacy

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JEFF TURNER

A chance conversation between two gospel music artists led to the creation of what would become the Quartet Tribute series. Gary Casto of Tribute Quartet shares how a brief exchange with Gerald Wolfe at the Great Western Fanfare in Visalia, California changed their musical direction.

After performing on stage, Casto sought Wolfe’s opinion about their program. Wolfe’s straightforward advice was that they needed to include some old quartet songs in their performances.

“Gerald was sitting in the artist’s circle and when we walked out off the stage, he walked out with me and I said, ‘Gerald, what are we missing in our program?'” Casto recalls. “He says, ‘You’ve got to do some old quartet songs.'”

What happened next shows how quickly good ideas can turn into action. Casto immediately asked Wolfe to produce the project, then walked straight to Day Wynn, the A&R director of their record company. The entire plan came together in moments.

The enthusiasm was clear on all sides. When Casto approached Wynn with the concept, the response was immediate and positive. The project moved from idea to reality at remarkable speed, with plans to begin within a week of that initial conversation.

This spontaneous exchange between artists backstage would lead to a significant project, showing how sometimes the biggest ventures can start with just a simple question.

The Importance of Fathers: Raising Children with Love

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Today, about 20 million children don’t have their fathers in their lives – that’s almost half as many people as live in all of Canada. These children are missing more than just having their dad at home. They’re missing the love, money, and emotional support that fathers should give. Many fathers are too busy living for today to take care of their children’s needs, and this problem is hurting our whole society. Children need their fathers, and fathers need to show their children they are loved and wanted.

Billy Graham once told a story that shows us what good fathers should do. He was lost in a town and asked a little boy for directions to the post office. After getting directions, Billy invited the boy to church to learn how to get to heaven. The boy replied, “No thanks – you don’t even know how to get to the post office!” This simple story teaches us that good fathers must lead by showing, not just by telling. Children watch what their fathers do – they notice if their father prays, goes to church, reads the Bible, and lives right. They see how their father treats other people and whether he stands up for what he believes in.

The Bible says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” and this is what good fathers live by. They don’t just send their children to Sunday School – they take them there. They don’t just tell their children to pray – they pray with them. They show their children that God is important by making God important in their own lives. Just as important, the Bible tells fathers to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Good fathers show their children what love looks like by how they treat their wives. They are kind and thoughtful, showing their children what good relationships look like through their own marriage.

Being a good father isn’t about being perfect – it’s about trying your best each day to show love, lead well, and live right. When fathers do these things, they give their children a gift that lasts forever: the example of a father who cares. They help make society better by raising children who know they are loved, and they show what God’s love looks like in everyday life. Through their actions, they teach not only their own children but also influence others around them, creating a legacy of good fatherhood that can help heal our society.

The Lore Family Marks Two Decades of Ministry with New Album

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JEFF TURNER

What began as a humble family singing ministry in a small Southern Ohio congregation has evolved into a two-decade journey for The Lore Family, who released their fourth Horizon Records album “Faith Over Fear” on November 15.

The collection marks the group’s tenth overall project, a milestone that lead vocalist Darren Lore reflects on with gratitude. “Those first few years of recording, singing and ministry went by so quickly,” he says, recalling how his children Fayth and Samuel grew up performing alongside him and his wife Sandy on various stages.

This video is a YouTube link

Today, The Lore Family consists of Darren and Sandy Lore, their daughter Fayth, and her husband Jake Whisnant. Based in Portsmouth, Ohio, the quartet has expanded far beyond their initial tri-state regional circuit of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia to perform across the United States.

Their latest album showcases the group’s musical versatility while maintaining their Christ-centered message. The project features four singles released throughout 2024, opening with “God Said You’re Gonna Make It,” a decades-old favorite performed as a duet by Darren and Sandy Lore. The collection moves through various musical territories, from Fayth Lore Whisnant’s soulful ballad “By Grace” to Jake Whisnant’s bluegrass-influenced rendering of the title track.

The album’s scope extends to orchestral arrangements on tracks like “There Was A Day When” and “I Wish They Could See Me Now,” while Sandy Lore delivers an energetic performance on the rhythmic “Shaking Off The Dust,” slated to be the next focus track. Darren Lore’s songwriting features prominently, contributing half of the album’s material.

The group’s evolution has earned them appearances on prominent stages including the National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City. Their radio releases consistently rank in the Singing News Chart’s top 20 and receive regular airplay on Sirius XM’s enLighten channel. For two consecutive years, fans voted them among the top 5 Favorite New Mixed Groups in the Singing News Fan Awards.

Despite these accolades, Darren Lore maintains that the group’s focus remains on ministry rather than achievements. “Change is inevitable in every life and ministry—but God has remained faithful and true,” he reflects. “We pray that this project outlives us. Each song has a specific message that will stand the test of time.”

The Lore Family’s “Faith Over Fear” is available now on all major music platforms.

Understanding the Message of ‘Dear Lord’ by Darin & Brook Aldridge

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WILLIAM DESJARDINS

Darin & Brooke Aldridge’s song “Dear Lord” has reached #4 on The Singing News Bluegrass Chart for November. The song’s lyrics echol the message of 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle Paul writes about his “thorn in the flesh” and God’s response: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“It’s kind of just a prayer almost,” says Darin Aldridge about the song. “It’s just talking and coming and humbly asking the Lord for His help and guidance, like we always do.” He explains that each verse continues this prayer format.

Brooke Aldridge explains the song’s main message. “God will bring you out of anything that you’re ever going through,” she said. She adds that the song reminds listeners to include God in their daily activities.

“We all go through those times and really should hit our knees more every day,” she says.

The song’s connection to Paul’s biblical account is clear. While Paul’s prayers for relief weren’t answered as he hoped, the text suggests his thorn in the flesh served a purpose. Similarly, the Aldridges’ song discusses how faith can help during difficult times.

“This song definitely speaks to people,” Brooke notes, pointing to its message about God’s help during challenges.