Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Westward Road’s ‘He Knew’ tackles shame head-on with message of grace

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Nobody gets through life without regret. Westward Road’s latest single, “He Knew,” speaks directly to that feeling, and offers something better on the other side.

The song opens with a line that pulls no punches: So ashamed of my past, didn’t even want to look back. It’s the kind of lyric that lands because so many people have lived it.

Scott Roberts of Westward Road says that vulnerability was entirely intentional.

“How many times have we felt that? How many times have we felt ashamed?” Roberts said. “And Satan just points it out, especially in our quiet times.”

But the song doesn’t stay in that dark place. The title itself, “He Knew,” is the turn. Roberts says the message is about a grace that doesn’t wait for perfection.

“He didn’t save us because we were perfect or we were trying to be perfect,” Roberts said. “He saved us because he wanted to extend his perfect grace and mercy.”

It’s a straightforward message delivered without pretense, which is exactly what makes it connect. “He Knew” is on regular rotation now, and it’s worth a full listen, especially on a day when the past feels a little too loud.

Understanding the unforgivable sin

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JEFF TURNER

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks about forgiveness and warns about a sin that will not be forgiven. This has raised concern and questions for many readers. The warning focuses on what is called blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and what it meant in its original setting. What is it? I can only tell you what I understand the Bible to say. Let’s start with some background.

This sin took place during the time when Jesus lived and taught in Israel. The people involved were not hearing stories passed down over time. They were seeing events with their own eyes. They listened to Jesus speak, watched how he lived, and saw the power shown through him. During his ministry, sickness was driven away across the land. This happened in an age without medical cures or clear diagnoses. The events pointed to a power that could not be explained by human means.

Jesus explained that everything he did was carried out by the power of the Holy Spirit. He chose to obey the will of the Father and relied on the Spirit while living among people. This was part of his mission and how God’s work was shown through him.

Some people who witnessed these acts refused to accept what they saw. Instead of recognizing God’s work, they claimed that Jesus was acting by the power of the devil. By doing this, they did not simply doubt or misunderstand. They took the work of the Holy Spirit and said it came from Satan. Jesus said this was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and that it could not be forgiven.

The heart of this sin was a full rejection of the truth about who Jesus is. The people involved decided that he was not sent by God but was working for evil. This was not said in ignorance. It was a settled judgment made while clear evidence stood in front of them.

Consider, forgiveness is found through accepting Jesus Christ. To reject him is to turn away from the only path God has provided for forgiveness. Salvation does not come through other means. If someone refuses Christ, forgiveness is not possible, because the offer of grace has been rejected.

This teaching is not meant to trap people in fear. It explains the seriousness of rejecting what God has made known.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” — John 3:36


Living in the world without confusing the kingdom

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JEFF TURNER

Christians have often argued about how much they should take part in public life. Some ask whether believers should seek government positions. Others wonder if voting matters or if public protests and boycotts are worth the effort. These questions often come up when faith meets politics and culture.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to Pilate, who was a Roman authority. Jesus says that his kingdom does not belong to this world. Those words give important guidance, but I think they are sometimes misunderstood. Do they mean that Christians must avoid all public activity? Or do they help believers understand where their main loyalty should be?

Christians are free to run for office if they choose. They can take part in elections and cast their votes. They may also speak out in public when they believe a law or policy is wrong. Standing against actions that go against what is right can be a proper response. These choices are allowed, and for some people they may even be necessary.

However, these actions should not be mistaken for building the kingdom of God. Political systems and governments belong to the present world, not to the heavenly kingdom that Jesus spoke about. Because of this, believers are called to think carefully about how much time, money, and effort they put into worldly causes. The question is not only what can be done, but what should be done.

There is also a limit to what human effort can change. Scripture teaches that the world, as it is now, is not under human control. It is broken and marked by sin. Christians are not given the task of fixing every part of society or making the world pure through laws and power. Trying to repair everything through political struggle can lead to frustration, because the problem runs deeper than policies.

Jesus was not leading a political movement. He explained that if his rule were based on earthly power, his followers would have fought to defend him. They did not, because his reign comes from another place. His kingdom does not rise or fall with elections, governments, or public opinion. It is not protected by force, and it does not advance through conflict.

Because of this, believers are encouraged to think about where they invest their lives. Energy spent only on worldly battles can be misplaced, especially when those battles cannot bring lasting change. Christians are reminded that they are not the ones in charge of the present world order. That role belongs to forces that oppose God, and no amount of human effort can fully undo that reality.

Christians live in the world, but their hope is not rooted in it. They can take part in society, but they are warned not to confuse temporary systems with God’s eternal reign. Shouldn’t we be more concerned that our actions lead people to Christ rather than winning a political battle?

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’” John 18:36

Joseph Habedank shares family news as he and wife Lindsay prepare for twin daughters

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Lindsay and Joseph Habedank have shared joyful news as they prepare to welcome twin daughters later this year.

The couple announced they are expecting twin girls, with a due date of Oct. 22. They noted, however, that twins often arrive earlier than expected.

The Habedanks said they are both excited and grateful as they prepare for what they describe as a “crazy fall.” They also shared that twins run in Lindsay’s family, and that they had a strong feeling early on that they would be expecting two children.

That feeling was confirmed during a doctor’s visit, when two babies were seen.

While acknowledging that raising twins can be challenging, the couple said they are looking forward to what they called “the best adventure of a lifetime.”

They are also asking for prayers as they prepare for the arrival of their daughters.

Right Road Quartet’s Matt Linton asks for prayers as wife faces emergency eye surgery

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Matt Linton of Right Road Quartet is asking friends and fans for prayers following a serious diagnosis involving his wife, Cynara.

Linton shared that what began as a routine eye exam a couple of weeks ago led to concerning findings. During the appointment, the eye doctor identified an issue and referred her to a specialist.

The couple visited the specialist last week. Linton said he became concerned when multiple medical professionals entered the room to review the scans.

According to Linton, the specialist determined that Cynara Linton has detached retinas in both eyes. He said the doctor told them he did not know how she was not already blind based on the scans.

Linton said the specialist advised that immediate surgery on both eyes is necessary and warned that without treatment, she could become completely blind within 10 years.

The Lintons were expecting the surgery to take place this week.