Suicide bomber targets Christian celebrations in Aleppo, Syria on New Year’s Eve

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on New Year’s Eve, killing one police officer and injuring two others in what authorities described as a failed attempt to attack Christian worshippers, according to The Syrian Interior Ministry.

The Syrian Interior Ministry said on its Telegram channel that the attack occurred in the Bab al-Faraj neighbourhood when the assailant, identified by local authorities as a member of the Islamic State, opened fire during a police interrogation. A police officer physically restrained the attacker, at which point the bomber detonated his explosive belt. According to authorities, the attacker was attempting to reach a nearby Christian neighbourhood and religious sites, including a Greek Orthodox church, to target New Year’s celebrations.

The Aleppo bombing represents the latest in a series of recent Islamic State attacks in Syria. Just a week earlier, an explosion at an Alawite mosque in Homs killed eight people. Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which analysts believe operates as a front for IS, claimed responsibility for that attack. On December 13, an IS attack in Palmyra killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian.

These incidents come as Syria continues military operations against Islamic State remnants under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, an Islamist leader who previously fought against IS during the Syrian civil war. In November, Syria officially joined the U.S.-led coalition against IS and has since been conducting coordinated raids with U.S. Central Command targeting IS sleeper cells throughout the country.

The Need for a New Heart

AMY TURNER

In the book of Ezekiel, God promises to replace a heart of stone with a heart of flesh. This picture shows the need for deep change INSIDE every person.

In 1967, Dr. Christian Barnard carried out the first human heart transplant. At the time, it was considered an extraordinary step in medicine. Today such operations are more common, but they still remind us that some conditions cannot be treated with medicine, diet, or lifestyle alone. When the heart is too damaged, the only option is replacement.

The Bible explains that all people are born with hearts that are not spiritually healthy. At first, the signs may not be obvious, but with time the evidence shows. Human effort cannot cure this condition. Only God can provide the new heart that is needed for real life.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Standing Firm in the Face of Spiritual Opposition

FLOYD ROGERS

Choosing to follow Jesus Christ is a lifelong and eternal commitment. Once you belong to Him, there is no turning back. Believers face three constant enemies: the sinful nature, the temptations of the world, and the attacks of the devil. These challenges can leave some feeling worn down and ready to give up.

But giving up only worsens the struggle. Instead, Christians are called to stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word and hold on to their identity as His children. Through Christ’s presence within, they can resist despair and rely on God’s strength.

God’s care, love, and promises surround every believer. He has already provided the tools needed to endure spiritual battles. By trusting Him and holding their ground, Christians can walk forward with confidence, knowing they are never alone.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10

Greater Vision celebrates 35 years of music

DAVID INGRAM

Thirty-five years ago today, 30 December 1990, Greater Vision stepped onto the platform for the very first time as a trio, presenting their inaugural concert in Grassy Creek, Kentucky. Although that historic morning was not recorded, it marked the beginning of a ministry that would go on to impact countless lives.

©1992 Greater Vision Music Ministries, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Based in Morristown, Tennessee, Greater Vision continues to travel with around 150 road performances each year. The group was founded by Gerald Wolfe, who serves as pianist and emcee. Multi-award-winning songwriter Rodney Griffin provides the lead vocal for the trio, while Chris Allman, also a prolific songwriter, sings tenor. The group’s newest member, Scott Mullins, sings baritone, adding depth ato Greater Vision’s unmistakable sound.

Greater Vision’s influence extends beyond the concert platform. For more than 30 years, they have appeared regularly on the InTouch television programme hosted by Dr Charles Stanley. They also appear on the Gaither Gospel Video Series and have become a central part of the beloved Gospel Music Hymn Sing videos and live events.

The group’s latest release, Your Story, features new songs written by group members Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman, along with contributions from other notable writers. Produced by Gerald Wolfe and Trey Ivey and distributed by Daywind Records, the project continues the group’s tradition of meaningful, message-driven music.

Listen for songs throughout the day by Greater Vision as they celebrate 35 years of Southern Gospel!

Sacred Harmony searches for new singer After pastor departure

JEFF TURNER

Sacred Harmony is looking for a new baritone or lead singer after Caleb Howard left the group to enter full-time ministry. Howard, from Eastern Kentucky, has taken a position as a pastor. The group is asking for prayers for Howard and his family and said they support his decision.

The announcement was made on the group’s Facebook page. The trio said Howard made an impact on their ministry and that they will miss him and his love for the Lord.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Breathe In, Breathe Out · Sacred Harmony It Ain’t Over Yet â„— 2021 Godsey Media

Sacred Harmony will continue to perform with fill-in singers as needed until they find Howard’s replacement.

The Tennessee-based trio was formed in 2000 and has received recognitions including the 2017 Sunrise Trio of the year, Top five nominee for Video of the Year and A Day of Recognition proclamation presented by Tennessee Governor bill Haslam in 2018. They have grown their ministry over the years. The trio focuses on salvation and their message through both song and their words as they travel across the country.

People who want to apply for the position can send two songs, a biography with a picture, and information about themselves to sacredharmony1@hotmail.com.