The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day

JEFF TURNER

Colossians 2:16–17 teaches that no one should judge believers regarding food, drink, festivals, or Sabbath days. These Old Testament observances were shadows pointing to Christ, and with his coming, their ceremonial requirements are no longer binding.

The Sabbath in the Old Testament marked God’s rest after creation. In the New Testament, the focus shifts to a new commemoration, the resurrection of Jesus. The early church gathered on the first day of the week, which Revelation 1 calls “the Lord’s Day.” This day became a time of worship and celebration of the risen Christ, not a continuation of the Old Testament Sabbath law.

While the New Testament does not transfer Sabbath regulations onto Sunday, it is still valuable for believers to set aside time for worship. Each day belongs to the Lord, and Christians can honour him every day while also cherishing a dedicated time to gather and exalt the Saviour.

One person values one day over another, another values every day the same. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.

Romans 14:5

New Salem releases Christmas single “Heaven’s Holy Child”

TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

New Salem has released a new Christmas single called “Heaven’s Holy Child.” The group shares the message of the season through their warm vocal style and strong musical ability. These qualities have become the hallmarks of New Salem’s sound.

Heaven’s Holy Child · New Salem · Jennifer McCallister · Bobby McCallister Heaven’s Holy Child â„— New Salem Publishing, BMI Released on: 2025-11-03

The group was previously known as The Bradleys. They perform in a smooth style that draws from Southern Gospel music with some bluegrass influence. New Salem continues to bring their music to audiences who appreciate this traditional approach.

The name of the group is a reference to its home base, the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. But the name has more meaning than a regional reference. According to the group’s website, “It is in the Bible; Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4, and Hebrews 6:20 & 7:1-3. SALEM, in the Hebrew language is SHALOM, which means PEACE, Righteousness and Wholeness.”

New Salem has earned recognition for their songwriting work. Several gospel groups have recorded songs written by members of New Salem, including The McKameys, The Primitives, and Troy Burns Family, among others.

During their time as The Bradleys, the group received a Dove Award nomination in the Bluegrass Album of the Year category for their album “So Glad.” They also won the Singing News Songwriting Competition with their song “Heavenly Peace.”

The new single “Heaven’s Holy Child” focuses on the birth of Christ. The group brings their diverse musical talents together to deliver this Christmas message.

Listen for New Salem’s latest release on Texas Gospel Canada!

Mississippi gospel group signs recording deal with Nashville label

JEFF TURNER

Right Road Quartet of Columbia, Mississippi has signed a recording agreement with Big Picture Records.

The quartet began performing in March 2022 and has traveled since then. Matt Linton serves as the lead singer and founded the group. The other members are Kip Barrier, who sings tenor, Jason Pope, who sings baritone, and Caleb Dunn, who sings bass.

Matt Linton, Lead (Courtesy Right Road Quartet, 2025)

“Myself and Right Road Quartet are absolutely thrilled to be officially signed with Big Picture Records,” Linton said. “The entire team at Big Picture has been incredible to work with. We are so thankful for their belief in our ministry and music. We can’t wait to see what doors the Lord continues to open!”

Ed Leonard of Big Picture Records, which operates under Daywind Music Group, said the label looks forward to working with the quartet. “We are excited to work with Right Road Quartet to spread the Gospel to people everywhere,” Leonard said. “I can’t wait for fans to hear the new music they are making!”

Jaquita Jenkins, who handles artist relations for Big Picture Records, added that the group fits well with the label’s other performers. “We’re happy to add Right Road to the family of great artists at Big Picture Records. Their excellence in both recording and live performance will raise the bar,” Jenkins said.

Right Road Quartet from the 2024 NQC

Radio stations received the song in November, and it will become available on streaming services and download platforms in January 2026.

Right Road Quartet will perform at the National Quartet Convention in September 2026. The group also has concerts scheduled at other Southern Gospel events around the country.

The group’s first release with Big Picture Records is a song called “Just One Drop of Blood.” Kevin Wright wrote the song. Three producers worked on the recording: the late Garry Jones, Matthew Browder, and John Darin Rowsey. Jones previously worked with Gold City, Mercy’s Mark, and Canton Junction.

Before forming Right Road Quartet, Linton worked as a solo performer. He started the group because of his interest in quartet music.

Chris Allman of Greater Vision praised Right Road Quartet’s performances. “There’s no sound that compares to solid four-part harmony when it’s done well. Right Road Quartet is one that executes the music and represents Gospel Music in a way that makes us all proud. They sound great, are exciting to watch and present themselves in a classy manner,” Allman stated.

Big Picture Records started in 2021 as part of Daywind Music Group. The label works with several Southern Gospel artists, including Justified Quartet, Steve Ladd, and the Mark Dubbeld Family. The company provides promotion, marketing, and distribution services for its artists.

Hearing God in a Noisy World

FLOYD ROGERS

Clear communication matters in every part of life, especially in our walk with God. Just as we talk and listen in our human relationships, the same is needed in our relationship with the Lord. God hasn’t gone silent. He still speaks. But if we don’t know how to listen, we’ll miss what He’s trying to say.

It’s not enough that God speaks clearly. We must learn to quiet our hearts and pay attention. His voice is meant to help us understand who He is, shape our lives to reflect His truth, and equip us to share that truth with others.

God’s message has always had the same purpose: to reveal His nature, guide us in how to live, and help us pass on what we’ve learned. Listening is not just hearing sounds. It is taking in what He says and letting it change us.

My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

John 10:27

The Riches We Receive Through Christ

AMY TURNER

The Bible teaches that Jesus, though rich in glory, chose to become poor for our sake. He left the greatness of heaven and entered our world, carrying the burden of sin so that we could share in the wealth of His grace.

When we think about what this means, it is clear that we now live with riches far greater than anything money can buy. These are treasures of the soul. The include mercy, reconciliation, and hope that lasts forever. Because of this, giving to others should not feel like a duty but a natural response.

By sharing what we have, we reflect the heart of Christ, who gave everything for us.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.