Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Listening to God and Planting Seeds for the Future Church

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CHERYL QUIGG

Psalm 78 reminds God’s people to listen carefully and remember what He has done. The psalmist speaks about passing on God’s truth to future generations so that children yet to be born will know His strength and faithfulness. It’s not only about memory, but about responsibility. We need to teach, live, and show God’s word so it will continue to shape lives long after us.

Today, this call still matters. Many believers find it easy to focus on comfort, careers, and personal interests while the mission of the church slowly slips into the background. The truth of Psalm 78 calls the church to return to obedience, to listen again to the voice of God, and to make His name known through faithful living.

Some of us older folks like to remember “the good old days,” when pews were full and music filled the sanctuary. But simply wanting the past back is not enough. The deeper question is what changed in the hearts of believers. In so many cases, service and ministry have become less of a priority compared to other pursuits. The question for the church today is whether we still put God’s work first or if we have allowed busyness to take its place.

True growth in the church is not just about numbers. It is about fruit. It’s about the kind of fruit that shows a heart has been changed by God. The Bible tells us that the fruit of the Spirit includes love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not achievements but signs that God’s word has taken root in a believer’s life. Jesus said that His followers glorify the Father by bearing much fruit, showing that they are His disciples. A healthy church is one where lives are being transformed, not just where attendance increases.

But not all fruit is good. A heart that does not live in repentance cannot produce the kind of fruit that pleases God. True repentance means turning away from sin and letting the Holy Spirit bring new life from within. In Romans, Paul explained that believers were saved through Christ so they could bear fruit for God. This is the goal of every Christian life.

Churches measure attendance and activity, but numbers alone do not prove faithfulness. Ministry must be measured so that it stays focused on its purpose, but measurement should serve love, not pride. Every person represents a soul that matters to God, and every act of service should point toward helping people grow closer to Christ. The foundation of all this is the Word of God. Psalm 78 teaches that God’s word must be planted deeply, just like a seed in good soil.

Families play a major part in this work. Deuteronomy 6 teaches parents to talk about God’s commands throughout daily life. When sitting at home, walking on the road, lying down, and getting up, we should pass on our faith. This begins at home, not only in the church building. Many past ministries focused on excitement or large events but lacked teaching and follow-up. True discipleship must include steady guidance, helping people grow in understanding and obedience.

Spiritual growth also depends on community. Gathering for small groups or Sunday school builds connection, accountability, and learning. It gives people a place to belong, to share their struggles, and to be cared for.

No matter where, teaching God’s Word faithfully also requires preparation and humility. Those who lead must be learners themselves. Even experienced teachers should continue to grow, to stay sharp, and to stay true to Scripture. And as the church looks to the future, it must ask: are we planting seeds that will bear good fruit? Are we helping people grow in faith, obedience, and love? Are we investing time and energy into the next generation? The future of the church depends on how we answer these questions today.

Faithfulness begins with listening to God and planting His Word in good soil. Growth will come when His people live out the message they teach.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17

MARK209 seeks bass singer and pianist following band member departures

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JEFF TURNER

Nashville-based Christian country quartet MARK209 has announced openings for two key positions following the departure of keyboard player Joshua Pope and bass vocalist Joe Armstrong from the group.

The band is now accepting audition requests for a bass singer and a pianist or keyboardist to join their national touring lineup. Those interested in auditioning are asked to submit a resumé, headshot and demo (either audio or video links) to auditions@mark209.com.

The vocal quartet has built a reputation for blending country, classic rock and gospel. Known for incorporating humour into their performances, MARK209 has developed a following that appreciates both their music and comedy.

The group’s name pays homage to their Tennessee roots, referencing mile marker 209 in Nashville, which marks the city centre and the exit for Music Row, Broadway’s Honky Tonk Row, the Country Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Throughout their career, MARK209 has performed alongside industry veterans and award recipients, including Country Music Hall of Fame members Ronnie Milsap, T.G. Sheppard and Ronnie McDowell, as well as artists such as Danny Gokey, Colton Dixon, Tenth Avenue North, Karen Peck & New River and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. These collaborations have placed them on stages with Grammy, Dove and American Music Award winners and Grand Ole Opry members.

The quartet’s most recent project, “Open Road,” was produced by Kent Wells, who has earned recognition for his work with Dolly Parton, including her latest album “Rockstar.” Wells’ production expertise has helped shape the polished, distinctive sound that has become synonymous with MARK209’s music.

The band has encouraged those who know qualified candidates to share the audition opportunity widely as they search for the right individuals to fill these positions.

The promise of a place beyond death

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AMY TURNER

Many people live with fear when they think about death. It is seen as a mystery, a place that no one can describe with certainty. You cannot sit down with those who have passed away and ask them if their faith gave them hope. For many, this leaves an uneasy question about what really happens after life ends.

Yet the Bible gives a clear answer. In John 14:1–3, Jesus speaks words of comfort. He tells his followers not to let their hearts be troubled. He assures them that in his Father’s house there is room for all who belong to Him.

What sets this hope apart is the truth that Jesus himself rose from the dead. His resurrection shows that death is not the end. Because he lives, those who trust in him can believe that his promise is sure.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Philippians 3:20

Legacy Five’s Jon Epley speaks frankly after having stroke

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JOHN WALK

Jon Epley of Legacy Five experienced a medical crisis last week that could have changed his life forever. Remarkably, just days later, he says he feels completely normal. In a Facebook video, Epley shared the terrifying details of what happened.

“Thursday night, I was at home, and I was sitting on the bed looking at my phone. It was about 10 o’clock. At exactly 10:05, I had just looked at the time,” Epley recalled. What started as an odd sensation quickly escalated into something far more serious. “At 10:05, I thought, man, my phone feels like it weighs a thousand pounds. I’m having trouble holding it up right now. My arm started feeling worse.”

Epley got up and walked to the kitchen, shaking his arm in an attempt to restore feeling. He initially thought his arm had simply fallen asleep, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. “And within a few seconds, it started happening to my right leg. I couldn’t put weight on it. It started feeling like it was just made out a rubber or something.”

Within half a minute, Epley realized the gravity of what was happening. “About 30 seconds in, I actually said out loud. I said, I think I’m having a stroke,” he said. He made his way back to the bedroom, but by that point, the paralysis had taken over. “And by the time I got back there, it had been about two minutes. And I fell back on my bed and called 911 with my left hand because within two minutes, my whole right side was gone. It was paralyzed. I could not move my right leg, my right arm, my hand.”

The fear intensified when emergency services answered. “I was scared. And 911 answered the call. And when they answered, I really got scared because I started trying to tell them my address and what was going on and I couldn’t form words,” Epley explained.

Paramedics transported him to hospital, where he was admitted Thursday night. Throughout Friday, medical staff conducted numerous tests. “Friday afternoon they did an MRI,” he said, noting that doctors also ordered an echocardiogram.

The following morning brought confirmation of what Epley had suspected. “This morning the neurologist came in. She said you had a stroke and she said it wasn’t one of those many strokes. She said you had a stroke deep in the left side of your brain and the left side you know affects the right so she said that’s why you lost everything on the right side,” he recounted.

What happened next astounded medical professionals. The neurologist told Epley his recovery was extraordinary. She “basically went on to tell me how rare this was, how unheard of this was that I was sitting there and by today I was totally fine, didn’t feel anything, everything worked fine, speak fine,” he said. Medical staff administered comprehensive assessments to verify his condition. “They did all kinds of comprehension tests on me and reading and vision and everything,” Epley noted.

At the conclusion of the examination, the neurologist emphasized just how fortunate he was. “She reiterated again at the end there. You are one lucky person,” Epley said. But the singer had a different perspective on his remarkable recovery. “And I couldn’t say anything except it’s not luck. It’s the Lord.”

11th Hour’s Amber Eppinette Saunders embarks on solo recording career

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JEFF TURNER

Amber Eppinette Saunders, known for her work with 11th Hour, is launching a solo music career under the stage name Amber Lynn, Sonlite Records announced this week. The new venture will showcase more personal songwriting while she continues her involvement with 11th Hour.

“While still looking forward to everything that’s coming with 11th Hour, I’ve been working quietly on so much new music, waiting for the moment that felt right…and that moment is finally here,” Saunders said. “I can’t wait to share more of my heart and story with you through my first ever solo release.”

The Sterlington, Louisiana native’s solo work will feature an inspirational approach that builds upon her southern gospel foundation. Her debut single, “Yahweh (Your Will Your Way),” is scheduled for release on 23 January. The track is intended to establish the direction for subsequent releases that will give Saunders opportunity to expand her artistic expression.

“This next chapter means a lot to me,” she said. “Time to share my heart with you all.”

Raised as a pastor’s child, Saunders grew up immersed in both music and Christian ministry. Over the years, she has contributed to more than 200 compositions, many recorded by 11th Hour alongside other artists including The Martins, The Whisnants, and The Bowling Sisters. She has also earned multiple fan award nominations for Soprano of the Year, and she recently received a Songwriter of the Year nomination.

Listen for music from her solo project soon on Texas Gospel Canada!