The Call Against Idleness in Christian Life

AMY TURNER

Christians are called to live with purpose and faithfulness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, believers are warned to avoid those who choose to live in idleness and ignore the teachings passed down from the apostles. This is not just a suggestion, but a clear command given in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The message is simple: faith is not meant to be passive. God expects His people to stay active, doing good works and following His will while waiting for Christ’s return. Rather than wasting time in laziness or empty talk, believers should be found carrying out the work of God.

In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

James 2:17

Sonlite Records congratulatesDown East Boys on GMA Dove Awards nomination for Something To Shout About

SPECIAL SONLIGHT RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (July 31, 2025) —Sonlite Records congratulates the Down East Boys, whose album, Something To Shout About, is nominated for this year’s GMA Dove Awards Southern Gospel Album of the Year.

Produced and arranged by Jason WebbSomething to Shout About (released by Sonlite in October 2024) is a collection that makes frequent use of expansive orchestration, lending an air of musical sophistication to the inspirational messages embodied in its 10 songs, from the bold opening notes of “When Believers Will Be Leaving,” to the gentle close of “That’s What Heaven Holds,” with its wistful, yet certain vision of eternity:

That’s what Heaven holds for me
In the presence of Jesus
What a moment that will be
Embracing my loved ones waiting there
Freedom from all my earthly care
One in the song of praise to Him
For all eternity
That’s what heaven holds for me

Indeed, while there are plenty of spirited numbers on Something To Shout About — including the title track, which was No. 1 on the Singing News chart in February 2025, the stirring “Mercy River” and “Go Tell,” with its lively invocation of Jesus’ coming — some of its most memorable moments are heard in the tender, lushly arranged Mosie Lister classic, “His Hand In Mine,” the stately ballad, “I’ll Have A New Name” and a new version of second single (and another classic), “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” that features an extended instrumental introduction to set the mood for its powerful message of redemption. Add it all up, and Something to Shout About is a set that’s sure to please old fans, and to make some new ones, too — for both its musical ministry and artistry.

Listen to Something To Shout About on Texas Gospel Canada!

Moving from Doubt to Trust in Jesus

AMY TURNER

The story of Thomas in John 20:25 shows us something important about belief. Thomas said he would not believe Jesus had risen unless he could see and touch the wounds himself. This moment doesn’t reject the need for proof—it shows the struggle between doubt and faith. Thomas had heard the other disciples say Jesus was alive, but he still held back. He wanted certainty before trust.

Jesus did not ignore Thomas’s doubt. Instead, He came to him and offered exactly what Thomas asked for: real, physical evidence. But Jesus also urged him to go beyond needing proof. “Do not disbelieve, but believe,” He said. Doesn’t this show us that faith isn’t about ignoring reason; it works with it. Faith also asks for a heart that is open, not just a mind full of questions.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t that we don’t have enough proof. It’s that we aren’t ready to let go and trust.

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – August 2025

DAVID INGRAM

Welcome to the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 Songs of August 2025! This list is meticulously compiled based on the actual number of plays each song received in the previous month (July.) The Texas Gospel Top 30 is proudly submitted to top Southern Gospel publications including The Singing News and SGNScoops.

  1. 99 1/2 – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  2. He Remembers My Sin No More – Kramers (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  3. Motel Bible – Scotty Inman (Daywind/New Day)
  4. God Has Heard Your Cry – Taylors (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  5. Free – Brian Free & Assurance (Daywind/New Day)
  6. Kick Up My Heels And Sing – Guardians (Daywind/New Day)
  7. Standing With You – The Sound (New Day Records/New Day)
  8. He Will Hold You Through It All – Endless Highway (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  9. More – Allens (ARS/New Day)
  10. More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – Isaacs (House of Isaacs)
  11. Nothing Greater Than Grace – Mercy’s Well (Independent)
  12. Troubled – LeFevre Quartet (with Joseph Habedank) (Daywind/New Day)
  13. Goodness And Mercy – Lee Park Worship (Vital Records/New Day)
  14. Deep Waters – Triumphant Quartet (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  15. Still Under His Feet – Anthem Edition (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  16. All Of God’s Children – Right Road Quartet (ARS/New Day)
  17. A Million Reasons – Perrys (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  18. Build An Altar – Sunday Drive (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  19. God Won’t – Nelons (featuring Autumn Nelon Streetman) (Daywind/New Day)
  20. So Many Reasons – Tribute Quartet (Daywind/New Day)
  21. Hold On To Hope – Southbound (Daywind/New Day)
  22. I Know What Jesus Can Do – Browns (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  23. Rise Up – Gold City (New Haven/Provident-Sony)
  24. None But Jesus – Erwins (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  25. Sunshine On A Cloudy Day – Jeff & Sheri Easter (with The Archers) (Gaither Music/Capitol Christian)
  26. Love ‘Em Where They Are – Gaither Vocal Band (Spring House Music Group)
  27. Still Faithful – 11th Hour (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  28. Just To Know You – Heart 2 Heart (ARS/New Day)
  29. Prove ‘Em Wrong – Lauren, Amber & Kenna (Horizon/Crossroads)
  30. I Saw Angels Today – 2nd Chance Ministries (Independent)

Becoming a New Creation in Christ

FLOYD ROGERS

Paul spoke of being “crucified with Christ,” meaning his old life was gone, and he now lived a new one through Jesus. He explained that when a person follows Christ, they become a new creation, no longer controlled by their past ways. The Spirit of God now lives within them, offering strength to resist sin.

Paul believed that as long as he stayed firmly rooted in faith, depending on what Jesus did on the cross, sin might still attempt to tempt him, but it would not win. His victory came not from personal strength, but from trusting in the power of the cross each day.

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