Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

James says God doesn’t tempt, but Matthew says the Spirit led Jesus to be tempted; what’s going on here?

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DAVID INGRAM, SR.

James 1:13 tells us that “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. But Matthew 4:1 says Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Do these scriptures contradict?

The answer is no, though at first glance it might seem like they do. Let’s unpack them carefully in context.

James 1:13 (NASB) says: “No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”

This verse is speaking about the nature of God Himself — that He is perfectly holy, incapable of being enticed by evil, and that He does not actively tempt people to sin. The Greek word here can mean to test, to tempt, or to entice to sin, but context determines the nuance. In James, the emphasis is on temptation with an evil intent, to cause someone to stumble.

Matthew 4:1 (NASB) says: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Here, it says Jesus was led by the Spirit into a situation where temptation would occur — but notice, it is the devil who tempts, not God. The Holy Spirit’s role was to bring Jesus into the wilderness for a period of testing as part of His messianic mission, but not to entice Him to sin. It was a proving ground, much like how God allowed Job to be tested by Satan in the Old Testament — not to cause sin, but to reveal character and fulfill a divine purpose.

And though Jesus is fully divine, He was also fully human. Hebrews 4:15 (NASB) — “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.”

Pain with a Purpose: How God Can Use Suffering to Shape Us

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Floyd Rogers

Suffering is not useless. It may feel heavy and difficult, but it can serve a purpose. God may allow pain in our lives, not by accident, but with careful thought. He never gives more than we can handle. He knows exactly when and how to allow it. He can use pain like a tool—like sanding wood, or pruning a tree—removing parts of us that do not reflect His Son, Jesus Christ.

For those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour, He lives within them. His goal is to shape us so that His life is seen through ours. This shaping process can be uncomfortable, even painful. But through it, God can work to make us more like Christ.

We may not understand why we suffer, but we can trust that God does. Suffering may not be punishment, but God preparing us.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Limitless blessings and God’s Generosity

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AMY TURNER

God has the power to give us far more than we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of this truth: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Doesn’t this tell us that God’s ability goes beyond what we can request or even dream?

When the verse begins with “Now to Him,” it points directly to God—the One who is able. But what is He able to do? Everything we ask? Yes—but not just that. He can do even more. Even if we have many needs, or big requests, God is not limited. He offers more than just enough. He gives an overflowing, endless supply of blessings.

This is not just about what we say in prayer. It’s also about what we think—our hopes, our silent thoughts, even our deepest dreams. God can go beyond all of it.

This truth brings peace and encouragement. We serve a powerful God whose generosity has no limits. His power is already at work inside us, making this promise real each day.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

You are loved

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FLOYD ROGERS

Every person matters to God. No matter who you are or what your story is, Jesus loves you without change or limit. Many people in the world feel unnoticed or forgotten, as though they don’t matter to anyone — but that is never true in God’s eyes.

From the moment you were born, Jesus has loved you completely, and that love has never faded. Right now, just as you are, you are precious to Him. Nothing you do, and no one else’s opinion, can stop Jesus from loving you.

When we stop focusing only on ourselves and start looking toward Jesus, the Son of God, something inside us changes. We begin to understand our worth and value through His love. God sees each of us as important and worthy.

The Bible reminds us of this in John 3:16, where it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse shows that His love is for everyone — including you.

Squire Parsons, Gentle Voice of “Sweet Beulah Land,” Dies at 76

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JEFF TURNER

Squire Parsons, whose rich baritone became synonymous with heartfelt gospel music, died Monday after suffering a heart attack.

Parsons leaves a legacy reaching far beyond the Southern Gospel stage. Born in Newton, West Virginia, in 1948, Parsons was steeped in music and faith from childhood. His father, a choir director and deacon, taught him the fundamentals of singing using shape notes-a tradition that would shape Parsons’ musical journey and ministry.

Courtesy YouTube: Trinity Baptist Church, Ashville, NC

After earning a degree in music from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Parsons served as a high school teacher and church music director before joining the renowned Kingsmen Quartet in 1975 as their baritone singer. The Kingsmen Monday night posted to facebook, “A true gentleman larger than life, Squire Parsons was loved by the Kingsmen and literal millions. Join us as we extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Parsons Family during this time of loss.”

Though singing was a passion for Parsons, it was his songwriting-and especially his signature anthem, “Sweet Beulah Land”-that cemented his place in gospel history. Inspired by memories of his father leading congregational singing, Parsons penned the song in a moment of spiritual reflection, and it quickly became a beloved classic, sung at countless church services and special occasions across the nation.

Courtesy YouTube

Parsons’ catalog includes hundreds of songs such as “Master of the Sea,” “He Came to Me,” and “I Call It Home.” His music, marked by tenderness and spiritual conviction, has won him numerous accolades, including Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Baritone and Songwriter, as well as the respect of peers and fans alike.

Despite health challenges that led to his retirement from touring in 2019, Parsons continued to write and minister, often accompanied on stage by his son, Sam. He remained dedicated to projects close to his heart, such as setting the Psalms to music, further enriching the gospel repertoire.

The first time I met Squaire in person was at a concert in Nederland, Texas. I don’t remember the year, but It was probably around 1988. I was recently out of college, had no money and looked kind of scrappy. After I interviewed him for KDLF radio, a station that is no longer on the air, we talked about his past as a band director, Gospel music, and about Gospel radio. He gave me one of his latest CDs and encouraged me to continue in Gospel music.

Parsons once said he wanted to be remembered as “just an old sinner saved by grace who loved to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ through music”. His songs, especially “Sweet Beulah Land,” continue to offer comfort and hope, ensuring that his gentle voice and message continue for generations.

Squire Parsons was 76.