Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Pastor Charles A. Biggs: Faith over Fear

Charles A. Biggs at the empty tomb. Our God has conquered death; why do we fear the future?

Once again, fear has struck not only our country, the United States, but also other countries all across the world. Again, all over the world,  people have been thrown into chaotic situations with their very lives at stake. The worry over their future has left them looking up with outstretched arms, with a show of trouble, stress, perplexity and despair.

Second Timothy chapter 1, verse 7, has been quoted, tweeted, posted on Facebook and preached about for several weeks.

I ask the readers: “Are you living in fear, or are you walking by faith?”

Yes, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mind. I believe that with every part of me, but deep down inside, there is that thing called fear that is still alive and well and still pops its ugly head up.

It still knows that it has the power to do so, thus robbing its victims of the peace of God that passes all understanding.

So, where does this leave the children of God during this time in our lives?

I really feel that if it leaves us in a great position to let the love of God, his power, his grace, and his mercy, be known more now than ever before.

It is time for this treasure that is embodied in these earthen vessels, and the gift of God, to be stirred up. We must get ahold of our faith and realize that we have not been forsaken, nor will we ever be.

We must know that even though we have been cast down and thrown to the ground, we have not been destroyed. The destroyer, Satan, has no power over the child of the living God nor will he ever have that power!

Child of God, carry your salvation and safety with glory in your soul, so that the Lord Jesus is seen and known in every part of your life. Choose your faith over your fears and keep marching on through this world in the power of almighty God.

In the words of Matthew West, “We are almost home!” And always remember that he is the God who stays!  

Pastor Charles A. Biggs

CHARLES A. BIGGS
Assistant Pastor
Oakland Avenue Baptist Church
2823 East Oakland Avenue
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
www.oaklandavebaptist.com

Be encouraged! Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Sam Butler comes full circle

Sam Butler comes full circle

The year was 1957. The Soviet Union launched the first satellite into space called Sputnik 1. Gas was only .24 cents per gallon and the average monthly rent cost was $90. Americans crammed movie theaters to watch “The Bridge Over the River Kwai,” while “Perry Mason” and “Maverick” graced the small screen for the first time.

American children were gaga over Slinkys and Hula Hoops, while teens and young adults continued to Rock and Roll with an artist named “Little Richard.” And four-year-old Sam Butler, Junior, was traveling the country with his father, a minister, and guitarist for The Blind Boys of Mississippi.

“I remember sitting in the car and listening to the Boys rehearse,” says Butler. “At four years of age, I knew all the songs and would often sing along with them as they rehearsed for the next show.”

Archie Brownlee, lead singer of the Mississippi based group heard young Butler sing and suggested that he take the stage at their next event. The crowd loved the addition of the young man to the show and he became a regular fixture during their concert events.

Butler continued to sing with the group, who often traveled with The Blind Boys of Alabama. Butler’s family also had a traveling gospel group. Later, he would join the Blind Boys of Alabama as a full-time member.

When he turned nineteen, he had the opportunity to sing with Dorothy Norwood and The Norwood Singers. It was 1972 and Dorothy Norwood, a former member of the Caravans was the opening act for the Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder tour. “This is where I was introduced to ‘real sin,'” Butler said.

Thankfully, God spared Sam Butler from becoming involved with the sinful lifestyle he was witnessing. However, Butler experienced a daily battle, both when traveling with secular groups and Christian artists. He became disillusioned with the lifestyle choices of performers who sang praises to the Lord from the stage, but then lived an entirely different lifestyle in their private times. This dichotomy was a constant battle in his heart, as Sam tried to live a Christ-centered life which was taught to him by his father, while he witnessed the contradictory life of those around him.

Clarence Fountain and Sam Butler

In the year of 1983, Sam Butler found himself on a very different stage. He was a part of the critically-acclaimed Broadway play, “The Gospel at Colonus.”

In 1989, Butler reconnected with his old pal, Steve Jordan of the Rolling Stones. Jordan had seen Butler in “The Gospel at Colonus” and decided to make contact. Jordan made his way to the backstage of the theater where he waited for Butler to get off of the stage.

“He wanted me to perform on Keith Richards’ new album,” Butler remembers.

In fact, Butler has been featured on many albums, both Christian and secular. In addition to performing on Keith Richards’ 1989 solo album “Talk Is Cheap,” Butler has performed with and contributed to projects with Steely Dan’s Donald Fagan and gospel legend Clarence Fountain.

Though Sam had been singing about the Lord and living relatively close to Him his whole life, he felt as if he had never really made a deep commitment.

“God was drawing me and I couldn’t sleep at night,” said Butler. “I slowly moved toward God.”

Twelve years ago, Butler truly turned his heart and life over to the God he had been singing about his whole life. He started attending church in his hometown of St. Paul, Minn. The pastor of the church and Butler had gone to school together in Vero Beach, Florida, as children.

In fact, as a child, Butler’s pastor had attended the church where Sam Butler’s father was a pastor. Now forty years later, rolls somewhat reversed, Butler attended his church and these two men grew closer to God.

Sam Butler

Butler’s faith grew, along with a tugging on his heart to take a new step in his walk with Christ. About a year ago, Butler took the leap of faith and became a pastor. He now pastors his own church in Minneapolis, Minn. The congregation is small, but they are pro-active in helping their community by feeding the homeless and other service projects.

Another project that is near and dear to Pastor Sam’s heart is his documentary, “The Book of Clarence.”

This film reveals the hard-core, honest truth behind the life of the legendary Clarence Fountain. The purpose of the film is to tell this truth.

“People who sing gospel are simply people who need the Lord,” said Butler. “We (as gospel singers) need to start living what we are singing. You can only fool people for a while.”

Bulter hopes that “The Book of Clarence” will help others who preach and sing the gospel, to really live it.

Butler continues to devote much of his time in music ministry. His new release, “Down To The River,” can be found on Revival Music Company.

Sam Butler comes full circle

“Down to the River,” is a beautiful southern gospel song written by James Tullio, and performed by Sam Butler and Clarence Fountain. Sam’s first single of this project is a song that he wrote titled, “Do What The Lord Says Do.” Jimmy Swaggart loved the song so much, that he’s included it a song in his congregational lineup.

Though Butler is busy juggling his duties as pastor of a church, his music career and promoting his film, he still has time for family. Butler has been married to Dr. Valerie Butler, a Doctor of Education, for thirty-two years. Together they have six children.

Butler continues to travel and sing. He’d love to share the good news of Jesus with your church congregation. Interested in having Pastor Sam Butler minister at your event or to your congregation? Contact Jesse Wood, 757-239-9061, connect@revivalmusiccompany.com. For bookings, contact Terry Scott, 757-613-0597, drummertwin2@gmail.com. Find out more at www.revivalmusiccompany.com/sambutler.

By Stephanie Kelley, writer, and creative designer for SGNScoops Magazine.

Creekside Diaries v4: Eagle’s Wings, C.T. Townsend and the Browders

Creekside Diaries v4: Eagle’s Wings, C.T. Townsend and the Browders. L-R: Vonda Armstrong,  Becky and C.T. Townsend

THE CREEKSIDE DIARIES, Volume Four. Wednesday, October 31, 2018. By Kristen Stanton.

The third full day at Creekside began with a chapel service in the showcase hall led by Dr. Jerry Goff followed by a time of music with the ALQC Road Revival featuring several Creekside artists who also perform at the Alabama Quartet Convention.  

Scott Washam of Day Three

Scott Washam from Day Three talked about the humble beginnings of their event. “We didn’t have two pennies to rub together but we stepped out in faith.”

Washam went on to explain how the Road Revival ended up with a show at Creekside. “One day I was talking to Vonda on the phone and she said, hey you should bring the Road Revival to Creekside.  I thought she was joking but here we are.”

Alabama Quartet Convention

Several artists including Day Three, Living Faith, Gloryland, and Cami Shrock, performed for a packed house.

The evening concert included some first time artists from Indiana and Florida, showing just how far reaching the Creekside arms are extending.

The Gibbs Family, in their first trip, had the crowd on their feet in worship. 

Eagle’s Wings, winner of three Diamond Awards, was one of the night’s featured groups.  Always a crowd favorite, the group sang some of their hit songs.

The Browders

The concert finished out with another riveting message from C.T. Townsend followed by the Browders who brought the house down.  

Rob Patz, owner and director of Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Wednesday night at Creekside would not be complete without Midnight Prayer.  The Chandlers led an intimate time of prayer and worship where over fifty had gathered believing they would leave this event different than they did when they walked in.  

Creekside continues to change lives from night to night.  We have one more day until the event wraps up.

Rob Patz and Gerald Crabb at Creekside 2018

Join us live on Facebook for Thursday’s concert and make your plans to join us next year at Creekside October 27-October 31, 2019.  For more information or to book your hotel, contact rob@sgnscoops.com.  

By Kristen Stanton

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Convoy of Hope at work in devastated Florida after Hurricane Michael

Convoy of Hope is in Florida helping those affected by Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael brought much devastation to the panhandle of Florida, especially to the northwest coastal towns like Mexico Beach and Panama City. We have readership in that area, and so many of you from across the country and in other countries have asked how to send aid quickly, directly and securely. We believe the Convoy of Hope, already in the area now, is a great resource for aid to those affected by the hurricane.

On their website, Convoy of Hope states: “As a faith-based, nonprofit organization, Convoy of Hope has helped more than 100 million people throughout the world by sharing food, water, emergency supplies, agricultural know-how and opportunities that empower people to live independent lives free from poverty, disease and hunger.” They have shown up-to-date relief efforts on their site, and their latest statement gives a current view of aid to the needy.

Convoy of Hope at work in Marianna, Fla. Photo from Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope at work in Marianna, Fla. Photo from Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope at work in Marianna, Fla. Photo from Convoy of Hope

OCTOBER 16, 2018 | 12:25 P.M. SPRINGFIELD, MO.  Convoy of Hope is responding in full force to help communities affected by Hurricane Michael. Since the storm made landfall, we’ve distributed more than 300,000 pounds of product to 15,000 individuals from our central distribution hub in Marianna, Florida.

Using drive-thru distribution, Convoy staff and volunteers are serving families and individuals with water, food, ice, hygiene kits, and other disaster relief supplies. Mobile distribution has also begun, and we’ve delivered supplies in 18 surrounding communities.

We are currently moving our distribution hub in Marianna from Walmart to Rivertown Community Church. The move allows Convoy to set up a more permanent location and will provide us with 15,000 square feet of warehouse space for product.

The pictures posted of Marianna, Florida, were sent from Angela Marie Parker who grew up there and who still has family in the area, many who are needing immediate aid. Parker is like many of our readers, feeling helpless because she is too far away to assist those that are in need.

“The Gibbs Family is generously helping out my niece. She has 2 babies and one on the way. So they are helping get her babies supplies,” says Parker. “I feel out of sorts not being there helping them all. My hometown will never be the same.”

Marianna, Fla. courtesy of Angela Marie Parker

Marianna, Fla. courtesy of Angela Marie Parker

Marianna, Fla. courtesy of Angela Marie Parker

Marianna, Fla. courtesy of Angela Marie Parker

Parker has also added to her personal Facebook page about other companies assisting the devasted, including Tyson Foods, who posted today about their activities:

CALLAWAY, Fla. (WMBB) – A food giant (Tyson Foods) is doing its part to help disaster relief efforts in Florida. The company is going to be serving meals to the Callaway community recovering from Hurricane Michael. This is all part of Tyson’s “Meals That Matter” disaster relief program. The company will be serving food and water starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Callaway Walmart parking lot. See more here.

Panama City Toyota is hosting a cookout today from 12-5. They will have enough food to feed 5000 people.

Parker notes that Alford workers, lineman, phone workers, any kind of workers in the community of Alford, we are feeding people at 7 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. Limited supplies to give out. All churches and all businesses we are desperate for supplies. Call Mary 8505268734. HELP US.

Parker is posting more information as she collects it from various areas. Follow her facebook page here.

Chipley, Fla., after Hurricane Michael. Photo by Michelle Drummond.

Patrick Drummond, Sr., of the Drummond Family, a gospel music group from Chipley, Fla., posted the following:

I keep getting asked what’s needed in these hard-hit areas of Michael. These items are needed badly.

1. Baby formula- both premixed in individual
Bottles as well as powder and we got the AR and the gentlease and the regular because I know some babies have special needs. 
2. Baby wipes-tons both for babies and mommies. I know water and showers aren’t easily accessible now. 
3. Diapers and pull-ups of every single size. 
4. Tons of toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste.
5. Tons of deodorant.
6. Dry shampoo
7. Sunscreen
8. Chapstick
9. Tampons/feminine products
10. Bars of soap
11. Women’s underwear 
12. 6-12 months boys clothing
13. Crystal light and Koolaid individual powder packets for water flavoring 
14. Kid’s board games
15. Tons of adult Tylenol and ibuprofen 
16. First aid kits
17. Boxes of band-aids
18. Kids Tylenol and ibuprofen 
19. Tubes of Neosporin 
20. Lotion
21. Mouthwash
22. Kids snacks/mini boxes of cereal 
23. Water
24. Food 
25. Chain Saw Gas
26. Bar oil
27. 50/50 oil for saws

Exodus “shares the truth” on NQC mainstage

Exodus on NQC mainstage

What a great time Exodus had at the 2018 National Quartet Convention (NQC) this year. It’s a place to connect with friends, make new ones, and sit in heavenly places, as touching lyrics and beautiful melodies fill the soul.

There’s definitely no place like it and for Exodus to be a part of such an extraordinary event is humbling, to say the least.

Exodus on NQC mainstage

We had just stepped into a new era of our ministry, as we became an all female trio. We decided.. ‘ to sing in one of the showcases would be a good idea.’ Much to our surprise, Exodus was chosen to sing on main stage.

We were so happy. We all need encouragement from time to time and this definitely encouraged us.

Yes, the lights are grand, the stage is awesome, but all that fades away as you remember the pledge you made so long ago, to allow the Holy Spirit the space he requires to live and be seen through you.We sang our newest radio release written by Susan Brady and Phil Cross, “Thats What Happened At The Cross.” May we never forget what happened there.

Exodus

Singing on the same stage, where all the greatest groups and singers have sung their heart out, year after year, with the hope of leaving a stamp of love on our hearts and a new spring in our step, gave us a sense of pride in knowing the message in which we carry brings hope to the hopeless and redemption to the lost.

Exodus on NQC mainstage

What an honor to share these truths before so many people at one time.

Exodus on NQC mainstage

We want to thank Shane Roark and Chapel Valley for sponsoring and managing the showcases each year, as well as Clark Beasley and all the folks who work so hard making NQC the greatest event for Southern Gospel music.

If you have never attended NQC I urge you to make plans to attend next year! You won’t regret it.

By Susan Brady of Exodus

Northern Gospel Singing Convention 2018

Alan Godsey With Becky Hataway, Brad Luzadder, Doug Anderson and Jim Sheldon at the Northern Gospel Singing Convention 2018

For the past 19 years, Alan Godsey has been bringing gospel music to Indiana through the Northern Gospel Singing Convention, currently held in Marion, Indiana, each year at the beginning of August. Godsey is the owner of the Northmen & Cathy, a trio that has been on the gospel music scene for over 29 years, traveling across over forty states and into six foreign countries.  

But twenty-two years ago, God began speaking to Godsey about doing further than his involvement with the group.  “God spoke to me for three years to have an event that people enjoy coming to [in order to] hear gospel music singing and for artists to come together to fellowship,” Godsey explained. “It took me three years for anybody else to believe it with me.”    

For three years Godsey prayed for the right venue and sought God. Out of that vision, the Northern Gospel Singing Convention was born.

The NGSC first began as a two-day event but quickly moved to its present “five events in three days” format.  Throughout the years, gospel music fans have flooded the venue for both matinee and evening concerts, which feature both well-known and up-and-coming artists who

Becky Hataway, Rob Patz and Rachel Franks at NGSC18

quickly became fan favorites and who now return year after year.

One of the crowd-pleasers each year is Indiana’s own Doug Anderson. Formerly of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, and currently doing both solo work and limited dates with Cana’s Voice, Anderson brings his down-home personality to the event both on and off the stage. Other favorites over the years include Buddy Liles, Trinity, and the host group, the Northmen & Cathy.

This year at the Northern Gospel Singing Convention 2018, the event was held on August 2, 3 and 4, and the audience filled the hall to overflowing. The crowd also enjoyed the media exhibits and having the opportunity to chat with the artists.

Next year will mark the twentieth anniversary of the event, and when asked if he had anything special planned, Godsey cryptically responded, “We definitely have a big year in the planning of our 20th Anniversary.”  

For more information on being a part of next year’s Northern Gospel Singing Convention taking place on August 1-3, 2019, in Marion, Indiana, contact Alan Godsey at  260-348-5164.

The Northmen & Cathy sang to sold out crowd at NGS Convention – standing room only

Alan Godsey, Doug Anderson, Rob Patz, Kristen Stanton at NGSC 12018

By Kristen Stanton.

Read the full SGNScoops August  Magazine Here.
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Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

Michele Bachmann on Day 23 of 30 Days of Prayer for the Nation

Dave and Nathan Kistler. Dave interviewed Michele Bachmann today.

Nathan Kistler tells us: In honor of Michele Bachmann being on radio with dad today, we are going to extend her video to day 23. Please pray along with this beautiful prayer by the former Congresswoman. What a blessing.

From yesterday: We are so truly honored to have our dear friend and former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann leading us in prayer today for day 22 of the #30daysofprayer. Michele stands for what is right and did so while in public office. We are thankful for her leadership.

As she did not have time to do a video, she sent us an audio clip and a picture. Thank you Michele. You are appreciated! Join us in prayer today and come back tomorrow to Hope To The Hill for another prayer.

We need God in this land once again to move in a way only He can.
#pleasesharethis
If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.
I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.
If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill website for more information on this ministry.
Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

Nathan Kistler – 30 Days of Prayer

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.
Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

The Booth Brothers: A Canadian Camp and an SGNScoops’ Fast Five

Booth Brothers

The Booth Brothers recently traveled from Tennessee to the town of Coburg, Ontario, home of Lakeshore Pentecostal Camp. The Camp hosts a huge Tabernacle where thousands of Gospel music fans enjoy their favorite artists every year. This trio is a favorite here, having made the trip north many times, beginning when the group was known as Ron Booth and the Booth Brothers. This year the Camp is celebrating their 80th Anniversary, and on this night of their 2016 Concert Series there was almost a full house to enjoy the Booth Brothers.

The Booth Brothers changed personnel at the beginning of 2015 and for some in the crowd this was their first time to hear Michael and Ronnie Booth with newcomer Paul Lancaster. From all indications, Paul was accepted and enjoyed by all. The Brothers went from older favorites like “All Over

Michael Booth

The World,” and “Welcome To The Family” to newer songs off their project Still, such as “Touch of the Master’s Hands,” “Still,” and the jazzy, “Happy Rhythm.”

These men are still singing the intricately woven harmonies that they are known for, such as in the powerful “Jesus Saves,” one of this writer’s personal favorites.  As Ronnie and Michael picked up guitars, and Paul picked up a pair of rhythm sticks, they moved into a more Country feel with Alabama’s “High Cotton,” and from Still: “Down By The River,” a song which would chart easily on the Christian Country area and possibly gain airplay on regular Country stations. It is not short on the Gospel message, but if Carrie Underwood can chart with “Something In The Water,” possibly the Booth Brothers can get their music played on secular stations as well.

Ronnie Booth

After the concert ended with the Booth Brothers’ iconic hit, “He Saw It All (The Blind Man Song),” Ronnie, Michael and Paul agreed to a bit of an interview with SGNScoops, including a quick Fast Five quiz. Keep watching for the rest of the interview with one of the top artists in Gospel music!

The Booth Brothers’ Fast Five

We did a true Fast Five with the three men, looking for the first answer that came to their mind.

What is your favorite food?

Ronnie: Pizza

Paul: PF Changs. Chinese.

Paul Lancaster

Michael: Pizza, although I don’t eat it much. The only way I can stay trim is I have expensive suits and I cut them tight, and I can’t afford to replace them!

What is your favorite color of footwear?

Paul: Black

Michael: Black for my suits, earth tones when I’m casual.

Ronnie: Black

What is your favorite city to visit or vacation in?

Michael: We never go on vacation.I want to go to the Grand Canyon with my family. We [The Booth Brothers] go to a lot of places but we never see anything. I’ve seen some of the best dumpsters in the world, the best backs of buildings in the world.

Ronnie: There’s so many. I love the Bahamas. So I have to say Nassau. I also love history, so I have to say Boston. Also Victoria, B.C. The architecture of some of the buildings is stunningly beautiful. I like to know all the history behind them.

Paul: Destin, Florida. Love the beach.

Michael Booth with Lorraine Walker

What is your dream car?

Ronnie: ‘69 Camaro. Black. Jet black. Not red. I had a red Firebird once and it was just a target. I got hit three times! So I lost my interest in red.

Paul: Buick Regal. I’m a simple guy. If I won a million dollars tomorrow, I’d still buy a Buick Regal. Black metallic, tan leather interior; all the bells and whistles.

Michael: Mercedes S – 500. It’s a high end car. That’s why I don’t have one. My pickup truck’s gonna have to do.

What is your favorite character in the Bible other than Jesus?

Paul: I guess my namesake, Paul.

Ronnie Booth signs autographs

Michael: I love Paul. I guess because I read his letters so much that I feel I know him.

Ronnie: The apostle Paul or David.

Thanks so much to The Booth Brothers for participating in the interview with SGNScoops. We hope you enjoyed your evening at Coburg. We hope you return to Canada soon.

For more on the Booth Brothers, click here.

Be sure to watch for the SGNScoops September 2016 magazine. We will be featuring a story on the Booth Brothers and their health habits! Does Michael eat gluten? Does Ronnie drink coffee? What does Paul do to keep active? Stay tuned to SGNScoops for all the answers.

For more Gospel music news click here.

Grace Friday

Grace Friday

By Jennifer Campbell

Good Friday is a day that I hold very dear to my heart. But sometimes I wonder why it is called Good Friday. Just think about it. We often say, “That was a good dinner.” We say, “Good morning,” even to passersby on the street. Let’s face it, the word “good” is used so frequently that it has nearly lost its credibility as an adjective. So maybe we should rename today and call it Great Friday. That would give it more significance, right? In reality, it matters not what we call this particular day. What matters is whether or not we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ gave His life for you and me. It wasn’t about fame or fortune. He wasn’t trying to do a good deed or striving to be great. He died on the cross to cleanse our sins, to grant us eternal life, and to shower us with love and mercy we don’t even deserve. When you really stop to think about it, the name most befitting of this important day on the calendar would be Grace Friday.

Perhaps you look at the calendar and wonder what Easter is really all about. Deep within your heart, do you feel as if there must be something more, beyond the chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs? If you are searching for answers, look no further. Jesus Christ is the answer you seek.  ohn 3:16 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.” The King of Kings and Lord of Lords gave His life as a ransom for every man, woman, boy, and girl on this planet.  That includes you. Why? Because of the unconditional love He has for us.

Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to save Him from the cross. He didn’t have to endure the pain and agony. He could have simply told his Father, “I can’t do it. I’ve had enough. I’m going home.” But He stayed there, because He knew that you and I needed a Savior. He knew that we would have no lasting hope on our own. Jesus wanted to give us the most heartfelt and important gift given in the history of mankind: eternal love and everlasting life. It is the gift that truly keeps on giving, through all eternity.

You may be sitting there, thinking, why would a King do this for me? I’ve failed, I’ve sinned, and I’ve done so many wrongs. The Bible says we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Not one of us is without blemish. We have all made mistakes. Still, His love for us is never-ending. Jesus shed his blood to forgive our sins. He bore all of the earth’s diseases to heal our sicknesses. On top of all of that, He granted us eternal life in Heaven with Him, for everyone who has a personal relationship with Him.

This Easter, cherish the time you have with family and friends. Enjoy the delicious dinners and sweet bunny-shaped treats. Above all, remember the reason for the Easter season. Jesus Christ gave His life for love (I John 3:16). On Good Friday, Jesus died. On the third day, He rose again. At this very moment, He is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. He bestows upon us unconditional love, even though we are undeserving. God’s Word says, “All are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). No matter where you have been, what you have done, or who you are, His redeeming love is free to all. That is true, divine mercy. So whether you call it Good Friday or Great Friday, remember that Easter is really all about grace.

First published by SGN Scoops magazine in March 2016

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Whisnants help Glorymen celebrate their 27th Anniversary

Whisnants

SGNScoops roving reporter, Jamie Britt, from Lumberton, North Carolina, recently sent us in this feature on the Glorymen’s 27th Anniversary:

On Saturday evening, March 5th, the Glorymen celebrated their 27th anniversary concert at East Lumberton Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC.  Their featured guests were the Whisnants from Morganton NC.

 Some of the highlights for me were getting to see some of the former members come together.  Also, at the end of the concert, The Glorymen and the Whisnants came together to sing, “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.”  

Some of my favorite songs by The Whisnants that

Whisnants at Glorymen anniversary

were sung were: “Worry Ends Where Faith Begins,”which by the way is the current radio release; another favorite was “I’m Not Afraid to Trust Him,” and also, “I’ll Trust the Potter’s Hand.”  

The Lord showed up in a powerful way that evening.  

The greatest moment for me personally came after the concert had ended.  I had the honor of meeting Susan Whisnant.  She’s a very genuine lady filled with the love and compassion of God.  She’s more than willing to pray with a person when needed, and that I admire greatly in her.  

If you ever get an opportunity to see these groups in person, I highly recommend taking the time to pay them a visit.

–By Jamie Britt

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Jamie Britt and Susan Whisnant

More on the Whisnants here and the Glorymen.