2 Corinthians 5:17

‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’

- The Lord is the One Who is able to transform our lives.
- He can take the damaged goods and turn it into a new creation.
- Never underestimate the transformative power of God in your life.
- He takes old things and makes them new.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the miraculous transformation that You bring to my life. I choose the new life and the new things You have for me, over my old life and its weaknesses. Make me a new creation in You. Amen.

DW08DECEMBER2025

prayer

my cat is smiling at me

342 - Joseph

Paul works to act consistent with the gospel and asks us to walk separate from the world. 

2 Corinthians 6

This second week of Advent, Renea Smith leads us in considering what it means to be light-bearers in a world still waiting for Christ's return. Drawing from John 1:6-9, we encounter John the Baptist not primarily as a baptizer, but as a witness—someone whose entire existence pointed away from himself and toward Jesus. His humility is striking: despite angelic prophecies, despite being called by God for a special mission, John never wavered in his declaration that 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' This Advent reflection challenges us to examine our own lives through the lens of witness and testimony. Are we orienting ourselves correctly toward the true light? Like those reflective umbrellas used in professional photography, we must position ourselves to fully catch the light of Christ so we can reflect it accurately to others. The message reminds us that we live in the 'in-between'—celebrating that Jesus has come while anticipating His return—and in this space, we're called to be tethered to Christ, helping others navigate the darkness. The powerful image of a blind runner connected to her guide by a yellow tether becomes a metaphor for our spiritual journey: we're linked to Christ in the heavenly realms, and through that connection, we can guide others who cannot yet see. This isn't about having all the answers or a spectacular testimony; it's about keeping it simple and sharing how encountering Jesus has specifically changed us.

Joy to the World | The Joy of Enlightenment - John 1:6-9 - Renea Smith

“Eternity Matters” is a modern country Christian song that calls listeners to step back from the noise, distractions, and pressures of everyday life and remember what truly lasts. The lyrics highlight the struggle of chasing after temporary things while missing the deeper purpose God offers. Through honest reflection and a heartfelt plea, the song reminds us that every person faces a choice—one that impacts not just this life, but forever.

With a blend of mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel, and a warm baritone vocal, the song delivers a message of hope: no matter your past, God’s gift of salvation is available today. Eternity is real, the stakes are high, and grace is closer than you think.

Matthew 16:26 (KJV)
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Romans 6:23 (KJV)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 14:6 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Eternity Matters

This is Us - Part 3 - The Beautiful Bride - Bernard Yeowart (Stellenbosch)

In This Together - Part 3 - The Beautiful Bride - Bernard Yeowart (Stellenbosch)

This sermon was delivered by Pastor Cory Klein at New Hope Church of Oxford on December 7, 2025.  The text of Scripture is Isaiah 9:1-7.

Isaiah 9:1-7 - For To Us A Child Is Born (Mighty God) (Advent 2025)

God invites us to bring our questions - and He gives us evidence to trust that the story of Jesus is absolutely true. 

Letter to a Skeptic

Alive to God sends out Daily Thoughts of encouragement via e-mail to inspire believers in their walk of faith with God. We would love to encourage those who would like to experience more of God. 

May you be inspired, motivated and encouraged by each Daily Thought

Most of my music centers on Jesus Christ and God’s amazing grace. I primarily write in the Country Christian style, but every now and then I like to branch out when the mood strikes. You might hear touches of alternative Christian rock (I did grow up in the ’60s and ’70s), contemporary gospel, or even a hint of bluegrass gospel along the way. From time to time, I also step outside faith-based music into modern bluegrass or country.

One of my current projects is an album inspired by poems I wrote to my wife while she was deployed during Desert Storm in 1991. After all these years, I’m finally adapting them into songs — a project that’s been close to my heart for decades.

I was fortunate to play bass and sometimes piano in my late teens and early twenties for a country gospel group known as The Gospel Crusaders. We performed primarily at churches across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Then life happened, and I stepped away from performing for almost 50 years. During this time, I started focusing more on writing lyrics and music. In 2017, I picked up my mandolin and joined God’s Country in Largo, Florida. The group disbanded in 2023 when several members moved out of state, but we’re planning a reunion performance in 2026.

Even when I venture beyond my main focus of sharing the gospel through song, I strive to keep my lyrics honest, heartfelt, and sometimes just plain fun. Believe it or not, I’m not in this to make money — I write as an outlet to share the stories and experiences of life over the past 70 years. I write the lyrics for most of my songs, though I’ve been blessed to collaborate with a few talented friends along the way.

I use Studio One to produce my music and have built a large library of loops over the years. Some vocals are mine; others are performed by friends. And yes, I also use AI-generated voices or enhancements to vocals when needed.  I am in my 7th decade on earth and my voice doesn’t have the range it once had, plus I don’t have immediate access to female vocalists.  There’s a lot of debate about AI in music, but for me, the goal has never changed — to spread God’s love and joy. Technology is simply a tool, much like the studio innovations that have shaped music for the past fifty years.

In today’s music, many well-known and touring artists now use pre-recorded tracks and digital stems during live concerts to fill out harmonies, recreate orchestral parts, or trigger sound effects — it’s all part of modern performance. Whether it’s a backing track on stage or an AI vocal line in the studio, the heart behind the music still matters most.

I don’t believe AI will ever replace real musicians, but those who learn to embrace it and use it to enhance their craft will continue to flourish in the music industry.

I play bass, trumpet, guitar, piano, mandolin, and I’m currently working to get up to speed on the fiddle. You may not agree with my take on AI, and that’s okay. My purpose isn’t profit — it’s to share the message of God’s love through whatever tools I have, whether that’s a guitar, a loop, or an algorithm that helps me clean up a mix.

As W. Edwards Deming once said,
“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.”

Technology will keep evolving, and so will we. My greatest hope is that one of these songs touches someone’s heart or makes a difference in their life. If God can use even one of them to do that, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

God bless you all.

We want to help you discover the reality of Christianity!

While so many in our world today have perverted and twisted the Holy Scriptures of the Bible by teaching error and false doctrine (usually for their own gain), we at Gospel Saving Church are committed and dedicated to God and to you, to bring true Biblical truth to the world.
 
So please join us weekly to hear Pastor Ed teach verse by verse through each book of the Bible, bringing Biblical truth and true Biblical doctrine to the world.

May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Pastor Ed


At Midtown Presbyterian Church, we value honest questions and genuine community, working alongside one another as we discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world, and in Phoenix. You are welcome here.
Listen to our teachings in this podcast to follow us, and be sure to join us Sunday mornings; visit thespringmidtown.org to learn more.

Located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Onalaska Church of Christ is a congregation where people are welcomed as visitors and quickly become friends and family. OCC is dedicated to the spiritual and educational growth of all ages. Our church is deeply rooted in scripture. If you are looking for a church home or spiritual guidance, we would love to help you find answers! We can't wait to meet you!

Post-human lullabies for people who’ve given up on melody

New tracks tagged #Salvation