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A familiar but challenging statement is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” When anyone enters Christ, and Christ enters that person, a new creation takes place. Can we biblically identify the one who is in Christ? Most definitely! One in Christ has by faith been baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:26-27) Though most religious people accept the faith…

Today is another special time on the calendar and in the hearts of many families. Father’s Day has been celebrated in the United States for over 100 years. It was inaugurated to complement Mother’s Day in celebrating male parenting and fatherhood. Its first celebration was in the Spokane, Washington YMCA on June 19, 1910, founded by Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, was a single parent who raised his six children there. It did…

The following is from an interesting article in my files about various types of “shoes,” which should be of interest to the reader. We can gain some biblical truths from the analogies discussed. Likely you have heard the saying, “If the shoe fits, wear it,” which is a statement that points to some uncomfortable truth about ourselves, or someone else. One thing we can do about shoes is change them if they don’t fit, or if they are not what…

I have heard that Mr. William McPherson lost his eyes and hands in a dynamite explosion. He found it very difficult to face the world of darkness. In his physical darkness the spiritual light of God’s word became very important to him. He wanted to read the Bible, but he couldn’t master Braille with artificial hands. He even tried to read the raised letters with his lips, but the dynamite had seared them. One day he discovered that he could…

Memorial Day weekend has arrived once again when those who have given their lives in the various wars to preserve our freedom and liberties are honored and remembered. The day originally commemorated those who died in the Civil War, but it is observed today in remembrance of all Americans who have been killed in active duty. While we enjoy being off from work, a day of relaxation, recreation, or yard work, let’s not forget those who have given so much…

There are those who seem to make a distinction between preaching Christ and preaching the doctrine of Christ, but the Bible makes no such distinction. They feel that somehow Christ is left out when doctrine is preached. Emphasis is placed on “Christianity instead of churchanity,” or “the man instead of the plan.” Is this a biblical concept? Is Christ separated from His church, or plan of salvation in Scripture? Are we leaving Christ out when we preach and teach on…

Today, throughout America and many other countries, millions of us are honoring a very special person in our lives… our mothers. Of all the people to be honored, those who have undertaken the role of motherhood, and have done so with love, devotion, sacrifice, and loyalty are worthy of all the recognition that could be bestowed upon them. Of course, every faithful Christian realizes that today, and every Sunday, is the Lord’s day. Christ takes preeminence over every human, regardless…

Some preachers are not known to tell the truth, whether in their sermons or at the funerals of those who have died. If the deceased showed any remorse for their sinful life before dying, or mentioned that they loved the Lord, that would be enough for some preachers to believe that the person will go to heaven. Often beautiful eulogies can be heard that do not seem to fit the person eulogized. How would you feel if the whole truth…

Jesus taught the importance of putting things first. A few examples can be read in Matthew 5:24; 7:5; 8:21; 23:26. As His disciples, we are told, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) God demands first place in our lives, not when we find the time to work Him into our busy schedule. Everyone finds the time to do what is considered important, and it’s done…

In 1976 a group of Christians from the Forest Park congregation determined that there was a need for a congregation of the Lord’s church in the Clayton County seat. Bob and Donna Taylor were among the group who planted the Tara congregation by first meeting at the Boy’s Club in the city of Jonesboro. The legacy of that decision continues today as the church, which now meets at 1820 Highway 138, continues to serve the spiritual needs of souls in…

Have you noticed that we are growing older? Of course you have. Everything that lives is getting older. That’s the nature of things and people. You see signs of it everywhere – at the mall, at the doctor’s office, in the church, and even on the college campus. But isn’t it a blessing to grow older, rather than the alternative. As you grow older you realize that age is relative. You look at it differently. When you are a child,…

A preacher told how he had recently spent some time with a fellow he enjoys be-ing around. He doesn’t drink alcohol, nor use tobacco in any form. He is never heard to gossip, tell a lie, use profanity, or tell suggestive jokes. He doesn’t patronize night clubs or taverns, nor the theaters that show adult only movies. He has never cheated some-one in a business deal. By some folk’s standard, he might be called a “good Christian.” But then he…