Guest Writers

Paul's Bundle of Sticks

 logfire.png by Neal Pollard After Paul and his shipmates survived a shipwreck and landed on Malta, the stranded passengers found themselves cold and wet in a strange place. The natives, however, were friendly and built a fire for them all (Acts 28:2).
By Richard Mansel (04 May 2008, 12:51 PM)
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Repairs Can Be Made

 The last week I finally had the time, money, and help (from my dad) to get our Jeep running again. The initial problem was only a broken fuel pump, but since I let it sit so long, the Jeep now had a couple of dried-out gaskets, a dead battery, and a rat had chewed through the wires of the engine. ...

The longer one waits to return to God, the more costly it is.

By Guest Writer (12 April 2008, 04:11 AM)
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Relationships: My God and I

 How often do you think about your relationship with God? Have you given it much thought recently? Do you realize Satan wants us to live each day as though there is no God? Can we become so busy with such important things that we forget his presence and our real dependence on him?

Important questions about our relationship with God.

By Guest Writer (28 February 2008, 04:53 PM)
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I Thought

 Naaman was a "captain of the host of the King of Syria” (2 Kings 5:1). His problem was his leprosy, a deplorable and incurable disease with which he was plagued. He was fortunate to have a little Jewish girl as a slave who wanted to get him help and persuaded him to seek it in Israel. ...

People think they should be able to dictate how they are saved.

By Guest Writer (03 February 2008, 03:13 AM)
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God's Plan: The Only Plan of Salvation

 God wants us to live with him.

Before the foundation of the world was laid by the Lord, God formulated his plan for man's salvation (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20). Although his foreknowledge enabled him to know beforehand that sin would enter the world through man's failure to obey his command and the terrible consequences ensuing, yet he wanted all of us to be recipients of his grace, mercy and forgiveness, as indicated by Jesus' teaching of the Father's love in John 3:16. ...

By Guest Writer (18 January 2008, 09:25 AM)
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Silence is Not God's Strategy

 We must be careful to avoid underestimating the power of words although they may seem so small. Wikipedia, the on-line encyclopedia, says a word is "a unit of language that carries meaning." Since words can carry such weight, either breaking the heart or making it sing joyfully, they must be used with discretion. ...

Words carry weight and must be used with discretion.

By Guest Writer (11 January 2008, 05:01 AM)
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Goals and Desires for 2008

 by Charles Box Time passes so quickly. The year of 2007 has flown by and now we begin the year 2008. James described the brevity of time in chapter four verse fourteen. "Whereas you do not know what will happen...
By Guest Writer (06 January 2008, 04:10 PM)
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Another Year Over

 And it went fast, wouldn’t you say? Not long ago we were wishing in 2007 and now we’re about to see it out—a year gone by in a blur. Another year that none of us will ever get back. Another year for the history books. Another year of achievements or failures recorded on heaven’s ledger ...

Time is ticking. Let’s make sure we don't waste it.

By Guest Writer (27 December 2007, 03:54 AM)
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The Meal with the Disciples

 by David Brassfield It was an event filled with the emotions of one facing not only betrayal, but death. During the meal his friends of three years argued about who was greatest. The man who would betray him pretended surprise...
By Guest Writer (15 December 2007, 09:35 AM)
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A Sluggish Church

 by Tim Childs We should consider it a tremendous blessing to sit down at the Thanksgiving Day dinner table with family and friends to enjoy a bountiful feast with turkey, dressing and all the fixings. God has been so good...
By Guest Writer (13 December 2007, 05:57 PM)
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Finding Lexis -- Lessons from a Little Girl

 This little girl did not know me, yet she sat down and just started talking away, not worrying about a thing. Yet when I told her I had to go, she wasn't in the least bothered by that. She just hopped up and went to go talk to someone else.

Maybe we should be more like kids in this sense.

By Guest Writer (11 November 2007, 01:31 AM)
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Fulfilled in Your Hearing

 Imagine listening while Jesus himself explains a Bible passage. Some few blessed souls actually had the privilege of hearing him do just that. One such occasion happened in Nazareth, as recorded in Luke 4:16-21.

We can scarcely imagine being in a worship service with Jesus himself sitting a few rows away, much less hearing him stand up to speak.

By Guest Writer (03 November 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Inquiring of God

 by Steve Preston Have you ever thought about the reasons you pray? If you pray at all, you probably have at the top of your list asking forgiveness of sins. Still there are many other reasons to pray, such as...
By Guest Writer (01 November 2007, 09:31 AM)
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The Making of a Good Preacher

 by Steve Preston What makes a good preacher? A great speaking voice? The use of words that ordinary people can understand? The ability to excite people to learn the word of God? Certainly, these can play a part in the...

What makes a good preacher?

By Guest Writer (09 September 2007, 01:10 AM)
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Our Best Protection

 If a friend told a lie about you to the group, you, all of a sudden, would be concerned about the truth. If on your light bill appeared an exorbitant amount you couldn't pay, you'd certainly want to establish the exact consumption of kilowatts. ...

The truth is our best protection, when we search for it and know it.

By Guest Writer (21 June 2007, 04:33 AM)
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The Simple Facts: Facing Reality

 "It's not right!" shouted the infamous 26-year-old hotel heiress as she was once again ordered to serve actual time in the jail. Paris Hilton cried out for her mother as the reality of her fate unfolded. She soon found herself in the presence of officers and escorted back to the jail.

Neither money nor mother can save you from your actions.

By Guest Writer (10 June 2007, 03:00 AM)
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What Strikes Me After 50 Years in Japan

 by Joe Betts My wife Ruth and I returned to the USA last year at this time after 50 years working in Japan. We were sponsored by the Seventh and Mueller congregation in Paragould, Ark. During this past year we...

Missionary Joe Betts shares what strikes him in the U.S.

By Guest Writer (28 May 2007, 05:33 AM)
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True Power

 People tend to think that power comes from wealth, or societal status, or a position of authority. Some people think the president has the most power that any one man can have. To the Christian, however, true power is that which only God has. Let us look at a couple of things that the all-powerful God can do that man will never be able to do.

The creation and the judgment show the true, unique power of God.

By Guest Writer (06 May 2007, 04:57 AM)
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Open Letter from Nadab and Abihu

 altar.jpgby David Brassfield • An open letter to the congregation of Israel from your humble servant/priests, Nadab and Abihu. • Brethren, It is with the utmost humility that we inform you of a change of worship practices in your normal sacrificing. Be assured that we are bringing about this change only after much prayer and study. ...

Nadab and Abihu justify changes in worship in this imaginary letter.

By Guest Writer (29 April 2007, 05:10 AM)
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Ear Scratchers

 ear.jpgThe man claiming to be Jesus is quoted in the article as saying, "Heaven doesn't have anything to do with your behavior." Naturally he has many followers because such a message is always appealing to so many people, and here is where we find the Bible ahead of us.

People follow a man claiming to be Jesus because he scratches their ears.

By Guest Writer (22 April 2007, 04:36 AM)
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Are We on the Same Page?

 fingeronbook.jpgIt's not easy to sing with brethren during worship when they are using another language beside English. We understand the apostle Paul teaches us to sing with the spirit and with the understanding, and it is imperative this takes place. ...

Unity of faith is like singing together.

By Guest Writer (19 April 2007, 04:24 AM)
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Confidence: Is it in You?

 by Tim Childs Confidence is important in every area of life. When we were young babies, confidence helped us take those first steps toward learning to walk. If we lacked it, we preferred to crawl and perhaps did so a...
By Guest Writer (08 March 2007, 04:43 AM)
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God's Secret Things

 by Steve Preston "The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29, KJV). From...
By Guest Writer (22 February 2007, 10:03 AM)
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Jesus, Make Me Like You

 by Tim Childs Some people resist attempts by another person to change them. A young lady may not appreciate it when her boyfriend tries to mold her into his ideal woman. So she insists: "Don't try to change me; that's...
By Guest Writer (17 February 2007, 05:17 AM)
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Do I Make Myself Clear?

 By Heather McGillivray "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him" (Matthew 27:18, NIV). Isn't it intriguing how Pilate knew from the offset that the only reason Jesus was being handed over...
By Guest Writer (11 January 2007, 03:32 PM)
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How Do You Receive a Gift?

 by Deirdre Mansel "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called,...
By Guest Writer (02 January 2007, 10:50 AM)
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Strengthening the Hands of Your Husband

 by Debra A. Reitz Over the past three decades, we have seen our culture turn into a society of self-help and support groups for almost any problem, from Alcoholics Anonymous to Weight-Watchers. These groups provide the support individuals need to...
By Guest Writer (02 November 2006, 12:43 PM)
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Slowing Down A Fast Paced Life

 by Bruce Ligon A daily routine is not a bad thing. It gives pattern, focus, and organization to one's life. Also, being busy with day-to-day activities is not necessarily wrong. But sometimes we may be guilty of neglecting to see...
By Guest Writer (28 October 2006, 04:33 PM)
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Remaining Balanced in an Imbalanced World

 by Michael L. King The world is characterized by change and unpredictability. Earthquakes have ravaged many cities through the years and claimed an untold number of lives. The uncertainty as to when an earthquake might occur creates unrest and fear...
By Guest Writer (27 October 2006, 04:32 PM)
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Unto the Least of These

 by Jane McWhorter In depicting that terrible scene on Calvary, Matthew commented: "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him" (Matthew 27:55). Have you ever thought about those women who helplessly watched...
By Guest Writer (28 August 2006, 04:39 PM)
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The Teacher

 by John Gipson There was no lack of religious teaching in the Palestine of the first century. The scribe was a familiar figure both in Galilee and Judea. He was met everywhere -- in the synagogue, the marketplace, in the...
By Guest Writer (19 August 2006, 11:52 AM)
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Let Us Forget

 by Clarence DeLoach, Jr. "... Forgetting those things which are behind ..." (Philippians 3:3). Memory is a wonderful asset for anyone. Some can remember by name nearly every person they meet. Some can remember nearly all they read. The Bible...
By Guest Writer (10 August 2006, 04:15 PM)
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Work that Lasts for Eternity

 by Jack Harriman In the early days of World War II, Winston Churchill called Britain's coal miners together. A great crisis had arisen. The miners were not getting out enough coal to fuel the factories that produced the planes, ships,...
By Guest Writer (03 August 2006, 06:03 PM)
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We Need More Like Onesiphorus

 by Harvey Porter "May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me --...
By Guest Writer (28 July 2006, 05:21 PM)
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Three of the Hardest Words

 by Hershel Dyer Some years ago, one of our popular magazines carried the following story. A four-year-old boy plucked a rose from a neighborhood yard and took it home to his mother. Inquiring as to where he had gotten it,...
By Guest Writer (20 July 2006, 03:06 PM)
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Fear of Questions

 by David Mendiola "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter...
By Guest Writer (15 July 2006, 05:15 PM)
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Pretending

 by Shan Jackson Pretend for a moment that you are a fish. You're just swimming around enjoying life. You're not bothering anybody and nobody's bothering you. The water is clean and cool and you're having a grand time. Then you...
By Guest Writer (13 July 2006, 05:18 PM)
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Helping Our World Grow Wiser

 by David Anguish My parents had a better vocabulary than my sons do. At least they did if both my parents and sons fit the general trend cited by Bill Repp. In a question-answer column appearing in our local paper,...

The Dumbing Down of America

By Guest Writer (06 July 2006, 11:56 AM)
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I'm Glad that Jesus Was Tempted

 by Byron Nichols Have you ever felt glad that Jesus was tempted to sin while he lived here on the earth? I am very glad that he experienced temptation as a human being. Please do not misunderstand. I am not...
By Guest Writer (12 June 2006, 04:53 PM)
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Why go to Church?

 by Charles North A report was released last week by Reuters news service which shows that members of the Churches of Christ have the highest rate of weekly church attendance among all religious groups in the United States. The rankings...

Churches of Christ have the highest rate of weekly church attendance in the U.S. But why do we go to church?

By Guest Writer (04 June 2006, 10:34 AM)
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Appeal for Transparency

 by Randy Short Cynicism comes from a lack of trust. Our distrust of politics often causes us to direct our cynicism toward politicians and governmental institutions. Governments are often secretive and less than forthcoming about how tax money is being...

When spiritual guides are not transparent, the church starts to lose confidence.

By Guest Writer (01 June 2006, 08:24 AM)
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Not For All the Money in the World

 by Beth Johnson Many times I have been asked why we chose to live and work in India. People ask, "How do you stand the filth, the idolatry, the tropical climate, and the primitive living arrangements?" If I were to...

A missionary sacrifices because he lives for the gospel.

By Guest Writer (25 May 2006, 11:25 AM)
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Jesus and His Preaching

 by Clarence DeLoach, Jr. When Jesus began His ministry, He "came preaching." We should study carefully his preaching as our role model. Jesus' preaching was not just a presentation of propositional truth. His content was truth that man needed to...
By Guest Writer (16 January 2006, 05:38 PM)
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Help, Lord!

 by Demar Elam Have you ever been in a situation in life where you simply shouted, "Help, Lord!"? David the Psalmist did so, saying, "Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be. For the faithful disappear from among the...
By Guest Writer (13 January 2006, 04:44 PM)
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No Happy Ending

 by Neal Pollard The news extracted from the coal mine in Upshur County, West Virginia, was a lode of agony for families and loved ones. Especially bitter was the false hope dispensed from one who will probably go to all...
By Guest Writer (07 January 2006, 06:22 PM)
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Do You Want to Waste Your Time?

 by Neal Pollard Michael J. Davis wrote an article entitled, "Seven Ways to Waste Your Time."/1 Here are the seven he listed: * Looking for things -- The average person spends up to two hours per day looking for lost...

Eliminate wasted time by being a good manager of God's blessings.

By Guest Writer (01 January 2006, 04:00 AM)
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Backsliding Leads to Grievous Loss

 by Charles Box Backsliding is a terrible problem because of the great and grievous loss it causes. Only the Devil can be happy over all the souls who have turned away from God. The Church Loses a Member When one...

Backsliding as a Christian causes great and grevious loss for everyone.

By Guest Writer (29 December 2005, 01:01 PM)
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The Importance of Preparation

 by Gary C. Hampton Years ago, ten close friends of a certain man looked forward with great excitement to his wedding day. They planned to meet him on the road and go with him to help celebrate. No one knew...
By Guest Writer (22 December 2005, 06:49 PM)
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"PRCHNG1"

 by Neal Pollard The title above, PRCHNG1, is the vanity tag on my truck. When I said a sentimental goodbye to the "Black Bullet" (my 1985 Chevy Custom Deluxe pickup, which I traded in on a "new" 1992 Dodge Dakota),...

As Christians, we are told to clearly point others to Jesus.

By Guest Writer (17 December 2005, 01:58 PM)
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We All Need Somebody

 by Joe W. Nichols The above title is a familiar saying to each of us. We all need somebody! Children depend upon parents for their needs. God planned the home so that each member would need the other members (Ephesians...
By Guest Writer (28 October 2005, 03:52 PM)
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What the Christian Life Involves

 by Charles Box The goal of every Christian must be to live a righteous, sober and godly life (Titus 2:11-12). One becomes a Christian by obeying from the heart the gospel of Christ. "But God be thanked, that; ye were...

If you are living, learning, loving, leaving, and looking, you will be prepared for eternity.

By Guest Writer (21 October 2005, 03:21 PM)
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Where Is the Light?

 by Frances Parr It was a sunny Tuesday morning, the day after a holiday. I was busily catching up on chores from the day before plus regular activities when I realized I needed something from the store. My thoughts roamed...
By Guest Writer (26 September 2005, 05:32 PM)
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Truths that Transform

 by Neville Buchanan Henry and Mary were enjoying their 50th wedding anniversary. Family and friends came from far and near to help make it a special day. Henry smiled endearingly at his wonderful wife and, overcome with fond emotions, he...
By Guest Writer (03 September 2005, 04:19 PM)
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The Two-Sided Cross

 by Olden Cook The cross was a two-sided structure. It was both ugly and beautiful. It was ugly because our sins were hanging there in the personage of Jesus ... it was beautiful because it was our Savior hanging there,...

The beauty and ugliness of the cross.

By Guest Writer (24 August 2005, 03:28 PM)
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I Dwell Among the People

 by Michael L. King John Henry Newton wrote, "I sought to hear the voice of God and climbed the topmost steeple, but God declared: 'Go down again -- I dwell among the people.'" It is an amazing concept that God...

God has entrusted his Gospel to us.

By Guest Writer (04 August 2005, 03:45 PM)
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Let Us Forget

 by Clarence DeLoach "... Forgetting those things which are behind ..." (Philippians 3:13). Memory is a wonderful asset for anyone. Some can remember by name nearly every person they meet. Some can remember nearly all they read. The Bible teaches...
By Guest Writer (21 July 2005, 02:23 PM)
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Signs on the Road of Life

 Owen Cosgrove Can we imagine what traveling would be like without road signs to help us along the way? The way to life as described in the Bible has many road signs that we need to understand and heed. Obey...
By Guest Writer (07 July 2005, 02:40 PM)
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God's Love Compels Us

 by R.H. Tex Williams Anyone who has spent any time reading the Bible cannot help but be moved by the love and personal concern that God has for all of his creation! The amazing statement made by Jesus in Matthew...
By Guest Writer (23 June 2005, 02:32 PM)
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The Search for One Sheep

 by Joey McKinney [Editor's note: Joao Pessoa is the capital city of Paraiba state, located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The following story is taken from the May 2000 issue of Joao Pessoa News.] Nilton Lelas, retired civil servant,...
By Guest Writer (21 June 2005, 04:06 PM)
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Growing Pains: Learning from a Lack of Affection

 by Alvaro Cesar Pestana 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:4 If God's servant is unconcerned with the rebellious human reaction to God, how will he have some positive influence in the world? Will this servant lose contact with the people he intends to...
By Guest Writer (18 June 2005, 04:48 PM)
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Taking Care of Each Other

 by Don Lee After Captain Hook comes to an unusual demise, Peter Pan chooses a replacement to be leader of the lost boys, at least, according to the movie "Hook." One of the smaller boys asks, "What about me?" Peter...
By Guest Writer (17 June 2005, 06:40 AM)
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The Gift of Time

 by Dale Grissom Life is short and we waste so much of it in pursuit of the dollar. We tell ourselves that we must "keep up" with those around us. We must live in a nice house, drive an expensive...
By Guest Writer (09 May 2005, 05:55 PM)
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We Need to Know God

 by Shan Jackson When Paul traveled to Athens he went there with one purpose -- to bring salvation to the Grecian world. There he encountered certain philosophers who found delight in hearing new things from all over the world (Acts...
By Guest Writer (25 April 2005, 03:57 PM)
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I Know How You Feel

 by Steve Preston All of us have probably heard that phrase at one time or another. It usually comes after telling someone of a problem or problems you are facing. How often, though, is the response, "I know how you...
By Guest Writer (18 April 2005, 04:11 PM)
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What Effect Do I Have on My Brethren?

 by Maxie B. Boren A question which every Christian needs to ask himself is, "What effect do I have on my brethren?" This is an important inquiry for each of us to make, because the Bible has a great deal...
By Guest Writer (28 March 2005, 04:22 PM)
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No Fear in Christ

 by Steve Preston Many things in life will cause us to feel fear. When I was in grade school, I feared going out in the dark because I thought someone was waiting to get me. After I got married, I...
By Guest Writer (20 March 2005, 04:33 PM)
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What Is Desirable in a Man

 by Warren Baldwin "What is desirable in a man is his kindness; and it is better to be a poor man than a liar." Proverbs 19:22. (NASB). Mmmmmm, don't know about this one. "What is desirable in a man is...
By Guest Writer (04 March 2005, 03:22 PM)
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Needed: Godly Men and Women

 by Bill Dillon The Great Wall of China is the world's longest fortification. It extends over 1500 miles, roughly following the southern border of the Mongolian plain. Its average height is 25 feet; it is wide enough (about 12 feet)...
By Guest Writer (27 February 2005, 04:28 PM)
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The Teacher

 by John Gipson There was no lack of religious teaching in the Palestine of the first century. The scribe was a familiar figure both in Galilee and Judea. He was met everywhere -- in the synagogue, the marketplace, in the...
By Guest Writer (21 February 2005, 05:31 PM)
Continue reading: The Teacher

Do It Yourself

 by Jim McDoniel Henry Ford had carved into his fireplace mantel the words, "Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice." Doing jobs for ourselves can be rewarding and beneficial. Several years ago, a friend in the lawn-mowing...
By Guest Writer (03 October 2004, 10:11 AM)
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Why Serve Jesus

 by Steve Preston If you are a faithful follower of God, then the above question will be asked of you, in one form or another, at some point in your life. The question may be "Why do you go to...
By Guest Writer (01 October 2004, 10:54 AM)
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Forthright Magazine is published daily under the oversight of the elders of the Berryville church of Christ, Berryville, Arkansas.