Church Blog (Page 3)

When Cheryl Prewitt was four years old, she hung around her father’s small grocery store. Almost daily, the milkman would come into the store and greet her with the words, “How’s my little Miss America?” At first she giggled, but eventually she became comfortable with it… and even liked it a little. Soon the milkman’s greeting became a childhood fantasy… then a teenage dream. Finally, it became a goal… and in 1980, she stood on a stage and was crowned……

When God made His highest creation From the earth’s cold, lifeless sod, He gave each one a living soul In the image of his God! To some, He gave great wisdom, Let them see the wider view, So when trouble touch His love ones He could share it with them too. Others gave He words of beauty, So when men the truth do seek, He might plant it in their conscience Through the words that he could speak. Yes,…to each…

In the January 24, 1994 edition of Newsweek, the late political commentator, Rush Limbaugh, made the following observation: “Americans seem to require more and more violence, more…degradation and rot to capture their attention. Just look at the so-called ‘talk shows’ of daytime television – the museum of modern American societal decay. We have mothers who sleep with their daughters’ boyfriends, cross-dressing fathers, rape victims who later date their rapists. These are the people held up as your neighbors, your fellow…

Most people love a good story, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. At the same time, however, many of them would prefer you to leave out some of the details (especially if they make them feel uncomfortable). “Too much information!” they protest, as they cover their ears. But what about when it comes to the gospel story? Today, it seems like everyone wants to hear about Christ’s love for mankind, but few care to hear about His condemnation of sin. Apparently…

According to both biblical and secular accounts, the Herods weren’t exactly the most honorable monarchs. In Matthew 2, Herod the Great fearfully ordered the mass genocide of all boys aged two years and younger in and around Bethlehem. In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa murdered the apostle, James, and persecuted the early church. And, In Mark 6, we read the dreadful account of how Herod Antipas ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. As Christians, we are horrified at the great…

Last Monday night, I had the privilege of listening to Doug and the members of the West Texas A&M “Town and Gown Band” perform at Mary Moody Hall in Canyon. During the hour-long setlist, they played selections from Samuel Barber, Gustav Host, and other notable composers from days gone by. As I observed the band, one thing that caught my attention was that most of the performers were tapping their feet in tempo with the music. While it may seem…

During the first half of the 20th century, an entrepreneur by the name of Robert Ripley began writing a syndicated newspaper panel for the New York Evening Post called, “Believe It or Not.” The panel often featured illustrations of rare oddities and descriptions of bizarre events, and its popularity led to its adaptation into multiple formats including radio, television, comic books, and even a chain of museums that is still in operation today. One reason for Ripley’s success was that…

How often do you consider the importance of balance in your life? If you see a nutritionist, you have probably been told about the importance of eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, veggies, and carbs. Likewise, if you drive a car, you have probably heard a mechanic tell you that you need to have your tires balanced to prevent them from pulling in one direction or another. Good balance, it seems, is part and parcel of our everyday living;…

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul said, “…we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” Have you ever felt like Paul? Has a particular circumstance or state of affairs caused you a great deal of grief or concern – even to the point that you grew weary of life itself? If so, please understand that you are not…

In Luke 11, as Jesus was teaching His disciples, a woman called out and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” (v. 27). This was intended to be a compliment, of course, but Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (v. 28). As Christians, we often busy ourselves with evangelizing, preaching, teaching, clothing the poor, and feeding the hungry – but so do our…

Good morning church family! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nicer weather we had last week, and that you have come to the building with gladness in your hearts as we prepare to lift our voices in worship to God. As you know, from time to time I like to share articles from across the brotherhood. Today’s article by Mike Riley discusses the importance of investing in people. May we take Mike’s words to heart as we continue to reach…

When you tie your shoes, what method do you prefer? Do you use the “bunny ears” or do you “loop, swoop, and pull”? Chances are you don’t often think about the name because the process has become second nature to you. The same is true for tying a tie. There are at least 18 different ways to accomplish this, but what really matters is learning the process not the name. While there is only one way to become a Christian…