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Religion
Lifting my voice ion testimony
March was Endometriosis Awareness month, so I lift my voice as I remember the days of years past. “Vanessa, remember you have endometriosis.” Those words swirled around in my head, but my mind refused to process the meaning behind them. My doctor’s eyes compassionately swept over my face, finally settling on my eyes. He patiently waited for his words to sink in; unfortunately they wouldn’t. Firstly, I didn’t know what endometriosis was, and i...
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True servants don’t wait to be ask
Have you washed anyone’s feet lately? If so, you understand that true servant hood is more than going to church; it means pouring love into other’s lives and serving in humility without looking for recognition every day, not just Sunday. That’s what Jesus did when He washed the disciples’ feet at The Last Supper. Jesus showed us that a true servant does not wait to be asked to do something. He modeled being alert and responding to people’s ...
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Sin, an insidious disease
Sin is the transgression of God’s law (I John 3:4). With that being said, it would seem almost ridiculous to think that anyone would take such a thing lightly. However, we live in a society in which sin is mocked, winked at and ignored. Actions that are commonly recognized as being contrary to God’s word are often just called something different so as not to sound offensive to those who commit them. Fornication, homo-sexuality and other such ...
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Celebrating Easter's arrival
Before the spring break vacation at Harrells Christian Academy began, different grade levels were paired together to share morning break and celebrate the arrival of Easter.  After enjoying cookies and juice together, the pairs of students shared their favorite Bible verses and exchanged cards with one another. Pictured above is sophomore Tristan Crumpler sharing his favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5, with first grader Willa Grace Johnson.  After explaining why the verse is important to him, Willa Grace presented Tristan with a beautiful Easter card she made. (Gina Strickland/HCA)
Celebrating Easter’s arrival
Gina Strickland/HCA Before the spring break vacation at Harrells Christian Academy began, different grade levels were paired together to share morning break and celebrate the arrival of Easter. After enjoying cookies and juice together, the pairs of students shared their favorite Bible verses and exchanged cards with one another. Pictured above is sophomore Tristan Crumpler sharing his favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5, with first grader Willa G...
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Celebrating Easter
Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.' (John 11:25-26 NIV). Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe, according to scripture,that Jesus was the son of God come in human form, he was crucified by Pontius Pilot on a cross (crucifixion), died commemorated by Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), and his body was placed in a tomb and after three days Jesus rose from the dead commemorated by Easter. Christians believe the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was an act of love to compensate for the transgressions of humankind. This photo was taken in front of Rodger’s Chapel on the campus of Mount Olive College. (Courtesy photo)
Celebrating Easter
Courtesy photo Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.’ (John 11:25-26 NIV). Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe, according to scripture,that Jesus was the son of God come in human form, he was crucified by Pontius Pilot on a cross (crucifixion), died commemorated b...
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No other gods before me
Exodus 20:2,3 says “ I am the LORD your God, which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have No other gods before Me.” I want to ask you a question this week — who or what is your god? Now I know many will say that Jesus Christ is there God and in him they believe and trust. But be careful because you could fall in this verse where Jesus says, in Matt 15:8 “This people draw near unto Me with th...
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And the door was shut
Anyone who has ever visited someone in a prison and heard those steel doors close behind them knows the feeling they had when it occurred. Even though they knew that the doors would be opened for them to leave when the time came, the sound is intimidating to say the least. Many who have been incarcerated have later told of the eerie feeling they had the first time they heard the sound, knowing that they could not leave when ever they chose. I...
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Spring is here — it’s time to clean house
Spring is here and it is such a wonderful time of the year. A time of new beginnings. The temperature begins to warm and the world begins to take on a fresh new look. The trees start to put on leaves, the grass begins to turn green, and the flowers begin to bloom. Everything is beautiful! A sure sign that spring is here is that many people have started their spring cleaning. That’s right Milley, get busy! So, I get out my Swiffer Wet Jet fo...
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Jackson speaks at Robert's Grove Youth Day
Youth Day was held Feb. 24 at Robert’s Grove OFWB Church. The youth were in charge of the Sunday school and worship services. John Mitchell Jackson was the speaker for the worship service. He spoke on courage with scripture from Joshua 1:9 and Deuteronomy 31:6.He is a senior at Midway High School and is the son of Eddie and Laura Jackson.
Jackson speaks at Robert’s Grove Youth Day
Courtesy photo Youth Day was held Feb. 24 at Robert’s Grove OFWB Church. The youth were in charge of the Sunday school and worship services. John Mitchell Jackson was the speaker for the worship service. He spoke on courage with scripture from Joshua 1:9 and Deuteronomy 31:6.He is a senior at Midway High School and is the son of Eddie and Laura Jackson.
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God blesses the fruit of our labor
Are you result-oriented, dwelling on numbers, the bottom line, the end justifying the means? By today’s worldly standards (in school, church, business, sports, etc.) we are expected to do more, to do better, to exceed, to excel with results that are visible and measurable. What the world wants is extreme performance that propels people to powerful places and positions of influence. With a push for numbers and notoriety, great gifts from God (...
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The rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew
With the 24 hour weather and news channels available to us now, one can pretty much have a minute by minute analysis of what is taking place when a storm or hurricane occurs. One can actually watch as heavy rains deluge an area, as winds blow roofs off buildings and as flood waters rise to cover stationary objects. It should all bring to mind the words of Jesus when He said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, ...
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Be in prayer
• Baby Layla Mewborn and her family • The families of teens and youngsters lost in Sampson this year • Jack Dawsey • Dr. Bruce Caldwell • Burl Williamson and his family • Those battling cancer • Those who’ve lost loved ones • The unemployed • Military men and women in Afghanistan and across the world • Those in an identity crisis • Our elderly • Our shut-ins • Those battling illnesses • Those who’ve lost loved ones...
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It’s time for us to get real
In 2 Timothy 3:2-5 it says “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient, to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent , fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lover of pleasures more than God; (having a FORM of Godliness), but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.” I would like to focus on ...
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God looks to being before doing
Are you result-oriented, dwelling on numbers, the bottom line, the end justifying the means? By today’s worldly standards (in school, church, business, sports, etc.) we are expected to do more, to do better, to exceed, to excel with results that are visible and measurable. What the world WANTS is extreme performance that propels people to powerful places and positions of influence. With a push for numbers and notoriety, great gifts from God (...
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As the youth from First United Methodist Church enjoyed their breakfast yesterday morning, Bill Starling, referencing Matthew 5, shared with them Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and encouraged them to be the salt of the earth. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
Early morning fellowship
While many are still hitting the snooze buttons on their alarm clocks, the youth of First United Methodist Church are already up before 7 a.m., rising early to gather together for breakfast, fellowship and a time of devotion before they begin their school day. This seemingly unnatural occurrence for teenagers happens every other Thursday morning at a local fast food restaurant, sometimes Bojangles, other times Hardees. “We’ve been doing t...
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Enemies of the cross of Christ
The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Philippi, said that there were many that “walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil. 3:18). But what does it mean to be an enemy of the cross of Christ? The answer lies partly in knowing the meaning of the word “enemies”. The word translated “enemies” is one which means to be hostile toward, hating and opposing. Thus, t...
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Deacon Billy Thompson
Thompson to preach first sermon March 17
Deacon Billy Thompson will preach his initial sermon Sunday, March 17 at 4 p.m. at Beaver Dam Missionary Baptist Church. The pastor is the Rev. Bernard Hayes. Thompson is married to Minister Carolyn Thompon. They have four children and 12 grandchildren. His parents are the laate Raymon T. Williams and Rosea Lee Belle. He is the stepson of Maggie Williams.
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Reading your Bibles
Matthew 4:4 says “but he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by Bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God.” Today there are so many Christians who are living by “bread alone,” and that’s a sad way to live. Saints of God, you must read your Bible for yourself and stop depending on the preacher. The preacher could be telling you something that is wrong or in error, but because you don’t read your B...
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God has his hands on you
It was freezing rain outside. The dark clouds loomed ahead as is foreshadowing a future happening. The gale of wind was causing the leaves to dance across the lawn. The Sun was shining brilliantly a scant minute ago; I thought how quickly things can change. Suddenly, reflective, I became aware of mortality. “You never know what tomorrow holds,” this is something, I’ve always heard as a child growing up. “No one can control nature,” this much ...
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Follow where the good shepherd leads
The month of March is very significant to me in many ways. On Friday March 21, 1969 I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior. On Sunday, March 23, 1969, I was baptized. During a spring revival under the leadership of Rev. Hubbard Lowery in 1994 I re-dedicated my life to the Lord. During my pilgrimage to Israel I re-dedicated my baptismal by being baptized in the Jordan River. My life has changed so much since I ascended to Jerusalem, the Hol...
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Vivian B. Harrison Memorial Lecture Series begins March 18
MOUNT OLIVE – Mount Olive College is hosting the 23rd Annual Vivian B. Harrison Memorial Lecture in Rodgers Chapel. The first lecture will be held at 7 p.m. on March 18. On March 19, there will be a 9 a.m. lecture and an 11 a.m. worship service. The lecture series will be on the topic of Sabbath. The Rev. Marjorie Thompson will be the special guest speaker. Thompson is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, USA. She has served as ...
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The congregation of First Baptist Church, 900 College St., will celebrate its 143rd anniversary, beginning with a banquet on March 8 and continuing with a special worship service on Sunday, March 10.
Celebrating 143 years
Hawthorne Kinlaw leans back in his chair, scratches his chin and tries to recall the history of the church he’s bee a member of all his life — First Baptist Church, 900 College St. At age 101, he readily admits he’s seen a lot of history there and now, he sits, trying to recall some of it. After a few minutes, he smiles at the memories, returns his focus to the question at hand and says quietly, “It’s a wonderful place, my church. I’ve been...
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Staying in touch with God help keep the enemy at bay
Do you listen when God speaks to your heart? He really does speak to His children, even though He gets busy signals when we aren’t connected. Though we may not hear Jesus’ gentle voice calling, He will get our attention…one way or another. Just ask Jonah! I am reminded of a song little children taught me when I was on a mission trip in Belize. “Jesus on the telephone, tell me what you want, tell me what you want right now. Some want silver,...
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Let God help you overcome rejection, adversity
Do you have a vision to be a doctor, lawyer, author or teacher? Visions require faith and self-control. Others may not share or understand the vision God has placed in us. Those who do not see or believe in our vision can cause us pain, especially coming from love ones. Although we are hurt, rejection can sometimes be a powerful motivator. Rejection can become your challenger. En Garde! Draw your sword of faith and prepare yourself to win the...
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God changes not
Malachi 3:6 says “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” My focus this week in this verse is the part where God says “I change not.” That’s got to be encouraging to Christians to know that God does not change, in spite of our situations. Whatever you are dealing with right now has not for one second frightened the Lord God almighty. Even though you’re facing a difficult matter today, the same God th...
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