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Religion
Why America still needs the Bible
Let me state upfront, I realize within the audience reading this article, there will be a wide range of preconceived notions about the Bible. Some view the Bible as a historical book telling the story of one particular nation of people. Others may see the Bible as a good story book that includes helpful moralistic teaching. Still others of you may believe as I do, that it is the inspired and infallible Words of God Himself. Regardless of wh...
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My God is bigger and mightier than this
In Psalm 24:8 it says: “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” Have you been looking at your problems lately and asking yourself “will things ever turn around for me?” These issues you are going through seem to be getting bigger and bigger each and every day. Satan, who has a voice, has made these troubles seem larger than the God you and I serve. He has magnified the storms of life to make it loo...
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Drawing closer to the Lord
This week’s story stirred when Emily came to Tim’s Gift two days after the Rise Up, Recount Love conference, telling how her life was changed. I knew we were to share her story; yet, God had another ending in mind for this first story about a person doing good things and sharing the love of the Lord throughout our community. Tuesday morning, I opened my computer to add finishing words to this story before prayer time. A phone call brought new...
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What is the Gospel anyway?
Often we take for granted that everyone understands what we are talking about when we say something, when in fact, there are words or phrases that all do not understand the same. Such could be the case when we stress the importance of “obeying the gospel of Christ”. There is no doubt whatsoever that one must obey the gospel of Christ or that it is proper terminology to say so. The Bible clearly tells us that we must do so if we hope to have a...
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Check your motives
Our reason or motive for doing the things we do is very important. God wants us to have pure hearts. He wants us to do what we do because we believe He is leading us to do it or because it is the right thing to do. God wants us to be motivated by love. We should do what we do for the love of God and man. If we are motivated by fear, it does not please God. We should regularly take some time and ask ourselves why we are doing the things we d...
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Faith and Rural Life conference planned for Feb. 27 at Mount Olive College
MOUNT OLIVE — Rural eastern North Carolina is full of churches. These churches are all different—different sizes, different denominations, different theological commitments, and different racial and ethnic memberships. But what they all share in common is their rural location and a deep desire to grow in faith, to serve their neighbors, and to share the gospel. Rural eastern North Carolina is an agricultural area and, as Dr. Sandy Maddox, dir...
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Outreach in Our Churches
All Together Ministries Will celebrate Joy Night, Friday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. They will have evening service Sunday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Speaker for the evening is minister Ruby Smith. Church is located at 880 E Darden Road, Faison. FMI, call 910-564-2948. Ashley Chapel AME Zion Will present their Black History Program entitled Our Past, Our Present and Our Future, at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18. Speakers will include: Dr. Larr...
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<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>The Marksmen Quartet grace the crowd with songs of praise during the Feb. 4 Rise Up, Recount Love event.</p>
God moved in hearts of people during Recount Love event
The ticket tables opened at 9 a.m. on Feb. 4, as people began to enter the doors of the Agri-Exposition Center to encounter the presence of God. As I stood in that building on Saturday morning, I watched person after person enter the door who had come to see God. Preparations for this event stirred in Becky Spell’s heart for years prior to it coming forth. It was finally a reality; all that God had put in her heart to dream. Worship leaders, ...
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<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>The Missions and Benevolence Committee of Unity Presbyterian Church sponsored a senior Valentine luncheon in the Fellowship Hall on Feb. 7. Those attending were, row one, from left: Altha Barefoot, Edwin Thornton, Shelby and Scott Westbrook, Rev. Meli Vergeer, Pauline Johnson, Ann Jackson, Gertie Williford, Glenn Smith, Daphine Austiin; row 2: Margie Burgess, J. L. and Mary Barefoot, Charlotte Hudson, Allene Dudley, Christine Langston, Betty Smith, Ellen Westbrook, Betty Eldridge, Patsy Wise, Earlene Jackson, Betty Austin; row 3: Annalee Crumpton, Zelda Dunn, Mildred Peacock, Ida Rae Eldridge, John and Shirley Blackman, Shirley Beasley, Lloyd Jackson, J. W. Barefoot, Brenda Barefoot, Brenda Parker, Gordan Jackson; and row 4: Tommy and Vicki Westbrook, Luby Eldridge, Homer Jackson and Charles Austin.</p>
Unity provides senior Valentine luncheon
Courtesy photo The Missions and Benevolence Committee of Unity Presbyterian Church sponsored a senior Valentine luncheon in the Fellowship Hall on Feb. 7. Those attending were, row one, from left: Altha Barefoot, Edwin Thornton, Shelby and Scott Westbrook, Rev. Meli Vergeer, Pauline Johnson, Ann Jackson, Gertie Williford, Glenn Smith, Daphine Austiin; row 2: Margie Burgess, J. L. and Mary Barefoot, Charlotte Hudson, Allene Dudley, Christine...
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<p>Courtesy photo The Royal Home Ministries celebrated Christmas just as any other typical home. Pictured is the tree decorated by the clients this past Christmas.</p>
True meaning of Christmas comes to Royal Home client
SALEMBURG — The Royal Home Ministries, located in Salemburg, is part of a much larger organization which provides services to young ladies who find themselves pregnant and no place to go or live. As a part of Falcon Children’s Home, the ministry has expanded from the Salemburg location and the home in Falcon; they now have an adoption agency with two branches located in Garner and Cumberland County. There is a Christian school located on the ...
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Outreach in our churches
Ashley Chapel AME Zion Will present its Black History program entitled Our Past, Our Present and Our Future, at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18. Speakers will include: Dr. Larry Bell, Dr. Theodore B. Thomas, retired magistrate Franklin Brown, and many others. Music will also be provided. Bearskin MB Will celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. Big Piney Grove MBC The Male Chorus will celebrate their anniv...
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<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>The House of Prayer Church of God in Christ Inc. has been broadcasting for 28 years. The live weekly broadcast is part of the church&#8217;s outreach ministry.</p>
Radio ministry provides outreach for church
For nearly 28 years, a church’s vision to reach out to others has continued. With the House of Prayer Church of God in Christ starting in the home of church mother Allie M. Boone in 1984 in the Big Piney Green Community, the church continues to offer its radio ministry each week. The church began its radio ministry on June 28, 1984 on WRRZ radio station. Hanson Strickland and Little Ann were the announcers. The program that aired was entitl...
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It’s hard for us to admit that there’s a problem or that we actually have problems in our life
It’s hard for us to admit that there’s a problem or that we actually have problems in our life. Isn’t it so much easier to blame others around us, then actually look at ourselves and our own shortcomings? Being unable to manage things can take several different forms in our life. Constantly blaming others for our own problems, refusing to admit we play a part in the problem(s), the ability to minimize our issues or shortcomings to ours...
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Unity of the spirit
The apostle Paul exhorted the brethren of Ephesus to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2). Can you just imagine for a moment what it would be like if all who profess to be Christians were in complete unity? Now, I said “unity”, not “union”. There is a world of difference between the two. It has accurately been said that one can tie two cat’s tails together and hang them over the clothes line and you will ...
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The God of love
One of our greatest comforts is the fact that God never changes. Unless we realize that this truth includes His love—which He gives us no matter what—insecurities and feelings of unworthiness will rob us of the abundant life Christ promised. Yet many Christians struggle with doubts because they see such convincing “proof” that they’re not lovable. They are bombarded with thoughts like, just look at what I’ve done, how I’ve treated people, the...
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What have you done to draw closer to God?
Do you long to rise up in the arms of faith and be drawn closer to God? In Hebrews 10:22, we are challenged to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Are we really drawing closer to the Lord with true hearts, or is our faith stale and witness weakened by hardened hearts? Having a big heart that beats in tune with our Lord and loved ones is a gift that keeps on giving joy and peace as long as our lives last on earth. Heaven ha...
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The day is coming
In Romans 14:11, it says “ For it is written as I live, saith the Lord; Every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” There is coming a day, and I believe sooner than we think, that this scripture will come to pass in this world. It bothers me to see people who don’t give God the praise for everything that he has done in their lives. I was sitting beside two ladies the other day and one of them had lost some money th...
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<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>Donnie Lamm from Nissan of Clinton presents a check to Cameron Spell of Tim&#8217;s Gift Inc as a Platinum Sponsor for the Rise Up Recount Love Conference that was held at the Agri-Exposition Center last weekend.</p>
Nissan donates to Recount Love
Courtesy photo Donnie Lamm from Nissan of Clinton presents a check to Cameron Spell of Tim’s Gift Inc as a Platinum Sponsor for the Rise Up Recount Love Conference that was held at the Agri-Exposition Center last weekend.
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<p>Mansfield</p>
Mansfield to speak on Valentine’s
Red Hill Universalist Church will present the Rev. Doak M. Mansfield, minister at Red Hill Universalist Church, for a discussion of ideas on St. Valentine’s Day. Dr. Mansfield message’s title is “Love’s Limits.” The service will be Sunday. Feb. 12 at Red Hill Universalist, begining at 11 a.m. There is Youth Sunday School and Adult Education Discussion at 10 a.m. Red Hill is a welcoming non-creedal congregation celebrating its 117 years of...
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Pray for — come to — hometown Chrisitan celebration
Has God been speaking to you through signs and wonders? He really does speak, giving guidance and wisdom when we take time to listen. He has led the way for a time of revival and renewal here in Clinton. I am humbled to give honor and praise to Him and many people who have helped make Rise Up, Recount Love happen. This first, all-day Christian conference, retreat, revival, whatever word fits, is a step of faith with signs from God lighting ...
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Don’t just take my word for it … take his!
Dear Friend, God has already given you everything you need to enjoy your life. As you have already begun a New Year, I want to ask you: Do you believe it? The truth is, in either case, you have what it takes to enjoy and succeed in life, but perhaps today your vision needs a tune-up. So I want to help you look at life from a different perspective today…not just with your natural eyes but with eyes of faith. 2011 is history. So make it tha...
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Your funeral: Don’t make your preacher lie
When Joshua approached death he said, “this day I am going the way of all the earth” (Josh. 23:14). He understood that all die. The Hebrew writer states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Death is in the future of each of us. For most, following shortly after our death will be a funeral. Preachers are routinely requested to speak at these times. When preparing to “preach a funeral” one of ...
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Through the cross
In Isaiah 53:5, it says “ but he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.” God still wants to heal you from this sickness that you have been dealing with lately. Notice what this verse says — “We are healed.” That means what Jesus did on the cross for you and I gives us access to healing. The Cross of Christ purchased your healing an...
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<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>Shelley Jennings will be in concert on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 408 College St.</p>
First Baptist hosting concert
The Christian Artist Series of First Baptist Church, 408 College St., Clinton will present Shelley Jennings in concert on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. This series has sponsored well-known artists through the years including Dino, Gary McSpadden, The Masters Five, Tom Netherton, and many more. Jennings grew up in a house filled with music of every kind — from gospel to pop. She began taking voice lessons in middle school and continued throug...
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<p>Billy Todd/Sampson Independent</p><p>Pictured are members of the Snow Hill Black History Celebration planning committee and pastor. Seated is Maggie Royal, and standing, from left: Gay Cooper, Diane Cousar, Muriel &#8220;Mac&#8221; Culbreth and the Rev. Dr. S. E. Bryant</p>
Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church celebrates Black History Month
SNOW HILL COMMUNITY — The congregation of the Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church decided to celebrate Black History Month in a manner a little differently than in the past. In an attempt to recognize the contributions of the many African-American individuals who have contributed to American culture today, the church has decided to honor the descendants of individuals who helped to move the oppressed from slavery to their proper place in soci...
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