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Religion
God is there in times of suffering
Do you believe God keeps safe those who suffer? Read Psalm 9 for a Biblical answer. “The Lord also keeps safe those who suffer. He is a safe place in times of trouble.” God does see our suffering and never forsakes us, even though some people think our Lord looks the other way when we are down in the dumps and crying out for comfort from suffering. I pray for people who suffer, asking God to help them in His time and way. Often, we try to hel...
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The deadly trinity
It is with almost certainty that most people read the title and immediately jumped to the conclusion that the word “trinity” was in reference to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. No, we are talking about temptation. James tells us, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15). Thu...
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Hayden's grandparents, Danny and Vicki Britt, have been very supportive and are currently working to get the apartment ready for a family in need in Durham. (Billy Todd/Sampson Independent)
Hayden’s journey one of inspiration
Many times when someone hears about a young person struggling with a life-threatening health issue, they are very supportive and lift up prayers on the child’s behalf. Often when fundraising activities occur, to assist families’ of these children, an outpouring of community support is overwhelming, especially here in Sampson County. One young lady, now 13 years old, was one of those children near death’s door, with a community reaching out ...
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Hope opens doors
Are you afraid to change? Do you feel hopeless at times? We resist change because of our fear of the unknown. What are you afraid of, really — the past, the present, or perhaps even your future? Don’t quit before the miracle happens! In Hebrews 11:1, it says: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV) Hope opens doors where despair closes them! Hope draws its power from a deep trust in God. Only...
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A storm is brewin’
No sooner had the Jews “strengthened their hands for the good work,” than opposition arose. When people began to hear of the rebuilding effort, they ridiculed Nehemiah and the Jews. Three men particularly—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—began to mock and make fun of them. “They laughed us to scorn and despised us and said, What is this thing you are doing?” (Nehemiah 2:19). I can remember a similar experience. Many years ago I began a job and t...
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It’s church time
In Hebrews 10:25, it says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” As the weather begins to change along with the time, it’s an easy opportunity to miss church or, as some would say, “lay out.” Have you allowed little things to keep you away from the house of God, and then realize that you could have gone to the service afte...
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Kings Krest garnering national attention
There are very few Christian artists out of Sampson County that have received national radio play — even less have been solely based in Christian rock. But Kings Krest, based in Roseboro, is about to change all of that. Band members, Lee Bradshaw (drums), Brandon Richards (bass), Kenny Tatum (guitar), Ben Farris (guitar) and Eddie Stephens (vocals), had their single “Pain” break into play lists on radio stations in Alaska, Michigan, Alabama...
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Waste no time in making relationships right
Do you obey God and do what He wants? The message in 1 John 3:2 stresses the importance of obedience to the Father. “We will receive from Him whatever we ask if we obey Him and do what He wants.” How do we know when God speaks and what He wants us to do? Is His voice always clear and concise? Many people ask how to know if it is God, just your imagination, or the enemy that downloads in your head and heart. When there is confusion or chaos ...
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The Ten Commandments, are they for us?
Most who read the above title will immediately answer the question in the affirmative, yes they are for us. This is one of the reasons that there has over the last couple of decades been much controversy over the issue of the Ten Commandments being removed from government buildings and such. However, it would be beneficial for all to step back and take another look at the issue. Let us start with the giving of the Ten Commandments. God had ...
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Walls keep the enemy out
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah saw the enemies of God’s people were taking advantage of them because the city had no walls to keep the enemies out. When he first met with the people of Jerusalem, he said: “You see the bad situation we are in—how Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us build up the walls of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a disgrace. Then I told them of the hand of my God which wa...
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Ellen Marshall
Marshall to speak at Mount Olive College Harrison Lectures
MOUNT OLIVE — Plans are well under way for the 22nd annual Vivian B. Harrison Memorial Lecture to be held in Rodgers Chapel on the campus of Mount Olive College. The first lecture will be held on March 26 at 7 p.m.. The second lecture will be held on March 27 at 9 a.m, followed by an 11 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker will be Dr. Ellen Ott Marshall. Marshall is an associate professor of Christian Ethics and Conflict Transformation a...
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Campbell’s testimony to inspire Celebrate Recovery tonight
I think I had nearly lost my mind! After driving around town for hours with my then infant daughter in the car, hoping and praying that I might find them, I don’t know what I would have done had I found those two! The thought of my spouse being with another woman, incensed and devastated me! I think I wanted to crawl under a rock and die. My daughter and her infant state, kept me in a half functioning and half dead state. I persevered, if o...
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Stop judging people
In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus says “ Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judge: and with what measured ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” This is a Jesus telling you and I not to JUDGE, and if we do then the same judgment will be upon us. There is not one Christian man or women, young or old, who is not guilty of this verse. Some do it more than others but in the eyes of God it’s still judging....
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Never give up on what’s important to you
I love attending Bible Study on Wednesday nights. I talk with quite a few people that are either working or have other obligations and are not able to attend Bible Study on Wednesday nights. For the next weeks I would like to do a study of Nehemiah with you. Vincent Van Gogh once said, “The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” What...
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Christianity is a taught religion
The nation of Israel was God’s chosen people of the Old Testament (Duet. 7:6). Christians are God’s chosen people of the New Testament (I Pet. 2:9). Judaism was the religion given to Israel by God. Christianity is the God chosen religion for His chosen people of this age. The nation of Israel was a physical kingdom; Christians make up a spiritual kingdom (I Pet. 2:5, 9; John 18:36). One was born into the nation of Israel by being born to citi...
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Billy Todd/Sampson Independent The Rev. Darren Hughes, Administrative Pastor of Central Baptist Church is coordinating the Love Worth Fighting For event. He is expecting a huge crowd for both services on March 17.
Central Baptist to host Love Worth Fighting For marriage event
DUNN — In today’s world, the institution of marriage is being bombarded from many sides. Husbands and wives have been struggling for years with trying to survive the bonds of marriage, but there are so many issues today causing a successful marriage to be at risk. Central Baptist Church, located on U.S. 421 north in the Plain View community, has moved to help couples struggling to better equip themselves for a successful union. On Saturday, M...
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The need for God to help you right now
Do you believe rising up for the Lord at a ripe old age is possible? Noah would give a high five and resounding yes. Abraham and Sarah’s story supplies evidence that great things can be accomplished when old age could steal one’s thunder. Mrs. Eloise Brewington can testify to the power of loving the Lord and living a long and prosperous life. Living to be old, by our standards, can bring blessings and burdens. The Bible has much to say abou...
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Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church in Harrells, celebrated Black History Sunday, Feb. 26 by honoring 13 different businesses in Garland and Clinton. Honorees pictured from left are: Anthony Worley, Timmy Butler, Beatrice Brown, Dr. Theodore Thomas, Shvonnia West, Albert Summerville, Rev. Cassandra Fisher, Frankie Brown Jr., Rebecca Hill, Rev. Ronald Highsmith, Vernetta Murphy, Dr. Rodney Sessoms, Terri Packer, and Jimmy Packer. Not pictured, elder Andrew D. Brown, Mary B. Brown, Phillip Smoak and Harold F. Worley. Robinson Chapel Male Choir and the Rev. Ronald Highsmith brought the afternoon message. (Courtesy photo)
Trinity AME Zion celebrates Black History Sunday
Courtesy photo Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church in Harrells celebrated Black History Month Sunday, Feb. 26, by honoring 13 different businesses in Garland and Clinton. Honorees pictured from left are: Anthony Worley, Timmy Butler, Beatrice Brown, Dr. Theodore Thomas, Shvonnia West, Albert Summerville, Rev. Cassandra Fisher, Frankie Brown Jr., Rebecca Hill, Rev. Ronald Highsmith, Vernetta Murphy, Dr. Rodney Sessoms, Terri Packer, and Jimmy Packer....
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Inclusive faith topic Sunday at Red Hill
‘Why, What and Who’, and overview of progressive inclusive faith is the topic of Dr. Doak M. Mansfield’s message Sunday March 4 at the 11 a.m. family worship service at the historic Red Hill Universalist Church in southern Sampson County. Red Hill is the oldest active Universalist Church in North Carolina having been gathered in 1834 and established in 1884. The Rev. Mansfield remarked, “Universalism is America’s second faith behind Native ...
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Living in the love of God
Do you live in love? Do you believe your love for God is strengthened through endurance of hardships? The treasure of living in His love is shared in 1 John. “We have come to know and believe the love God has for us. God is love. If you live in love, you live by the help of God and God lives in you.” Through God’s help and His love in my heart, an all-day Christian conference in our city became a reality. The event focused on right relation...
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Outreach in our churches
Bearskin MB Church Will celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. The theme will be “Honoring African American Women in American Culture and History” who have played a vital role in shaping of our nation. Recognition will also be given to honor several women who made contributions to our local communities. The celebration will be filled with musical dramas, praise dancing, and musical performances. Garland’s Mayor Winifr...
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Be “careful and troubled” about the right things!
When Martha complained to the Lord that Mary was not doing her part in household duties, Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42). In short, Jesus was teaching Martha that the things concerning the salvation of the eternal soul are of much more importance than those physical things. W...
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Pride blocks blessings
In Matthews 18:18, Jesus says “ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loose in heaven.” Heaven wants to pour a blessing out to you and I, but there are things that we entangle ourselves in that holds these miracles and breakthroughs back from entering into our lives. Don’t blame Jesus because he is not to blame for you not having received an answe...
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God’s purpose is beyond our comprehension
The only monument in the world built in the shape of a bug—to honor a bug—is located in Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 1915 the Mexican boll weevil invaded southeast Alabama and destroyed 60 percent of the cotton crop. In desperation, the farmers turned to planting peanuts. By 1917 the peanut industry had become so profitable that the county harvested more peanuts than any other county in the nation. In gratitude, the people of the town erected a s...
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<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>Volunteers work on a wheelchair ramp during last year&#8217;s Operation Inasmuch Blitz.</p>
Operation Inasmuch puts the hammer to Jesus’ words
Putting the word of Christ into action has become very important to many local Christians who don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk, too, offering to put action behind the belief that it is important to reach out and help your fellowman. Opportunities for ministry vary from person to person and congregation to congregation. Jesus said in essence, “Inasmuch as you serve the least of these, you serve me.” Operation Inasmuch is an oppo...
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