• Christianity

    "The Silencing Of The Voice Of Opposition" 

    Published on 03-16-2012 11:32 AM  Number of Views: 245 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Liberalism,
    4. Persecution,
    5. Christianity,
    6. Sin,
    7. Homosexuality,
    8. Immorality

    by Tom Wacaster

    For slightly more than one year the Handley church of Christ has placed an article in the Meadowbrook News advertizing our services, location, and focusing on a wide variety of subject matter. Attempting to develop a lengthy discussion on any particular subject is futile in what limited space we were allotted. So, I would occasionally write two or more articles on one particular topic and run these in a series. The Meadowbrook News is not the only paper in which ...
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    WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT? 

    Published on 03-09-2012 02:34 PM  Number of Views: 223 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Faithfulness,
    4. Christianity

    By David Sain

    To help you set and keep your priorities straight, take the following personal inventory.

    1. Which is more important to you? Making sure your dog (or cat) gets fed every day or making sure that your child gets daily spiritual nourishment?
    2. Which is more important to you? Watching television or taking time for prayer and Bible study every day?
    3. Which is more important to you? Speaking out on current political issues or speaking out to help someone ...
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    Seeking the Perfect Man 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 03-09-2012 09:44 AM  Number of Views: 217 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Love,
    5. Faithfulness,
    6. Obedience,
    7. Christianity

    A great number of women wonder if the perfect man exists. They have scanned the horizon and often come back thinking they must train a man to make him perfect. That leads them to the question, “Can a man learn to be perfect?” Certainly, a great number of women attempt to find out! In the long run, the realization of perfection depends upon the standard used and whether or not a man adheres to it. Many women believe their man reaches near perfection when they can get him to stop leaving ...
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    Faithful Commitment 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 03-07-2012 09:59 AM  Number of Views: 177 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. What Must I Do To Be Saved?,
    4. Baptism,
    5. Once Saved Always Saved,
    6. Faithfulness,
    7. Obedience,
    8. Christianity,
    9. Sin

    Jesus, the messiah of mankind, lived a life in the flesh like no other man. His words and his actions perfectly fit the pattern prescribed by God the Father (John 5:30, John 12:49-50). That all men save Jesus fall short of the Glory of God is factual (Romans 3:23). Yet, many who declare themselves prepared for faithful commitment to God soon find themselves transgressing against their vows to serve him. Their declaration of service comes before considering the cost – their life (Galatians ...
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    Just A Well Dug In The Ground? 

    Published on 02-25-2012 11:00 AM  Number of Views: 256 
    1. Categories:
    2. What Must I Do To Be Saved?,
    3. Faithfulness,
    4. Christianity

    By Charles Box

    Good water to drink and use is a great blessing from God. Many in our world still depend on a well dug in the ground, near their house for water. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” (Proverbs 25:25) The only cold of cool water that some will ever have is that water right from the well. Some of you grew up with a well in the yard and a dipper there at the well where people could draw and drink fresh, cool water directly from ...
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    Memorial Stones 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 02-15-2012 09:40 AM  Number of Views: 228 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Church of Christ,
    4. New Testament,
    5. Old Testament,
    6. Obedience,
    7. Christianity

    Early in our life, my wife and I lived in Springfield, Oregon. When my wife and I lived there, we lived in an undesirable location. We were young, in college, and couldn’t afford any better. The apartments we lived in certainly did not house the upper echelon of society. Drugs, foul language, fights, crime, and yes, even shootings were characteristic of the area. Despite the chaos surrounding us, we created two little 5x8 strips of lawn next to our back patio. We tried to make lemonade out ...
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    A Forgotten Disciple 

    Published on 02-14-2012 03:06 PM  Number of Views: 279 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Church of Christ,
    4. Christianity

    by Tom Wacaster
    "Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord" (Acts 9:10). Luke records the beginning of a sequence of events that would eventually lead to the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Many sermons have been preached on Paul the apostle; perhaps more than any other single New Testament character. And while we readily admit the almost super human accomplishments of this ...
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    UNDERSTANDING THE TWO COVENANTS 

    Published on 02-13-2012 11:44 AM  Number of Views: 266 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. New Testament,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Christianity,
    6. Authority of the Scriptures

    By Charles Box

    Those who become Christians must believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Christians must also understand the Two Covenants. The Bible is divided into two parts: (1) the Old ...
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    Cowboy Boots 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 02-08-2012 09:35 AM  Number of Views: 158 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Christianity

    To say that I like cowboy boots would not be the revelation of some long kept secret. The look and feel of boots is great! The sound of them on a wooden floor brings comfort to my heart. The cowboy boot stands as a staple of western wear. They all have a unique design and function. Some boots get duded up pretty nice and only see special nights on the town. Other cowboy boots are designed to get worn throughout a day’s work. Like the boots, Christians also have a special design and function. ...
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    You Can Do Better 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 02-01-2012 12:11 PM  Number of Views: 148 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Faithfulness,
    5. Obedience,
    6. Christianity

    Watching the election year primaries unfold, it is clear disgust surrounds the individual in the White House and the top two challengers for the office of President of the United States. The man in the White House characterized his last three years with deception, poor stewardship, and immoral decision making. One of his challengers has a past characterized by philandering and broken trust while the other has demonstrated immoral choices involving support of homosexuality, abortion, and stem cell ...
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    How Often Does God Talk to You? 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-24-2012 11:30 AM  Number of Views: 232 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Christianity,
    5. Sharing the Gospel,
    6. Authority of the Scriptures

    Prayer stands as a key component of a Christian’s life. When a Christian prays they share their gratefulness, reverence, thoughts, concerns, and needs with the Eternal Father. Even non-Christians talk to God at times in their lives. However, prayer represents only one side of communication with God. Men need to let God talk. Unfortunately, the wide majority of the world refuses to give God the opportunity. If they would let Him talk, they would be much better equipped for the lives that they ...
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    An Aged Preacher - "Seeking an Answer" 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-23-2012 04:09 PM  Number of Views: 201 
    1. Categories:
    2. Preaching the Word,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Sharing the Gospel,
    5. Evangelism

    Baptisms and burials, over a lifetime the preacher performed a great number of these. From Genesis to Revelation, his words carefully uttered the precepts of God. His hair was once full and his face youthfully smooth. Now the hair sports only grey and wrinkles outline his face. God called him through the gospel and the preacher answered. He knows spiritual peace as every day brings him closer to his Heavenly Father. Yet, the preacher seeks answers. How long will he be able to continue preaching? ...
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    The Seeking Preacher - "Seeking a Congregation" 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-23-2012 08:19 AM  Number of Views: 258 
    1. Categories:
    2. Preaching the Word,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Sharing the Gospel,
    5. Evangelism

    “Seeking a preacher” appears to be a one sided affair. A congregation shuffles through some resumes, does a few interviews, allows a preacher to bring a few messages, and then they take their pick of who they want in the pulpit. But reality begs to differ. While a preacher may not put out ads “Seeking a congregation”, he does choose where he will preach. A great number of preachers receive interest from congregations, only to tell them, “No thank you”. Some preachers take proactive steps ...
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    Replacing a Preacher - "Seeking a Preacher" 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-19-2012 11:41 PM  Number of Views: 248 
    1. Categories:
    2. Preaching the Word,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Sharing the Gospel,
    5. Evangelism

    The preacher shares his final words, steps down from the pulpit for the last time, and after gathering his things leaves the building for good. Preachers come and go, often more frequently than they should. The Church moves forward with or without a regular preacher, because the ability to worship God does not rely upon the presence of any particular man. Yet, this does not dismiss the wisdom of having a local preacher. A sound preacher blesses a congregation in many ways a typical member does ...
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    Becoming a Preacher - "Seeking to make a Difference" 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-18-2012 02:07 PM  Number of Views: 274 
    1. Categories:
    2. Preaching the Word,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Sharing the Gospel,
    5. Evangelism

    As a boy, the opportunity existed for me to learn how to preach. The congregation I attended held classes specifically for men and boys to develop themselves and prepare to share the Word of God with the world. I can remember providing a short lesson at one point and more than likely I gave more, though I do not recall them. After that time, preaching sort of left my mind. It was not until the age of thirty-two that I sought out the opportunity to preach again. My family and I attended a congregation ...
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    Raising a Preacher - "Seeking the future" 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-17-2012 06:32 PM  Number of Views: 166 
    1. Categories:
    2. Preaching the Word,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Sharing the Gospel,
    5. Evangelism

    Every mother and father dreams of the future for their son or daughter. Of course, the son or daughter also does some dreaming of their own. As they grow their visions evolve. Even as adults, we understand about a change of passion. However, a love of God should always remain through every age. Yes, there is a difference between boys and girls and the expectation God established for them. Boys growing to fulfill their purpose turn into leaders. They lead their families. They lead in the ...
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    Gold Rush 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-11-2012 09:07 AM  Number of Views: 272 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Christianity

    Matthew 13:44 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”

    Gold! Treasure! History records a great number of “gold rushes” throughout the world. Americans experienced gold rushes in no less than Nevada, Alaska, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota, Wyoming, North Carolina, Georgia, Idaho, and California. A number of people consider ...
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    Wash Yourselves: Plead for the Widow (6 of 6) 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 01-03-2012 04:41 PM  Number of Views: 288 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Obedience,
    6. Christianity,
    7. Sharing the Gospel,
    8. Sin

    “Plead for the widow”! Isaiah directs the people of Judah to vigorously defend these women. As with the orphan or fatherless, the leader of their family no longer exists. However, their defense differs. Unlike the fatherless, the widow typically does not need to be trained and guided to know how to follow the laws of God. Without dismissing the need for the spiritual, the more immediate concern for widows centers on provision of their material needs and protection from ...
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    Wash Yourselves: Defend the Orphan (5 of 6) 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-26-2011 12:54 PM  Number of Views: 275 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Faithfulness,
    6. Obedience,
    7. Christianity,
    8. Sin

    Defend! When this word is yelled out, the defense mechanism of every male should flash to consciousness. What female does not feel their emotions rise when they feel their child must be defended? Defense is needed because there is or will be an attack. Without a proper defense, the resulting effect is destruction, ruin, and devastation. The word “defend” should create a tremor within the soul that creates action directing self and others toward deliverance from the foe. Defense at its ...
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    Wash Yourselves: Reprove the Ruthless (4 of 6) 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-20-2011 04:54 PM  Number of Views: 246 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Preaching the Word,
    6. Obedience,
    7. Christianity,
    8. Sharing the Gospel,
    9. Sin,
    10. Authority of the Scriptures,
    11. Evangelism

    Why “reprove the ruthless”? God’s inspired words to Isaiah in Isaiah 1:16-17 are words that are part of patterns of direction to correct the behavior of wicked Judah. There are many scriptural examples devoted to enabling the ruthless to repent. The patterns and examples of God’s Word are needed to strengthen the community of men in a walk of godliness. Jesus is queried by a Pharisee lawyer in Matthew 22:34-39:

    “Teacher which is the great commandment in the law.” Jesus replies: “Thou
    ...
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    Wash Yourselves: Seek Justice (3 of 6) 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-17-2011 05:38 PM  Number of Views: 280 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Love,
    6. Obedience,
    7. Christianity,
    8. Sin

    Matt was eleven years old when his family took him to Disneyland for a summer vacation. He could hardly contain himself as the time for the vacation had drawn near. This was what he had hoped and dreamed for every moment since he learned of the trip. When they loaded into the car and headed to the airport it seemed like Dad drove 2 mph the entire way. Time couldn’t go fast enough until they were surrounded by the wonders of the Magic Kingdom.

    This last year had seen quite ...
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    Wash Yourselves: Learn to Do Good (2 of 6) 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-14-2011 01:43 PM  Number of Views: 445 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Obedience,
    6. Christianity,
    7. Sharing the Gospel,
    8. Sin,
    9. Authority of the Scriptures

    During the time of Isaiah, the people of Judah thought about God. They offered sacrifices of bulls, lambs, and goats. They recognized the sabbaths and celebrated their feasts. Yes, they even lifted up their hands to God in prayer. Yet, God did not recognize them (Isaiah 1:11-15). But weren’t these good things they were engaged in? How could God not acknowledge the good?

    The first article in this series (Wash Yourselves: Cease to Do Evil) examined how the people needed to ...
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    Wash Yourselves: Cease to Do Evil (1 of 6) 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-13-2011 03:58 PM  Number of Views: 272 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Old Testament,
    5. Preaching the Word,
    6. Faithfulness,
    7. Christianity,
    8. Sin

    The prophet Isaiah shared the Word of God during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Over approximately 50 years, he instructed and reproved Judah. Though three of the four kings of Judah were considered good, the people and its capitol city, Jerusalem, were characterized by sin. Their deeds and hearts were sorely lacking in meeting the path laid out by God. By the promise of God and detailed prophecy, Jesus the Christ would be born the seed of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, ...
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    Don't Touch That! 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-12-2011 04:46 PM  Number of Views: 235 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Christianity

    In the beginning, man was warned not to touch a certain food or disastrous consequences would happen:

    Genesis 2:16-17     – And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
    Man defied God and paid the consequences. Now, some 6000+ years later, man starts each new year warning themselves not touch certain ...
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    Humbled by a Teenager 

    by
    Travis Main
    Published on 12-03-2011 02:53 PM  Number of Views: 260 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. What Must I Do To Be Saved?,
    4. Thus Saith the Lord,
    5. Faith Only,
    6. Preaching the Word,
    7. Christianity,
    8. Sharing the Gospel,
    9. Authority of the Scriptures

    Life sure can be funny. You have ups, you have downs, and you have to be certain not to get hung up anywhere along the way. I have been blessed over the years to teach, preach, and write for a variety of venues. Whether it has been large or small congregations; classrooms with little kids, teens, or adults; a prison facility; outdoors in a park; VBS gatherings; camps; senior centers; online forums and websites, or in someone’s home, the gospel has been spread in earnest. Sometimes folks ...
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