First, don’t spoil them. Giving them everything they want, or nearly everything, or pushing things on them they haven’t even asked for will create a materialistic mindset. Waiting on them hand and foot will make tyrants out of them.

Second, make them work. Teach them to do chores and generally help out around the house. Sometimes this means foregoing play time with friends. Make them get up and get going with the day (Prov. 26:14).

Third, and this is an overall point, children must have the truth instilled in their hearts from a very young age (Eph. 6:4). “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psa. 127:1). They need to be instructed in the pitfalls of materialism (1 Tim. 6:9, 10). Pointing to the wrecked lives of the “stars” in our culture will help to impress on them the emptiness of riches for the sake of riches.

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, as parents we need to shun materialism and not shirk our duties in this age of convenience. Setting the right example for our children will put an indelible mark on their psyche that will stay with them the rest of their lives. If we are not doing right, we cannot expect them to do right.

We have an uphill task in raising our children. We must approach it humbly, with much prayer and patience. Others who have gone through it before can help us to avoid some of the bigger pitfalls and give wise counsel (Prov. 15:22). Let us have confidence we can do what the Lord requires of us and that our children will be good people.

— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com

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Paul said the imperishable crown is gained by being “temperate in all things.” He disciplined his body to attain the goal, lest he should be disqualified (1 Cor. 8:27). If the apostle had to, then surely we must.

As is discussed in the passage, many areas of life require discipline. Sports do. So does an academic career. What is more difficult for some people, to run around on grass playing a game or sitting at a desk reading a book? Anyway, discipline in the various fields brings a reward. Namely, people improve at what they do and thus excel and advance.

— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com

If we do not apply discipline to spiritual matters, we will lose our soul. Without diligence, there is no rest (Heb. 4:11). Without patience continuance, there will be no eternal life (Rom. 2:6-10). Thus, we must control our carnal appetites and exercise ourselves in godliness.

Consider these passages.

“Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thes. 4:3).

“…giving all diligence, add to your faith…self-control…” (2 Pet. 1:5, 6).

Our society is getting further away from personal, moral discipline. We are taught to run amuck in the pleasures of life. The thing is, the temporary pleasures bring repeated and lasting misery to many. True happiness will only come with disciplining your soul and body. Apply God’s will unwaveringly to your life and you will not only find peace in this life, but an imperishable crown in the next.

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Current Congregation: Church of Christ, Burleson, TX

Years of Preaching Experience: 10 or more

Average Number of Gospel Meetings You Hold Each Year: 0-1

Do you do any preaching out of country? Locations: I have not preached outside of the USA

Congregations/Locations of Past Preaching Experience (put N/A if no experience): I have preached for the past 25 years in Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee,
Louisiana, and Oklahoma

Desired Region or State(s): Southeast US

Seeking Full Support: Open

Seeking A Church With Elders: Either

Able To Start In: 1-6 months

Other Relevant Information: I am not only dedicated to sound sermons and Biblical classes, but private studies. In the past several years, I have had several hundred hours or studies with other people privately, both in and out of the church, and I plan to continue this practice. I stress reverence and obedience, loving God and man, and the importance of the Sermon on the Mount.

Posted: Feb. 16, 2012

Churches need to do their own work in checking out men posting their announcements on this website. We strive to filter postings, however, there are times when mistakes are made. Thus, do your own questioning and find out if these men “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

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Current Congregation: Attending Seminole church of Christ

Years of Preaching Experience: 6-10

Average Number of Gospel Meetings You Hold Each Year: 0-1

Do you do any preaching out of country? Locations: I’ve done no preaching outside the U.S.

Congregations/Locations of Past Preaching Experience (put N/A if no experience):
Dunedin church of Christ, Dunedin, FL
North Blvd church of Christ, Tampa, FL
Wauchula church of Christ,
Wauchula, FL

Desired Region or State(s): The Southeast US.

Seeking Full Support: Yes

Seeking A Church With Elders: Either

Able To Start In: 13 + months

Other Relevant Information:
I am 38 years old and have been happily married to Jeanetta Dean Jordan for 7 years. Jeanetta is presently on leave after teaching for 8 years in Hillsborough County Schools. She is contemplating being a stay at home mom. We have a 4 ½ year old boy (Lucas) and a 4 month old girl (Lily). We regularly worship with the Seminole congregation in Tampa. My strengths are in Preaching and Personal Evangelism. I’ve completed many Bible studies with those obeying the Gospel.

I consider myself to be a Book, Chapter and Verse Preacher. I am sound on all subjects related to Bible Authority and Christian Living. I’m also available now (immediately) for Gospel Meetings and Fill in work as needed.

Posted: Feb. 14, 2012

Churches need to do their own work in checking out men posting their announcements on this website. We strive to filter postings, however, there are times when mistakes are made. Thus, do your own questioning and find out if these men “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

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The New Testament was revealed by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:7-14; 2 Pet. 1:3).  Paul stated that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16).  Inspiration literally means “God breathed.”  Thus, we know that the New Testament is infallible.

Since the New Testament is the infallible revelation of God, we know it is complete.  The Lord told the apostles the Spirit would guide them into “all truth” (Jn. 16:13).  He kept this promise (Jude 3).  The Word that was completed near the end of the first century was all sufficient.  It told men all they needed to know about Jesus, the church, heaven, hell, etc.  In short, it contained God’s plan for saving man.  It contains the same information today.  Therefore, there is no need to add to or take from it.

We call on all men to abandon everything that is not in the all-sufficient Word.  Give up any creed, manual, or discipline, and accept only the “oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).  Turn away from man-made doctrines such as faith only saves, and heed the Spirit’s command to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).

— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com

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Current Congregation: Church of Christ in Bend, OR

Years of Preaching Experience: 2-5

Average Number of Gospel Meetings You Hold Each Year: 0-1

Do you do any preaching out of country? Locations?: N/A

Congregations/Locations of Past Preaching Experience
I have traveled to various congregations which are too small to support a full time preacher. I have had experiences with
congregations in Abilene, TX, Bend and Canby OR, and various places in the Chattanooga TN and NW GA region.

Desired Region or State(s): Open to any area there may be a need

Seeking Full Support?: Yes

Seeking A Church With Elders: Either

Able To Start In: 1-6 months

Other Relevant Information
I am a 36 year old man currently seeking the opportunity to find full time work as a gospel preacher. I have had a great many opportunities to preach on and off for congregations that cannot afford a full time speaker. For the past year I have been preaching for the Church of Christ in Bend, OR. This time of study and growth has caused me to realize that it is my desire to find a full time role where I can grow a congregation based solely on following God’s word. I am willing to take on part time work outside the Church if necessary but my true desire is to find work where I can devote all my time and energy to studying and spreading God’s word.

Posted: Feb. 13, 2012

Churches need to do their own work in checking out men posting their announcements on this website. We strive to filter postings, however, there are times when mistakes are made. Thus, do your own questioning and find out if these men “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

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The Bible condemns homicide, one form of which is infanticide. In the Old Testament God established a law regarding abortion. He commanded that if two men fight and a pregnant woman delivers prematurely (aborts) that if NO harm followed, the man responsible had to pay a fine. If harm followed then it was “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe” (Ex. 21:22-25). The law was a restraint from excessive punishment (death when no harm occurred) and a command for just punishment (not just a fine when death occurred).

The New Testament does not spell out earthly, temporal consequences to abortion. It is not a law like that given by Moses, which was civil and religious. However, the New Testament does condemn abortion.

Consider this. The same word in Greek and English (babe) is applied to a child in the womb and one out of the womb (Lk. 1:44; 2:12). This is a recognition of human life, that which is created in the image of God, in the womb. This is life before birth; not a tissue mass or “fetus.” It is a baby in the womb of the mother. Hence, to take the life of this child is murder pure and simple. Murder is sin and will send a person to hell (Rom. 1:29; 1 Pet. 4:15; 1 Jn. 3:15). The mother (or father who condones), doctor, nurses, and any others involved in an abortion are murderers and will lose their souls.

As children of God we can never accept this barbaric practice, even though our “enlightened” society promotes and protects it. Our children must be taught that life is precious and regardless of the potential troubles and burdens that come with a child, our duty is to preserve and protect. Every new life is created in the image of God and deserves respect.

— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com

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You know his story (Genesis 37, 39-45). He started out as a favored son and despised brother. He was nearly killed and then sold into slavery. Though faithful to his master, he was wrongfully accused and thrown in prison. Yet, all these things are what led him to his position as lord of the land.

Do you think Joseph saw the end from the beginning? Of course not. All he could see is what was in front of him. He kept the right attitude and took the right actions. He is a model for all of us when we face adversity and prosperity. He was a man of extreme integrity and God blessed him for it.

You and I cannot see the end from the beginning and especially in the midst of troubles. Yet, these may be the very things God is using to lead us to “bigger and better” things. No, we do not expect that God will provide us with material goods if we live righteously; He may or may not. Rather, there are many things to do in this life for God and Christ’s kingdom. There are many blessings our Creator can bestow on us outside the material realm; friendships, kindness, comfort—and all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

Let us be like Joseph. Though maligned and mistreated, he maintained his faith in God. We must keep a godly attitude and do the right thing no matter our circumstances.

If you are having some trouble and struggling through it, go back and read about all that Joseph faced. It will encourage you to know God cares and can bring you through it all.

— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com

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Contact Phone: 814-734-3838

Doug Bullington
speedbull1@aol.com

Size of Congregation/Assembly: 30-35

Elders & Deacons: No

How Long Has The Congregation Been Established: 20+ years

Support: Full

Teaching Tools In Use:
* Bulletin
* Correspondence Courses

Number of Gospel Meetings Per Year (local church holds): 1

Support Of Preachers Outside The Local Church: 0

Posted: Jan. 31, 2012

Preachers need to do their own work in checking out churches posting their announcements on this website. We strive to filter postings, however, there are times when mistakes are made. Thus, do your own questioning and find out if these churches uphold the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).

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Mixing The Faith
Mike Willis

Editorial Leftovers
Connie W. Adams

Wrong Again
David Dann

Jesus Christ and Stress
Fred Melton

Choose Like Moses
Nathan Morrison

Wake Up Christians
Matt Adams

From Heaven or Men
Heath Robertson

Question & Answer
Bobby Graham

Early Christians Speak Concerning Assembling
Ron Halbrook

Ephesus
Mike Willis

Book Reviews
Christopher Reeves

So You’re Planning To Be An Elder
Johnie Edwards

The Shroud of Turin
Don Ames

What Are You Wearing
Jarrod Jacobs

Congregational Responsibilities Towards Elders
Heath Rogers

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