By Gary Patton God’s word is filled with statements of encouragement. Words that are meant to help us feel good about serving him and living as he would have us live. He promises to be with and help us. He also promises grand and marvelous rewards to those who are faithful to the end. But just …
Author Archives: Mark Mayberry
Exaggerated Reports of Dead Churches
By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. Mark Twain once sent a telegram stating that “the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Occasionally I hear that a certain church is dead. Knowing that churches do die, this concerns me because I love God’s people. Sardis was a dead church with a general reputation of being alive …
Striving After Sinners
By Irvin Himmel Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off (Prov. 23:17,18). This text from Proverbs teaches some valuable lessons. Let us take a few moments to think on what …
Ignoring the Blueprint
By Norman E. Fultz Some friends are having a new home built – not just any “run of the mill” house, mind you. Having envisioned what they wanted, an architect translated their vision into detailed blueprints. A builder was contracted to erect the house according to the plans. But, as will occasionally happen, the plans are …