Posts from January 2024

During the war between the states, a young woman learned the truth and obeyed the gospel.  Her sweetheart, J. H. Halbrook, was a confederate soldier.  He was captured by the union army and kept a prisoner in Michigan until the war was over.  He was given a ticket to Nashville, Tennessee and $2.50.  From there, he returned to Centerville and found what was left of his home and family.  He found his girlfriend and they were married.  His wife studied…

A praying church is a growing church. That’s just the way it works. Jesus prayed (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12); Paul prayed (Philippians 1:3, 4; I Thessalonians 1:2); Cornelius prayed (Acts 10:2). Great people and great congregations pray. This is the reason Prayer is the Practice of a Great Congregation. I. We must believe in prayer. A. Jesus taught we should believe in prayer (Matthew 21:22). B. James emphasized that we are to pray in faith (James 1:5-7; 5:15). C. John…

It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, “What will you give me if I release you?” “The half of my wealth,” was his reply. “And if I release your children?” “Everything I possess.” “And if I release your wife?” “Your Majesty, I will give myself.” Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they…

All of us should be concerned about being faithful to God. It is easy to get sidetracked. Here are a few identifying marks of a backslider: A backslider forgets to read his Bible. Previously, it had a vital place in his life. Now he cuts himself off from his spiritual nourishment. He says he is too busy. A backslider ceases to pray. No longer does he ask God for wisdom and guidance-or to bless others and to forgive his sins.…