With approximately 300,000 COVID-19 deaths in 2020, the news of vaccines that can protect people from the virus brings hope to millions of people across the nation and around the world. The largest and most comprehensive vaccination deployment in the history of the United States began Dec. 14. First to receive FDA approval was drug […]
The term “rise of the Phoenix” is used as a symbol of rebirth from the ashes of the past or something new developing from something that no longer exists. In Greer, the rise of the Phoenix may be taking place as a church is dissolved, and the local association takes possession of the property for […]
The year 2020, with all its drama and turmoil, has given way to 2021, with its hopes (one of which is a vaccine for COVID-19) and challenges. Jan. 17 is Sanctity of Human Life Day (some will celebrate it Jan. 24) and is a great opportunity to remember that all human life from conception to […]
There is a piece of prose that has grown in popularity since its inception in 1926. It is simply titled, “One Solitary Life.” I first came across this in 1971 while taking a New Testament survey course at Anderson University. It is quoted by H.I. Hester in his book, “The Heart of the New Testament.” […]
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” This season of pandemic has brought discouragement and despair to many. Some have grown weary and lost heart. Jesus told a parable in Luke 18 “to show that at all times […]
Trouble and blessing are two things we do not usually think about occurring simultaneously. However, pastor Billy Dickerson experienced these two seeming opposites at the same time. After delivering the morning sermon at his church, Cedar Grove in Belton, on June 20, he was driving home when an erratic driver, weaving in and out of […]
Financial predictions for giving to churches and Christian ministries looked bleak in mid-March when the American economy seemed to come to a screeching halt. Fast forward to the present, and surprise! Christian giving is alive and healthy. In July, a survey was released by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. It included over 1,300 Christian […]
It is time for God’s people to rejoice! In America, we have a divided nation, a raging pandemic, racial tensions, economic turbulence, and an election year creating bitterly divisive and ungodly rhetoric. However, those things are not the reason we need to rejoice. We need to rejoice because it is God’s will and it is […]
Mark Twain said, “True patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the nation all the time and loyalty to the government when it deserves it.” Even though America is going through hard times right now, we are blessed to live here. We have our problems, for sure, but we are also, with God’s help, […]
To say we are living in unusual times is an understatement. COVID-19 has attacked the world, and we are forced to wage an unusual war against an invisible enemy. Some put their trust in science to discover a cure, develop a vaccine, and win the war. But even if scientists find ways to stop or […]