Holly Springs church of Christ

Change

Tony Bohannon — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 20:28:18 +0000

I suspect that at least one or two of us don’t really appreciate change. I like things to stay the same, so when one of my favorite restaurants makes a change, I immediately jump to the conclusion that it is not for the better. Good intentions can be just that, good, but in my mind change too often lessens my desire to keep going back.
It is already the end of March, which to me is an indicator of just how fast this year is flying by. Also as a reminder of how the years fly by, my family went together to buy me a Legacybox® so that I could preserve family memories through a digitizing process. In my case I have old videos of when my parents were married, and we’re talking at least 70 years ago, as well as some 35mm slide photos that had been taken over the past 50 years.
While searching for what I wanted to include in the digitized package, I sorted through pictures of my wife as well as pictures of me. I guess I must be getting old, because I really don’t remember what I looked like when I was in my 20s and 30s. In fact, my wife doesn’t remember when she had long wavy hair back in her 20s. It seems like change happens whether we recognize it or not.
I’m not saying that I don’t remember lots of things from my younger years, but remembering what I looked like is apparently not one of them. Forgetting the changes in my own youthful face seems rather insignificant, but I believe that we all have things in our past that we really should move on from and just forget. It could just be my unique way of thinking, but it seems like change can play a part in the way we forget the things that truly need to be forgotten.Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

As I’ve admitted, change is not exactly my most favorite thing, but change really can be for the better. After all, I suspect that each of us can come up with a change or two that will prove my point, and actually turn out to be for our own betterment and growth as a Christian.

With three months of this year almost behind us, I pray that none of us let another month fly by without at least looking back at our accomplishments as well as our mistakes. It may not be easy, but change may be needed as we reflect on our past behavior. If you decide that no changes are needed in your life, then you are a better person than I am.

Another reason for me bringing up change is to remind us that the Word of God does not change, but too often, good intentions play a part in lessening or diluting what God intended. Whether you like or dislike the changes that come when living our lives, we can all take comfort in what Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV) teaches:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Let us remember the stability and steadfastness that Jesus, our Lord and Savior demonstrates to us. With the Lord’s help, may we all look for ways that will help us change for the better.

I’m still not convinced that my favorite cuisine disappearing from the menu or no longer looking like it did at one of our local hangouts actually proves to be for the better.

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Only God

Melvin Morrison — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:28:42 +0000

Today is Sunday, March 2, 2025. Hello, my name is Melvin Morrison, I have been a Christian for 16 years. I’ve grown in my faith and belief as I continue to study the word of GOD. Humanity has an itch about that age old question, “Are we alone in the universe?” The answer is no, I don’t know about aliens and wormholes, but GOD is ever present in our lives. How can humanity deny the existence of GOD? As humanity tries to reach across the cosmos to find strange new worlds and civilizations. Our spiritual home is being neglected. GOD has been turned into a wisdom meme on social media or not thought about in the eyes of the public.

The bible explains the one true destination our entire lives is built on. (Matthew 6:19-21) Only GOD can speak the world into existence and supply all his creation with every need for survival. Remember! GOD didn’t let us down, we let GOD down. (Genesis 3) Only GOD can forgive his creation and loved us so much, GOD gave us his Son, Jesus to forgive us of our sins and the knowledge to know his will. The bible is the blueprint to achieve eternity to be with GOD in heaven, only GOD can do that! GOD wants none to perish (2 Peter 3:9)

Only GOD’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness. GOD has made it evident that he exists from his creation of the world, so his eternal power and divine nature could be clearly seen. Humanity has no excuse not to believe in GOD. We knew GOD but did not honor him or give thanks but became more futile in their speculations professing to be wise, yet they became fools. Humanity exchanged the truth of GOD for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. (Romans 1: 18-25) Only GOD knows what you’re going to do…Choose Him. Choose righteousness.

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Are Cellphones Causing Brain Issues?

Tony Bohannon — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 03:00:57 +0000

I heard many years ago, maybe as far back as 2008, how cellphone usage was linked to a possible increase in brain tumors. Of course that study was disputed by many, especially those in the cellphone industry. As with many studies, it was decided that “more research is needed”. I’m guessing that they are still researching, since I personally have not heard of any new results on the potential risk.

I am certainly not a researcher, nor am I a good example to others when it comes to cellphone usage, but I see less talk/interaction with others and more interaction with our cellphones. I agree that I can add a bible application to my phone, I can easily communicate with friends/family, and I can even contact authorities in case of an emergency. All good things, but what I also see is young and old faces glued to their cellphone screens. I know that I’m old as well as old fashioned, but as a kid, we communicated with actual words, and those words were face to face. We made friends, and I suspect that some of those friendships will last us throughout our lives. I know, I’m just an old guy looking back at the good old days, and thinking they were actually good. I admit that some of those days were good and some were not as good, but us old-timers learned how to communicate, express our thoughts, convey our ideas, as well as come to conclusions that benefited us and others by way of actual staring each other in the face conversations.

I know, this sounds like the rant of some conspiracy theorist, but technology is not always our friend. My conclusion, and I’m sure it requires more research, is that it seems like we are becoming more occupied with our cellphones than we are with each other. I was just told by my brother that one of his friend’s 16 year old daughter has no desire to get her driver’s license. She is happy to “hang out” with her friends over her cellphone rather than meet up with them outside of her comfort zone. I couldn’t wait until the absolute earliest when I was finally able to get my driver’s license. A driver’s license meant freedom!!

I’ve ranted a lot about cellphones and nothing about scripture, but I believe we are instructed through scripture to demonstrate to ourselves and others just how important we are to each other. I’m sure there are those who disagree with my alleged conclusion, but I see where our cellphones can be a distraction away from God’s instruction. Do not misunderstand me, our cellphones can play a huge part in our lives, and for the better. We just need to consider others, and make sure we all feel important in the lives of each other. We do not want others to feel left out, nor do we want that for ourselves. We must love each other and demonstrate that love each and every day of our lives.

The thoughts in this article are just my opinion based on my observations, so I’m leaving it up to you to decide whether or not our cellphones are causing “brain issues”.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

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Today

Melvin Morrison — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 13:14:23 +0000

Today is Sunday 9 February 2025. Rejoice! This is the Lord’s Day that He has made. (Psalm 118:24) Give thanks to the Lord for opening your eyes for another day to worship Him in spirit and truth. Your faith has brought you together with your brothers and sisters in the body of Christ which is the church. No matter the weather, one comes all in the presence of the Lord. Today is like no other. It’s time to worship our King, our Savior, giving thanks for what GOD has done and will do. Today we pray for our brethren that are sick and shut in, those struggling with spiritual matters. (James 5:16) It’s time like the present to worship the Lord.

Prayer is the way we communicate with our GOD giving all our cares and worries to Him who loves us, He who strengthens us. When the prayers go up the blessings come down. Today we will sing praises to the almighty making melody in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19) long live the King. Our voices will be heard by the Father. Today we will remember Jesus Christ who died for us because he loved us first. The memorial of His Body (the Bread) and his sinless blood (the Cup) which was shed for all…We will partake. Today our Bibles will open to reveal the word of GOD that is how He talks to us.

We (Christians) will hear a sermon from GOD’s inspired word, we will study to make sure these things are true. (Acts 17:11) Today we will lay up and store giving back to the Lord for the needy saints and expanding the walls of Jesus Kingdom. Today is the day that lives will be touched with an encouraging word from our spiritual family, or the word of GOD will move our hearts into position to change your life or someone else’s. Today you will smile or shed a tear because you will know that the Lord is here. Today give your life to Jesus Christ. The water is waiting, believe in the Lord there is no more debating. TODAY IS THE DAY.

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Measuring Spiritual Progress

Rory McDade — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:26:59 +0000

It seems like our society is fascinated with measuring things. As early as kindergarten, children are taught to use a ruler and think about measurements. Physicians measure height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc. Sports organizations measure kicks, throws, shots, jumps, running speeds, strength, and scores. Some people are also fascinated with measurements in the weather: humidity, highs and lows, dew points, rainfall, wind speed and direction. In business, all kinds of things are measured: sales, quotas, employment, terminations, production, etc. I think you get the point.

Considering how many things can be measured, do we stop and think about measuring our personal spiritual progress? I am sure that someone, somewhere might say, “You can’t measure that!” Can we not? The fact is that just about anything we may be motivated to do spiritually can bemeasured. God gives us plenty of spiritual activities in which we are to be engaged. Let’s open our Bibles and consider the items below as “measuring sticks”:

1. Have you come to Sunday services as often as possible this year? (Hebrews 10:25)

2. Did you love your neighbor as yourself this year? (Matthew 22:39)

3. Did you pray for your enemies? (Matthew 5:44)

4. Did you share the Gospel with someone else? (Mark 16:15)

5. Have you visited the needy, the elderly, the sick, the orphans? (Matthew 25:41-46)

6. Have you studied the Bible this year? (2 Timothy 2:15) (Acts 17:11)

7. Did you keep focused on the lesson, no matter how long it was? (Acts 20:7)

8. Did you do all things without complaining? (Philippians 2:14)

9. Have you invited anyone into the church this year? (Matthew 28:18-20)

10. Did you choose mid-week Bible study over worldly activities? (Matthew 6:33)

11. Did you focus on the words during congregational worship? (1 Corinthians 14:15)

12. Have you helped bear the burden of another? (Galatians 6:2)

13. Were you an encouragement to your brethren? (Hebrews 3:13)

14. Did you sing out loud with the congregation or mumble through? (Colossians 3:16)

15. Did you pray each day? (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

16. When was the last time you taught a class at church? (Hebrews 5:12)

17. When did you last share the story of Jesus with a stranger? (Acts 8:4)

18. When was the last time you helped set up the chairs? (Philippians 2:3-4)

19. Who did you live for this year, self or God? (Matthew 16:24-26)

20. Did you prepare for your classes before attending? (1 Peter 3:15)

21. What kind of attitude did you have this year? (Colossians 4:2)

22. Did you take time to strengthen your marriage this year? (Ephesians 5:22-33)

23. Did you study the Bible with your children? (Ephesians 6:4)

24. Did you live in your everyday life as you presented yourself on Sundays? (Matthew 23:27-28)

25. In choosing not to do these things, were you truly loving God with all your heart, soul and mind? (Matthew 22:37) (John 14:15)

So, how did you do? While this list does not include every scriptural activity we should be involved in, it does provide several areas of opportunity for us to be making an effort in. As we bring this year to a close, I would like to encourage each of us to look in the mirror and do a little self-reflection. With this year behind us, how can we do better for the Lord moving forward?

These questions are not necessarily designed to make anyone feel guilty for not engaging in such activities. These questions are also not designed for us to measure our own righteousness and puff up our chests with pride. These are personal questions to be answered privately by each individual, to motivate us to examine our level of spiritual health and encourage us to becomemore spiritual. Each of these questions are in some way supported by scripture, showing that they are things that we need to be doing. We can measure our personal level of spiritual involvement if we are open, honest with ourselves, and willing to abide by the Word of God (2 Corinthians 13:5).

I want to encourage each one of you to take some time this week and go through this list and pick a few things upon which to focus so that your life can be more spiritual. This exercise is between you and God; there will be no earthly test given by myself, or anyone else. There will however be a final exam one day…..

God gave His best for us. We can certainly be making our best effort for Him.

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Deal With It…

Tony Bohannon — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:30:04 +0000

In most cases, someone telling you to “deal with it” isn’t a good thing. Obviously it comes down to its alleged meaning and the tone in which it was said, but I’ve also heard this phrase used in a joking manner. I know this sounds a bit odd, but I have also told myself to “deal with it”. In my cases, there was a challenge before me that I wasn’t wanting to deal with, but I was telling myself that I needed to step up and use my God given mind to help me through. I am not saying that we don’t need to pray, we absolutely must, but there are times when we need to think through our current situation, deal with it, and not just wait to see what happens. The what happens may not end up being a positive outcome. We need to think before we speak and think before we act. Just reacting to a situation without first thinking, does not seem like a way to deal with it, whatever the it is.

When the master gave various talent amounts to his servants, it was implied that they deal with it. As we see from the parable, each servant dealt with the opportunity in a different manner. In the end, all but one actually dealt with it, and in two of those cases the master was well pleased. My thought is that the master expected them to deal with it, and in a similar manner, God expects us to deal with our challenges and situations in life. He is there to help and we must trust in Him, but we also need to put a bit of trust in ourselves and our God given abilities and talents. But let us not forget, we need to be careful in how we value our abilities and talents.

Romans 12:16 (NKJV) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

I’m not saying that stepping up and dealing with daunting or difficult things are easy. I believe that we all have learned that some things in life are challenging, and some things prove again and again that it takes a lot of prayer, perseverance, and a positive attitude on our part to deal with them.

No matter the challenges, God is there for each and every one of us. We need to trust in Him, continue to pray to Him, and believe that our prayers will be answered. Within this thought, we also need to trust in ourselves that God has equipped us with problem solving, situation overcoming, and “deal with it” abilities.

Thank You God for what You do for us and how You help us deal with life.

Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

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There Can Only Be One

Melvin Morrison — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 20:17:29 +0000

Our civilization has embraced diversity to the detriment of our spiritual lives. Diversity as a human concept works wonders in our society. The inclusion of other cultures, ethnic backgrounds, the difference among the world allows humanity to thrive in some amazing ways. However, when it comes to GOD that same attitude of diversity correlates into different beliefs of GOD. While men slept being ignorant to the word of GOD many churches began to emerge from all the religious “diversity.” Where Jesus is the root and the churches are the branches, which Jesus never taught. So where did that teaching come from?

The Bible has pertinent information about GOD’s diversity. While reading the book of Ephesians I understood that there is only one church talked about in the Bible. In Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus said, “I will build my church.” The church He would have to die for in order to establish it. Upon further study I realized that our world has so many churches that I could not find one of them represented by name in the pages of the Bible, not one. Which is puzzling considering a world full of diverse cultures and the only church name revealed in the bible is the Church of Christ. When I read the scriptures, I come to the realization that diversity in Christ is not multiple churches, beliefs, or opinions of God, but different cultures coming together to serve and glorify GOD. One world under GOD that follows HIs word, will and way.

There is only one GOD so naturally it could only be one church. As Christians we are added to the church when we are baptized into the body. (Acts 2:47) (1 Corinthians 12:12-14) When I read Ephesians 4:4 it hammers home that there is only one body. What I learned from Ephesians 1:20-23 that GOD made Jesus the head of the church which is the body. Why does the world insist that you can have more than one church to reach the masses? When GOD wants us to be of one mind. (Philippians 1:27) There is only one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one GOD. There can only be ONE truth.

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So You Think You Are A Christian

Melvin Morrison — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:12:35 +0000

What does it truly mean to be a Christian? The name Christian is not something you throw around like some dollar store trinket. The name Christian carries gravitas to those who believe and is washed with the blood of Christ being justified in the eternal promises of GOD. Christianity is a learned behavior taught by Jesus Christ, a sacrificial lamb born to save the world. Being a Christian is a life redeemed. Christianity runs deep, rooted in following GOD’s word, will and way. Just because you sport tattoos of religious images, wearing t-shirts with spiritual affirmations, adorning yourself with jewelry that reflect your spiritual beliefs or driving with bumper stickers of scriptures and other religious paraphernalia does not define the essence of Christianity.

Those things do not make you a Christian. Being a Christian is a heart condition, a commitment to living a life that reflects GOD’s love and truth. The misconceptions of becoming a Christian is commonplace among a world gone mad, sick with lies and deception. Confusion runs deep in a world untrained by the word of GOD. Saying the sinner’s prayer, asking Jesus into your heart or participating in choir or praise team does not make you a Christian. To become a Christian you have to HEAR the word of truth. (John 6:45, John 17:17) Believe what the word of GOD is telling you. (Mark 16:16) REPENTANCE must now be your standard. (Acts 3:19) CONFESS I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of GOD. (Romans 10:9) BE BAPTIZED…There is no salvation without the water. (Acts 22:16)

So You think you are a Christian, your new life begins after the water. Being a Christian is more than an outward expression, it’s a personal, lifelong commitment of faith, being selfless and serving others. Be the Christian GOD has called you to be. Jesus DIED for you, so LIVE for Him.

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Jealousy

Tony Bohannon — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 20:09:38 +0000

We typically think of being jealous as a bad thing, and in most cases, I would agree that this word reflects negative thoughts. For example, we want what others have and feel jealous toward those who we think are doing better in life than we are. And yes, God does bless us in many different ways, but my initial thought is that we are alive, and in most if not all of our cases, we are true Christians in every sense. I can see where those who are not a member of the Lord’s body might want a life similar to ours, and to some extent, may feel a bit jealous toward us. They may or may not indicate that they have this jealousy, but my suggestion is that we do not remain silent when it comes to what they can and must do to have a similar life. The true answer to overcoming this type of jealousy is to obey the Gospel.

As just mentioned, there are those around us who would enjoy being like us in their lives. I am not saying that they desire to keep up with us by having the physical things that we have, but they may want a marriage like ours, an attitude toward others that is similar to ours, or maybe even our positive outlook on life, especially eternal life. After all, we should be a content and positive example to those we go through life with.

We also need to be grateful for and satisfied with what we do have. Being jealous toward others is an unhealthy option, it can impact our present life as well as impact our future life.
Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

I don’t see us making carved images of things that represent idols, but we do sometimes put things of this life ahead of God. We think more highly of what we want, what we have, or what might instantly benefit or satisfy us much more than we should.

Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NKJV

23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Although I am richly blessed in many ways, I cannot see why anyone would be jealous of my life. I certainly don’t see myself living a perfect life, nor is my example always consistently good as I would like, nor what God would like for that matter. I have my down days, my anxious days, and even those days when I just don’t do what is right in God’s sight. It is my prayer that you are a better example to others than what I am. Even if we are much the same, thankfully we can all be forgiven.

Ephesians 1:7-10 NKJV

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him.

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I Give Up

Tony Bohannon — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:01:00 +0000

This doesn’t happen all that often, but I had a good bit (or at least some) of this article all thought out in my head. Then when I finally sat down to pull it together, I forgot what I was going to write about. Not exactly the first time, nor will it be the last, but this goes to show once again that I need to keep pen and paper on my night stand. So, I eventually gave up on those original thoughts, but hopefully what I have written will be just as encouraging. I also pray for God’s help when I create my articles, so this could be His way of pointing me in a more needed direction.

There may have been times in our lives when we felt like throwing our hands up in the air and thinking, or maybe even shouting out loud, I give up! There could have even been those times when we felt overcome by just too many things coming at us all at once. This or that appliance is broken, one or more of our vehicles need repair, or there may even be multiple health issues that we are currently dealing with. I am sure that each of us can add to this list of potential challenges, but the happening all at once is where the overwhelming can and does take control of our lives. I don’t mean to minimize any of our own challenges, since they can seem insurmountable if we let them, but we must never forget that we have God and we have each other. I cannot image those in this world who are all alone, without God and without spiritual brothers and sisters standing with them. How sad and so very scary!
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NKJV)

9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

I am not saying that there aren’t scary things that can come upon us, but with prayer, God is there to help us overcome them. Yes, God is in control and does hear and answer our prayers.

1 John 5:12-15 (NKJV)

12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Even with God’s help and the help of our brethren, we still need to be courageous and steadfast as we deal with life’s challenges. I am certainly not saying that it will always be easy, especially since some of our challenges may come upon us all at once, but we at least know that we are not alone and that we have others standing with us. Giving up on life, fleshly or eternal, is not an option. May life’s scaries be few, and may we overcome them with God’s help and the help of others.

1 John 5:4 (NKJV)

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.

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