By Stephen Russo The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 Most of us have read this scripture many times. Many of us may have even memorized it. But typically, we stop after the first part of the verse, neglecting to finish it. Yet the…

By Gary Petty The writing of The Mercy Effect was an arduous journey of introspection. It was a time in my life when I was struggling with why there is so much dysfunctional conflict among Christians. It would seem that of all people we should be the ones who exhibit the mercy and love of…

By Stephen Russo For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.  2 Corinthians 11:14-15 Influence and deception are things not always easily seen or detected. In many cases, people who…

By Marissa Baker When we look at the Churches of God today, one of the most noticeable things is the disunity. There are many different groups, most with a long history of splits and divisions. You’ve probably heard people wonder — or perhaps you’ve wondered yourself: why can’t we go back to all being part…

By Rod Reynolds A woman who grew up in a Church of God family reports that her mother was severely beaten during those years. Her father claimed he beat her mother to “get her under submission;” they were necessary for her salvation; and to beat “Satan out of her.” He beat her with various objects,…

By Carmine Russo I grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s. The days of 33’s and 45’s. These were the days when a hit record was actually something that you could hold in your hand. The Lovin’ Spoonful had a hit record back in 1965. I was a junior at Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, New York (just…