Category Archives: Opinions
Fearless warriors do not hide under the bed
It’s not really a secret about there being such a thing as good and evil. Yes, I know for every statement there is a counter argument, as even a few people deny the earth is
round. But, generally speaking, the masses are to some degree aware of the good God, bad devil concept. Within the Christian faith, it’s believed that God is infinite, perfect, represents the light and everything good, and is in total control of all things. On the dark side, Satan is a destructive spiritual entity who works around the clock trying to disrupt God’s plans. This includes unleashing a relentless barrage of damaging attacks and evil influences against the human race. What do you
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Baptism: What does the Bible say?
Matthew 3:11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you 
with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”
As with many subjects connected to Biblical teachings, baptism is as disagreed on as much as any. Such subjects seem to attract personal opinion and notions. Speculations are good in some areas but not when God gives us specifics.
Revelation 22:18 “For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of
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Marking a faith writing milestone
I wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate you, the reader, for taking time each week to read “Living On Purpose.” I’ve written sermons, songs and books, for more than 40 years, but only started this faith column on January 2016.
Each of my columns have file numbers, and as several editors have noticed, this week is No. 500. It’s hard to believe that 10 years has gone by so quickly. We know that
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The Israel sequence
Matthew 27:24-25 “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”
There seems to be a great deal of confusion in the world concerning Israel. Around five billion of the world’s population is dead set against Israel but
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Van Yandell is a retired industrial arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and commissioned missionary. He can be reached at vmy2121@outlook.com.
Courier Letters to the Editor 7-23-25
Saitta gives update to city council
Dear Editor,
I recently gave this update at a Pickens City Council meeting.
The Pickens County Courthouse has been overcrowded for a while, so last fall the county purchased the Carolina Investors building on Garvin Street.
The plan is to move the Department of Juvenile Justice, Probation, Parole and Pardons,
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Heroes without capes or superpowers
We hear a lot about heroes these days. Accomplished athletes are admired as idols for throwing around a ball, while actors in blockbuster movies portray individuals who can fly and use their incredible powers to save the universe.
However, in the real world, it’s encouraging to know there are humble and hardly noticed genuine heroes all around us. Without a desire to be praised or even
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Courier Letters to the Editor 7-16-25
VA officer election debacle
Dear Editor,
I want to personally thank Rex Rice and the Pickens County Legislative Delegation for showing me what democracy actually looks like.
Walt Carter garnered 51 votes to John Hembree’s 48 votes.
But he didn’t win, according to the wise folks who govern us. Since they can no longer count votes in a “smoke-filled room” and elect whomever they decide, they now say if the election has a low turnout and the vote is close, they get to choose who won.
Isn’t that nice?
How many decisions have been made with ONE vote to make a majority? Maybe Rex Rice and his colleagues should read more American history. They don’t even have to crack a book. Just turn on the TV and see how a recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” managed to become law.
But they appear to be a law upon their own and ignore the wishes of the veterans who actually voted.
Did Mr. Rice or any of his colleagues vote? Or have they managed to be “Big Beautiful Citizens” without ever serving their country in uniform?
Did they ever get shot at trying to protect “one man, one vote?”
And Mr. Hembree has demonstrated his absolute lack of integrity by even accepting the position he now holds.
The hypocrisy in this whole situation is mind-boggling.
David Peart
1 Lt. Infantry
Marietta
Is the Antichrist among us?
Daniel 7:24-25 “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High.”
Many have declared to believe a United States
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The latest recalls
With the increasing number of food recalls lately, it’s very tempting to buy a few rural acres and grow our own food, isn’t it? A dozen chickens, a milk cow, a veggie garden … 
what else would we need? Unfortunately for the majority of us, that’s not a possibility.
However, we can keep up with the increasing numbers
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Beware pension poachers
The VA’s Office of Inspector General recently put out a fraud alert about a series of schemes known as “pension poaching.” Veterans, heads up. You have a lot to lose if you 
fall for one of these scams.
The Department of Veterans Affairs pension is for wartime veterans or their surviving spouses and
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