When Delay Becomes a Decision on Intoxicating Hemp
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America On Tuesday, the North Carolina House left House Bill 328, Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables, in the Rules Committee and off the calendar. The Senate adopted the conference report 37-6 on July 2, but the...
A Well-Intentioned Law That Threatens the Independence of Christian Schools
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America Christian schools share North Carolina’s concern about students struggling with depression, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts. Protecting vulnerable young people is not a partisan issue, and...
Bloodless Martyrdom: When the State Seeks to Destroy a Ministry
by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org “Thou shalt not kill” forbids the deliberate and unjust taking of innocent human life. Yet Christ teaches that the evil addressed by this commandment begins before blood is shed. Anger, contempt, hatred, and the desire to remove...
Guardrails Under Pressure: Critical Issues Before the North Carolina General Assembly
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America The North Carolina General Assembly is approaching what may be one of its final periods of activity for the 2025–2026 legislative session. Several consequential matters remain unresolved, while other...
When Suffering Comes: How the Christian Should Respond
This is the fourth and final installment in a series examining suffering, earthly restoration, and the hope God has actually promised His people. by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org The previous articles in this series argued that God has not promised every believer...
The Candy, the Gas-Station Drug, and a Bill North Carolina Cannot Ignore
By Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America Jyquante Spruill was only 14 years old when his family received the call every parent and grandparent dreads. According to WRAL, Jyquante had passed out during gym class at Hope Middle School in Pitt...
The Old Temperance Pledge Christians Need to Read Again
by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org Recently, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a video of a prominent pastor with a national following. Displayed on the platform beside him were various alcoholic beverages—beer, wine, and liquor. His message was...
The Real Jesus in an Age of Reinvention
by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org Sandy Bottom Baptist Church is a small congregation on the outskirts of Kinston, North Carolina, in Lenoir County. The quaint, white-framed building where they worship is beautiful and picturesque. More importantly, the people who...
The Families Behind the Calling
by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org I once read a saying that has stayed with me, though I no longer remember its source or exact wording: “God help the spouse of the one who has a calling on their life, for the calling will place great demands on both of them.”...
General Assembly Adjourns with Important Business Unfinished
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned on July 2 and is scheduled to reconvene at noon on Monday, July 27. During that session, lawmakers may address vetoes, budget-related legislation, conference...