Active Faith

Redeeming the Stuff of Christmas

Tim Sansbury
5 Dec 2017
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I love the word “stuff.” It’s one of those words that just seems to do its job well and even sounds right. It communicates a kind of mass and bare existence but nothing of significance, purpose or value. A library has books, a living room has furniture and a laundry room has, well, laundry. But attics and garages? They have stuff. They are the places for incoherent jumbles of what is not needed now, may be used later, or is just too valuable to throw away but too worthless to keep in view. Every piece had purpose and value at […]

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The Messy Side of Christmas

Dr. Gary Hewins
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Over the objections of my fellow workers, I start playing Christmas music in the office in October. Some Christmas music immediately brings me back to special moments as a boy in wintery Michigan. Christmas is a very special season to me. I know that Christmas has been hijacked by mass marketing, materialism and all of that, but with just a little effort, one can easily enjoy the richness of our Savior moving from a heavenly realm into the mire of our human dilemma by reviewing the scriptures.   Edict If considered, the events leading up to the birth of Christ […]

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Good News Celebrates Our Faith Leaders

The Good News
4 Dec 2017
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As South Florida comes alive with white lights on Palm trees, boat parades, Christmas pageants and carols, we felt it only appropriate to recognize the faith leaders who offer hope, encouragement and spiritual support to our community throughout the year. If you do not already have a place of worship, we hope you will join them this Advent Season as we celebrate the arrival of the promised Messiah and the Good News of the gospel, both now and throughout the New Year.   Calvary Chapel Boynton Beach A regional campus of Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale 954-977-9673 calvaryftl.org/boynton Duane Roberts, Campus […]

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Meet the Twins

Stephan Tchividjian
1 Dec 2017
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Meet My Twin, J I have a friend named J.  He is always good for a great story.  J comes from a large family and has an influential father.  J grew up as the youngest child.  I come from a big family too; however, I am the oldest.  The oldest is the test case; the youngest is often the most spoiled. I also know the drama that exists with large families, but I would not want it any other way. There is always a good story in the making. I have always admired J because whatever situation he is in […]

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Revelation Ministries Plans Christmas Performances and Trip to Israel

Shelly Pond
20 Nov 2017
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revelation

Revelation Ministries, a Christian performing arts group from Southeast Florida, has announced its Christmas performance schedule of “The Gospel According to Scrooge” and plans for a major mission trip to the Middle East this summer. The news comes following the passing of the organization’s founder and executive director, Travis Johnson. Johnson was production manager at First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale for about 15 years before founding Revelation Ministries, which has shared the gospel with music and drama locally and in Ukraine, Russia, England and Israel. “I called him the gentle giant because he was so soft spoken, so humble […]

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Hiking with Tequila

Stephan Tchividjian
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I love to hike. I could truly say that it’s one of my favorite pastimes. I could honestly do it everyday. I have had some incredible adventures throughout the years hiking. I have hiked alone, I have hiked with my wife, Lisa, I have hiked with friends, and I have hiked with strangers. My hikes have been beautiful, my hikes have been frightening, my hikes have caused injury, my hikes have been long, my hikes have been short, my hikes have been hot, and my hikes have been cold, my hikes have been…oh, you get the idea…my hikes have simply […]

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“The Star” is a Humorous Family-Friendly Movie with Purpose

Tyrone Hall
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As the holiday season quickly gets underway, there will be several Hollywood blockbuster films, movie trailers and commercials that will create lots of interest. It’s easy for some motion pictures to be overlooked. What if there was a cartoon movie that brought both children and adults together to revisit the birth of Christ? Coming this November, just before families sit down to celebrate Thanksgiving, make plans to go see in theaters “The Star.” From the studio that brought you “Miracles from Heaven” and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meat Balls.” It’s a film about the story of the first Christmas […]

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The Salvation Army Red Kettle Program Helps Families Year Round

Penni Bulten
6 Nov 2017
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Many people have observed the Salvation Army in the front of a store ringing bells and sharing holiday greetings. Often people will place spare change or bills into the kettle, feeling the Christmas spirit. Many people know about the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program as well, and have purchased a gift for a child who might other wise have no gifts under the tree. What may not be as well known are how many programs the Salvation Army supports through the Red Kettle and the personal stories behind the kettle and the Angel Tree. With millions of American children in […]

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Shouldn’t Nonprofits be Profitable?

Dr. Gary Hewins
2 Nov 2017
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I have always found the term “nonprofit” to be potentially misleading. This term seems to say that organizations that help others shouldn’t really have much if anything beyond their needs. “Nonprofit” seems to say, be careful, you are only supposed to get by and always be in need. Jesus didn’t operate with such tight margins. He seemed excessive at times. Did those at the wedding reception in Cana really need 180 gallons of wine? Did the 12 baskets of leftover bread get to where it was needed before spoiling? Jesus made sure that excess wasn’t wasted. The 153 fish didn’t […]

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Introducing South Florida’s Nonprofit Leaders

Shelly Pond
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During this season of Thanksgiving, we would like to introduce you to some of South Florida’s critically important charities who are doing good for our community and the passionate leaders who guide them. We are thankful for the good work they are doing in a wide variety of areas from protecting our youth and advocating for single mothers to feeding the hungry or providing safe housing. Each charity is making an eternal difference in our community or the world in some way. We urge you to learn more about them and find a place where you can pitch in or […]

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