Active Faith

I’m Loving ‘Em!

Blackstone Grif
1 Feb 2015
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love month

I think every month should be the love month, not just February. Why do we go overboard and pour out love in all kinds of ways in one month on one particular day? Love, one of the most powerful things in life, can also be the most difficult. It’s also the most fun when you get to really love people in the same way God loves us. We all know the part of 1 Corinthians 13 that begins with “love is patient, love is kind,” but the verses just before that are just as important. “If I could speak all […]

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A Place for Jewish Friends to Learn About Jesus

Melissa Presser
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Many Christians have often asked the question, “How do I share my faith with my Jewish friends in a loving and sensitive way.” That question is ultimately what led Michael and Mimi Finesilver, Jewish believers themselves, to bring an unlikely group of people together in their home on Shabbat, the Sabbath day. Shabbat is a special time to rest, reflect and spend time with family and friends, and the Finesilvers couldn’t imagine a better time to invite others into their home to share the gospel in a loving and understanding environment. Shabbat is a joyful time — a time to […]

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What Jesus Understood About Hanukkah

Dr. Susan Michael
6 Dec 2014
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A common understanding of the December holiday season is that Christmas is the holiday for Christians and Hanukkah is the holiday for Jews. Few Christians relate to Hanukkah since it is not one of the biblical feasts of Israel. But, the fact that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah should make Christians curious enough to investigate the possible importance of the festival to their faith.  It is no exaggeration to say that had it not been for Hanukkah, there could have very well not been a Christmas. Hanukkah prepared the way for the birth and ministry of Jesus. Therefore, Christians may want to […]

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Come, Lord Jesus: An Advent Devotional

Jonathan Linebaugh
4 Dec 2014
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The Advent season focuses on expectation and serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. As you look forward to Christmas day, take a few moments to meditate on this Advent Devotional. Advent Week 1—Know Thyself “Know thyself.” This Socratic call is the fountainhead of the Western philosophic tradition. But it is a call without a compass. How, in other words, do we come to know ourselves? Socrates’ answer is contained in his other famous maxim: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” But again, how do you examine your life and, more urgently, […]

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Reaching the Other Side of the Island

Howard Scott
1 Dec 2014
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When you mention the Caribbean, Jamaica, Bonaire or any other resort destination, most people think of sun, sea and sand.They visualize relaxing on soft sandy beaches, swimming in the crystal clear sea and bathing in the sensual soothing sun, an experience one will remember for years to come. This may be true, but on the other side of the island, life isn’t glamorous at all. In fact, a large number of natives struggle to obtain bare necessities: clean drinking water, wholesome food, clothing and in many cases a safe place to call home. Tourists rarely get to see the depression, devastation […]

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other side of the island

To Vote or Not to Vote?

Jerry Newcombe
3 Nov 2014
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In polite society, you’re not supposed to talk about politics, sex, or religion. Sorry, but this column will discuss all three, directly or indirectly. In America, we get the kind of government we deserve. Is this the best we can do? There certainly is a big divide in how we approach politics, even among well-meaning Christians. I was asked to speak at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church recently, and the title was given to me: “To vote or not to vote?” Are you serious? How can we not vote? We’re in such a mess because we haven’t been voting our values. […]

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Happy Holidays – Bah Humbug

John Hawkins, Sr
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What’s in your holiday celebrations? For many it’s their favorite time of the year. For others it means nothing but stress, anger or sadness. This process of inner dread may have already started as they have seen the decorations go up in stores and malls. Why are there such extreme views about this time of year? Let’s consider some of the reasons and possible solutions to having a more enjoyable holiday season.   Unrealistic expectations The holidays are about family and pleasant memories of the past. The cultural images, advertising and many programs show warm winter scenes, perfect holiday tables […]

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Leadership is Knowing What You Believe

Shelly Pond
2 Nov 2014
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lead

The 27th Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark was conducting a meeting at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 when five hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building killing 184 men, women and children. In the moments after the crash, Admiral Clark demonstrated how to lead. “In a crisis, we need to know who we are and what we believe, then we know what to do,” said Clark. “We had lost a bunch of people and we needed to make sure someone was wrapping their arms around them.  But our mission was to set up a command […]

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The Struggle With Sin

Jeremy McKeen
1 Nov 2014
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What do you say to the person who comes to you and tells you, “I believe in Jesus; I know I’m a Christian, but I still find myself struggling with sin. There are times when I see progress, but there are also times when I still make the same mistakes. It can be very discouraging. What do I do? How should I handle this?” When it comes to the Christian life, these are common feelings and common questions. But what are the biblical answers? How can Christians understand the ongoing struggle with sin? And how should they respond to it? […]

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