God

Kids flock to Vacation Bible School Programs

The Good News
3 Jun 2015
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Vacation Bible School

Full of hands-on Bible explorations using skits, songs and stories, interactive games, cool crafts and delicious treats, Vacation Bible School (VBS) is designed to give kids a memorable summer experience that conveys a gospel message. A summer tradition for almost a century, VBS was originally begun by a doctor’s wife, Mrs. Walter Aylett Hawes, who wanted to get kids off the street in New York, and it has been adopted by many churches as a way to engage young children with the word of God in a fun and enjoyable way that helps them learn to overcome obstacles with the […]

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A Case of Mistaken Identity

The Good News
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In a culture obsessed with self-image and success, it is natural to see our own self worth in terms of our own achievements. It is easy to believe that our value is defined by our abilities, that the smarter, richer and more powerful we are the more important we are. However, this way of seeing ourselves is very different from the way God sees us. God’s Word takes this narrative and turns it completely upside down. For God, nothing is everything.   They story of Sisyphus The entire book of Ecclesiastes paints a vivid picture of the futility of human […]

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mistaken identity

The Focus Has Shifted

Tullian Tchividjian
2 Jun 2015
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The Focus Has Shifted

A shift has taken place in the Evangelical church with regard to the way we think about the gospel and it’s far from simply an ivory tower conversation. This shift affects us on the ground of everyday life. In his book Paul: An Outline of His Theology, famed Dutch Theologian Herman Ridderbos (1909 – 2007) summarizes this shift which took place following Calvin and Luther. It was a sizable but subtle shift which turned the focus of “the gospel” from Christ’s external accomplishment to our internal appropriation: While in Calvin and Luther all the emphasis fell on the redemptive event […]

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We Never Outgrow The Gospel

Dr. Tommy Boland
1 Jun 2015
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As a pastor of a church plant, I am often asked how we gear our church services; are we aiming at the unbeliever or the believer? In other words, what people are asking me is whether I focus on saving the unbeliever or strengthening the believer. My answer is always the same: “Yes!” Because every worship service is geared toward sinners, the preaching of the gospel is intended to reach both the unbelieving sinner and the believing sinner. Both groups are in constant need of God’s grace: the grace of rescue, the grace of revival, the grace of reconciliation and […]

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outgrow

Daniel’s Delight

Dr. Tommy Boland
3 May 2015
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delight

In reading through the book Daniel, it never ceases to amaze me just how easy it would have been for Daniel to stay out of the lion’s den without ever neglecting his duty and his devotion to his God. The jealousy of Daniel’s rivals in the Babylonian government drove them to set a trap by getting the king to issue an edict that anyone who prayed to any god or man (other than the king himself) would be thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel was well aware of the plot his rivals had hatched against him; he could have continued […]

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FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention in Orlando Supports and Guides Families

Kaylee G. Intern
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There are currently about 2.2 million homeschoolers in the United States. It is growing incredibly and is more and more visible locally, according to Sue Puchferran, a member of the Home Education Foundation Board of Directors. Still for parents and students who are new to homeschooling, it can be intimidating. Newcomers may wonder where to start, how to get involved, how to purchase curriculum and many other concerning questions. Fortunately, the Florida Parent Educators Association comes along side new and veteran homeschool families to help them make the best decisions possible for their children’s education. This is partially achieved through […]

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FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention

Law, Grace and the Phone Store

Tullian Tchividjian
2 May 2015
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Law, Grace and the Phone Store

When it comes to the raising of children, one-way love is both the easiest thing in the world and the hardest. How many of us have responded to the experience of becoming a parent for the first time by saying, “I finally understand how powerful and profound of a thing it is that God considers us His children!” The relationship we have with a baby, after all, is about as one-way as it gets. They need and we give, period. They have no illusions about their own power. The very idea that a baby might do something to deserve our […]

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SafePlace 4KIDS Provides Comfort to Kids Entering Foster Care

Shelly Pond
1 May 2015
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When crisis strikes at home and children are initially removed for their safety and entering the foster care system due to abuse, neglect or abandonment, they experience a flood of emotions. Confusion, fear, anger, grief and uncertainty rush in like a flood as they are often picked up by a police officer at school and must sit in an office beside a caseworker as arrangements are made for their placement with a foster family or in a group home, which can take hours or sometimes days. They may wonder if they are in trouble and could know very little about […]

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safeplace

The Generous Life

Jeremy McKeen
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The Generous Life

One of the ways to live a joyous life is to live a generous life. John Andrew Holmes, a modern American writer, once wrote, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” In other words, are you feeling down and discouraged? Don’t just focus on fixing your own circumstances; focus on helping others. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NLT). When it comes to generosity, Solomon taught five key principles in the end of Ecclesiastes, and when it comes to actually living them out, Jesus supplies […]

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Three Churches, One Body

The Good News
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For the first time ever, First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Mount Bethel Baptist Church and New Mount Olive Baptist Church gathered together on April 25th in Fort Lauderdale for joint worship and teaching around common subject matter in an effort to build the kingdom of God. “It was our objective to promote solidarity as churches,” said Bishop C. E. Glover, of Mount Bethel Baptist Church. “We are not in competition, but rather see our roles as complementing and helping each other.” The event was birthed out of a gesture of hospitality. “Dr. Hughes and I both came into town at […]

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three churches, one body