God

Edwin Copeland: Church United: A Christmas Story

As we reflect on the Christmas season, this month I am reminded that it is the story of Jesus’ birth that transcends theological nuances and denominational divides and serves to unite Christians across the globe. From humble beginnings in a Bethlehem manager to the angelic proclamation of “peace on earth,” the Christmas story has long served as a reminder of the profound unity shared by believers of various traditions and backgrounds. At its core, the Christmas story reflects the truths of the Christian faith and serves to bind the universal body of Christ together.    A common foundation in Christ […]

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Rob Hoskins: Living in the Messy Middle

If I’d been born at any other time in human history, I’d be blind right now. Weeks after my first daughter was born, I woke up one morning and couldn’t see anything out of my left eye. I went to the doctor and then to the hospital. Sure enough, they started examining my left eye. They brought in a specialist. Then another. Then a third. You know something’s really wrong when they bring in a third specialist. They looked at me and said, “You have the thinnest retinas we’ve ever seen. Your left one is fully detached. Your right one is about to […]

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Dr. Debra A. Schwinn: A Sound Like No Other

As we close out the year, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the love of God and the true gift of Christmas — His Son, Jesus Christ. In the midst of the season’s hustle and bustle, may we be reminded of the ultimate reason for our joy: the fulfillment of God’s promises and His boundless grace toward us. I want to share my reflection from PBA’s Advent Guide on my most memorable Christmas sound. I pray this article is a blessing to you and your family as you remember not just His blessings, but His promises to us.  On […]

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Andrew Holmes: You Are Good News

It’s that time of year again where, if we’re not careful, we’ll miss an incredible chance to really slow down and reflect on the gift that is Jesus. Around 4KIDS, I am watching the team prepare for our annual Gift of Hope Toy Drive. These gifts, so carefully and lovingly collected by the community, allow our foster and adoptive families to have gifts they can give to the children in their homes. Passing on a gift is at the core of who we are and at the core of the gospel. This time of year you’re going to hear a […]

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Dr. Tommy Boland: They Really Were Wise Men!

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:1-2). It’s one of the iconic images of Christmas, instantly recognizable to Christians and unbelievers alike: three Magi — or “wise men,” as many Bible translations render the Greek word magos — traveling across the desert, following a bright star in the east. The other image of the Magi we immediately […]

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Franklin Graham: Pray Fervently for Our Nation

American voters have decided decisively who will be the next president of the United States. Congratulations to Donald J. Trump on being elected the 47th president of the United States. I pray that you will look to God every day for His guidance and wisdom. Months of election primaries, campaign rallies, political advertisements, nominating conventions, candidate endorsements, debates, press conferences and media interviews have finally culminated in citizens voting for Trump to return to the White House as the nation’s commander-in-chief.  Voters also elected candidates for Congress as well as governor, state legislators and local school boards even while approving […]

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Omar Aleman: Time Is on My Side

“I’m aging.” This was my reaction upon watching a movie depicting a death scene, prompting the scary thought of my eventual demise. Likewise, it offered a glimpse as to how far I had traveled, how maturity had reached me and how my childish ways were now in the rear-view mirror. Very deep stuff, given these conclusions were reached by an 8-year-old boy! And as my grandpa held my hand while exiting the theater and I gazed at his grizzled tired face, it dawned on me that someday I would be him. The prediction made so many decades ago came to […]

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Shoebox Collection Time Is Here

It’s that time of year again! Samaritan’s Purse has begun its Operation Christmas Child collection week on November 18-25, 2024. Operation Christmas Child involves the collection of shoeboxes containing toys, school supplies, etc. for children in need. If you haven’t yet packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, there’s still time to shop for “wow” toys, school supplies, and other fun items that will delight the heart of a child in need. And include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child’s favorite things to receive!  If you’re unsure what to pack, check out their gift suggestions and then find […]

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Dr. O.S. Hawkins: Accountability: Don’t Leave Home Without It

“But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen” (Philemon 1:22-25).   Checkups One of the reasons my family buys our cars from a particular local dealership is because of their dedicated service department and their determined servant spirit. Periodically, I take my car in for a complete checkup. The service manager makes certain my automobile is […]

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