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Separation – Pros and Cons

Dr. John Hawkins
5 May 2013
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A question that occasionally comes up in the counseling room during couples counseling is, “We are thinking of separating, what do you think we should do?” In marital counseling, as a general rule, I am not a big fan of separation. While there are some legitimate times to separate, this intervention must be used with structure if it is going to be a part of saving the marriage. Why are you separating? For many, separation accomplishes nothing for two main reasons. One is that either spouse is not honest about the reason for the separation. The other is that there […]

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Benevolence & Justice

Jeff Masters
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How do you respond when you see a man walking on the street between waiting cars with a sign stating “will work for food?” Is he seeking a handout to fuel his alcohol abuse or is he sincerely seeking help to change? Or what are your thoughts towards the single mom or widow who comes to church to ask for financial aid? In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, the early apostles, not wanting to be a burden to anyone gave this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” However, in Matthew 5:42, Jesus tells us to “Give to […]

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Churches: Mega, Mini, or Something

Finley Walker
4 May 2013
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You walk into one church and feel like you are at a rock concert. You walk into another church and feel like you are at a funeral. One church makes you anxious because of the crowds, and the other church makes you paranoid because everyone knows you’re new and all eyes are on you. It can be a stressful ordeal finding the right church for you and your family. To help along in your search, here are some points to consider: Mega-churches Pros When looking for a church, many seek the opportunities to get plugged in and use their gifts. […]

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Gender Roles

Keri Williams
3 May 2013
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While in our modern context, we might not immediately recognize Jesus’ attitude towards women as particularly radical or liberating—that is indeed what it was to women trapped in a highly patriarchal system with few legal rights and subjugated to male authority. By giving women places of honor in his life, ministry and legacy, Jesus began a major historical shift in views on gender. As a result, Christianity through the ages has emphatically affirmed the equal value of both men and women as created in God’s image. Since its inception, however, Christianity has widely interpreted the Bible as delineating gender-based roles […]

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Gospel on the Go

Justin Young
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It’s been a little over five years since Andrew and Daniele Vuksic said goodbye to the comforts of home in South Florida and set out on a mission to share the gospel in Croatia. With no major sending organization behind them, no knowledge of the Croatian language, and certainly no guarantee of success, the Vuksics booked one-way tickets to the capital city of Zagreb and went all in to follow a call from God. Today, Andrew and Daniele stand with awe and gratitude as their ministry, Gospel on the Go, reaches hundreds of Croatian and Romi adults and children with […]

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Denominations Explained

Justin Young
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It is no secret that mainline denominational churches have been on a steady decline for decades. The non-denominational church has been “it” for the last 30 plus years. However, with a recent surge of new denominational-affiliated church plants, as well as a resurgence of reformed theology in recent years, some denominations are beginning to see growth for the first time in years. If you have ever wondered what a particular Christian denomination actually emphasizes and teaches, then you’ve come to the right place. While far from comprehensive, the list below covers the main denominational groups and gives a few highlights […]

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Summer Fun for Kids

Justin Young
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With summer vacation right around the corner, don’t be left scrambling to put a plan together for your kids. Below are a few great local summer activities worth checking out! Camp Eleven – Harbour Church Harbourchurch.org June 24 –28 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Camp Eleven’s theme is the quest for hidden treasure. Camp Eleven will take the children on a journey to discover that their heart is the Lord’s treasure. The camp will use creative teachings, worship, small groups and afternoon activities to minister to the children. Each day is a different adventure that will set the tone and […]

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Healthy Indulgence

Dr. Jeff Hazim
2 May 2013
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What is your first impression when you think of health food? Do you think of all the good things you must give up? Or maybe you think of boring rabbit food. Certainly you’re not thinking of enjoying the things you’re used to. However, there are ways to stay healthy while at the same time enjoying some of your favorite indulgences. What does it mean to indulge? It means “to yield to, satisfy, or gratify desires or feelings.” Is this entering some forbidden territory for a Christian? Aren’t we supposed to crucify the desires of the flesh? It is a common […]

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Hope in Failure

Philip Huber
1 May 2013
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Sometimes the prospect of long-term victory over besetting sin seems impossible. The ruts of long-standing habits are furrowed deep. They are easily settled into and difficult to steer out of. Personal commitment to purity may be sincere and earnest, but a track record of repeated failure punches holes in one’s conviction, draining hope out, drip by drip. It can seem inevitable that, in a moment of weakness or a season of gradual drifting, relapse will occur. On the far side of failure, discouragement hangs heavy. In moments like these, a perspective that offers some hope is needed. Here are five […]

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Beauty as Intended

Caroline Navega
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I sat here in complete awe of how beautiful she was. I admired every feature, every curve, and thought to myself, “How is it possible that someone could be that stunning and how do I get like that?! These fashion magazines must have secret places where they breed perfect-looking people.” I went on for years thinking that I just wasn’t fortunate enough to have been born a hybrid beauty like these models were. Growing up, I was always teased because my hair was too curly or my skin not clear enough, so I did everything I could to become like […]

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