Opinion

Holding On to What God Already Has

Allen Baumgarten
9 Dec 2010
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The book of Jude is the second to last book of the Bible, tucked away in the New Testament just before the book of Revelation.  Its subject matter, however, is sobering as it warns us to beware of those who falsely impersonate followers of Christ. Knowing the spiritual commitments and values of those with whom we serve and seek the Lord is of paramount importance if we are to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord.  Why?  Because God has ordained that we encourage and counsel each other in spiritual and other matters.  It is therefore obvious that those who […]

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The Message of the Manger

Dr. Tommy Boland
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manger

During the Christmas season, one of our favorite things to do as a family is drive around different neighborhoods to look at all the Christmas decorations.  This is one of the highlights of our year.  It is always a special treat when we come across a lawn manger scene, which, sadly, are too few in number.  It never ceases to amaze me that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords would condescend to be born in a stable at Bethlehem, a place where the animals were fed. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him […]

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Unique gifts that people actually need

Blackstone Grif
2 Dec 2010
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With the Christmas season here, I have to admit that my mind wandered the other day to the gifts that I am expected to give to my family and friends. The next thing that came into my mind was, “Do they really actually need any of these things?” It seems to me that the holiday gift tradition has become more about “wanting” and not actually about “needing”.  So, I thought, “How great would it be if people can come together and buy items for the hurting/needy people around the world?” What better way to share the message of God’s love […]

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Expectations can be a tricky

Blackstone Grif
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Expectations play a part in our everyday life – either through expectations placed on us by others, or expectations we place on ourselves –whether just or unjust. This Thanksgiving I was so excited about my wife’s annual holiday sausage stuffing feast. Why do we only make Turkey and Stuffing once a year? It’s not like it is an expensive meal; actually, it is very affordable and cost effective. Did I mention delicious? I wait in great expectation every year to this special stuffing that is mixed with maple syrup, sausage, apples and tons of butter – It makes the holiday […]

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God’s ‘Tactical Blunders’

Allen Baumgarten
1 Oct 2010
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Have you ever really goofed up?  I sure have.  One summer I took a week off to attend a seminary class up in Charlotte, NC.  I had planned to drive up a day or so early so that I might take a “day trip” over to the mountains in the western end of North Carolina.  On my day off, I enthusiastically set off on I-85 out of Charlotte, savoring the anticipation of seeing the mountains and smelling the fresh mountain air if even just for a few fleeting hours.  Not really knowing the interstate I was driving on, the names […]

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Neighbors share their opinions about Halloween

Anitra Parmele
30 Sep 2010
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It’s not every night that families come to you As a dad, I’ve looked at Halloween as a way to bring the good News of Christ to children. If our own kids had no part in Halloween we would have run the risk of  them being ostracized and other kids making them feel like they are on the outside. Yet, at the same time we don’t glorify Satan, death and darkness. In past years we have given out candy along with simple, kid-friendly booklets explaining about God’s love. Neighbors have come back to us to say thanks for including something […]

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Finding the courage to ask tough questions

Blackstone Grif
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When I am around you, how do you feel?A speaker posed that question once at a meeting I was attending. It really made me think. How do others feel when I am around them? Of course, it’s a question that can be difficult to ask – because often the answer is difficult to digest! If you were to ask that question to someone who promised to be totally honest, and you were truly willing to listen, the answer could be life-changing.After the meeting where the speaker presented that question, I immediately wanted to ask that question to a few key […]

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God is the best long-term investment.

Rob West
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The continual gyrations in the stock market have caused many people to question their investment strategy. Questions like “What should I do now?” and “Should I sell my stock positions and move into a money market?” are running through many investors’ minds. And while it is important to avoid making emotional buying and selling decisions based on the temporary state of the markets, it is a great time to analyze your financial foundation and to fill in any cracks that you might have. The first thing to keep in mind is that the best investment strategy is a long-term plan […]

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Life’s roller coaster of peaks and valleys

Dr. Tommy Boland
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life

Have you ever heard the term, “The rhythm of life”?  It is a phrase that sums up life on this side of the grave since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden.  The Bible puts it this way: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and […]

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