Those watching television news would find it hard to conclude we live in a peaceful world. The war in Ukraine drags on. Gaza sits in a sea of rubble. Government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo clash with antigovernment rebels. The fighting in the US remains a never-ending war of words between the political parties. Divisiveness and conflict reign. Peace is an abstract concept and an elusive goal. Peacemakers are needed. Believers should be asking themselves, “How do I... Read more
Now Malta’s a tourist destination, but it wasn’t when the Apostle Paul ended up shipwrecked there. His destination was Rome, but he washed up on the shores of that island. Today, Malta’s tourist industry thrives with visitors intentionally headed to the location. Malta past and present are totally different, but its past, particularly Paul’s time there, helped shape its future as seen today. Where’s Malta? The island of Malta sits in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea 62 miles south of Sicily and... Read more
The inauguration of 47th US president Donald Trump puts sanctuary cities front and center in his crackdown on illegal immigration. But cities providing safe haven are not a modern concept. The Old Testament made provision for cities of refuge back in biblical times. Whether biblical refuge or immigration sanctuary, safe haven cities aim for mercy as well as justice. History of Safe Haven Cities Many ancient Near Eastern cultures observed the custom of allowing specified religious places such as shrines... Read more
Faith and politics seem like an oil and water combination, two things that just don’t mix. But these spheres sometimes come together, such as at state funerals. On January 9th politicians gathered in a religious venue to honor and mourn the loss of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. The location? Washington National Cathedral, where faith and politics intersect. History of the National Cathedral The idea of having a church home for Americans in their nation’s capital... Read more
Families watching Christmas movies together has become a staple activity during the holidays. In 2024, a new movie released November 8th added another option to the tried and true selections of past years. Appealing to all ages, Dallas Jenkins’ “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” captivates viewers of all ages with humor as well as faith lessons. But why limit those lessons simply to the holidays? Instead, make embracing faith lessons from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever all year a 2025... Read more
While former President Jimmy Carter didn’t live to see the beginning of 2025, he did reach the age of 100. He made a profound impact on the world around him, one that continued after his departure from the White House through the decades prior to his death. The secret to Carter’s success, his deep and abiding faith, was really no secret at all. His public life allowed Jimmy Carter to display and speak about his faith on a worldwide stage.... Read more
During Christmas, something will get covered. The question is what. In our materialistic world, people tend to focus on things, specifically presents which are covered in wrapping paper. But for Christians, a person provides the meaning for the season, not a thing. The focus is on the baby covered in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger in Bethlehem. The Christmas covers of wrapping paper and swaddling clothes provide something to ponder at this time of year. Wrapping Paper As... Read more
Hear someone say “Bethlehem,” and most people probably think of a nativity set. They envision a stable with Baby Jesus in a manger, Mary and Joseph hovering near the baby, shepherds from the local fields, wise men bearing gifts, and a few assorted animals. But what do those celebrating Christmas know about the little town serving as the site for this scene? Learning basics about biblical Bethlehem where Jesus was born adds to the understanding of the momentous event observed... Read more
In December, Christmas is uppermost in most Americans’ minds. While busy counting down the days until the holiday, buying gifts, and attending parties, believers often miss out on experiencing what leads up to Christmas. They overlook the sacred time on many faith calendars preceding Christmas known as Advent. Not familiar with it? Take a few minutes to learn more about and to consider five reasons to celebrate Advent. What’s Advent? In many churches Advent is a four-week season spent in... Read more
To dig or not to dig. That is the question facing El Salvador’s government. The country’s president proposes lifting the ban on gold mining which has been in place for several years. The lure of economic benefit from mining gold calls for utilizing the country’s resource to better itself. But the Catholic Church believes resulting environmental harm calls for leaving the current ban in place. Stewardship or earthly riches? El Salvador must decide. El Salvador Basics El Salvador is the... Read more
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