What joy to live where freedom is celebrated. We enjoy a degree of freedom in this country that has been unrivaled throughout our world today, as well as throughout history. This freedom is evidenced in the ability to choose how we express our worship, what we say, and with whom we associate. These are rare…
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Pentecost People
Christians celebrate Pentecost this week. But it’s actually a Jewish holiday – and its Jewishness brings us heightened meaning. Pentecost, or Shavuot, actually begins tonight at sundown. When God gave Moses the Law, written on the tablets on Mt. Sinai, He created for Himself a visible reminder of His presence among His people. Those tablets…
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Competitive?
Do you consider yourself competitive? What does that look like for you? Competition in ancient Judaism is relatively unknown. Man’s value is derived from being made in God’s image, not from proving superiority over another. And since Judaism is an Eastern culture, it favors community over individuals. The community works together as a whole, not…
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Embracing St. Nick
As some kids were sorting out Santa Claus and Jesus, one stated confidently to his friend that Santa Claus works for Jesus. That's actually truer than most would realize. The legend of Santa Claus is derived from the historic figure of Saint Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a 4th century Greek bishop from Myra, a city on…
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