Marco Island Sun TimesNews:Local News:The Faith Connection

Five ways to beat the Florida heat

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:44:33 EST

Hot, muggy and miserable.  Mosquitoes.  Sunburn.  Construction.  Air conditioning bills.  Such is the plight of those who spend their summers in paradise.  (Of course, that's how everyone else's summer feels too, so why not be in paradise?)

The end is near! Or is it?

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 12:08:01 EST

I'm not one of those doomsday prophets that predict worldwide collapse whenever a terrorist fires a homemade rocket at Israel. Some church-goers think that way; perhaps it's from their interpretation of prophecy, or from over-exposure to The Left Behind Series, or whatever.

They put that in the Bible?

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:41:33 EST

I like the book of Ecclesiastes. It's a book of the Bible that makes people uncomfortable, and I suppose that's why I like it.

Anger isn't really your problem

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:42:50 EST

We live in an angry world, don't we? Domestic violence, temper tantrums, divorce, lawsuits, even beer brawls. It doesn't seem to matter what age we are, where we live or how many blessings we have in life.  

Are you living a 'safe' life?

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:10:16 EST

In a world where people will pay just about any price to extend or protect their lives, security is an issue of routine concern for many of us.

Now that's a wake-up call!

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:02:15 EST

Has God ever gotten a message to you, specifically?

A spiritual math problem?

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:02:17 EST

OK, math whiz, see if you can crunch these integers: let's imagine that you helped one person get to know God personally this year. That is, you shared your faith in Jesus and the person responded by saying, "Yes, I want that, too. I'll become a Christian." 

How's your love life?

Thu, 8 Jun 2006 09:23:07 EST

I once heard a preacher say that the real question in marriage isn't "Am I selfish?" but rather, "How selfish am I?"

Eyewitness evidence for the Bible

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 06:06:57 EST

Eyewitnesses, in a courtroom, have a great strength and a difficult weakness. The strength of their testimony is that they were there. They know better than anyone else what actually happened. 

Proof, far beyond a reasonable doubt

Thu, 25 May 2006 08:55:56 EST

If the Bible were setting on a defense stand in a court of law (swearing upon itself, I suppose), it would plead "guilty" to the charge of being God-inspired.

The 'Da Vinci' Conspiracy

Thu, 11 May 2006 09:04:02 EST

I was first exposed to "The Da Vinci Code" by a friend of mine. He's in his 80's, an avid reader, loves to study history and is one of the most sensible people you'd ever want to meet. 

What would Jesus say to Americans about illegal immigration?

Thu, 4 May 2006 06:09:04 EST

The political solutions to illegal immigration seem obvious to most thinking Americans: build a fence and patrol it with either the military or more border security, implement some form of guest worker program to allow the work of many to continue legally and enforce the laws we already have on the books regarding immigration, citizenship, etc. 

What would Jesus say to illegals?

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:26:46 EST

We hear about it almost on a daily basis in the news: so many people entering the United States, mostly by illegal means. For centuries, North America has been a place where immigrants from other nations have journeyed, looking for freedom, opportunity and the hope of a better life. 

What makes Good Friday good?

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 11:01:34 EST

Miracle worker. Loving teacher. Willing servant. Perfect heart. Son of God. He was known throughout the region for his compassion, his life-changing words, his prayers and his commitment to God's plan. 

The greatest power on earth - in your hands?

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:51:08 EST

When militant regimes in the Middle East or communist dictatorships holed up in Asian, African or South American capitals make the headlines, the news is rarely good. We hear of their people starving, their military power growing and their oppression of freedom increasing. 

How do I start a relationship with God?

Thu, 6 Apr 2006 08:34:22 EST

If you're like me, you're intrigued by the thought of "knowing" God in a personal way.  You're interested in moving beyond knowledge about God and getting into what many people call a "relationship" with the Almighty. 

Slaying the hidden monster

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 08:55:27 EST

I love monster movies. The thought of Captain Nemo battling a giant squid or a knight approaching the lair of a fire-breathing dragon is what I call great entertainment. 

Eternal Investing 101

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 08:55:28 EST

You might see a 15 percent increase in your stock portfolio, if you're good. You might hold land that appreciates at 10 percent annually. Your business might be booming, outperforming competitors, adding staff and increasing in value.

How much do you deserve?

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 10:47:51 EST

I run into people all the time who are angry with God... people who feel like they've been shorted in life and that it's all or partly God's fault. 
Have you ever felt that way?

When you don't feel so romantic

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:44 EST

Valentine's Day is a great holiday, isn't it? Starry eyes, loving notes, poems, flowers, chocolates, dinner on the town, gifts and kisses are the rule of the day. 

Doing away with 'privatized' faith

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:44 EST

Faith has changed. Not necessarily the content of our faith, but our approach to it. Our most quoted Bible verse is no longer John 3:16, it's Matthew 7:1: "Do not judge..."

God is speaking to us, but are we listening?

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:45 EST

Have you ever wondered why God doesn't speak more directly to human beings more often?  That is, why don't we get booming voices from heaven or starry displays of absolute truth, complemented by miraculous events and indisputable projections of divine power?

A personal 'thank you' to God

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:46 EST

Leprosy. It might as well be called torture. The disease, common in the ancient world and still present in third world nations today, attacks the nervous system of the victim and is eventually fatal. 

Heaven's entrance exam

Thu, 2 Feb 2006 08:13:00 EST

Contrary to popular opinion, heaven isn't reserved for the morally upright, the good citizens, or those who are genuinely sincere. Heaven isn't guaranteed for "good" people any more than it is barricaded to "bad" people.

Learning how to pray the Bible

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

I certainly wasn't accustomed to a 6 a.m. prayer meeting. At least, not every morning. Weekly?  OK. Tuesday and Thursday?  Maybe. But seven days a week seemed a mite extreme. 

Rising above 'small-talk' prayers

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:01:35 EST

Tears trickled down the old woman's cheeks as she confessed that for all the years she'd been a Christian, prayer hadn't been alive to her. 

'Narnia' not a tame lion

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:01:36 EST

Moviegoers have been enchanted in recent weeks by the latest Disney blockbuster, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." This big screen presentation of author C.S. Lewis' classic by the same title is not only fun to watch, it is intensely meaningful. 

Average people can lead by following

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:34:44 EST

All of us are leaders, whether we like it or not. Someone, somewhere looks up to each of us, be it a daughter or a grandson or the new person at church. 
You may not feel like a leader, but for better or for worse, you have influence on other people's lives.

Bringing your holidays to life

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:58:39 EST

Are the holidays alive to you?  Or is the Christmas spirit reserved for fictitious characters in warm-hearted movies? 

Stepping out to honor God

Thu, 8 Dec 2005 09:04:35 EST

"Faith without deeds is useless," explains James, a writer of the Bible. "As the body without spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."

Have you missed the real thing?

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:44:53 EST

What are we supposed to think when a Christian does wrong? Or when we discover that a church leader has been covering up a sin problem? Is such hypocrisy to be expected in an imperfect world, or is there a way to avoid it? And - even more importantly - how can I be sure that I won't be next?

In God, do I trust?

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 03:49:50 EST

From coins to government buildings to the seldom-sung second verse of the national anthem, "In God We Trust" is a common phrase to us.

Decomplicating Christianity

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:28:33 EST

Recently, a government commission revealed plans for tax simplification, that is, an attempt to infuse sanity into a hopelessly complicated system.

Obeying God with joyful obedience?

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 11:08:19 EST

There's one verse I remember Mom quoting often, usually in the context of some disciplinary measure: "If you love me, you'll obey what I command." (John 14:15)

What can we learn from a hurricane?

Thu, 3 Nov 2005 07:12:19 EST

We've all met them. People that look for the silver lining along every cloud, the "lesson to learn" in any adversity. I have to admit that they often get on my nerves. Just let me alone, and let me be depressed!

Grateful for a test?

Thu, 3 Nov 2005 07:12:20 EST

Have you ever wondered why God lets hard times fall upon his people? Or why God lets Christians face persecution for following Him?

We can plan, but our power is limited

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 03:35:47 EST

Who's in charge?

Overcoming grief with faith

Tue, 18 Oct 2005 12:09:49 EST

"My sight is blurred because of my tears. My body and soul are withering away."

Free family counseling from God

Fri, 7 Oct 2005 11:09:02 EST

Ever wonder why marriage doesn't come with an owner's manual, or why they don't teach parenting in school? Thankfully, the Bible offers advice for marriages, parent-child relationships and workplace ethics that is refreshingly concise. Even better? It works. 

Opportunity knocks, for now

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 11:23:18 EST

Do you realize that your little choices matter? ... That the opportunities you face daily are important? ... That you play a part in a much bigger drama, one that God is unfolding all around us? "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil," concludes Paul, the author of Ephesians.

Really great expectations

Thu, 22 Sep 2005 08:53:33 EST

Ephesians 4 begins with the Apostle Paul posing a challenge, "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." A cursory glance over the previous three chapters shows us precisely what type of calling we're talking about here: being a part of God's family, conducting our lives for his eternal honor, taking our special place in history seriously, experiencing the love of God personally, fulfilling his vast plan for the universe, and more.

The not-so-mysterious mystery

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 09:32:34 EST

It's inevitable. If you do an overnighter with a youth group, someone is bound to ask if they can play a round of capture-the-flag. And it's fun, I will have to admit. Not only does your team have to cross into enemy territory while avoiding capture, they must locate the flag in the blackness of night.

What's so amazing about Amazing Grace?

Fri, 9 Sep 2005 11:39:10 EST

I was walking through Wal-Mart last week and noticed a familiar tune playing in the store: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me ... "

Is your future in the stars?

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 03:48:43 EST

Until the day I met Vishal Mangalwadi, a religious scholar from India, my contact with astrology was limited to an occasional glance at horoscopes or a brief reading of the placemats at the Chinese buffet.

Sitting on a gold mine

Tue, 16 Aug 2005 02:48:50 EST

Imagine owning a gold mine and never retrieving the riches.

What makes you angry?

Tue, 9 Aug 2005 02:23:53 EST

Living an impressive life

Thu, 4 Aug 2005 10:44:19 EST

Stephen Cooke of Roswell, Ga., was surprised to learn that he won the lottery - twice in the same game. Due to a mix up on his tickets, he held two of three winning tickets and took home $26.6 million as a reward.

Why set laws can't work

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:03:59 EST

Isaac Asimov gave us the "Three Laws of Robotics," laws that should be built into any future generation of computer-robots that sport artificial intelligence.

So, you'd like to make a difference?

Thu, 21 Jul 2005 10:40:32 EST

Two people have told me over the past couple of weeks that they're interested in serving God.

Your attitude determines your altitude

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 11:42:42 EST

She emanates a sour spirit. With deadened eyes, an always-angry look, and a crabby tone of voice, she's got the ability to make jackpot winners feel poor and weddings seem like funerals.

Was the American Revolution right?

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:35:06 EST

Was it right for the United States to rebel? To declare independence from Britain? Doesn't the Bible say that we should submit to authority, even when we disagree with it?

What would you say if you came face-to-face?

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:35:08 EST

Minding your own business one day, you bump into the president of the United States. What would you say?

Making sense of the Bible

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:33:04 EST

It's not surprising that the Bible is difficult to understand; it's not like other books.

Positive replacement: What's better than sin?

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 05:38:32 EST

For some people it's difficult to imagine life without sin. Somehow they've grown to associate the words "sin" and "fun" as mutually dependent.

Choosing freedom from your addiction

Wed, 8 Jun 2005 04:17:45 EST

What we all wish for, of course, is an easy way out of our addictions. We're hoping that some new principle or method will take away our desire for whatever it is, and voila! ­ No more bondage!

Addictions and the first step toward freedom

Thu, 2 Jun 2005 08:42:59 EST

This is the first of a series of three articles on freedom from addictions.

Will God praise you in the end?

Wed, 25 May 2005 12:24:17 EST

Sounds almost like blasphemy, doesn't it? God praising us?

The power of Pentecost for today

Wed, 25 May 2005 12:24:18 EST

The gathering began quietly: reflective and prayerful.

What about the rest of the world?

Tue, 17 May 2005 06:15:40 EST

Imagine you've just discovered the cure for cancer. You know that in your local hospital, there are about 200 cancer patients, so you sacrificially throw everything you have into distributing the cure, right?

Which character are you?

Thu, 5 May 2005 08:22:30 EST

The Pharisees, a super-holy religious sect during the time of Jesus, were considered the epitome of purity.

The helpless object versus the living God

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 09:08:09 EST

I'm too sophisticated for that!" you might reply to the second of the Ten Commandments ­ "Do not worship idols."

Exploring matters of life and death

Wed, 20 Apr 2005 10:27:50 EST

Ethics are a matter of life and death. At least, that's what I've gathered from recent court decisions.

Serving the God who is real

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 10:27:21 EST

I remember it like it was yesterday. My always-angry, drug-addicted, rarely-home, anti-Christian dad gathered us together in the family room one warm September afternoon.

Making investments that last

Wed, 6 Apr 2005 02:51:16 EST

The story is told of a man who had such a fabulous harvest that he couldn't find room for all the increase. He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. His goal was simple: Accumulate enough so that he could kick back, eat, drink and be merry.

Resurrection power for you

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 07:47:23 EST

Easter weekend shouldn't be the only time we consider the resurrection of Christ.

Success is in the systems

Thu, 24 Mar 2005 09:09:06 EST

While enjoying a stay at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Washington, D.C., my attention was drawn to a book in the bedside table, next to the usual Gideon's Bible.

What is God like?

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 09:45:33 EST

Even the premise of the question shows our inability to fully grasp how big, creative, powerful and infinite God is.

Don't leave ministry to the experts

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 08:48:06 EST

Imagine this scene: a desert wanderer standing in a river with hundreds of soldiers, government workers, religious people, fishermen, carpenters and farmers lined up to meet with him.

Three rules for kids (and grown-ups too)

Thu, 3 Mar 2005 09:03:40 EST

I know children fairly well. In addition to having been one myself and growing up with a few others, I've had the privilege of working with kids in churches all across America, most recently at First Baptist Learning Center on Marco Island.

The dreaded, the feared 'C' word

Thu, 24 Feb 2005 08:52:57 EST

Scary. Unnecessary. New-fangled. Disrespectful. Unwanted.

The biggest celebration in history

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 08:35:04 EST

I'd never experienced anything quite like it. People were everywhere: crowding the streets by the thousands, lining buildings and balconies, filling and milling as far as the eye could see. They had come, not because they knew anyone personally, but simply to be a witness.

Does God exist?

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 10:32:11 EST

For the past three weeks, I've been attempting to answer some of the most basic questions people have about faith - how to read the Bible, how to pray, and where the Bible came from. (If you missed these, they're available at www.marcoislandflorida.com. Click on The Faith Connection link on the left.)

Is there a 'right' way to pray?

Thu, 3 Feb 2005 08:02:28 EST

From elaborate intercession to bedtime requests, prayer comes in many styles. Some pray with eyes tightly shut (no peeking!) while others open their eyes toward the heavens. Some solemnly fold their hands, while others excitedly raise their hands in celebration.

Bible Reading - Part II Where did the Bible come from?

Wed, 26 Jan 2005 07:08:51 EST

Last month, as I was enjoying a Crazy Flamingo cheeseburger with a friend, he posed a question about the Bible that most of us have pondered at one time or another: "Where did the Bible come from?"

How do I read the Bible?

Thu, 20 Jan 2005 08:35:50 EST

Have you ever been in a classroom setting when the teacher asks, "Does anyone have any questions?" An eerie silence ensues, as everyone thinks, "I actually do wonder about such-and-such, but I'll sound stupid if I ask about something that simple."

Beyond resolutions: Your priorities for the new year

Thu, 6 Jan 2005 07:13:33 EST

Who do you want to be 12 months from now? I'm not asking what resolutions you plan to make, how much weight you'd love to lose or the number of books you want to read. I'm asking about your priorities - the areas of life you deem to be most important.

Christmas: The greatest rescue mission

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Did you know that the first Christmas was a rescue mission?

The greatest gift you can give

Wed, 22 Dec 2004 05:01:34 EST

During the Scott Peterson sentencing, reporters did an expose on San Quentin, the infamous prison in California where the convicted murderer may reside until his death. The prison, thought to be one of the worst in America, contains five stories of steel cages, fenced cement courtyards and cells the size of small bathrooms. Certainly, this is not a place anyone would choose to live.

Keeping love alive in your marriage

Thu, 16 Dec 2004 08:27:15 EST

Jesus encountered a group of religious teachers who wanted to justify divorce, and Jesus was quick to respond: "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6, NIV)

How to know: Four tests of faith

Thu, 9 Dec 2004 07:56:11 EST

Some of us have doubts about facts in the Bible. We're looking for proof regarding creation, the resurrection, or some other miraculous event. However, I find that even more people have doubts about the reality of their faith. It's not the theories or stories they have trouble with, it's questions like: "Am I really a Christian?" "Can I really be sure I'd go to Heaven if I died today?" "Sometimes I don't feel close to God, what does that mean?" "Do I really believe?"

Ten great reasons to thank God

Wed, 1 Dec 2004 11:50:31 EST

Thanksgiving season is meant to remind us that the good things we enjoy aren't just a result of our own hard work. They're made possible by God. So, I've put together a list of the "expected" Thanksgiving topics and a few outside the usual box:

Is it time for a new frontier?

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 11:58:06 EST

The meaning of the word "frontier" inspires me: the edge of the unknown, the area just beyond settled territory, a place crying out to be explored.

Steering clear of the slippery slope

Thu, 18 Nov 2004 08:10:54 EST

One thing I appreciate about the Bible is that it doesn't mince words. It gives us great promises of life and joy, and it also warns us of terrible curses and evil tendencies. Romans 1 is one of those "negative" chapters that serves as a warning to every culture, including our own. In it, the apostle Paul explains steps that some cultures take on a "slippery slope" to spiritual darkness. The first? A lack of gratefulness to God.

What's your source of refreshment?

Tue, 9 Nov 2004 04:18:24 EST

Refreshment. It's hard to beat an icy glass of water on a warm afternoon or a dip in a soothing pool of crystal clear water after a sweaty jog around the block.

Honesty is the only policy

Wed, 3 Nov 2004 11:21:06 EST

"Creative" discipline was mom's solution to my first-grade lying epidemic. I'd tested out a few whoppers (with modest success), but it wasn't long before she caught on and swung into action.

Nothing I believe matters?

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 04:00:15 EST

"Without love, nothing I do, say, believe, or accomplish matters," said Rick Warren, a pastor known for his bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life.

Agreement vs. Allegiance - who is really a Christian?

Wed, 20 Oct 2004 02:35:46 EST

"How can you explain the fact that Christianity is responsible for the Inquisition, the Crusades, and all sorts of other wars and atrocities?" asked the college humanities professor.

Faith at the polls: What does God say?

Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:56:39 EST

Now that political debate season is in high-gear, and talk of swing states and ballots fill the airwaves, it seems only appropriate for this column to ask, "Is there a faith connection? Does the Bible have any principles to help us select leaders for our city, state and national government?" There is, and it does.

Spiritual sailboating - How to catch the wind

Tue, 5 Oct 2004 05:42:06 EST

Sailboats, though ancient and simple, are a great example of spirituality. In their own power, they can't do anything, but when the sails are raised, they can harness the power of the wind.

The Lord's Prayer is dangerous

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 04:43:00 EST

"Our Father, which art in heaven . . .." It is common for Christians to recite the famous model prayer offered by Jesus in churches of all denominations. But there's one phrase in the prayer that scares me a little - a phrase that you might want to think twice about before praying to God.

Overcoming worry in a worry-filled world

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 08:53:41 EST

Worry is easy to come by these days. On TV they have to break into their regularly scheduled hurricane coverage to let us know about the latest terrorist dangers here and abroad ­ then back to another satellite picture of a swirling mass poised to flood our streets and blow over our homes. Who wouldn't be worried?

What does your creator want for you?

Wed, 15 Sep 2004 02:31:13 EST

"Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" says the writer of Ecclesiastes, a Biblical book with some not-so-encouraging conclusions about human life. The author contends that nothing "under the sun" has lasting meaning, and that to find our purpose, we must look beyond this world.

Back to spiritual school time?

Wed, 8 Sep 2004 01:40:32 EST

Now that the kids are back in the groove of their fall school schedule, and another beautiful Marco summer has passed, perhaps it's time to consider going back to school ourselves ­ not in yellow buses of course ­ but to the life-long school that never loses its relevance or importance.

More hurricane help is needed

Thu, 2 Sep 2004 07:20:45 EST

If you're like me, you've grown weary of round-the-clock reminders of Charley's wrath. Presidential visits, local shelter information and donation drop-off points ­ it starts to run together, and you just want to move on. That's how I felt until I visited Punta Gorda last week.

Why does God allow hurricanes?

Wed, 25 Aug 2004 03:49:46 EST

loyd, Andrew, Charley ­ names synonymous with destruction, damage, and death. Watching the footage of destroyed homes, tear-filled faces and worried family members makes me look up and ask, "Why, God, would you allow a hurricane?"

Living a gold medal life

Thu, 19 Aug 2004 03:01:05 EST

Athletes from around the world converging on the ancient city of Athens; flags of nations paraded through stadiums, courts, and fields; millions from across the world tuning in to catch glimpse of glory; the whole production is really quite spectacular. It represents a unique moment in the world's affairs, a time when nations come together in a spirit of good will and spirited competition.

Join together in 'secret service'

Thu, 12 Aug 2004 07:55:15 EST

Remember Ted Turner's billion dollar donation? Or seeing presidential candidates serving in soup kitchens or hammering house frames for the poor?

Property values and divine appreciation

Wed, 4 Aug 2004 03:20:45 EST

Something we are all familiar with on Marco Island is appreciation. In the last year, property values in our community have rocketed sky-high, and there's no end in sight. One friend of mine saw his home's value increase almost $100,000 in five months. Others tell similar stories; even the smallest lots are generating huge profits

Plastic smiles and new beginnings

Thu, 12 Aug 2004 09:22:16 EST

If I'm not happy, do I still have to smile at church? Sometimes it's a little eerie, looking at a crowd of people ­ each with struggles, sorrows, and stresses ­ all smiling and shaking hands, exchanging "how-are-you-I'm-fine" glances without a care in the world.

Living for God's renown

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Shaun Groves is easy to like. He's one of those people that makes you feel comfortable, challenges you to a higher standard and genuinely looks you in the eye with loving concern and friendly interest.

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