Many evening news programs begin with an announcement of “breaking news”; typically it’s a story that has just recently occurred or come to light and thus deserves being covered first in the telecast. Ironically, that story often is about people or things that have been “broken.” Individuals have been injured or killed by gunfire or a serious accident, a fire has destroyed a house or business, or a hurricane or tornado has caused extensive damage.
Modern cities seem especially vulnerable to brokenness. Many are beset with a host of problems, including frequent crime, struggling businesses, and a crumbling infrastructure. David’s words in Psalm 55 sound as if he had just watched the nightly news: “I see violence and strife in the city. . . . Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets” (vv. 9, 11).
Sometimes it may seem that the church is “broken,” that it has its own issues with questionable or sometimes illegal conduct that hinders its effectiveness in fulfilling Jesus’ mission. It’s true the church is not and never has been perfect; even in the first century, serious moral problems had to be addressed (as in Corinth, for example). But those matters should not be allowed to impact the church’s “breaking news”: Jesus has come to “break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Communion uses broken bread (1 Corinthians 10:16) and “broken” grapes (the fruit of the vine) in remembering the impact this breaking news has had on our lives. Ironically, we ourselves must become broken, for it is only when we realize and acknowledge our brokenness due to sin that we are genuinely prepared to receive God’s grace and be restored to wholeness. Even David, living nearly a millennium before the time of Jesus, understood this truth when he wrote in his psalm of repentance, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
Unlike the breaking news on television that often announces something tragic, our breaking news is still “good news that will cause great joy” (Luke 2:10).
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come.
Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .
By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .
Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.
I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.
In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.
Mark A. Taylor shares memories of his colleague, teacher, and friend, Sam E. Stone. Sam, who was Christian Standard’s longest-serving editor, died on Monday.
Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.
Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.
In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.
If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.
When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.
When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.
As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we’re reminded that the same Jesus who met fishermen by the sea, who called tax collectors and sinners to follow him, is meeting students in lecture halls and late-night study sessions today.
What kind of spiritual fruit delights God’s heart and reveals his character to the world? Here’s the answer: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
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