A Peek at the Devil’s Playbook
We know the devil’s gameplan. Scripture gives us the inside scoop about several tools in Satan’s toolbox—schemes he employs in his efforts to thwart God’s purposes.
Doctrinal Issues & Debates
Doctrinal Issues & Debates gathers Christian Standard articles that explore key theological questions and areas of disagreement within the Christian faith—especially as they affect church teaching, unity, and practice. Here you’ll find biblical analysis of contested doctrines, thoughtful engagement with differing viewpoints, and guidance for handling theological controversy with conviction, humility, and charity. These articles aim to help readers pursue truth faithfully, interpret Scripture responsibly, and navigate doctrinal differences in ways that honor Christ and build up the church.
The Art of (Spiritual) Warfare
From the moment he set himself up against God and was cast out of heaven, the devil has been hard at work, relentlessly attempting to disrupt and impede the plan of God.
A Christian Response to the Occult
If one is coming into contact with the spiritual realm apart from God, they are interacting with the only other spiritual reality that exists, that of Satan and his demons—the world of the occult.
Satan’s Work Today
Satan and his demons are real, active, powerful, and dangerous; but they are no match for our divine and almighty Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
A Story of Deliverance: An Interview with Brian “Head” Welch by Tim Harlow
An interviewed Brian “Head” Welch, guitarist and founding member of the nu metal band Korn. Welch’s story is a testimony to God’s mercy and grace, leading him from Satan’s darkness into God’s light.
Spiritual Warfare: Winning the Fight When You Can’t See the Enemy
We have a battle to fight, but we can gain the victory if we find our strength in the Lord, if we know who the real enemy is, if we get dressed with God’s armor, and if we pray like crazy.
December 2, 2024
Modern Israel and the Church: An Interview With Dr. Jon Weatherly (Part 2)
Does the Bible say we must always support Israel? How does the modern nation of Israel relate to the church?
November 26, 2024
Modern Israel and the Church: An Interview With Dr. Jon Weatherly (Part 1)
Does the Bible say we must always support Israel? How does the modern nation of Israel relate to the church?
October 31, 2024
The Wonder of the Incarnation
The holidays are marked by family reunions, sparkling displays, presents under the tree, and precious childhood memories. For the Christian, however, it is also a time to reflect upon the greatest gift ever given to man, namely God’s gift of his Son to mankind.
My Response: Inerrancy Is a Hill to Defend to the End
By Jerry Harris, Publisher Christian Standard enjoys receiving feedback from our readers. Some of the best comments and letters are printed in our “Interact” section at the back of the magazine. I have personally received both positive and negative comments on articles I’ve written; up to this point, I have never responded, because I believe those viewpoints are also instructive. But when I received this letter from Dr. David Kiger, the librarian at Milligan University, about a phrase I used in a recent column, I knew it was essential I respond. Here is his unedited letter: _ _ _ – LETTER
March 1, 2023
The Resurrection and the Afterlife: What Do We Believe?
By Kent E. Fillinger In Bible college, I encountered this simple but powerful two-question outline to discuss the resurrection of Jesus: What proves the resurrection? And what does the resurrection prove? I don’t have the space to unpack the answers to these questions, but I do want to explore what people believe about the resurrection of Jesus to help you consider the array of beliefs you might encounter in your church (and with your family) this Easter. I also want to examine current beliefs regarding the afterlife—heaven, hell, and reincarnation. Views on the Resurrection The 2020 Lifeway Research State of
July 1, 2021
Women’s Roles in the Church
What ARE the roles of women in the church . . . and what ARE NOT their roles?
March 1, 2021
What Is Truth?
We’re all familiar with Pilate’s question of Jesus, “What is truth?” He was responding to Jesus’ statement, “For this purpose I have been born . . . to testify to the truth” (John 18:37-38). In context, I believe Pilate was mostly being sarcastic, though with a shred of genuine curiosity. Pilate was raised in a pagan society that worshiped Caesar as God during a time of many opposing philosophies. In that day, people did not recognize absolute truth. In other words, it was in many regards much like today, a day when the notion of truth has become controversial. A
March 1, 2021
God Does Not Change
Trying to understand God is like swimming underwater to the deepest part of the ocean and back to the surface with one deep breath. “It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity,” said Charles Spurgeon in The Immutability of God. “[It’s] so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it.” When talking about and studying God, I have found one of his characteristics more comforting than all of the others: God does not change. We call this attribute immutability. This means
October 29, 2020
An Examination of Miracles
Early in his ministry career—before his long years of service as senior editor with Standard Publishing (1981 to 2014)—Jon Underwood had a brief stint as director of publications with Christ In Youth. It was during that time that he wrote this concise examination of miracles. _ _ _ IT’S A MIRACLE! By Jon UnderwoodOct. 26, 1980; p. 9 “It’s a miracle!” So easily we say it—and often so carelessly. In our quest for restoring New Testament Christianity and calling Bible things by Bible names, this word “miracle” deserves careful attention. What is a miracle? In Scripture there are three ideas
May 17, 2020
10 Foundation Stones of the Church—No. 2: Authority
By Jerry Harris A 2019 Pew Research Center study reveals that Americans’ attitudes about institutional authority are dropping like a rock. People are losing their trust in government, elected officials, education, journalism, health care, business, law enforcement, science, the military, and yes, religion. The younger we are, the less trust in institutions we have. This lack of trust bleeds down into its most basic form . . . trust in each other. Interestingly, most everyone knows this needs to be reversed and believes it can be reversed—they just don’t know how. The thing is, authority is essential for anything to
March 15, 2020
The Role of Women from the Resurrection to Today
By Kent E. Fillinger The greatest and most important event in the history of the world—Jesus’ resurrection—was announced first to a small group of women who had loved and followed Jesus. These women then communicated the news to the rest of Jesus’ disciples. In subsequent years, as the young church grew, women like Lydia, Phoebe, and Priscilla played notable roles. Fast-forward to today. Where do we find women serving in the church? The short answer is—it depends on the church! Our 2018 annual church survey sought to determine how women are serving in ministry leadership today. Please note: My intent
November 26, 2019
When the Unlimited Takes on Limitations
By L. Mackenzie Consider an Olympic triathlete becoming a paraplegic or the world’s greatest scientist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. What is more tragic than someone with so much potential suddenly becoming limited or cut off from what they were created to be? They suffer, and the world suffers with them. When something great becomes severely limited by earthly circumstances—this is tragedy. What of Jesus? He who was infinite, outside of time and space, over and above all, knowing and in control of every aspect of the universe, was born an infant child. How can the infinite take on a limited form?
July 22, 2019
Eisegesis for Everyone
From After Class Podcast Do you struggle to apply the Bible to your life? Does the Bible sometimes feel old and outdated? This new resource might be just what you need to jump-start your faith. Sonbeam Publishing is proud to bring you Eisegesis for Everyone. This empowering book employs the familiar technique of eisegesis so you can read your own brilliant insights into the Bible. Free from the shackles of original context, anyone can see any passage talking about—well—anything. No Bible training, no cultural background, and no historical awareness required. Now you can find your ideas all over the pages
June 22, 2019
Up Against the Wall
From After Class Podcast Renovations to First Messianic Church’s building are underway. It was only a matter of time until the faithful followers at FMC took the Restoration plea to a whole new level by seeking to restore the ancient order of the Old Testament, as well. Since Jesus wouldn’t leave out a jot or tittle, neither would they. It began one Saturday afternoon while these retro-Israelites were studying 1 Samuel 25 in their KJV-Hebrew Interlinear Bibles. As the story goes, future King David fumed after being snubbed by Nabal. David vowed to avenge himself against every member of Nabal’s
