Theology & Bible

Theology & Bible helps Christians understand Scripture and the core teachings of the Christian faith. Explore Bible-based articles on biblical interpretation, doctrine, salvation, the Holy Spirit, baptism, communion, creation, and key themes across the Old and New Testaments. You’ll find thoughtful guidance for studying the Bible faithfully, applying God’s Word to life and ministry, and growing in theological clarity rooted in the gospel. Whether you’re a church leader, teacher, student, or everyday disciple, this hub equips you to know God through Scripture and live with conviction and hope.

August 30, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Sept. 5, 2010: God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 5) is written by Earl Winfrey, senior minister with Calvary Christian Church in Paris, Kentucky. God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15) By Earl Winfrey Moses and the burning bush is a popular event that has been acted out many times over the years. From Vacation Bible School to the movie screen, the burning bush is included in nearly every depiction of the Exodus. Why is that scene so important? It is when Moses receives the call from God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event happened thousands of years ago, so what

August 23, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for August 29, 2010: Upheld by God (Acts 28:16-25, 28-31)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 29) is written by Jonathan Feathers who serves as senior minister with West Waynesboro Church of Christ in Waynesboro, Virginia. Upheld by God (Acts 28:16-25, 28-31) By Jonathan Feathers (Note: The italicized words in this lesson may be used as discussion questions.) Several years ago, I traveled to Mexico on a short-term mission trip. I had no idea what to expect when I got there. I found myself living in a foreign country where I was unable to read or speak the language, or understand the culture, but I knew I would be there for about

August 16, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 22, 2010: Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 22) is written by Thomas May who serves as discipleship minister with Eastside Christian Church, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14) By Thomas May I recently moved into an office in a just-completed wing of the church building. If you visit, you will find two walls lined with scads of books collected over years of ministry and education. My desk is situated in the midst of the shelves so that when I prepare lessons and sermons, many of the books literally are at my fingertips. But in the

August 11, 2010

Christian Standard

Remember Your Baptism, Teach About Baptism

By Mark A. Taylor More than a year ago, Bruce Shields encouraged readers, “Remember Your Baptism” (March 1, 2009). His wonderful essay sheds light on our discussion of children and baptism published last week and finished in this issue. A few lines from the conclusion of his piece:   When life seems to be too hard for you to remain true to what you know is right, remember your baptism. When friends urge you to loosen up and go the way of the world, remember your baptism. When memories of guilt assail you in the night, remember your baptism. When the

August 11, 2010

Christian Standard

Children and Baptism: In Search of a New Model (Part 2)

By Teresa D. Welch (Click here to read Part 1) I was in the church office when I received a somewhat frantic phone call from the parents of a 6-year-old. Anna had returned from attending Vacation Bible School with her neighbor and announced to her parents that she had “prayed Jesus into her heart.” Her parents knew this was not the practice of our church and were concerned that this indicated Anna was now accountable and needed to be baptized immediately. After discussing the situation, the parents realized their young daughter had not acted on her own volition. Instead, Anna had

August 9, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 15) is written by Rick D. Walston, vice president of academics and professor of Christian ministries at Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota. Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4-16) By Rick D. Walston What motivates you? What goals are you pursuing? Gordon MacDonald tells about pursuing a doctorate in history at the University of Northern Colorado. He was in a seminar with a dozen other graduate students discussing the economic impact of changes in tobacco prices in 17th-century Virginia. The students offered their opinions, raised their voices, and gestured forcefully, evidencing true passion. MacDonald reports, “When I left the

August 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Safe, to Lost, to Saved? (A Response)

This article is a response to John Mark Hicks’s “Safe, to Lost, to Saved?” __________ By Jeff Faull John Mark Hicks”s thought-provoking article in this week”s “Reflections” column leads me to sympathize with him about the ambiguity that appears to exist in regard to the process of our children coming to Christ and the timing of their baptisms. His line of reasoning questions our historically accepted assertions about the entrance of children into the kingdom of God. He questions “the theological underpinnings of the notion that our children move from safe to lost to saved (once baptized).” I respect and admire brother Hicks,

August 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Safe, to Lost, to Saved?

Read Jeff Faull’s response to this article _______________ By John Mark Hicks What is the relationship of our children to the kingdom of God? Within the Restoration Movement we have historically held that children are safe (without sin) until they reach the “age of accountability,” at which time they own their sin and become sinners (guilty). At that point, as I generally understand the theology, children are not only unsafe but also outside the grace of God. They do not belong to the kingdom. Consequently, children (ranging from ages 9-13 generally) are instructed about baptism, their sin, and their need

August 1, 2010

Christian Standard

Time for a Name Change?

By Jeff Faull Have you ever thought much about the name we have been given as followers of Jesus? Christians. We wear a name that signifies our devotion to our Lord and Savior. Scripture reveals believers were first called Christians at Antioch. But there”s talk on the street these days about a name change for Christians, And at first glance, I can understand why. CHRISTIANS? Let me introduce you to Fred Phelps and his congregation. He and his tiny group of followers journey across the country and spew a message of hatred. His latest stunt is to show up at

April 4, 2010

George Ross

When God Prompts

When God Prompts

When God Prompts His People Ahead of Need After Northside Christian Church raised money for clean water in Haiti, the devastating January earthquake revealed how timely that effort had been. George Ross reflects on the prompting of God’s Spirit and the comfort of knowing God sees needs before they are spoken. Northside Christian Church’s One Less Gift effort raised more than $62,000 for clean water in Haiti. The church’s chosen mission was already connected to Haiti before the earthquake struck. Ross points to Scripture to show how God often prepares his people ahead of future needs. By George Ross As

Help Keep Christian Standard Free & Accessible with a Tax Deductible Donation

We can do more together!

Every gift makes a difference!

No, thank you.
100% secure transactions - receipts provided.
Does Your Church Want to Support Christian Standard?

Would your church consider including support for Christian Standard in its annual missions budget? Your support would help us not only continue the 160-year legacy of this unifying ministry, but also expand the free resources, cooperative opportunities, and practical guidance we provide to strengthen churches in the U.S. and around the world.

We can do more together!

Every gift makes a difference!

No, thank you.
100% secure transactions - receipts provided.
Secret Link