Theology &amp; Bible

Doctrinal Issues & Debates Theology & Bible

The Meaning of the Cross

By H. Lynn Gardner The death of Christ on a cross stands at the center of human history. James Stalker describes its significance: The spot to which we have come is the center of all things. Here two eternities meet. The streams of ancient history converge here, and here the river of modern history takes its rise. The eyes of the patriarchs and prophets strained forward to Calvary, and now the eyes of all generations and of all races look back to it. This is the end of all roads. The seeker after truth, who has explored the realms of

September 2, 2007

H. Lynn Gardner

Theology & Bible Salvation

Benefits Brought by the Death of Jesus

A concise sidebar defining key benefits brought by the death of Jesus—atonement, justification, reconciliation, redemption, propitiation, new life, and victory over the devil and death—as explained by H. Lynn Gardner.

June 10, 2007

Do What? Bounded Freedom at the Table

Details for “The Lord’s Supper: A Memory and More,” a downloadable CHRISTIAN STANDARD resource on Communion, plus a brief sample excerpt reflecting on “Do this in remembrance of me” and what the church is meant to continue doing.

June 10, 2007

Communion: Weekly or Weakly?

An introduction to the Lord’s Supper as the historic centerpiece of Christian corporate worship, plus an excerpt exploring how Communion’s place in worship services shifted over time.

June 10, 2007

Lee Magness

Ponder the Sacrifice of Christ

Three Communion meditations from Lee Magness introduce two new books—In the Breaking of the Bread and The Longest Table—offering Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers that invite worshipers to the shared table of Christ.

June 6, 2007

Mark A. Taylor

The Lodge and the Lord”s Supper

A pastor recalls attending a local lodge ceremony that felt meaningless, then recognizes the same sober seriousness in his church’s worship—prompting a searching question about what Communion truly means.

June 3, 2007

Paul E. Boatman

What the Bible Says About the Body

Scripture calls for stewardship of the body without idolizing it. Paul E. Boatman explores Jesus’ teaching on accountability, Paul’s call to discipline, and the rich analogies of the Holy Spirit’s temple and Christ’s body.

May 13, 2007

Robert Lowery

Theology & Bible Salvation

Idolatry and Greed: Exposing the Health and Wealth Gospel

Robert Lowery explains why the prosperity gospel distorts Scripture, burdens the suffering, and reshapes Christ in the image of materialism—calling the church to renounce it.

April 8, 2007

Mark Atteberry

What”s the Debate About?

Is belief alone enough—and is a memorized sinner’s prayer the biblical pattern? Mark Atteberry points to five responses repeatedly seen in Scripture when people accepted Christ, including repentance, confession, baptism, and perseverance.

April 4, 2007

Salvation Theology & Bible

Why We Celebrate

By Mark A. Taylor Skeptics and scholars advance arguments and theories about the death and burial of Jesus, but their musings do not shake us. Today Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ for two reasons. First are the logical and historical evidences: “¢ Confused and afraid disciples became bold proclaimers of Christ”s resurrection after they saw it was true. Their testimony never wavered, even when it cost them their lives. Even if one man might have died for a lie or a fantasy, no one can explain why so many would have done so. “¢ The New Testament is filled

March 18, 2007

Jack Cottrell

Calvinism and the Bible (Part 4)

An excerpt from a four-part series responding to Calvinism’s TULIP system, beginning a point-by-point reply to unconditional election and clarifying how biblical predestination differs from Calvinist claims.

March 18, 2007

Doctrinal Issues & Debates Theology & Bible

How Much Does God Really Know? (Part 2)

Editor”s note: Last week”s article introduced the “openness of God” (open theism) debate by listing difficult questions about God and time that have faced sincere believers throughout history. The author also offered a long list of Scriptures that seem to support the openness idea. He concludes this week with a parallel Scripture list that seems to refute this doctrine and then offers suggestions for reconciling the paradox. Â Â By Knofel Staton Those who advocate open theism say God does not know what will happen in the future because there is nothing yet to know. The future is open not

March 11, 2007

Jack Cottrell

Calvinism and the Bible (Part 3)

A sample from “Considering Calvinism” introduces TULIP and explains the “T” of total depravity, including the “bondage of the will,” total inability, and why the system argues regeneration must precede faith.

March 11, 2007

Knofel Staton

How Much Does God Really Know? (Part 1)

Does God know everything in advance? This article frames key questions about foreknowledge, prayer, and freedom, introduces open theism, and surveys biblical texts often cited in support of an “open future.”

March 4, 2007

Calvinism and the Bible (Part 2)

An excerpt from “Considering Calvinism” argues that consistent Calvinism leads to hard determinism, critiques compatibilist “freedom,” and challenges “second causes” and “efficacious permission” as explanations for human sin.

February 25, 2007

Calvinism and the Bible: Origins

Jack Cottrell examines the essence and errors of Calvinism in a 10-page downloadable resource originally published as a four-part CHRISTIAN STANDARD series, including studies on sovereignty, free will, and a response to the T-U-L-I-P doctrines.

February 25, 2007

Calvinism and the Bible: A Bibliography

A downloadable 10-page resource by Jack Cottrell from CHRISTIAN STANDARD examining the essence and errors of Calvinism, including sovereignty and free will, the T-U-L-I-P doctrines, Calvinism’s history, and a bibliography on Calvinism and Arminianism.

February 25, 2007

By Staff

Should We Care About Calvinism?

As Calvinism gains renewed attention, three Christian church leaders discuss free will and God’s sovereignty, the influence of Calvinist writers, and concerns about methodology, sacraments, and evangelical identity.

February 25, 2007

Jack Cottrell

Calvinism and the Bible (Part 1)

A downloadable resource by Jack Cottrell examines Calvinism’s view of God’s sovereignty and free will, responds to the TULIP doctrines, and includes historical context and a bibliography for further study.

February 21, 2007

Mark A. Taylor