ACTING AND THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
Eric Schansberg reflects on acting, identity, hypocrisy, and spiritual disciplines, considering when “pretending” deforms the soul—and when practice helps form Christlike character.
Discipleship & Spiritual Formation
Discipleship & Spiritual Formation focuses on becoming more like Jesus through lifelong growth in faith, character, and obedience. Explore Bible-based articles on following Christ, spiritual disciplines, prayer, Scripture reading, community, and the habits that shape a mature disciple. You’ll find practical guidance for mentoring, accountability, repentance, perseverance, and cultivating a gospel-centered life in every season. Whether you’re learning the basics of discipleship or helping others grow, these resources equip you to form disciples who love God, love people, and live on mission.
March 13, 2026
Jesus, Our Friend: A Study of John 15:9-17
Rob O’Lynn helps readers “set the table” for John 15:9-17 by attending to context, structure, and translation choices. In the Passion Narrative, Jesus defines friendship through abiding, sacrificial love, and mission.
March 13, 2026
Tear Down This Wall
John Teal reflects on walled cities, the Berlin Wall, and the walls dividing relationships today. He shares how friendship, conversation, and “a cup of coffee” became a first step toward Common Grounds Unity and a renewed plea for Christian unity.
January 19, 2026
My One and Only Marathon
David Faust recalls his relay leg in Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon and the lessons it taught him about endurance, teamwork, and finishing well. The Christian life, like a marathon, calls for perseverance with eyes fixed on Jesus.
January 6, 2026
What Will You Leave Behind?
Someday we will lay down our WOMBATs and our treasured accomplishments. What will matter most then? Clinging to Christ and the cross.
December 30, 2025
What’s Next?
For the Christian, a new year means another growth step to take, another goal to set, and more fruit to bear in God’s kingdom.
December 29, 2025
New Year’s Resolutions Every Christian Should Make
From the Christian Standard archives, Dorothy Errett reminds every Christian of New Year's resolutions we all should make to begin the new year.
December 24, 2025
In Its Time
Amy Storms reflects on her daughters' performances in the Nutcracker ballet and how God brings everything about in its right time.
December 18, 2025
The Best Christmas Ever
Dr. Joe Grana recalls the story of a Christmas that changed everything in his life and was the best Christmas ever.
November 24, 2025
Gritty Gratitude
We can’t literally count all our blessings, for there are too many to list. But with childlike awe, why not give it a try?
November 18, 2025
What Should We Make of All the Revival Talk Among the Youth?
Many indicators suggest that there is an encouraging surge of curiosity in the supernatural, spiritual hunger, commitment to Jesus, and church attendance.
November 17, 2025
Don’t Be Lukewarm
This is the last in a series of weekly articles based on Christ’s letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. This week’s church is Laodicea.
November 10, 2025
Through the Open Door
This is the sixth in a series of weekly articles based on Christ’s letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. This week’s church is Philadelphia.
Rest for the Rest of Us
Once you get a true taste of the rhythms of rest, you will long for more. Stopping our relentless schedules creates a break from our culture of consumerism and productivity.
Rhythm of Rest
In Genesis 1, God created more than earth and the expansive universe. He created measured time, and a vital element of measured time is the rhythm of rest.
Sacred Rest: A Biblical Perspective
The Sabbath principle isn’t merely Mosaic legislation, but Edenic design—not just a command delivered at Sinai, but a rhythm woven into creation’s very fabric.
The Slow Club
The Slow Club sounds like a great place to just “be” who we claim to be. And while we might try to schedule sabbaticals or study breaks, the Slow Club is waiting for us every day.
Stillness
The psalmist offered a remedy for the kind of busyness that keeps us from drawing near to our heavenly Father. He wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God."
August 25, 2025
The Fourth ‘R’
Generations of teachers imparted skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, but maybe we should add a fourth "R" for "ripples. Decades after I was in their classrooms, my teachers still exert a ripple effect in my life.
The Slow Work of God: Why Spiritual Growth Takes Time
Spiritual growth is not a checklist—it’s a journey. And journeys take time.
