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The Blessing Christian Standard, December 2017

The Blessing | Christian Standard, December 2017

December 1, 2017

Publication Date

The December 2017 Christian Standard issue explores The Blessing through stories of family faith, spiritual legacy, parenting, and Christ-centered relationships.

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The Blessing | Christian Standard, December 2017

The December 2017 issue of Christian Standard centers on The Blessing and explores how faith, character, and spiritual legacy are passed from one generation to the next. Built around the visible cover theme, this issue features three sons of the Restoration Movement reflecting on how “The Blessing” was handed down from father to son. Through those personal stories, the issue highlights the lasting influence of parents, grandparents, and faithful Christian homes in shaping ministry, identity, and devotion to Christ.

That family emphasis continues throughout the issue with articles on blessing children and grandchildren, life lessons learned from a grandfather, and the pain that can remain when a father’s blessing was never fully received. These pieces give the issue both warmth and honesty, showing that family legacy can be a source of gratitude, healing, sorrow, and hope. The issue also includes seasonal reflection through an article on whether Christmas is miracle or fairy tale, along with a Communion meditation on incarnation and resurrection.

Beyond the family theme, readers will also find practical ministry content on women in church planting, elder leadership, missions, creativity, and year-end reflection. Even so, the strongest thread running through the issue is clear: God often works through ordinary homes, faithful parents, and Christ-centered relationships to shape lives for his kingdom.

For readers interested in The Blessing, spiritual legacy, parenting, and family faith, this December 2017 Christian Standard issue offers a thoughtful and deeply personal resource rooted in the life of the church and the hope of the gospel.

Display Date:

December 2017

Volume:

CLII

Issue Number:

12

Publication Location:

Parker, CO

Issue Year:

2017

Table of Contents (if available):

2-3 | Letter from the Publisher
Jerry Harris

6-7 | Letter from the Editor
Michael C. Mack

8-10 | Movement
Maximizing the Role of Women in Church Planting
David Dummitt

11-13 | Metrics
Parting Thoughts for the End of the Year
Kent Fillinger

14-15 | Creative
Dropping the Act
Chuck Dennie

16-18 | e2: Effective Elders
Don’t Drop the Baton
Gary Johnson

20-21 | Imagine
Lighting Up the Valley
Mel McGowan

22-23 | Horizons
Sew to Sow
Emily Drayne

26-40 | Feature
The Blessing
Three sons of the Restoration Movement talk about “The Blessing”

28 | Dave Stone

32 | Kyle Idleman

36 | Rusty Russell

42 | Life Lessons Learned from My Grandfather
Matt Merold

47 | I Showed Up
Joe Harvey

52 | Blessing Our Children & Grandchildren
Don & Sue Wilson

54 | Stand: When You Did Not Receive Your Father’s Blessing
Michael C. Mack

58 | Christmas: Miracle or Fairy Tale?
Bob Russell

62 | The Night Before Christmas
Kelly Carr

66-69 | Headlines

70-71 | Interact

72 | Communion Meditation
Incarnation and Resurrection
Teresa D. Welch

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