April 29, 2011

A Visible Reminder

By J. Michael Shannon “Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, “˜Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”” (Matthew 26:27, 28). Sometimes we need a visible reminder of those things we cannot see. A wedding ring can remind us of love and commitment. A flag can be the symbol of liberty and patriotism. A pin can be the symbol of fraternity or fellowship. Since we cannot see the past, we often use symbols to remind us of

March 25, 2011

Christian Standard

Christian Living

He Chose Us

By Trevor Tolley Classes on ethical theory are notorious for presenting students with scenarios calling for difficult decisions. Often these scenarios have no good solutions. No matter what a person might choose to do, someone will die. The especially difficult scenarios pit the choice of saving a family member, such as a son or daughter, at the expense of many others dying, or saving many people at the expense of your own child dying. For example, let”s say a boat capsizes, and your son and his two friends are thrown into the water””your son is in the water to your

February 19, 2011

Christian Standard

Communion & Lord's Supper Theology & Bible

The Time for Cross-Examination

By Charles Gerber Examine is a word often used in court proceedings. Examination can be defined as “putting yourself under evaluation, as with a microscope.” This type of examination is for our own good, like when we visit a doctor. Some examinations are done with great care and precision. The word examine is found only twice in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 11:28 and 2 Corinthians 13:5. The word examine is from the Greek word dokimazo, meaning to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve. Cross-examine is another term used in court proceedings. A witness is cross-examined by

February 12, 2011

Christian Standard

Christian Living

He Demonstrated His Love

By Charles Gerber Speaking in public is one of man”s greatest fears. Research shows some fear it more than death. But what do people fear more, standing before a crowd and speaking, or receiving the audience”s negative reaction? The purpose of a speech is to communicate. There are many types of speeches: informative, persuasive, entertaining, tribute, motivational, acceptance, and farewell. One of my favorite types is the demonstration speech. This speech usually includes some type of action or item. Have you given a demonstration speech? Do you remember the topic? Maybe it was on CPR or shining shoes. If you

February 5, 2011

Christian Standard

Salvation Theology & Bible

The Highest Purchase Price

By Charles Gerber People buy and sell some outrageous items on eBay. I heard about someone who tried to sell an elastic band you put around your head to hold your mobile phone to your ear. (It sounded an awful lot like a rubber band.) No one bid on it. (What a surprise!) However, someone actually did buy a half-eaten taco! Yard sales are places you can find some great bargains, but at auctions you are more likely to pay a premium on your purchase. Perhaps the most expensive sculpture sold at auction was L”Homme qui marche, created by Alberto

December 31, 2010

Christian Standard

Christian Living

Better Than a Party

By Rick Chromey Every New Year”s Eve our culture gathers together to toast and celebrate another year”s passing. New opportunities. New friendships. New dreams. Of course, for some, too much imbibing, indiscretion, and insolence sully the festive occasion. Nevertheless, many choose to drown their sorrows in drink or ease their anxiety through gluttony. After all, humans desperately seek to numb our pain and bury the past. Alcohol, food, sex, and entertainment are simply cultural solutions to crisis and conflict. Like Band-Aids on a gaping wound, many try to mask, manipulate, or minimize the bleeding but ultimately fail miserably to find

December 26, 2010

Doug Redford

Devotionals

Return of the Gift

By Doug Redford Now that Christmas Day has passed, it”s time to move from thinking about giving gifts to the matter of returning them. Many of us will need to spend some time during the upcoming week returning a Christmas gift that happened to be the wrong size, color, or style. Stores usually offer tips to keep in mind when returning a gift, including: keep all the tags and original packing when giving and opening gifts (especially electronics, computers, appliances, and games), keep receipts, and check the time limit on returns (some stores limit returns to 30 days after a

November 25, 2010

Christian Standard

Devotionals

A Date with God

By Daniel Schantz “For I have espoused you to one husband” (2 Corinthians 11:2, King James Version). Paul describes our relationship with Christ as a kind of marriage, and marriage goes through certain phases. YOUNG marriage starts out with celestial expectations. You see no reason the honeymoon can”t last forever. Every day is a “date.” She makes breakfast for you, then you go jogging together before heading off to work. You buy each other expensive gifts to prove your love. Passion is strong, and nights are interesting. You talk a lot, but some of those talks turn into quarrels, and

November 14, 2010

Christian Standard

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation Spiritual Disciplines

Self-Examination, Not Self-Recrimination

By Daniel Schantz “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . . “ (Acts 20:7, King James Version). Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Catholic Jesuits, started life as a fiery, Spanish romantic””womanizer, gambler, warrior. When he was wounded in a battle against the French at Pampeluna, he was carried off to a castle hospital. While recovering, he was given a copy of The Imitations of Christ, by Thomas Ã Kempis, and he was so moved by it that he resolved to give up his wild living and become a saint.