November 26, 2006
Open to Open Theism (Part 2)
Why did open theism emerge, and what does it claim about God’s foreknowledge? Paul Kissling explores time, language, sovereignty, and prayer in a thoughtful look at a debated doctrine.
Series: Featured
November 26, 2006
Does God Know the Word ‘Perhaps’? (Part 2)
Open theism claims God lacks meticulous foreknowledge. Patrick Nullens offers six reasons this model conflicts with Scripture, historic Christian consensus, and a robust view of God’s sovereignty, providence, and pastoral comfort.
November 26, 2006
The Human Touch
A small group’s culture shifted when one leader chose to offer appropriate, caring touch. Lee Snyder explores why touch matters, how it communicates acceptance and sympathy, and why Christians should practice it wisely and respectfully.
November 26, 2006
The Mysterious and Mighty Ways of God
A woman heads to a haircut ready to end a draining friendship—but a Spirit-led invitation changes everything. What follows is growth, leadership, and unexpected healing through a ministry to single moms.
November 19, 2006
Open to Open Theism (Part 1)
Paul Kissling examines biblical themes often linked to open theism, highlighting God’s active involvement with humanity, the conditional nature of many promises, and the scriptural evidence that God truly feels.
November 19, 2006
Five Books About Open Theism
A guided list of essential books on open theology—from the academic volume that launched the discussion to accessible introductions, critiques, and debates comparing the classic view of God and the open model.
November 19, 2006
The Voice That Matters
A pastor reflects on the hidden danger of people-pleasing in leadership and the temptation to make decisions by popular opinion. Looking to Moses, he urges leaders to pay attention to God’s voice and remember their call.
November 19, 2006
Does God Know the Word ‘Perhaps’? (Part 1)
A child’s question—does God know the word “perhaps”?—opens a thoughtful look at divine foreknowledge. This article contrasts classical theism with open theism’s claim that the future includes genuine contingencies.
November 12, 2006
CONFESSION CONSIDERED: Battling Boredom
A longtime Christian feels spiritually stuck despite faithful habits. Rick Lowry explains how confession of sin—paired with trusted accountability—can bring healing, renewed focus, and practical steps for growth through prayer partnerships.
November 12, 2006
CONFESSION CONSIDERED: Coming Clean
Confessing sin isn’t easy, but it can bring tremendous relief and real change. Explore unexpected benefits of accountability, practical steps toward growth, and how to find “safe” listeners who pray and encourage obedience.
November 12, 2006
Conditions Permitting
By Eric Miller It was the week before my two-year anniversary as a minister and we were finally leaving for a much-needed vacation at the beach in Cape May, New Jersey. As my wife, Tammy, 3-year-old daughter, Emma, and I drove down the Atlantic City Expressway a road sign caught my eye. It was just your average, run-of-the-mill speed limit sign indicating the current maximum speed was 65. However, beneath that large, bold number were these words: “Conditions Permitting.” I thought about those two words as I drove the next 30 miles. God seemed to want me to glean a
November 12, 2006
A Tale of Two Brothers
Dave Smith recounts the conviction that followed years of mistreating his brother and the freedom found in asking forgiveness. Drawing from Matthew 18, he urges believers to forgive as God has forgiven.
November 5, 2006
JUST WAR? – A Valid Concept
By Jack Cottrell To my knowledge, in Christian history no one has ever tried to defend war as such, or to justify indiscriminate participation in warfare. However, for centuries many Christians have believed that in any given war, usually one side of the conflict is evil while the other side is righteous or just. In the most basic terms, those who hold this view generally say that the aggressor (the one who starts the war) is guilty of sin, while the defender (the one fighting to repel the aggressor) is not. From the standpoint of the latter, the cause is
November 5, 2006
JUST WAR? – A Question of Kingdom Allegiance
Jason Bembry shares the questions that reshaped his assumptions about Christian participation in war, engaging Jesus’ teaching, early church practice, Restoration voices, and Romans 13.
November 5, 2006
Birthing Churches
Churches birth churches—when vision becomes commitment, partnerships form, and leaders prepare for a healthy launch. Greg Marksberry outlines the stages of church planting from preconception through postpartum care.
November 5, 2006
ORDINATION (Part 3): Lifetime Ordination
Ordination is a key event in a church’s life. Tom Lawson proposes “lifetime ordination,” a mutual relationship of accountability, oversight, and crisis intervention between a congregation and the minister it sets apart.
October 29, 2006
The Male Connection: Reaching Men Involves More than Men’s Ministry
Leaders from two churches named Christ’s Church of the Valley discuss why they target men ages 25 to 45, how challenge and adventure shape their approach, and practical ways churches can better connect with unchurched men.
October 29, 2006
I’m Uncomfortable Breaking the Jar
By Mike Chapman You”ve heard the rumblings, “Men hate going to church.” David Murrow even wrote a book about it to try and explain why. The cover of Biola University”s Connections periodical not long ago boldly announced, “The Feminization of the Church.” Inside the author attempted to show why the church”s “music, messages, and ministries are driving men away.” I remember these claims when I read about one of the first people to worship Jesus. She was a woman. We meet her in Mark 14. Jesus is reclining at a table in Simon of Bethany”s house, most likely with his
October 29, 2006
Confessions of a Compulsive Adventurer
By Paul Boatman “Grandpa, my friends don”t know I”m this kind of girl.” Six-year-old Allison was reflecting on our day of hiking in the canyons of Indiana”s Turkey Run State Park. “What kind of girl do they think you are?” “They think I”m a girly girl, but I”m an adventure girl!” Adventure! The term is a dominant theme in contemporary culture. I receive winsome advertisements for “adventure travel.” So-called reality television shows contrive adventures for their casts of exhibitionist participants. Interactive Internet adventure games invite virtual participation in activities ranging from mysterious to obscene, all intended to stir a sense
ORDINATION (Part 2): Assessing Candidates
This article is no longer available online, but the entire three-part series is available for purchase as a downloadable resource/pdf. Ordination Item 02971 “¢Â $2.99 Ordination needn”t be a mystery, but it should not be undertaken thoughtlessly. This six-page resource, originally a three-part series in CHRISTIAN STANDARD, explores ordination with an eye toward helping individuals, churches, and God”s kingdom. “¢ J. Michael Shannon makes a case for why ordination is practical and sensible for individuals desiring a lifetime of service in the Lord”˜s church. “¢ Paige Mathews considers a process for assessing the person who wants to be ordained. “¢
