December 24, 2006
Mark Scott reflects on Luke’s Christmas narrative, showing how God fills ordinary places, people, and events with profound meaning. From Bethlehem’s fields to the shepherds’ surprise, Christmas announces good news for outsiders, too.
December 24, 2006
By Jackina Stark “”Tis the season to be BUSY.” The way-too-much-to-do usually begins the day after Thanksgiving. Or is the Christmas holiday stressful for only me? Just making my gift lists can wear me out, despite the fact one son-in-law never wants anything but a gift certificate. And most years rushing from store to store to purchase these gifts is a misery, with or without gale winds whipping icy snow into my face. And then, of course, those gifts I”ve toted home and hidden eventually have to be found and wrapped. I”m thrilled, of course, that my husband Tony wraps
December 24, 2006
A Christmas reflection on Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Conference, calling the church to recognize God’s work among outsiders and refuse unnecessary barriers for Gentiles turning to the Lord.
December 17, 2006
Should a leader stay or go? Greg Marksberry urges servant-leaders to embrace the discipline of staying—expecting downturns, embracing growth’s cost, and enjoying the long-term yield of stable, faithful ministry.
December 17, 2006
Alcoholics Anonymous grew from faith-shaped practices that helped its founders stay sober. Learn how the 12 steps frame recovery as spiritual awakening and how churches can wisely support 12-step participation while offering deeper prayer, fellowship, and outreach.
December 17, 2006
Can a Christ-centered recovery ministry do what a “secular” program cannot? One Christian in long-term recovery reflects on Christ’s transforming work through 12-step fellowships and challenges church assumptions about where grace shows up.
December 17, 2006
A reflection on Christmas amid a world marked by anger and violence. Through Matthew’s birth narrative and Isaiah’s promise, we remember the Prince of Peace and the steady settling-in of shalom.
December 17, 2006
Tom Lawson reflects on how worship offers more than answers, often leaving us with questions that follow us home and lead toward fresh insight and changed lives.
December 12, 2006
Your “sweet spot” is where your God-designed passions intersect with the good works God prepared for you. Discover your strengths, step into service, and contribute with confidence—starting now.
December 10, 2006
LeRoy Lawson reflects on the Restoration Movement’s quirks and strengths, then points to key needs ahead—renewed purpose, celebrated diversity, deeper cooperation, and relevance to the pre-Christian world.
December 10, 2006
By Arron Chambers If I had an “easy” button, I would have pressed it and . . . “¢ Assembled my son”s bike on Christmas morning in just seconds””instead of spending all day on it in an episode that almost ended my marriage. “¢ I wouldn”t have dated that girl, because she would have worn a label that read, “Warning: High Maintenance!” “¢ My teeth would be straight. “¢ My wife would not have endured long months of pregnancy; instead, our four kids would have been delivered to the front door about an hour after breakfast on a Saturday morning.
December 3, 2006
Florence Muindi shares how local churches in Africa are offering practical care and lasting hope amid HIV/AIDS. Through fellowship, worship, and community support, stigma can fade and lives can be renewed.
December 3, 2006
Missionary doctor David Grubbs recounts AIDS’ early spread in Zimbabwe and how churches and mission hospitals shifted from denial and judgment to compassionate, home-based care—and gospel hope for suffering families.
December 3, 2006
A tithe from the 2006 North American Christian Convention helped launch a new effort in Kenya to address the HIV/AIDS crisis through voluntary counseling and testing centers under the Christian Relief Fund.
December 3, 2006
Marital counseling can be “free” for couples but costly for ministers. Phil LeMaster outlines the risks and offers wise limits—preaching the Word, referring when needed, counseling couples together, and guarding one’s own marriage.
November 26, 2006
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.
November 26, 2006
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
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
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
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.
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