January 23, 2023
The Israelites were supposed to be a holy people, distinct from others who lived around them. No work on the Sabbath day. No graven images. . . . God wanted more than surface obedience, though. He said, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6). . . .
January 23, 2023
The New Testament calls the follower of Jesus to be distinct as a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . . What values and priorities should be different between us and the non-Christians around us?
December 26, 2022
As another new year begins, it’s good to remember that the Lord is the Master Craftsman. He’s an expert at making things new. He knows how to take our lives apart and put them back together again.
May 26, 2022
As SBC Leaders release the results of an investigation of sexual abuse and cover-up, what can Independent Christian Church leaders learn?
June 21, 2021
When the church’s quirks get on my nerves and weariness drains my enthusiasm, three motivators remind me why serving the Lord is worth the effort.
June 14, 2021
Death is a persistent intruder. It casts a dark shadow. . . . At times, it looks like death has the final word. But if you read the Gospels, you’ll see that God has other ideas.
February 1, 2021
How Relationship Changed My Dad’s Hard Heart . . . and What All of Us Can Learn from It The picture still brings tears to the eyes of family members old enough to remember my dad. We had gathered as we often did in the backyard of my sister’s house; it was a special occasion—I can’t remember what—and someone snapped the picture of Dad holding his great-granddaughter. Such a picture wouldn’t ordinarily evoke such strong emotions; after all, I have many pictures of my dad cuddling with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But this picture is different. . . . Memories
January 29, 2019
By David Roadcup This month I want to stir the church leadership pot with three pertinent questions: 1. What does God want from us with regard to shaping the lives of church members? In other words, what is to be the ultimate outcome of our ministry? Someone might say, “Why, evangelism, of course!” Evangelism is absolutely critical in God’s plan, but we need to go deeper. Someone else might say, “Discipleship and nurture.” Also true. Evangelism and discipleship are the two engines that drive us to fulfill God’s plan for his people. But God’s ultimate goal for his church
March 17, 2017
By Becky Ahlberg Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3). We live in
October 5, 2016
By Jim Tune “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, English Standard Version). “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18, ESV). ___ A number of widely publicized events have many people concerned about racial tensions in America. Blacks and whites may not agree on underlying causes or potential solutions, but skin color aside, it seems no one is happy about the present state of
August 5, 2014
By Mark A. Taylor Nobody forced Atlanta”s Emory University Hospital last week to accept two patients stricken with the deadly Ebola virus. Instead, Dr. Bruce Ribner, head of the Emory unit treating the sick Americans, welcomed the chance to admit them. Emory, according to Ribner, is one of only four U.S. facilities uniquely equipped to treat such a contagious disease. He told CNN, “We are not going to miss this opportunity.” Hospital staff members congratulated him for accepting the patients, he said. When he explained his decision to his wife, she responded, “Great, that”s what you”ve been dreaming of for
June 17, 2013
By Sam E. Stone In this final lesson from Isaiah, we study part of his prophetic message that parallels John”s vision recorded in the book of Revelation. Bible scholars point out how the book of Isaiah mirrors the entire 66 books of the Bible. Isaiah 1″“39 is reminiscent of the 39 books found in the Old Testament, while the remaining 27 chapters call to mind the 27 books of the New Testament. Isaiah 40″“66 contains many significant prophecies about Jesus Christ. That section begins with these encouraging words: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and
June 3, 2013
By Sam E. Stone The apostle Paul told Christians, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This is undoubtedly good advice, but it is often difficult to do. When Isaiah warned the people of God”s coming judgment on the nation of Israel, he gave them a similar message. In last week”s lesson we studied Isaiah”s call to the prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6). The chapters that follow (7-11) foretell the coming of Immanuel, the Messiah. This is good news! But along with these words of hope, Isaiah also described God”s coming punishment for his unbelieving
December 13, 2009
 by Douglas A. Foster The first article in this series began with a question: “What is the point of Christianity?” My one-word answer was reconciliation. From the first sin in Genesis to the throne scene in Revelation, reconciliation is at the heart of God”s dealings with humanity.  If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself,
April 27, 2008
By Buzz Roberts What is going through the minds of today”s college students? What motivates them? What has been their experience with the church and fellow Christians? If we could hear their thoughts, what would they reveal? In recent conversations with collegians about God, Jesus, and Christianity, I heard the following: –Â “Jesus was a good person.” — “I don”t believe in God.” — “I”m not sure if God exists.” — “Christians are hypocrites.” — “I”ve had a bad church experience””I”m not going back.” David Kinnemen and Gabe Lyons share insight into the hearts and minds of students in their new
December 26, 2007
By Mark A. Taylor “Why don”t you just talk with them?” I suggested. She and I were discussing a married couple in the church whose attitudes would probably slow down progress on our ministry project. “Because it won”t do any good,” she answered quickly. “I”ve discovered through the years that talking to people about some way they need to change seldom results in making the change happen.” Even though I”ve forgotten the details surrounding this conversation, I still wrestle with this Christian leader”s conclusion. Don”t talk to people about change? But isn”t the church in the change business? Hasn”t Paul
February 11, 2007
What does it mean to be called “Christian”? Clint Gill traces the term back to Antioch in Acts, showing how it points to a new identity in Christ that reshapes how believers see themselves and others.
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