July 30, 2006
The Gospel of Judas
A newly translated Gospel of Judas manuscript has revived interest in Gnosticism. Henry E. Webb explains key Gnostic beliefs and why the early church rejected this text from the New Testament canon.
Articles for tag: Baptism
July 2, 2006
A Common Plea: From the New Book ‘Together Again’
A book excerpt urging humility and unity: Jesus’ words in Mark 9 and Restoration Movement leaders remind believers to be “Christians only,” while admitting we are not the only Christians.
June 11, 2006
The Risk of Staying Put–Thirty Years in One Congregation
After decades in the same congregation, Nancy Karpenske weighs the risks of getting too comfortable against the rewards of credibility, perseverance, and long-term spiritual fruit—learning again and again to depend on God, not experience.
June 4, 2006
Gloriously Out of Control
After decades in ministry, Rick Lowry asks whether church “success” can be measured by numbers—or by revival. He reflects on awakenings he’s witnessed and challenges leaders to pray for renewal that begins with themselves.
May 28, 2006
Beth’s Story
While caring for her elderly mother, Iona Matson prays for guidance and receives an answer in a devoted caregiver. Then a surprising wartime connection reveals a circle of comfort, hope, and baptism years later.
February 19, 2006
Confessions of a Reluctant Servant
Jesus doesn’t oppose greatness—he redefines it. Dave Smith reflects on Mark 8 and Mark 10, showing how true greatness is lived through servanthood, sacrifice, and daily faithfulness when ministry includes suffering.
January 22, 2006
The Public Act of Accepting Christ
How do churches help people respond to the gospel? This article shares real-world approaches—from invitations and counseling rooms to baptism practices—highlighting celebration, clarity, and the next steps of discipleship.
November 30, 2005
Do You Have Some Good Pictures of Baptisms?
Do you have a great baptism photo from your church, camp, or an outdoor setting? The Christian Standard is collecting high-resolution baptism pictures for two upcoming issues. Email one or two JPEGs with names, church info, and publishing permission.
November 30, 2005
Downloadable Resource on Baptism Available
A two-issue focus on baptism offers fresh perspectives, interviews, and a classic essay—available now as one convenient download: “Baptism: 7 Practical Perspectives.”
October 30, 2005
INTO A MOVEMENT: It Was Way Cool!
An unusual series of events led to Bert Crabbe’s baptism and ordination as part of the Christian church movement—sparked by a church planting assessment center, local-church interviews, and shared convictions about reaching lost people.
October 23, 2005
The Church Is Essentially One (Part 1 or 3)
Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address challenged division and urged a scriptural basis for unity. Clint Gill argues the New Testament church is fundamentally relationships and fellowship, calling today’s heirs of the Restoration plea to renewed self-examination.
July 10, 2005
The Changing Church
Rick Chromey argues the church must adapt its “wineskins” to a new cultural moment—moving from club to community, rules to relationships, and words to images—without weakening the gospel.
July 10, 2005
Reflections of Two Vagabonds (Part 2)
After a 20-month RV tour across America, LeRoy Lawson shares several “druthers” for the church—hopes for growth in leadership, worship practices, ethnic outreach, missions giving, and Scripture-centered preaching and teaching.
June 19, 2005
Bringing Believers to Maturity
A staff roundup of “Christianity 101” models that help guests and new members take next steps. See how churches use rotating sessions, newcomer meals, and multi-week classes covering beliefs, baptism, Communion, giving, gifts, and involvement.
June 5, 2005
Exploring Biblical Worship
Knofel Staton argues New Testament worship is humble service and a life submitted to God—not platform roles or a single music style. He calls churches to pursue unity amid diversity and shape corporate worship around what God values.
June 5, 2005
The Ideal Worship Minister . . .
A practical worship minister job description outlining servant leadership, Trinitarian planning, blended worship commitments, and ways to develop diverse musical and worship expressions across the whole congregation.
