In a 1903 issue, Christian educator and author D.R. Dungan (1837–1920) listed 15 strengths of our movement. No. 6: "Administering the ordinances in the same way and at the same time and for the same purpose as did the apostles and those who were taught by them, gives us strength in ourselves and character and standing before the world."
Our educational system and culture train us in a way of reading literature that works against the way the Scriptures were designed to be read and experienced. Our information culture resists embracing a text written primarily for transformation rather than information.
October 10, 2019
Buried toward the back of the Oct. 12, 1889, issue was a column by an unknown preacher who shared short recollections of his inadequacies and failings as a young evangelist. This column is several things: raw, uneven, humorous, painful, perceptive, and poignant. _ _ _ Reminiscences from a Young Preacher’s Experience By Y. P.Oct. 12, 1889; p. 11 Yes, I remember quite a number of the firstlies in my ministry. My first sermon was in a new, unfinished, country meetinghouse, painted without, but rough within; the studding, joist and rafters were bare. The benches were slabs from the saw-mill, supported
February 8, 2017
By Jim Tune I wrote my message quickly and fired it off. Just seconds after clicking Send, it dawned on me with mortifying clarity that I had sent the text message to the wrong recipient. My message fortunately was not overly sensitive, rude, or confidential. Still, it left room for both misunderstanding and embarrassment. I”m guessing this experience is not unique to me. We”ve all been in a situation where someone reads a message intended for someone else that potentially could lead to misunderstanding and conflict. I was relieved when the unintended recipient responded graciously and with minimal offense. It
February 28, 2016
By LeRoy Lawson My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer Christian Wiman New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2013 The Civil War as a Theological Crisis (The Steven and Janice Brose Lectures in the Civil War Era) Mark A. Noll Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, reprint edition, 2015 When a speaker is teetering on the brink of death, ravaged by bone marrow cancer, you pay attention. When he is poet Christian Wiman, sharing his personal insight into the Bright Abyss, readers””religious and nonreligious alike””ponder his every thought. Wiman is struggling””against death, against the danger of being
October 25, 2014
By Mark Matson If I had to choose just one Bible handbook to accompany solid Bible study, it would be How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Zondervan) by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, both well-known and respected biblical scholars. This book, now in its third edition, has proven itself over three decades. The first edition, which came out in 1981, is still valuable, and the latest edition is a real treat. I use this book for college and seminary classes, and I also recommend it to my church. Fee and Stuart”s book is not a handbook, as
October 23, 2014
By Gary Hall The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas (Intervarsity Press, 2000) The cultural and historical background of the Old Testament is a mystery to most Christians, leading to many misinterpretations. This book begins with Genesis 1 and goes through the entire Old Testament, section by section, giving crucial sociocultural, historical, and geographical information. It is a treasury of facts that brings the text to life and enables Bible students to penetrate many of the barriers to Old Testament understanding. It is well informed, accurate, easy to use,
December 27, 2011
Steve Hooks explains why New Testament Christians should read the Old Testament, showing how Jesus, the early church, the gospel, and the biblical story of redemption are deeply rooted in its Scriptures.
December 26, 2011
Karen Rees reflects on how culture shapes the Scriptures Christians emphasize, challenging believers to examine assumptions about generosity, individual rights, prayer for authorities, and earthly citizenship.
November 23, 2011
Mark Weedman traces three pivotal moments in Restoration Movement biblical interpretation, from Thomas Campbell’s plea for unity through debates involving Isaac Errett, David Lipscomb, Modernism, and Fundamentalism.
November 22, 2011
Mark Scott explores the challenges of biblical interpretation, the importance of authorial intent, and the biblical, historical, and cultural influences that shape how readers understand Scripture.
November 21, 2011
Daniel Overdorf explains how believers can apply Scripture with biblical integrity, avoiding patternism, proof-texting, and other interpretive errors while crossing the bridge from ancient text to contemporary life.
November 6, 2011
The Crossing’s Ministry Development Institute equips volunteer leaders through an 18-month program combining in-depth biblical teaching, spiritual formation, practical ministry training, reading, video lessons, and online discussion.
October 24, 2011
Matt Proctor offers five practical questions for reading New Testament Epistles, emphasizing literary context, historical background, careful word study, the wider teaching of Scripture, and the connection between doctrine and Christian behavior.
October 7, 2011
David A. Fiensy offers three readings of the book of Job, exploring how suffering challenges assumptions about blessing and leads believers toward a deeper understanding of God.
September 13, 2011
Matt Proctor explains how historical background, literary context, and parallel accounts can help readers understand the Gospels more deeply while appreciating the distinctive voices of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
September 6, 2011
Matt Proctor explains why familiar Gospel passages deserve a closer reading and explores how Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John offer distinct, pastorally interpretive accounts of the life of Jesus.
February 1, 2011
Matt Proctor offers seven practical questions for reading Old Testament narratives with fresh eyes, helping readers notice story type, setting, characters, dialogue, repetition, irony, and literary context.
January 19, 2011
Matt Proctor explains how to read Old Testament narratives as part of God’s larger salvation story, not merely as isolated morality tales or personal life lessons.
August 13, 2008
Mark A. Taylor reflects on women in church leadership, differing biblical interpretations, and the Restoration Movement principle of liberty in matters of opinion.
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October 6, 2026
Rick Cherok
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Landon Shuman
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Doug Redford