July 1, 2024
My Truth or The Truth?
While the idea of different religions coexisting together in peace is a commendable goal, as followers of Christ, it’s important we understand that all religions do not point to the same truth. . . .
Articles for tag: Evangelism
July 1, 2024
A New Religion—’Enlightenized Inclusified Guruism’
Over the past 20 years teenagers' religious perspectives have evolved . . . from "moralistic therapeutic deism" to what I call "enlightenized inclusified guruism." (Yes, I know these aren't real words.) . . .
July 1, 2024
Evangelism and Discipleship . . . Evangelism Comes First
The word "evangelism" seems to have fallen out of favor with many in church circles these days and been replaced with the word "discipleship." . . .
July 1, 2024
Foundation Stones of the Restoration Movement
I told my friend about the foundation stones of our movement: truth, unity, and evangelism. . . .
Future-Thinking Elders
Are we content with mediocrity and satisfied with the status quo? Do we ache to be more effective in our leadership efforts? . . .
Thanks, Jim!
Jim Nieman is retiring after 26 years as managing editor of Christian Standard. Rick Cherok will replace him starting in June . . .
May 1, 2024
The Restoration Movement Today
Where is the Restoration Movement today and why do I even need to know this? . . .
April 29, 2024
May 5 Study | Integrity
The apostle Paul experienced unjustified criticism of his integrity from the church in Corinth. . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Cloned in God’s Image’ (1984)
"In one sense Christians are clones," Virgil Felton wrote in 1984. "We are cloned in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are cloned by a new birth (John 3:5). We are cloned as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . ."
March 7, 2024
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘The Birth of the Restoration’ (Part 1; 1924)
"The nineteenth century dawned on an America that was far from Christian. Unbelief was prevalent and popular," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924. "The Bible was considered a dead book and the gospel powerless to save. Speaking to sinners concerning personal salvation was objectionable to pious believers, and looked upon as a personal interference with the plans of God." . . .
March 1, 2024
‘The Fool of God’ Introduction
A historical novel about Alexander Campbell has been unexpectedly helpful to us . . .
March 1, 2024
The Way We Were
What can we learn by reviewing Restoration Movement history? . . .
March 1, 2024
A Bright Future Across the Pond: Restoration Churches in the U.K.
By Martin Robinson and Mont Mitchell Some have claimed that Christian Churches and Churches of Christ are the first group of churches to grow up in America—as if they’re an entirely American creation. Well, there’s more to the story. Shared Understanding Churches with a broadly “Restorationist” ideal had arisen in various parts of Britain in the late 18th century. Though they varied in ideas and went by different names—Scotch Baptists, Haldane churches, Sandemanian churches—they shared a commitment to congregational autonomy, governance by elders and deacons, weekly Communion, and believers’ baptism. Some congregations could trace their origins to somewhere around the
February 26, 2024
Missions: For God or With God?
"My first real attempt at contributing to the advancement of God’s kingdom in the wider world failed," James Thompson writes. But eventually, through the influence of campus ministries in Georgia, Thompson now serves with CMF's Globalscope campus ministry in Thailand. "Different environments present different challenges" . . .
January 29, 2024
Feb. 4 Lesson | The Disciples Believe
After Jesus’ baptism, he stayed near where John the Baptist was preaching and baptizing. At this point he gave a “preliminary” call to Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. . . .
January 29, 2024
Feb. 4 Application | ‘The First Thing’
After Andrew met Jesus, the first thing he did was tell someone else about the Lord. Unfortunately, for many Christians that’s the last thing we do. How can we put disciple making at the top of our priority list?
January 4, 2024
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Small Is Beautiful’ (1981)
"Someone ought to say a good word for the small church," Joseph H. Dampier wrote in 1981. "The reported observation of Abraham Lincoln that the Lord must love the common people because He made so many of them could be applied to small churches because there are so many of them." . . .
November 1, 2023
Evangelism Matters
By Kent E. Fillinger Guilty as charged! I admit I’m guilty. And maybe you are too. I’m guilty of not loving my neighbors and those in my network enough to share my faith with them as I know I should. Thomas Dewar said, “An honest confession is good for the soul, but bad for the reputation.” Regardless, maybe it’s time for more of us to confess and repent from living a Christian life that looks holy but may be hollower than it should be. Loving our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers enough to share the good news of the gospel
November 1, 2023
Inaccurate Assumptions About Evangelism and Christians
By Michael C. Mack When I became a follower of Jesus 35 years ago, I had several faulty assumptions about Christianity. I thought, for instance, that everyone who followed Christ shared their faith in him faithfully and frequently with others. I actually believed evangelism was the norm in the church! After all, the Bible says Jesus commanded it, and the early church practiced it regularly. And several Christians had shared their faith with me. So, I did the same. As I got more involved in the church, I found that my assumption was mostly inaccurate. For many of the Christians
October 16, 2023
October 22 | Application (‘Don’t Give Up on Evangelism’)
"Our non-Christian neighbors are weary of polarizing political dialogue and are conditioned to distrust religion," David Faust writes. "Meanwhile, Christians wonder how to share the good news with those who shy away from churches and consider sin a nonissue. . . . Here are some things I have learned about evangelism."
