Articles for tag: Forgiveness

January 31, 2010

Christian Standard

Forgiving Ourselves

By John Mark Hicks “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:19, 20). Self-forgiveness is a controversial topic. Many believe it is so tied to self-help and self-esteem pop psychology that it actually is a reflection of pride and lack of faith. There is no text in Scripture that explicitly commands self-forgiveness, it is said, and only God can forgive. Others, however, genuinely punish themselves by

January 24, 2010

Christian Standard

It”s Just Like Fishing

By Rick Chromey Children”s ministry in the smaller church has the same amazing potential to grow and thrive as a mustard seed. It”s all in how you cultivate it. This practical guide provides insights that will encourage you in your children”s ministry, along with ready-to-use tools for evaluation, budgeting, and teacher training. Energize your children”s ministry! Use these innovative strategies for mega-impact with limited resources, people, and money. Energizing Children”s Ministry in the Smaller Church (item 42311) is available from your local supplier or at www.standardpub.com. “”˜Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “˜and I will make you fishers of men”” (Matthew

July 8, 2009

Christian Standard

Interview with David Clark

By Brad Dupray David Clark”s July 1 message at the North American Christian Convention was, “Grace that Heals,” a sermon aiming to help those who are carrying scars and pain of unresolved conflicts. At the end of his message, he invited people to bring their brokenness before God in a time of prayer for healing. In his 28 years as lead pastor of Central Christian Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, Clark has seen his church grow, not just in numbers, but in amazing outreach to the community. He and his wife of 35 years, Deby, have been blessed with four children,

June 7, 2009

Christian Standard

What I”ve Learned While Serving Single Moms

  By Nancy Karpenske It”s what the church is supposed to be doing. It takes longer than you think. Their backgrounds and situations are not all similar. Their problems are large and expensive. Their hurts are deep. Their children are their priority. Many have little knowledge of God”s plans for marriage and family. Many have little grasp of God”s love and grace. Many have been turned away from their church, either because the small church can”t meet their financial needs or because that church punishes those who get divorced. Many have a hard exterior that covers a wounded heart. Many

June 7, 2009

Christian Standard

A Single Mom”s Story

  By Nancy Karpenske What are they like, the single moms who participate in Surviving & Thriving as a Single Mom, LifeBridge Christian Church”s ministry to single moms? Here is a composite sample: J.C. is the typical single mom. She is nearing 40. Her husband found someone else and left. He is supposed to pay child support but rarely does. J.C. was a stay-at-home mom. Her job skills are limited. She works at a preschool so her younger child can be with her. She works 9 am to 3 pm so she can pick up her older son from elementary

December 14, 2008

Christian Standard

The Power to Transform

By Victor M. Parachin In 1921 when Lewis Lawes became its warden, Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York, had a reputation for being the toughest prison in the country. The most notorious criminals were sent to this severe and unforgiving place. But, when Lawes retired 20 years later, the prison had become a model for the humane treatment of prisoners and the development of rehabilitation programs.  Lawes instituted theatricals, film showings, athletics, and provided radio earphones for each cell. He also required prisoners to wear identical uniforms to blur distinctions of wealth and status. Yet Lawes said his

November 2, 2008

Christian Standard

Keys to Teamwork (Part 3): Conflict Resolution

By Stephen Bond Steve Bond and his wife, Pam, launched Summit Christian Church in March 1998. The church met in the Sparks YMCA for 3½ years before moving to a new permanent facility on a 36-acre site. Summit”s vision is to “Love God, Love People, and Serve Others.” Over the past 10 years the church has grown to more than 2,000 people in weekend worship attendance. Approximately 1,000 adults are also involved in life groups. One of the keys to this growth has been a high level of teamwork among Summit”s staff and elders. This is the third of four

November 2, 2008

Christian Standard

Beyond Tweaking the Code

By Jason Rodenbeck When I started preaching at Castle Christian Church in Cumming, Georgia, I began podcasting our sermons. It is not especially difficult, but it requires learning a special code. If even one character is entered incorrectly, the podcast doesn”t work. But, fortunately, one little tweak to the source code often fixes the problem. Sometimes we look at the teaching of Jesus Christ that way””especially people caught up in what I call “the religion that passes for Christianity.” In that religion, we believe Jesus came to offer a cure for the ills of society and salvation from what really

October 26, 2008

Christian Standard

Sin Among the Shepherds

By Name Withheld   In a perfect world there would be no articles like this. The leaders in our churches would be solid, stable, and blameless. You wouldn”t need the testimony “of a leader who failed.” And I wouldn”t be that leader. In a serious understatement, I was asked to describe for you “what happens when a shepherd “˜stubs his toe” and it is handled well by the church.” I was asked because I am that shepherd, but I didn”t feel I had “stubbed my toe”””it felt like I had cut off my legs. While the elders of my church know

September 14, 2008

Christian Standard

More Than Music

By Danielle Frankland For many churches worship has become largely about what happens on Sunday, and specifically about music. We may not want to admit it, but the amount of time, attention, and resources given to the musical portions of our gatherings suggest this. Furthermore, our language betrays us. When we are “led in worship,” we generally sing. The Bible, however, in no way equates worship with music. There is very little singing mentioned in the Old Testament until the time of David. Because music was important in ancient cultures, Israelite gatherings probably included it, but they were centered on

July 6, 2008

Christian Standard

Learning to Share Hope

By Tom Moen Think for a minute about hope as a continuum. To the left is hopelessness (having no expectation of success) and to the right is a hope that is on the brink of fulfillment. Where do you place yourself? Most of us reading this are probably to the right of center. We may sense a little hopelessness at the gas pump, or as it relates to job security or paying for a college education. But when was the last time you needed to hold out hope that you would have enough food to survive another day? When did

April 6, 2008

Orrin Root

public prayer

Public Prayer

What does it mean to lead a congregation in prayer? This classic piece urges leaders to pray clearly and specifically, awaken shared gratitude and need, and prepare thoughtfully so the congregation can truly say “amen.”

March 23, 2008

Christian Standard

How to Maximize Your Power of Love

By Victor M. Parachin One day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a car was stolen. As the thieves began stripping the vehicle they came across papers identifying the owner as Fred Rogers, host of the children”s television program Mr. Rogers” Neighborhood. They quickly reassembled the car, cleaned and vacuumed it, and returned it with this handwritten note of apology under the wiper: “We”re sorry. We didn”t know it was your car.” Who else could have had such an effect on a group of thieves? What was it about Fred Rogers that could make criminals reconsider their actions? What did those thieves see

December 23, 2007

Alan Ahlgrim

peace at Christmas

The Sign of Peace

Christmas can be filled with conflict and strain, but Scripture points to true peace through Christ. Pursue peace with others as you’re able, and rest in God’s presence even when circumstances don’t quickly change.

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