September 1, 2022
A tragic event like the unthinkable massacre of schoolchildren generates an understandable emotional response. The faith community often responds with the words “thoughts and prayers,” which incenses secularists who consider them to be “do-nothing” sentiments. But God uses the thoughts, prayers, and actions of dedicated Christ followers to change troubled young men into godly leaders. I know, because he used them to change me.
August 30, 2021
Excerpts from Jerry Harris's devotional thoughts presented on the 220th anniversary of the Cane Ridge Revival earlier this month.
August 3, 2020
By David Faust It’s unfortunate that expressions like “pro-choice” and “the right to choose” have been co-opted by abortion advocates. When properly understood, the ability to choose is one of God’s greatest gifts. We don’t get to choose our birthdays, our height, or the color of our skin. But we decide what we believe, what we value, and who our friends will be. Faith, hope, and love are choices more than feelings. At age 20, I decided to ask a young woman named Candy to marry me, and I remain grateful she chose to say yes. ROCK OR SAND? What
March 23, 2014
By T.R. Robertson Believers””and nonbelievers””from a wide range of backgrounds gather under the influence of campus Christian ministries. How do they experience and express the reality of this motto? James was raised in a Christian family, part of a rural Missouri church that brought him up to know and follow the teachings of the Restoration Movement. Gary was the product of a church that does not share the legacy of the Restoration Movement. Both James and Gary attended the University of Missouri when they left home, and both became involved with the Mizzou Christian Campus House, a Christian church/church of
November 26, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone “Jesus Is Lord” is the theme for this quarter”s studies, focusing on Paul”s letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. These books (along with Philemon) are often referred to as the Prison Epistles. Most Bible students believe they were written around the same time period. In Ephesians the apostle refers directly to being imprisoned at the time he wrote (3:1; 4:1; 6:20). If this letter was written soon after the time described at the close of
February 15, 2012
By Doug Redford Last summer our local newspaper featured an article about urban farming in the Cincinnati area. It described how people began growing gardens in various locations throughout the city, not only as a hobby but also as a way to provide additional food. One man was rather philosophical about gardening. “I started seeing how gardening made people happy,” he said, “how it started changing the whole community, and it just took my heart.” Then he added, “In a garden, you control your own destiny.” That last statement, to use gardening language, deserves some cultivation. It brings to mind
Jeff Vines answers a skeptic’s question about Hell, free will, and the goodness of God by focusing on separation from God as Hell’s deepest reality.
February 7, 2010
Jack Cottrell reflects on 50 years of theological teaching, contrasting passing fads with enduring fundamentals and defending truth against the rise of relativism in doctrine.
March 11, 2009
Perry Stepp discusses biblical commentary, scholarship, Restoration Movement convictions, and how Scripture shapes ministry, church unity, and the way Christians engage difficult questions.
March 11, 2007
Does God know everything in advance? This article frames key questions about foreknowledge, prayer, and freedom, introduces open theism, and surveys biblical texts often cited in support of an “open future.”
An excerpt from “Considering Calvinism” argues that consistent Calvinism leads to hard determinism, critiques compatibilist “freedom,” and challenges “second causes” and “efficacious permission” as explanations for human sin.
February 25, 2007
A downloadable resource by Jack Cottrell examines Calvinism’s view of God’s sovereignty and free will, responds to the TULIP doctrines, and includes historical context and a bibliography for further study.
January 7, 2007
A forecast of “unlimited” visibility sparks a reflection on whether the church’s future is predetermined. Jeff Walling argues Scripture calls believers to faithful choices today that shape tomorrow.
November 19, 2006
Paul Kissling examines biblical themes often linked to open theism, highlighting God’s active involvement with humanity, the conditional nature of many promises, and the scriptural evidence that God truly feels.
August 27, 2006
Jeff Vines answers a skeptic’s hardest question: How could a loving God send anyone to Hell? He explains Jesus’ use of gehenna and argues the deepest horror of Hell is separation from God.
August 20, 2006
Tim Harlow explores why God allows pain and suffering, arguing that genuine love requires freedom to choose and connecting human freedom, sin, and suffering with God’s redemption through Christ.
August 20, 2006
When prayers don’t unfold as expected, it can shake confidence in God’s power. Paul E. Boatman contrasts two common errors and points to God’s presence and work “in all things,” even in deep suffering.
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