July 7, 2026
The Far-Reaching Impact of Compromise
Abraham and Isaac both faced moments when fear led them to compromise their integrity, reminding us that obedience requires trusting God with the results.
Articles for tag: Genesis
December 22, 2025
LORD FROM BEGINNING TO END
From the first day of the year to the last, from the beginning to the end, Jesus is “the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13).
January 18, 2021
The Power of Blood
By Randy Ballinger During the pandemic, blood donation centers have sought out individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Apparently, the antibody-rich blood plasma these individuals donate possibly can save the lives of those critically ill with the virus. The lone purpose for blood is to sustain life. Donating blood brings healing. There is power in the blood. God personified blood in rebuking Cain after Abel’s murder: “Your brother’s blood cries out to me” (Genesis 4:10). After the flood, God instructed Noah, “Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood” (Genesis 9:4, New American Standard Bible,
SPOTLIGHT: Mount Carmel Christian Church, Batavia, Ohio
Spiritual Growth Emphasis Spurs Numerical Growth By Rick Lowry Mount Carmel Christian Church in Batavia, Ohio (about 20 miles east of Cincinnati), has experienced significant growth in recent years. Didi Bacon became senior minister 21 years ago when the church averaged about 400 in worship. In 2015, Mount Carmel moved into a beautiful new facility and now consistently averages more than 1,000. Bacon and the rest of the staff are convinced a major reason for the numerical growth has been their emphasis on spiritual growth. Teaching minister Tim Peace, who works with groups, said a significant dialogue started when the
Ethan Magness’s Thought Leaders
We asked 35 Christian leaders, “Who is the influencer with the biggest impact on your life and ministry?” Most of these leaders listed several influential thinkers, writers, innovators, and leaders more of us should get to know. This response is from Ethan Magness, pastor of spiritual formation with Mountain Christian Church, Joppa, Maryland. ________ I feel like I am learning so much right now in ministry. So many people are participating in fruitful experiments of ministry and biblical study, and I am grateful to get to learn from them. Here are a few who are especially influential to me right now. In
May 18, 2012
Interview with Mike Baker
By Paul Boatman Mike Baker has been senior pastor at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Illinois, since 2007. He first served at Eastview as youth pastor, beginning in 1995, and became associate pastor in 2002. How do you happen to be in ministry? I was called to preach when I was 6 years old. It is all I have ever wanted to do. I did a side trip of 16 years in youth ministry. That let me be part of a team, learning from leaders in growing churches. I still preached””to the youth, occasionally to the whole church.
September 29, 2011
Bible Bowl: Beyond the Competition
By Robert Spruill Three years from now National Bible Bowl will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Since Bible Bowl”s creation, thousands of youth have benefited from the opportunity it provides for in-depth study of the Scriptures. Each year a portion of the Bible is chosen as the text that serves as the basis for competitions at the local and national tournaments. Participants study that text for the entire Bible Bowl season, which runs from October through May, but extends into June and July for teams that compete beyond local round robin tournaments. Many players memorize all or part of the text
February 17, 2011
Youthful Energy Unleashed
The 2011 NACC Student and Children’s Conventions will challenge young people to grow in Christ through worship, teaching, service projects, Christian college connections, and Bible Bowl.
January 11, 2011
Generation of the Ethiopian Eunuch
Jeff Arthur reflects on Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch to show why Christians must help spiritually curious people understand Scripture and come to know Jesus.
February 3, 2008
God and Your Average Joe: Lessons from the Life of Isaac
Isaac may seem ordinary beside other Bible figures, but Hebrews 11 honors him as an example of faith, reminding everyday believers that God measures the heart.
July 8, 2007
For the Church . . . for Today
Faith Café highlights Standard Publishing’s growing line of Bible-teaching tools for adults. Explore new small-group guides, practical leader helps, Genesis video studies by Bob Russell, and the new Standard Reference Library.
March 11, 2007
How Much Does God Really Know? (Part 1)
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.”
