Grace

Sticky Conversations: Homosexuality

Casey Tygrett explores how churches can welcome gay and lesbian people while discussing biblical convictions, personal relationships, and pastoral care. Three readers respond with differing perspectives on sexuality…

Afraid of Change

Mark A. Taylor reflects on why Christians resist change, even when it may help their congregations grow. Through personal experience and biblical examples, he considers how fear can…

Considering the One Who Truly Is in Control

Superstorm Sandy and unexpected deaths remind us how little we control. Mark A. Taylor reflects on God's sovereignty, the uncertainty of life, and our responsibility to make faithful…

Does Your Group Have the GUTS for Community?

What makes a small group truly healthy? Michael C. Mack explores four essential qualities of authentic biblical community—genuine relationships, unconditional acceptance, tangible care, and sacrificial commitment—and explains how…

Blessed Thirst

Daniel Schantz reflects on physical thirst as a picture of our deeper longing for God and considers how the Lord’s table points us toward forgiveness, righteousness, and the…

Producing the Next Generation of Elders

Churches need elders who intentionally prepare the next generation to lead. John Ashenfelter examines how prayer, biblical character, leadership development, and succession can help congregations remain strong for…

He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need

What does it mean to have the mind of Christ when confronting another person’s sin? Joe Bliffen challenges Christians to reject self-righteousness, recognize their own need for grace,…

What Are They Saying about Baptism? (Samples from Church Websites We Visited)

Examples from several Christian churches show how congregations can clearly explain baptism, conversion, repentance, confession, forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit in their statements…

Why Are Christians SO Intolerant?

Immigration: What’s a Christian to Think?

Alan F.H. Wisdom examines the difficult moral and public-policy questions surrounding U.S. immigration, considering biblical teaching, the rule of law, refugees, border security, amnesty, and the unintended consequences…

Strategies to De-stress Leadership

Church leadership brings unavoidable stress and competing priorities. Sheila S. Hudson uses the lesson of putting the “big rocks” first to explore acceptance, surrender, self-care, and re-creation.

Rah-Rah for the Christian Standard

J.K. Jones Jr. shares four reasons he cheers for Christian Standard, celebrating its fresh approaches, seasoned voices, openness to disagreement, and commitment to meaningful topics and the written…

Eight Vital Characteristics of a Life-Changing Small Group Leader

Michael C. Mack explores eight attributes of healthy small group leaders, including spiritual transformation, surrender, genuine friendship, shepherding, servant leadership, and a commitment to continued growth.

Lesson for April 22, 2012: Samaritan Woman Finds Living Water (John 4:1-42)

Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman moves from an ordinary request for water to living water, true worship, and his identity as the Messiah.

I Will Save You

Jeff Vines explores what salvation means, why human goodness cannot overcome sin, and how the cross, repentance, commitment, and baptism shape our response to God's promise to save.