September 3, 2006
Challenged to Risk
Michael Corp shares how God used seasons of work, wandering, and renewal to shape a call to ministry—leading from Rhode Island to Florida and toward planting an English-speaking Christian church back home.
Articles for tag: Grace
August 27, 2006
The God Who Loves Rebels
A chapel moment of anger turns into gratitude as Dave Smith explores Jonah’s rebel heart—and the relentless love of God shown through discipline, grace, and perseverance toward those who resist him.
August 27, 2006
Is Hell Your Final Destination?
Dave Stone makes a biblical case that Hell is a literal reality, marked by intense and eternal suffering, and urges readers to respond to Christ’s saving grace with a personal choice for eternity.
August 13, 2006
The Problem of Evil
Why God allows evil is explored through Jesus’ parable of the weeds among the wheat, pointing to an enemy at work, human choice, and the call to choose, serve, and trust God until the harvest.
August 13, 2006
My Epiphany
A chance encounter with a northern bobwhite reignites a forgotten hobby—and opens a doorway to seeing God through creation. Doug Priest reflects on bird-watching, Scripture, and Christian stewardship of the environment.
August 2, 2006
Interview with Rick Rusaw
Externally focused church is the theme of this Q&A with Rick Rusaw of LifeBridge Christian Church. He shares how community service builds relationships, strengthens witness, and becomes part of a church’s DNA.
How Can You Help Him?
A preacher who has left the ministry may face shame, loss, and deep upheaval. Jerry Langley shares his story and offers practical ways to pray, keep the relationship, encourage, and help former ministers recognize lasting fruit.
July 2, 2006
A Common Plea: From the New Book ‘Together Again’
A book excerpt urging humility and unity: Jesus’ words in Mark 9 and Restoration Movement leaders remind believers to be “Christians only,” while admitting we are not the only Christians.
June 28, 2006
Can We Allow What We Do Not Advocate?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on fellowship amid disagreement—first in families, then in churches. He calls for humility and grace that covers belief and practice, urging Christians to pursue reconciliation without compromise.
Seriously Seeking God (Part 2)
How do we seek God in everyday life? Steven F. Sturm explores contemplative awareness, richer prayer (including the Psalms), Scripture meditation, and the role of spiritual community in pursuing fellowship with God.
June 11, 2006
Seriously Seeking God (Part 1)
By Steven F. Sturm Throughout Scripture believers are encouraged to seek God. Jesus called people to “seek first his (God”s) kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). James wrote “come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8). Isaiah told his readers to “seek the Lord while he may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). David said “I seek you with all my heart” (Psalm 119:10). He charged his son Solomon with the words, “If you seek him, he will be found by you” (1 Chronicles 28:9). What does it mean to seek for God? In the divine
Perplexed
By Vince Antonucci “Hi, I heard your radio ad and I was wondering if I can come to your church? You see, I”m gay, but you seem like a church that might welcome everyone. Thanks, Annette.” We promoted our church”s opening day with radio ads on secular rock stations. I received that question from Annette, and my in-box quickly filled with e-mails asking the same question. I am perplexed. I want to e-mail my own question to churches: Why do gay people need to ask this question? God Incarnate Recently, I received another e-mail. It was from the CHRISTIAN STANDARD:
May 21, 2006
A Safe Place to Be a Sinner
A reflection on how churches can become safer places for people struggling with sexual sin—by dropping categories, speaking honestly, and walking patiently with strugglers toward healing in the body of Christ.
May 17, 2006
Free to Share Our Freedom
Many believers carry lingering guilt and uncertainty about eternity. This article explains Paul’s “justification” as God’s answer—Christ has paid the penalty—freeing Christians to live in peace and extend grace to others.
May 14, 2006
3 WOMEN IN MINISTRY: ‘I’m Glad I’m a Megachurch Pastor’s Wife’
Susan Wilson shares how God called her to ministry too—and how that calling has shaped her life as a megachurch pastor’s wife through rapid growth, new challenges, and the joy of seeing lives changed.
It’s Faith Raising, Not Just Fund Raising
Capital campaigns can strain a congregation—or strengthen it. Alan Ahlgrim shares hard-won lessons on vision, broad involvement, wise counsel, sustained follow-through, and confident faith that God is at work.
April 2, 2006
Saying the Last Good-bye to My Dad
By Paul E. Boatman I write these words at my dad”s bedside in early November. It is Tuesday morning at 5, and Russell Boatman”s death is expected within hours. He has seemed close to death several times in the past year, but this time the end of life seems imminent. His 91-year-old body is yielding to the inevitable outcome of living in a fallen world. He is resting fitfully, breathing in shallow gasps, and talking to himself about needing to “get going.” He clings to life with the tenacity of one who prizes life as God”s gift, yet he has
March 19, 2006
Second Guessing God
Why does God allow terrible things to happen? Brian Jones tackles that question with grace, humor, and transparency in a book that speaks to anyone who has faced trouble of any kind. “From the first paragraph I was captured by his open and engaging style,” Gene Appel said. “Brian Jones . . . expresses the heart”s disappointment and longing with a directness that somehow always ends up leading us toward God,” wrote John Ortberg. “This book was written by, for, and in the midst of people with bruised souls,” Jones says in his introduction. “My goal has been to write
March 5, 2006
Our Acorn-to-Oak Story
John Faust reflects on four early elders at Southeast Christian Church and the leadership qualities that helped lay a lasting foundation—quality, trust, unity, and availability—for the church’s growth in Louisville.
February 12, 2006
Garden Friends
Following Jesus is tough—especially for church leaders who feel they have nowhere to be honest. Jeff Krajewski points to Jesus’ own trusted friends and urges the church to become a place of safety and grace.
