Articles for tag: Jesus’ Sacrifice

October 8, 2019

Christian Standard

The Sweetest Love of All

By Randy Gordon There are certain words that, through use or overuse, tend to lose their impact or meaning. One such word is love. (By the way, guys, Sweetest Day is October 19!) Let’s be honest, we all want to hear the words, “I love you!” from those closest to us. When a spouse or significant other tells us, “I love you,” it warms our heart and makes us feel special. But when, 30 seconds later, that same person says, “I love tacos” or “I love my dog,” does it mean the same thing? Do they love everything equally? Or—gulp—do

May 21, 2019

Stuart Powell

No Contest

By Stuart Powell One Old Testament story is familiar to almost everyone, even those with little exposure to the Bible. A young, diminutive shepherd faced a mammoth, lifelong fighter in mortal combat. Each one carried the tools of his trade. The shepherd carried a staff, sling, stones, and a few years of experience watching over a flock of sheep. The soldier bore a sword, a blood-stained javelin, and the wisdom of countless victories on the field of battle. From their respective sides, each combatant spoke with confidence regarding his presumed victory.  The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and

August 7, 2018

Christian Standard

Value Statement

By Joe Harvey Some people are collectors, some are not. Some folks consider themselves too practical to spend time building a collection of coins, cards, stamps, or other treasures. If they don’t have a practical use for something, they sell it, donate it, or throw it away. Noncollectors just don’t understand the remarkable prices people pay for collectibles—like baseball cards. A Babe Ruth card from 1914 is reportedly worth $517,000. Another baseball card, featuring Hall of Famer Honus Wagner, is worth $2.8 million. People say collectibles can be valuable if they are rare, in demand, authentic, and in mint condition.

February 13, 2018

Christian Standard

At a Friend’s Table

By Ronald G. Davis  Few experiences are as pleasant and satisfying as sitting at a friend’s table for a simple meal. Jesus had that experience on a number of occasions. At the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, as recorded in John 12, it appeared to be especially delightful for him. That meal was, in a certain sense, a funeral luncheon prepared by a congregation for a dearly beloved member of the family. (Read John 12:1-3.) Only, on that occasion, the “dearly beloved” was still alive and present. Though the food prepared by Martha was no doubt delicious and nutritious,

April 7, 2017

Christian Standard

Misfit Convention

By Mark Atteberry The world has little patience for a misfit. Show up at a swanky country club in jeans and flip-flops and you won”t be allowed to play. Let your grass grow too tall or park a junk car in your driveway and the homeowners” association will impose a fine. Cheerfully work above and beyond your job description and your fellow employees will resent you for making them look bad. Let”s face it. Life is less painful if you fit in. We even drill this into our children, starting with the uniforms we force them to wear when we

July 29, 2016

Christian Standard

Bless the Hands

By Nancy Karpenske When my family gathers at the dinner table, it is common for the designated prayer person to pray, “Lord, thank you for the hands that prepared this meal.” Those would be my hands they are talking about. Sometimes fixing dinner has taken hours, chopping, mixing, stirring, grating. Occasionally my hands smell like the onion I chopped, or they are scratched from picking raspberries. But quite often my hands have merely pushed the buttons on the microwave or flipped the switch on the Crock-Pot in order to produce a satisfying meal. I like to cook and bake. But

February 12, 2016

Christian Standard

Hurting God

By Tom Claibourne When my son, Micah, was 7, he did his best to help me build a baseball backstop. After stapling the fencing to the frame, I let him hammer each staple to further secure it. I pointed each time where I wanted him to hammer, and he would proudly hit that spot. At one point he missed a staple so I pointed my finger near the spot, not realizing his hammer was already racing my finger to that location. Needless to say, I let out a loud wail after the impact. My cry startled him and he realized

December 23, 2015

Christian Standard

Meditating on Joy: December 23

By Becky Ahlberg Wednesday, December 23 Read Hebrews 12:1-3.  “For the joy set before him he endured . . .” (v. 2). Is there a more graphic reminder of the purpose with which Jesus came among us? The long view was essential to his ability to endure his humanity experience. It is true for all of us. Planning, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears are a part of every worthwhile endeavor. Why? For the joy set before us. Examples: pregnancy, labor and delivery, raising kids, training for a race, getting your education, building a career, making disciples, caring for elderly parents,

April 25, 2014

Christian Standard

Where Is Eden?

By Jeff Faull Where is the Garden of Eden? Not the actual geographical description. You can read that in Genesis 2. Where is the garden now? What happened to it? Last we knew, it was in Genesis 3. Remember? Therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:23, 24, New

June 8, 2012

Christian Standard

A New Meaning to an Old Memorial

By Nancy Karpenske Imagine family and friends around your picnic table at Memorial Day. The head of the family is explaining to the youngsters about the origin and importance of the holiday. But instead of reciting history, as one would expect, he puts himself in the middle of the meaning, as if he is going to leave your family picnic and volunteer to give his life for his country. He even claims that from now on, Memorial Day will focus on his sacrifice more than on the remembrance of previous veterans. You might be glad this imaginary family isn”t yours””or

May 11, 2012

Christian Standard

The Privilege I Anticipate

By Bryce Jessup I remember telling my dad at the age of 9 I wanted to become a Christian. I recall my older brother saying, “All he wants to do is be able to take Communion.” There was quite a discussion that ensued between my dad and his two sons! After studying for a number of weeks under my dad”s direction, I went forward to commit my life to Christ and be baptized. It was a wonderful time of celebration and hope for the future. I remember my uncle pouring some water into the baptistery from a vial he filled

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