Articles for tag: John 1:3

March 4, 2014

Brighter Days Ahead?

By Mark A. Taylor For the person enduring dark times, the biblical story of Joseph can be an inspiration. As a young man he went from favored son to captured slave to a position of authority to years in prison and then, finally, to his place as the second-in-command to the Egyptian pharaoh. When my men”s Bible study looked at his life, we focused on the happy ending to Joseph”s many years of recurring disappointments and confusion. What”s the lesson for our lives today? Our study guide pointed us to a verse Christians love to quote: “In all things God

August 11, 2013

Christian Standard

Family & Relationships

Family: What’s the Biblical Ideal?

Interview a dozen people on a street corner, and youÂ may get 12 different definitions for family. The Bible”sÂ picture is more diverse and multifaceted than we might first realize, so let”s look at Scripture”s definitions. By Gary Zustiak People seem to have their own ideas of what constitutes a family these days. A sampling of two dictionaries shows eight and nine definitions, respectively, for the word family. I remember when I discovered some people”s concept of family didn”t match my own. Our family had just finished an early dinner. Our youngest son, who was then a junior in high school, asked

July 12, 2013

Christian Standard

Culture & Public Square Politics & Government

Kingdom Clash

By Robert F. Hull Jr. In the closing of his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul includes this surprising note: “All God”s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar”s household” (Philippians 4: 22). What? There are followers of Christ in the emperor”s household? The same Caesar who is holding Paul in prison and who will eventually see to it that Paul is executed? Talk about a clash of kingdoms! Both Jesus and Paul were acutely aware there could be no merger of the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, but neither could

July 25, 2012

Fred Liggin

Mission & Evangelism

Too Much Is at Stake to Forget

In the aftermath of the Aurora tragedy, Fred Liggin calls Christ followers beyond political debate to embody the peace, sacrificial love, mercy, and hope of Jesus in everyday life.

February 14, 2011

Jonathan Feathers

Theology & Bible Bible Study

Lesson for Feb. 20, 2011: Jesus Came to Serve (Mark 10:35-45)

Jonathan Feathers reflects on Mark 10:35-45, where Jesus redirects his disciples from seeking honor to choosing servanthood, asking readers whether they want to be served or to serve.

October 16, 2010

George Ross

Culture & Public Square Reconciliation

The Best Pizza I Ever Had

George Ross reflects on church conflict, forgiveness, and the surprising sweetness of reconciliation suppers shared with formerly estranged friends in the body of Christ.

March 17, 2010

Mark A. Taylor

Devotionals

Life Is Hard, and That’s OK

Mark A. Taylor reflects on broken churches, ministries, workplaces, and relationships—and why Jesus’ promise to overcome the world gives Christians courage in the face of trouble.

December 23, 2007

Alan Ahlgrim

Devotionals

The Sign of Peace

Christmas can be filled with conflict and strain, but Scripture points to true peace through Christ. Pursue peace with others as you’re able, and rest in God’s presence even when circumstances don’t quickly change.

March 12, 2006

Greg Marksberry

Church Leadership Leadership Development

Humility in Leadership

Hardship can reshape spiritual leaders—restoring humility, tenderizing compassion, and deepening dependence on God. Greg Marksberry reflects on how suffering can recalibrate a leader’s heart toward Christlike service and lasting impact.