Articles for tag: L. Mackenzie

January 29, 2020

The Thrift Store Ministry

This Church’s Outreach Approach Recycles Much More than Clothing and Furniture _ _ _ “I needed clothes and you clothed me.” By L. Mackenzie On December 15, 2008, leaders of The Crossing in Quincy, Illinois, were discussing possible changes to their benevolence strategy. Several of them had just visited a church in Post Falls, Idaho, where they sought out ideas for growth. Elder Bruce Freeman was among those who listened as an idea for a thrift store ministry was discussed. Freeman was head of benevolence, a man passionate about helping others. He also had 25 years of experience working in

November 26, 2019

Christian Standard

Doctrinal Issues & Debates Theology & Bible

When the Unlimited Takes on Limitations

By L. Mackenzie Consider an Olympic triathlete becoming a paraplegic or the world’s greatest scientist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. What is more tragic than someone with so much potential suddenly becoming limited or cut off from what they were created to be? They suffer, and the world suffers with them. When something great becomes severely limited by earthly circumstances—this is tragedy. What of Jesus? He who was infinite, outside of time and space, over and above all, knowing and in control of every aspect of the universe, was born an infant child. How can the infinite take on a limited form?

January 15, 2019

Christian Standard

Culture & Public Square Race

The Measure of a Man: Where Does He Stand?

By L. Mackenzie Martin Luther King famously said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” King could have passed into history largely unnoticed had he not stepped into the spotlight to become the foremost voice of the modern American civil rights movement in the turbulent 1950s and ’60s. He was known for his powerful speeches of hope and perpetual message of nonviolence. He stood tall against the forces of bigotry, hatred, and darkness. Though he endured immense hostility, King did not grow

January 1, 2019

Christian Standard

Devotionals

How Far?

By L. Mackenzie In churches around the world, people celebrate Epiphany, when magi came to Bethlehem to worship baby Jesus. Elaborate feasts, complete with king cakes, paper crowns, caroling, winter swimming, and house blessings mark this festival each year as the end of the Christmas season for many. When we strip away all the traditions, the heart of the Epiphany story shares a future picture of God’s manifestation to the Gentile world through his Son Jesus. It’s the story of men being drawn toward a heavenly King. “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your

November 2, 2017

Christian Standard

Mission & Evangelism

A Light in the Darkness: StreetLightUSAÂ

By L. MackenzieÂ How one church reached out to God and founded a mission helping victims of domestic child prostitution. ******Â The underground sex economy is a multimillion-dollar industry in the United States; pimps and traffickers can make more than $30,000 a week in major cities, according to a research study reported in 2014 at urban.org.Â Â Information on child prostitution and rape is difficult to source due to the heinous nature of the crime. According to the FBI, children and teens living on the streets engaging in prostitution is at epidemic proportions and life expectancy of a child in trafficking