December 21, 2023
"We need to share Simeon’s experience," Editor Sam Stone wrote in 1978. "We need to see the Lord this Christmas. Simply hearing of the infant in a manger is not enough, however. We must look with the eye of faith to Calvary, knowing that there He died for us." . . .
February 20, 2023
Jesus warned about the folly of neglecting “the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Do we pay attention to the things that matter most?
June 29, 2020
By David Faust Polarized. If I were to summarize American culture and politics right now, polarized is the first word that comes to mind. Progressives and conservatives keep moving further apart. Republicans and Democrats can barely shake each other’s hands and listen to each other’s speeches, let alone work together to solve the nation’s problems. On social media, respect and civility are out; sarcasm is in. Debates based on logic and persuasion have given way to name-calling and personal attacks. Here’s the problem: Nothing grows at the poles. Darkness and extreme temperatures make the North Pole and the South Pole
(This article is a sidebar to Ben Cachiaras’s “The Separation of Church and Hate”; that article and this sidebar both appear in our July 2020 issue.) Three Changes We Must Make to Stop the Infighting and Get Back to the Mission By Ben Cachiaras In his excellent book Dancing in No Man’s Land, Brian Jennings describes the elaborate bunkers used in World War I. Soldiers hunkered in deep trenches for months, close enough to shoot at their enemies but separated from them. They might raise up their head to hurl a grenade or take a shot, but they had to
In a recent address, leadership expert and author Jim Collins provided advice to young, aspiring leaders to help them become great leaders. It”s interesting to see how this secular business leader”s advice lines up with God”s wisdom. 1. Build a personal board of directors selected for their character, not their accomplishments (see Proverbs 15:22). 2. Turn off your electronic gadgets. Effective people take time to think. Begin the discipline of putting white space into your calendar. Like Jesus, make time for solitude (Luke 5:16). 3. Work on your three intersecting circles, what Collins calls the “Hedgehog Concept”: (1) what you
January 26, 2015
By Jan Johnson Would I or wouldn”t I say it? My friend had just bought a new specialty Bible (one with notes) and was showing me what she liked about it. But I couldn”t hear her because my mind was jammed with thoughts of telling her that I had written many of that Bible”s notes and introductory articles. When she asked me a question, I realized I was too busy listening to the argument in my mind to hear my friend. So I looked directly into her eyes, knowing she wanted my attention. Loving her meant letting go of my
May 10, 2012
By Michael C. Mack I want to lead a healthy, growing small group. What is the single most important thing I need to know? In 20-plus years of leading groups and talking to and with many others leading groups, I”ve learned this: There are many skills and techniques leaders can use to make their groups better. But the best way to determine if your small group is healthy involves self-diagnosing one particular vital sign. A healthy group is Christ-centered. Christ is the real leader, and the group is primarily focused on him, experiencing his presence, carrying out his purposes, and
November 7, 2011
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for November 13) is written by Ron Mobley, senior minister with Northwest Christian Church in Acworth, Georgia. ____________ Loving Unconditionally (Matthew 5:38-48) By Ron Mobley The classic song from the stage play Carnival begins, “Love makes the world go round.“ If you have paid attention to world news in recent months you realize that if “love makes the world go round,” our planet has nearly come to a screeching halt! If someone asks, “Can you feel the love,” the answer for many in our world must be “NO!” It”s Personal
June 11, 2006
By Larry Chouinard Does life ever feel like a series of disconnected scenes with no discernible plot, a mere random collection of episodes fragmented by one crisis after another? Is it only the tyranny of the particulars that scripts our lives? We seem driven by a series of episodes, like a weekly TV sitcom whose events are only loosely connected. Success in life seems determined by how well we are able to juggle the particulars and achieve some kind of rhythmic balance. But for some of us, as the particulars multiply (e.g., family, job, children, health issues, financial security), maintaining
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