Articles for tag: Philippians 4

December 20, 2016

Mark A. Taylor

Keeping the Peace

By Mark A. Taylor The spectacle stunned the shepherds. A multitude of angels lit up the black sky over a field outside Bethlehem, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Although we can only imagine what the shepherds experienced, the content of the angels” song is as surprising and beautiful to us as it must have been to them. Glory to God? Daily the news demonstrates that pride and self-promotion are the currency of our times. History tells us this has always been so. Peace on earth? A nice

December 19, 2016

Christian Standard

Listening to “˜Granny”

By Chris Moon They call her “Granny Jean.” I suppose every town has one like her””a quick-witted older lady who overcame hardship and spent her life teaching in the schools and being a fixture in the community. You really don”t need to know her name. You just call her “Granny,” and everyone knows who it is. Everyone has had an experience with “Granny Jean.” When I came to minister with Stanton (Kentucky) Christian Church, I would see Jean Derickson working across the hall in our preschool. She”s a slender woman, probably not much more than 5 feet tall, with grandmotherly

December 14, 2015

Christian Standard

Meditating on Peace: December 14

By Becky Ahlberg Monday, December 14 My first child was born on January 6. He wasn”t due until January 20, so I had insisted I could keep my music ministry running through the Christmas season. A full choral program, children”s program, soloist work in a local performance of Bach”s “Magnificat,” a Christmas Eve service, and all the family stuff of Christmas a week later, and well, let”s just say I overdid it a bit. A daunting 26 hours of labor later, I held my baby boy in my arms and the agony quickly became ecstasy. He was perfect. I just

December 8, 2014

Christian Standard

Lesson for December 14, 2014: Make a Joyful Noise (Psalm 95)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the December 7 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  Psalm 95 begins with a call to sing praises to the Lord. The invitation to come is found three times in today”s text. The messianic implication in these verses is confirmed by the usage of this psalm in the New Testament. It is quoted in Hebrews 3 and 4, where it is attributed to David. Leslie S. M”Caw observed, “The anthem

November 11, 2014

Mark A. Taylor

Prayer Made a Difference at ReChurch

By Mark A. Taylor The big man with broad shoulders and a wide grin greeted me as I headed toward my display table. I was about finished setting up for the annual leadership conference, “ReChurch,” sponsored by Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis. Better known as “The Creek,” the church hosted the event last Thursday and Friday, November 6 and 7. He greeted me with a firm handshake and introduced himself as Kevin Hart, executive minister for operations at the megachurch. I told him my name, and he asked me, “Can I pray for you?” With others passing in both

September 10, 2013

Mark A. Taylor

Remembering 911

A Day for Hope

As another 9/11 anniversary approaches, Mark A. Taylor reflects on tragedy, the comfort Christians find in faith, and how prayer, reconciliation, and God's enduring peace offer hope to a wounded world.

January 21, 2013

Christian Standard

Lesson for January 27, 2013: Standing Firm in Christ (Philippians 3:12–4:1)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone In his personal letter to the church family at Philippi, the apostle Paul emphasized the importance of doing everything for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7). In addition to warning against false teachers, he spoke candidly about spiritual maturity, encouraging every Christian to remain faithful. Today”s text provides guidance for believers living in a hostile world.   Don”t Dwell on the Past Philippians 3:12, 13 It is not wise to think that one has “arrived,” having

December 31, 2012

Christian Standard

Closed for Renovations

When we talk about makeovers, we”re usually focusing on externals: a new hairdo, new makeup, or maybe a new kitchen or paint job for our house. What would happen if Christians took time for a spiritual “inside” makeover?   By Danny R. Von Kanel As we prepare to face a new year, maybe this is the time to consider a spiritual makeover. The following steps can help make it happen.   Take a spiritual inventory of your relationship with Christ. A spiritual inventory reveals your spiritual condition. Such honest grappling with your spiritual state includes addressing sin, character flaws, relationships, spiritual disciplines,

December 31, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for January 6, 2013: Proclaiming Christ (Philippians 1)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Philippians is a letter of encouragement. Although Paul wrote it while a prisoner of Rome, it is not a “Woe is me!” message. The Christians in Philippi and countless believers since have found in this letter reason to rejoice, no matter what life”s circumstances may be. Pat Edwin Harrell called today”s text “a picture of the gospel”s progress.” He notes that Paul reveals how his imprisonment has directly (1:12-14), indirectly (vv. 15-18), and unfailingly worked to

September 24, 2012

Eleanor Daniel

Christian simplicity

What Would It Mean to Live Simply?

When downsizing reveals an unexpected attachment to possessions, Eleanor Daniel discovers a deeper spiritual challenge. Her reflection on Christian simplicity invites believers to reconsider contentment, generosity, and what it truly means to have enough.

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