May 26, 2022
A Response to the Southern Baptist Convention Report
As SBC Leaders release the results of an investigation of sexual abuse and cover-up, what can Independent Christian Church leaders learn?
Articles for tag: Philippians 4:8
February 27, 2019
Preach the Word: How to Embrace Biblical Preaching in the 21st Century
By Chris Philbeck In âThe Urgency of Preaching,â Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Albert Mohler begins by asking, âHas preaching fallen on hard times?â The August 28, 2017, blog post goes on to talk about the centrality of preaching in the New Testament church and whether or not that has been diminished in a day when, using Mohlerâ™s words, âsome contemporary preachers now substitute messages intentionally designed to reach secular or superficial congregationsâmessages which avoid a biblical text, and thus avoid a potentially embarrassing confrontation with biblical truth.â Some have called this âneeds-based preaching.â And some promote needs-based preaching as
March 24, 2018
Maintaining Hope in Ministry
Compiled by Justin Horey Easter is a season of hope. The resurrection promises that God’s power triumphs over darkness. But the crucifixion reminds us that God “did not spare his own Son” from pain during his earthly ministry. Jesus faced discouragement, disbelief, and disloyalty, yet he remained “obedient to death—even death on a cross!” We all face difficulties in ministry. Even at Easter—or perhaps, especially at Easter—we struggle with “trials of many kinds.” In our weakness, it can be difficult to maintain hope. This Easter season, we asked Christian Standard readers for practical answers to one question: When you
December 17, 2015
Meditating on Peace: December 17
By Becky Ahlberg Thursday, December 17 Read and memorize Isaiah 26:3. A steadfast mind is a key ingredient of peace. Here are a few synonyms for steadfast: unwavering, unfaltering, resolute, committed, dedicated, unswerving. So, if I read this right, finding peace is up to you and me! At Christmas, maybe more than at any other time, distractions abound. It”s easy to think running away or just canceling Christmas would eliminate the chaos of the season. But is all the busyness the problem, or is it a state of mind? What are you thinking about? What is capturing your attention these
December 14, 2008
The Power to Transform
By Victor M. Parachin In 1921 when Lewis Lawes became its warden, Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York, had a reputation for being the toughest prison in the country. The most notorious criminals were sent to this severe and unforgiving place. But, when Lawes retired 20 years later, the prison had become a model for the humane treatment of prisoners and the development of rehabilitation programs. Lawes instituted theatricals, film showings, athletics, and provided radio earphones for each cell. He also required prisoners to wear identical uniforms to blur distinctions of wealth and status. Yet Lawes said his
August 7, 2005
Caring for Those in Crisis
A Christian-oriented model for helping people in crisis, built around the “Five R’s”: relate, release, recognize, redirect, and reflect. Practical guidance for supporting others through shock, loss, confusion, and change.
