Articles for tag: Repentance

October 20, 2014

Christian Standard

Lesson for October 26, 2014: Things Too Wonderful for Me (Job 42; Psalm 86)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the October 19 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  Today we consider the closing section of the book of Job. Last week we studied Job 24. In the chapters in between, Job”s friends continued to pass judgment on the suffering patriarch. Job continued to defend his actions. After the many words of Job”s friends and the lengthy responses by Job, the Lord spoke for the first time with two messages

September 26, 2014

Christian Standard

Beauty in Brokenness

By J. Michael Shannon “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying “˜Take and eat; this is my body”” (Matthew 26:26). At one time or another we all must deal with broken things. As children, we break toys. Later we deal with a broken car or a broken appliance. Occasionally we drop a cup or glass and it breaks. More significant is the certainty of broken relationships. Broken things often tell a story of sorrow and disappointment, but there is also power and, occasionally, joy in what has been

August 15, 2014

Christian Standard

Refreshed by Repentance

By Mark S. Krause Repentance is not popular today. One Internet blogger called repentance “the most unpopular message in the history of mankind.” Why is this? What is it about calling people to repent that rubs us the wrong way? When he was about 4 years old, my son learned a painful lesson when he burned the tip of his finger on the cigarette lighter in my car. I was sorry, but knew his finger would heal (although he still bears a scar). He taught me a lesson about repentance a few days later. As I was washing the car in

August 4, 2014

Christian Standard

Lesson for August 10, 2014: Forgiveness and Restoration (2 Corinthians 1:23″“2:17)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the August 3 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  Paul”s first letter to the Corinthian church contained many things that were difficult for the people to hear and to heed. One issue involved a man who had a sexual relationship with his father”s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). The apostle directed the church to separate from him (5:2, 11-13). The purpose for this exercise of church discipline was to save the

July 16, 2014

Christian Standard

The Discipline to Discipline

By Jim Tune The words church discipline can conjure up vivid imagery that seemingly affirms the world”s worst perceptions of church. Nathaniel Hawthorne”s The Scarlet Letter serves up a twisted picture of the ostracizing of an adulteress by both church and community. Is this what we mean by church discipline””visions of Hester Prynne skulking around her nightmarish New England town? A solidly biblical approach to church discipline is the only way to heal fractures, restore right relationships, and ensure the health of the church. Discipline is not simply the unhappy task of ordering troublemakers out of the church. Indeed, discipline

March 14, 2014

Christian Standard

‘Are You Being Broken?’

By Kay Moll In his book A Distant Grief, Kefa Sempangi says when he began his ministry in Uganda, he was challenged by some older ministers about the need for continual repentance. One of them would often ask him, “Are you repenting? Are you walking in the light? Are you being broken?” The older minister went on to stress how important it is to be broken, even as Jesus was broken for the world. He said to be broken is to have no pride. If there is pride, there is no confession. If there is no confession, there is no

February 28, 2014

Christian Standard

Alone in a Crowd

By Tom Claibourne   The Lord”s Supper is quite paradoxical. It looks backward and forward. It calls us to look upward but also inward. It is utterly profound yet disarmingly simple. It celebrates life while focusing on death. The Communion emblems prompt feelings of assurance while also calling for an honest self-evaluation regarding our sin. They honor Jesus” death but also his resurrection. They help us celebrate the forgiveness of our sins while reminding us of our ongoing struggle with temptation. The Lord”s Supper stirs tears of repentance but also smiles of celebration. It calls forth horror at the intensity

January 20, 2014

Christian Standard

Lesson for January 26, 2014: Showing Compassion for the Poor (Luke 16)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The parable we study today follows directly the story that Jesus told about the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-15). J. W. McGarvey suggested, “If the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them.” Rich and Poor Luke 16:19-21 Luke explains that it was the rich man”s habit to wear costly and well-made clothing. He was literally “making merry brilliantly,”

July 2, 2013

Christian Standard

40 Under 40: Phil Allen

PHIL ALLEN Vine pastor, (young adult ministry), Shepherd of the Hills Church,  Porter Ranch, California When I think of Phil Allen, I think of the word powerful. There is a special rhythm, dynamic, and power in the way he speaks. It”s very captivating, especially among twentysomethings and thirtysomethings. It”s because of his giftedness to speak to this generation, as well as his unwavering commitment to the truth, that I am convinced he will be a key influencer in ministry in Christian churches in the coming year. Phil possesses a calling from the Lord to communicate with passion and conviction. In

June 4, 2013

Christian Standard

Getting It Lived

By Mark A. Taylor We were talking about truth and grace. It was toward the end of a lively conversation during our first blogtalkradio program, Beyond the Standard; this episode was about how to influence life change. George Ross, Tim Harlow, and Brian Mavis discussed the challenges of standing for the truth while standing with the sinner. How do we love and listen to people, leading them to the truth without hitting them over the head with it? Brian told about a friend of his with “grace” and “truth” tattoos, one on each wrist. “Since I”m right-handed, “˜grace” is on my

May 20, 2013

Christian Standard

Interview with George Ross

By Paul Boatman George Ross is in his 13th year as senior pastor of Northside Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana. The church has grown from 1,200 to 5,000 during his ministry. His previous ministries have been directed to children, youth, small groups, music, and preaching. We spoke with him about reaching sinners, watching repentance, and creating a culture of redemption. We would like to hear you reflect on how you minister in the face of cultural challenges. Why me?   I”ve watched your ministry. In both Las Vegas and metropolitan Louisville, you have focused on leading non-Christians to be

May 20, 2013

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 26, 2013: Patient Hope (2 Peter 3)

By Sam E. Stone When doubters and cynics ridicule the church today, it is nothing new. That was happening a few years after the church began. As the apostle Peter neared the end of his life, even then he addressed the criticisms being leveled against Christians. Scoffers” Perspective 2 Peter 3:3, 4 It is important to remember that the last days started a long time ago. On the Day of Pentecost after Christ”s resurrection, Peter applied the last days prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 to that very moment (Acts 2:17; see also Hebrews 1:2; Jude 18). The scoffers Peter describes may

May 13, 2013

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 19, 2013: Active Hope (1 Peter 4)

By Sam E. Stone Persecution was common for the church of Peter”s day. His two letters address both what had happened already and what lay ahead. Christians need not fear, remembering the example of their Lord. In today”s text, Peter returns to his main theme found in 1 Peter 3:14-18, after some parenthetical remarks (vv. 19-22). Once again he focuses on being willing to suffer for Christ. Distinctive Life 1 Peter 4:1-6 Jesus” suffering brought us salvation. His obedient spirit must be ours as well. He died once for all (Hebrews 7:27; 9:28). Since we have the assurance of life

October 15, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for October 21, 2012: Simon Wants to Buy Power (Acts 8:2-24)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The church of Jesus Christ began in Jerusalem (Acts 2), but it did not stay there. Just as Jesus had directed, the early believers moved out of the city, bearing witness to their faith “in all Judea and Samaria” as well (Acts 1:8). Today”s text focuses on the ministry of Philip in Samaria. Like Stephen, whom we studied the past two weeks (Acts 6:8″“8:2), Philip was also one of “the seven” chosen to be servant leaders

September 3, 2012

Christian Standard

A Call to 40 Days of Prayer

By Staff Dave Butts, founder of Harvest Prayer Ministries (Terre Haute, IN) and chairman of America”s National Prayer Committee, has set up www.40daysofprayer.net to provide information, prayer guides, and links to ministries sponsoring prayer efforts for the 40 days leading up to this year”s elections. The ministry writes, “The challenge is not to pray for a specific candidate, but simply to have 24/7 prayer for our nation during that time. We are beyond political solutions for our nation, but we are desperate for God”s intervention. We are challenging people to pray God”s purposes for our nation, revival in the church, and

August 17, 2012

Christian Standard

Blessed Thirst

By Daniel Schantz “O God, you are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You . . . in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1, New King James Version).   August. Dog days, the dry month. The front yard is like a worn-out carpet from lack of rain. Shrubs and trees are motionless, their leaves layered with dust. You carry a bottle of water wherever you go; it seems to be growing to your hand. You park your car in the shade. You walk slowly, trying not to sweat. Every

July 26, 2012

Christian Standard

What Our Websites Say about Baptism

By Daniel Overdorf I baptized my younger son on New Year”s Day. On a day of new beginnings, we celebrated his new birth. My voice cracked when I asked him to confess what he believes about Jesus. He responded, “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” These words rang sweeter in my ears than the first words he spoke as a toddler. My tears mixed with the baptismal water when I lowered him into the burial of his old self, and raised him as a new creation in Jesus. I experienced the same joy

June 25, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for July 1, 2012: Samuel Administers Justice (1 Samuel 4″“7)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Further evidence of God”s desire for justice is found as we move from the patriarchs and judges to the kings. Samuel is a “bridge” figure between the latter two groups. He had a role unique in Hebrew history. He was a prophet (1 Samuel 3:20), but he was also a judge (7:15). It was Samuel who anointed both King Saul (10:1; 15:1), and later King David (16:13) to rule over Israel. He was a strong and

April 13, 2012

Christian Standard

What”s Missing?

By Ron Downs Something seems to be missing in many churches today when it comes to the issue of salvation. There is strong emphasis on believing in Jesus. There also seem to be strong emphases on confessing Jesus and baptism. But it seems there is little or almost no emphasis on repentance. Repentance has been dropped from the church”s vocabulary. John the Baptist came preaching repentance. Jesus preached repentance. Both John and Jesus made repentance the heart of their message. The message on Pentecost was not to accept Jesus and be baptized, nor was it to ask Jesus into your

April 6, 2012

Christian Standard

“I Will Save You”

By Jeff Vines The prophet Joel said it (Joel 2:32), and more than 800 years later, the apostle Paul repeated it: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Of all the enduring promises we find in Scripture, no other promise holds greater significance for both this life and the one to come. But what does salvation really mean? From what is one saved? Why is salvation something we should be concerned about? Before God”s promise of “I will save you” can become precious to us, we must understand the answers to those questions.

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