Articles for tag: Satan

August 21, 2017

Christian Standard

The Urgency of Sledgehammering Strongholds

(This is a sidebar to “LOVEtheLOU: Demonstrating and Declaring the Gospel in North St. Louis.”) By Walt Wilcoxson It”s not a tree you would pick to help beautify your yard. The bark on much of the trunk is gone, carved away, no doubt, by knives of North St. Louis neighborhood kids as a way to mourn the loss of a friend shot down in the street. On the bare wood are carved the initials of the victim of violence on Enright Avenue. After the shooting, the tree became a makeshift memorial, a place to remember. But over time, the gathering

July 25, 2017

Michael C. Mack

Old Dogs Keep Running

By Michael C. Mack Some maxims should never be uttered again, especially by Christian leaders. Like this one: “You can”t teach an old dog new tricks.” I own an old dog, a black Lab named Lainey, and she still is learning new tricks. I figured she was simply smarter than the average dog. My vet, however, told me all older dogs can continue to learn, though it may take more work. Like Lainey, we as individuals and the body of Christ, regardless of age, have the capability to learn new things, be transformed, and do more of what God created

November 26, 2016

Christian Standard

Over Your Skis

By Tim Harlow When we get ahead of God, we”re getting ready to fall. Like you, I cringe every time a pastor flames out. For one thing, I know that there, but for the grace of God, go I. I also know my job just got harder. I know that people look at the fallen pastor, and then look at me and wonder what I”m really like. The apostle James warned us of this reality (James 3:1), but it doesn”t make it any easier when another teacher doesn”t make it. Somewhere, deep inside, we all love hearing stories about someone

February 9, 2016

Mark A. Taylor

Passing the Tests

By Mark A. Taylor Years ago, when the wife of a popular minister suffered a stroke, a mutual friend said, “If the devil can”t get him any other way, he”ll go after his family.” This minister was widely known, a sought-after speaker, and the author of several books. Never has there been a hint of scandal or impropriety in his life or ministry. Thankfully, his wife recovered and, by all appearances, her illness never swayed him from service. I thought of that time this week when I sat across the table from an aging saint whose wife died in December.

April 10, 2015

Christian Standard

Toward a Theology of Suffering

By Joe Harvey The story of Job suggests several formulas for figuring out the relationship between God”s purposes, good people, and the suffering they must endure. Not till we reach the end do we understand the proper equation. I suppose everyone has heard the story of Job. In a nutshell, you probably know he was a wealthy, influential man who lived what we now call “the good life.” He had family, money, power, and prestige. The book of Job describes his situation as being ideal. “He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand

October 24, 2014

Christian Standard

Why Satan Hates Communion

By Mark Atteberry   Toward the end of a lengthy prayer, shortly before his arrest, Jesus said, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one””as you are in me, Father, and I am in you” (John 17:20, 21, New Living Translation). Jesus prayed for unity among his people because he understood that bickering Christians preaching love would be about as effective in spreading the gospel as a 300-pound man recommending a new

October 6, 2014

Christian Standard

Lesson for October 12, 2014: I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Job 19; Psalm 57)

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 5 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  This is the first of three lessons highlighting key passages from the book of Job. The best way to get an overall picture of this important piece of Old Testament literature is to read the entire book. After Job”s tragic experiences, three of his friends came to see him (Job 2:11-13). Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar agreed “to go and sympathize

August 11, 2014

Christian Standard

Lesson for August 17, 2014: Treasure in Clay Jars (2 Corinthians 4:1-15)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the  The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  Paul”s suffering is mentioned throughout this second letter to the Corinthians, especially in chapters 4, 6, and 11. When the Lord called him into his service, he revealed his plan to use Paul as a “chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles.” He added, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:15, 16). The apostle”s

February 25, 2014

Mark A. Taylor

A Bold Statement, a Beautiful Movie

Let”s go see Son of God, the new movie about Jesus in theaters this weekend! By Mark A. Taylor  Not everyone had praise for the History Channel”s miniseries The Bible when it became a surprise hit last year. Facebook posters and tweeters complained about biblical inaccuracies, criticized the show”s choice of Bible stories, generally attempted to demonstrate that they knew more about the Bible than the show”s producers. But I liked it. Oh, I didn”t like every little thing about it. It had a little too much bombast for my taste. I wasn”t sure every portrayal matched my image of

February 4, 2014

Mark A. Taylor

Living with the Lie

By Mark A. Taylor The sermon reminded us again of the sly lie the devil told Eve. “You won”t die if you eat that fruit.” And I couldn”t help but remember how he continues to whisper the falsehood in the ears of vulnerable believers today. “No one will know, no one will care if you do this just once.” “You believe God loves you? Then why does he let you suffer like this?” “See what your integrity has gotten you? Why don”t you wise up and have a little fun and make some money? Isn”t it time to stop denying

September 13, 2013

Christian Standard

Careful on the Way Down

By David Ray Someone who”s done a  study about mountain climbing made an interesting discovery. As risk-filled as the ascent may be, more than half of all climbing fatalities occur on the way down. For example, of the fatalities that had occurred on Mount Everest””the world”s tallest mountain””about 60 percent of them happened while the climbers were descending back to base camp. Different reasons for this phenomenon have been suggested, but there is often a natural letdown that comes after any great goal has been accomplished. With adrenaline pumping and a summit in sight, climbers may master an ascent. But

March 24, 2012

Christian Standard

Unwelcome at the Table

By William Baker   The original Supper of the Lord took place at a table (Luke 22:21, 30). Devoted disciples ate with Jesus at this Passover meal. One, however, left before the meal was over. Judas ate the wine-soaked bread Jesus offered him but immediately left to do his dirty deed of informing on Jesus to the temple authorities (John 13:26-30). His pact to help them capture Jesus out of the public eye would be honored that night (Luke 22:1-6). In a few hours, Judas would lead the guard to Jesus and betray him with a kiss of death. Jesus

June 22, 2011

Christian Standard

The Verse that Saved My Life

By Mark Atteberry It happened on my last day of Bible college. It was a ceremony dreamed up by several members of our senior class, something inspirational to do as a part of our final chapel service. Each senior would walk to the podium and call the name of a member of the junior class. The junior whose name had been called would then stand and listen as the senior read a specially chosen verse of Scripture. Several of my classmates thought it would be a good way for us to say goodbye. When the idea was sprung on me,

February 22, 2011

Christian Standard

We Have Met the Enemy

By Mark A. Taylor Jim Tune says in “Stake” that the NACC is better, but less necessary, than ever. His rationale resonates with that of Gary Weedman who contributed one of several “viewpoints” on the NACC for our September 21, 2008, issue. The NACC was created in 1927 as a reaction to what was seen as encroachment of liberal theology and of “open membership” practiced by missionaries. . . . The majority of the leaders of the International Convention . . . were seen to be supportive, or at least tolerant, of the theological liberalism and practice of open membership.

September 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Anne Rice”s Decision Makes Me Sad

By Mark A. Taylor Perhaps you”re familiar with Anne Rice, the world-known novelist who left the Catholic faith of her childhood to become an atheist and then returned to a vibrant belief in God. Perhaps you know about her Facebook post July 28. “Today I quit being a Christian,” she wrote. “I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being “˜Christian” or to being part of Christianity. It”s simply impossible for me to “˜belong” to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group.” The next day she added, “My faith in Christ is central to my life. .

August 11, 2010

Christian Standard

Remember Your Baptism, Teach About Baptism

By Mark A. Taylor More than a year ago, Bruce Shields encouraged readers, “Remember Your Baptism” (March 1, 2009). His wonderful essay sheds light on our discussion of children and baptism published last week and finished in this issue. A few lines from the conclusion of his piece:   When life seems to be too hard for you to remain true to what you know is right, remember your baptism. When friends urge you to loosen up and go the way of the world, remember your baptism. When memories of guilt assail you in the night, remember your baptism. When the

May 14, 2008

Christian Standard

Some Prayer Requests Can Hurt

By Mark A. Taylor My wife used to be a part of the prayer chain at our church. Maybe you’ve participated in one of these. Somebody calls the church with a request, and the prayer chairman calls someone who calls someone who calls someone else to share the need, till everyone in the chain has been notified. My wife actually prayed about these requests. Sometimes I did too, but I must admit I was often more interested in hearing the news than taking the needs to God. Who’s having a baby? Who’s going to the hospital? How bad were the

December 19, 2007

Christian Standard

The Price of War, the Promise of Peace

By Mark A. Taylor The angels announcing the birth of our Savior promised “peace on earth.” But today in America we are beset with war”s losses, weary with war”s news, and divided by debates about war. It is only natural that Christmas messages this December focus on peace, because this Christmas many are longing for peace as never before. Ishmael Beah speaks about peace after having his own life ravaged by civil war in Sierra Leone. Orphaned by the conflict, he fought with an AK-47 by the age of 12. Drugged and terrorized by insurgent thugs, he was forced to

October 17, 2007

Christian Standard

Ad Pitches and Spiritual Warfare

By Mark A. Taylor Power. Pleasure. Pride. Our desire for all three keeps advertisers in business. “Do it all.” “Enjoy it now.” “Show it off.” But this isn”t a diatribe against advertising. These examples are only symptoms of the issue we”re facing. A simple request for photos got me thinking about the problem. “How is it going for you?” I asked a minister after talking with him about pictures for an upcoming article. “Really well,” he said, after a short pause. “Thanks for asking. We”ve been facing some significant spiritual warfare here,” he added. “The more our church has grown,

November 30, 2005

Christian Standard

Practice Regular Maintenance (Communion Meditation)

The Sydney Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia, is an engineering marvel. It reaches 440 feet above the harbor and is almost three-fourths of a mile long. It is the world”s largest steel-arch bridge and makes a breathtaking backdrop for the world famous Sydney Opera House. The bridge opened in 1932 and currently handles 150,000 cars a day. I”m sure you”ve seen it in countless photos. What most people don”t realize is that the weight of the traffic and the corrosive effects of the environment take a tremendous toll on the steel. Maintenance efforts never stop and are extremely expensive. It

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