October 27, 2025
A CHANGE IN COMMUNION
Erick Riddle reflects on Communion, change, and 1 Corinthians 11, reminding believers that the Lord’s Supper calls for honest self-examination and repentance.
Articles for tag: Self-examination
September 9, 2024
September 15 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Be Faithful” (Revelation 3:1-22), by Mark Scott.
August 21, 2023
Salvation in Jesus
Jesus lived so that his death would not be for his own guilt, but for the guilt of others. . . .
February 13, 2023
February 19 | Application (‘Putting Others First’)
Self-centeredness weakens leadership, but unselfishness amplifies it. Effective leaders genuinely care about those they lead. Their goal is to serve, not to have others serve them. Jesus set the example. . . .
July 25, 2022
July 31 | Application (‘Something Is Out of Whack in My Church’)
Let’s be honest. A lot of local churches don’t operate well. It’s beautiful when they do—when the body of Christ functions with harmony and efficiency. But it’s rare to find a congregation where everyone is “speaking the truth in love” and aligned around a common mission.
September 16, 2021
THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Fellowship of Elders
A committee devoted to strengthening the elderships of our churches formed in 1942 and sponsored a series of columns in Christian Standard throughout 1943. As part of their introductory article, they shared an “Elder’s Achievement Chart” that most elders should find interesting.
September 14, 2020
‘Surely, You Don’t Mean Me?’
By Randy Ballinger When we read the Gospel accounts about the night before Jesus went to the cross, we see words about the institution of the Lord’s Supper: “Do this in remembrance of me”; we remember what Jesus did for us. “For the forgiveness of sins”; this is why Jesus did what he did for us. But we also see words that may trouble us, for they certainly troubled his disciples: “One of you will betray me.” When Jesus revealed that a betrayer was sitting at the table with him, it caused each one of his disciples to consider whether
December 2, 2017
‘I Showed Up’
Mandy Harvey”s journey from hearing loss to the finals of AGT, and the family who wouldn”t give up on her. By Joe Harvey As I write this article, my wife, Val, and I are sitting in a hotel room in Los Angeles busying ourselves with work as we await the contestants” final performances on America”s Got Talent for 2017. Tonight, our daughter Mandy Harvey will sing another original song and play her ukulele. Val and I will sit in the lower balcony, stage left, and watch in wonder, sometimes literally holding our breath, as the grand finale unfolds before us.
March 27, 2015
“˜Wash Your Hands”
By David Ray When you were little and getting ready to take your seat at the family dinner table, did your mom ask, “Have you washed your hands?” If you had, you probably proudly held them up to show her. But on those rare occasions when she caught you “dirty-handed,” you”d sheepishly have to slip away to put soap and water to work. As often as we were reminded, we should have remembered to wash our hands every time. But since we are creatures of forgetfulness, or just too preoccupied with other things, that getting ready for the table often
March 9, 2015
A New Ancient Rhythm
By Jason Yeatts “Yes, we do have one, and it starts at 7 p.m. in the south worship center.” Our receptionist must have repeated that statement 20 times that day. The calls started early and went through the afternoon. The weekend before, Gary Johnson, our senior minister, had announced that The Creek would observe the season of Lent, starting with a worship service on Ash Wednesday. The announcement spread quickly, and on that first day of Lent we received a barrage of calls from people wanting to confirm that we, indeed, were having an Ash Wednesday service. The idea to
February 19, 2011
The Time for Cross-Examination
Charles Gerber reflects on Communion as a time for honest self-examination, urging believers to examine their hearts for bitterness, unforgiveness, and the need to seek forgiveness.
November 14, 2010
Self-Examination, Not Self-Recrimination
Daniel Schantz reflects on the Lord’s Supper as a weekly moment to turn sin over to the Forgiver, receive courage, and return renewed to the battle of life.
December 26, 2007
Change: How to Accomplish the “Impossible”
A ministry conversation about confronting needed change leads to a deeper question: what do I need to change that no one tells me? Real transformation begins with renewed thinking and choosing personal submission to God’s Word.
November 30, 2005
When We Partake (Communion Meditation)
The Lord’s Supper is not a meaningless ritual. Communion helps us remember Christ’s sacrifice, participate in the benefits of his body and blood, proclaim his return, affirm unity, give thanks, and examine ourselves with grateful hearts.
November 30, 2005
Practice Regular Maintenance (Communion Meditation)
A devotional using the Sydney Harbor Bridge to show why what carries weight needs upkeep. The Lord’s Supper invites believers to examine their hearts, repent, and renew commitment to Christ.
October 30, 2005
The Church Is Intentionally One (Part 2 or 3)
Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address calls Christians to unity rooted in God’s reconciling work in Christ. Drawing from Paul’s teaching, Clint Gill urges the church to reject human divisions and live as “one new humanity.”
October 23, 2005
The Church Is Essentially One (Part 1 or 3)
Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address challenged division and urged a scriptural basis for unity. Clint Gill argues the New Testament church is fundamentally relationships and fellowship, calling today’s heirs of the Restoration plea to renewed self-examination.
