December 17, 2010
The Tyranny of the Paradigm (Part 3)
Jack W. Cottrell argues that the sola fidei paradigm distorts biblical teaching on confession, baptism, and the conditions of salvation in Romans 10, Acts 2, and Ephesians 4.
Articles for tag: Theology
December 14, 2010
The Tyranny of the Paradigm (Part 2)
Jack W. Cottrell examines sola fidei as a controlling theological paradigm and argues that faith, repentance, and baptism must be interpreted with careful distinctions between means, conditions, and occasion.
October 22, 2010
The Best Preparation Possible
Tracy Marx and Mike Sweeney make a biblical and practical case for Christian higher education as preparation for thoughtful, grounded, and faithful kingdom service.
August 8, 2010
Safe, to Lost, to Saved? (A Response)
Jeff Faull responds to questions about children, baptism, and accountability, urging Christian parents and leaders to teach the gospel carefully while trusting God with each individual situation.
The Tyranny of the Paradigm (Part 1)
Jack Cottrell examines the “tyranny of the paradigm,” showing how controlling assumptions can shape scientific claims and theological interpretation alike.
The Priority of Preaching
By Wayne Shaw Preaching has always been important in the culture and curriculum of our Bible colleges and seminaries. Earl C. Hargrove championed a theme that has been echoed in the charters of schools across the brotherhood when he launched Lincoln (Illinois) Bible Institute in his inaugural sermon with the promise, “The Preachers Are Coming.” For 45 years I have taught preaching, mainly at what is now called Lincoln Christian University, but also in special courses throughout North America and around the world. I speak with the confidence of experience when I assert that preaching is in the DNA of
May 30, 2010
What I Have Learned in 50 Years as a Theologian (Part 2)
Jack Cottrell examines Law vs. Grace, arguing that Christians become and remain justified by grace through faith while rethinking common Restoration Movement teachings about salvation and baptism.
May 16, 2010
Embracing Our Questioners
John Castelein urges churches to welcome sincere questions, engage struggling believers honestly, and build discipleship, worship, and teaching around thoughtful faith rather than fear.
A New Reason to Register
Mark A. Taylor encourages readers to register for the North American Christian Convention, highlighting worship, preaching, workshops, fellowship, and a free CHRISTIAN STANDARD gift subscription.
April 11, 2010
Whatever Happened to False Doctrine?
Jeff Faull reflects on the New Testament’s repeated calls to unity and love while challenging the church not to abandon its responsibility to recognize and resist false doctrine.
Interview with John Walker
John Walker explains how Blessing Ranch began as a Christian leader resource and renewal center, helping pastors, families, and ministry teams pursue restoration, growth, and prevention.
A Christian Civics Lesson
 By Rod Roberts On January 9, 2007, the newly elected speaker of the Iowa House gaveled the 82nd General Assembly into session. True to the traditions of the Iowa House, the speaker invited a special guest pastor to bring the invocation that morning. To the surprise of many, the guest invited to pray for the General Assembly was a Des Moines-area Muslim imam. The gesture was, in part, recognition of the election of Iowa”s first Muslim state legislator, who was from Des Moines. In fact, the state Capitol in Des Moines is located in this legislator”s district. The imam
August 17, 2008
Two Views: Complementarian””Men Are Authoritative Teachers
By Joe Harvey Joe Harvey and Lana West adapted these articles from presentations they made to a doctor of ministry class at Lincoln (Illinois) Christian Seminary.  Be sure to read Lana West”s article. _________________________ As Christianity moves through the first decade of the 21st century, it has entered a cultural vortex pulling it toward political correctness and moral relativism. It”s only natural that students of the Bible and theology react on many fronts, and some of the most heated discussions revolve around issues of gender discrimination and “traditionalist” (presumably nonprogressive) modes of thinking. The question of women”s role in church leadership
Let There Be Peace
Victor M. Parachin offers practical Christian wisdom for cultivating personal peace through prayer, releasing worry, treating others with dignity, and living with serenity amid life’s pressures.
December 23, 2007
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and John the Prophet
By Robert Lowery What in the world does Charles Dickens, the 19th-century British author, have to do with the first-century prophet John? I made a connection just the other night after reading Dickens”s short story, A Christmas Carol. The rereading of this classic work intersected with a paper I had graded earlier that evening written by a student in my class on Revelation. The theology of John and Dickens merged late that evening. Most of us are familiar with the characters in the story published in 1843″” Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Bob Cratchit and his family, notably Tiny Tim””if
October 10, 2007
Interview with Bill Putman
Bill Putman shares how his family endured crisis, rebellion, and hard boundaries—and how God’s grace brought healing. A candid interview about tough love, hope, and trusting God with the children you cannot fix.
September 2, 2007
Scandalous Risks
By C. Robert Wetzel “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1). Some time ago I read Susan Howatch”s novel Scandalous Risks. It is the fourth in a series of six novels about the Church of England in the 20th century. I was surprised to see the novel introduced by a quotation from the book of popular theology entitled Honest to God, written by Bishop John A. T. Robinson in 1962. Honest to God was one of those books that attempts to revise Christian faith to make it more
August 19, 2007
Five Books About Business As Mission
A brief roundup of books on business as mission, tentmaking, microenterprise, and kingdom entrepreneurship—highlighting practical approaches for ministry in places closed to conventional missionary work.
March 25, 2007
Biblical Stewardship in the Local Church
Church stewardship shouldn’t feel like a game of chance. Tom Jones outlines 10 practical principles—vision, leader modeling, clear communication, and creative fundraising—to help congregations build a healthy financial base for mission.
February 21, 2007
A Series About Calvinism
An editor explains why this issue devotes significant space to Calvinism, noting its renewed influence and potential to divide. The series aims to help readers pursue biblical doctrine and God’s glory with clarity, humility, and charity.
