Succession: When It Works, When It Doesn’t
Perhaps the greatest single benefit of succession success is that when it works, succession success honors God and results in positive momentum in the church as well as in the larger community.
Articles for tag: Unity of the Spirit
November 1, 2023
Fighting for Relationships: Striving for Unity in Politically Divisive Times
By Ben Cachiaras Shortly before his recent unexpected passing, my friend, Christian Standard editor Mike Mack, asked me via email: “How can we love one another in a culture where there is so much sharp disagreement? . . . Would you write something on the challenge of fighting for relationships?” Before his untimely death, the burden on Mike’s heart—and likely many of our hearts—was to see Christ followers navigate the nasty culture wars, the lack of civility, and the political polarization to live out faith in God-honoring ways. “How do we disagree without hating?” he asked. Indeed, some people now
The Elder’s Role in Leading Through Conflict
A primary responsibility among leaders should be to successfully handle conflict and the disunity it can so easily create.
September 24, 2018
Lesson for September 30, 2018 | Sanctification: Christ Empowers Me (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 10 (weeks 37–40; September 16—October 7, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ The Bible lessons now follow a scope and sequence prepared by Christian Standard Media. For more information, click here. ______ Lesson Aim: Sanctified and empowered to serve and build up the body of Christ; serve in love. ______ By Mark Scott According to Dr. James McHenry (Maryland delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787),
February 11, 2013
Lesson for February 17, 2013: Clothed with Christ (Colossians 3)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone In the first two chapters of Colossians the apostle Paul demonstrated the fact that Jesus is superior to any person or god. In the last half of the epistle, he calls on believers to understand and obey all that the Lord is expecting of them. He contrasts what they are to put off and what they are to put on. What to Put Off Colossians 3:5-11 Paul emphasized the role baptism plays in a person”s
December 10, 2012
Lesson for December 16, 2012: Part of One Body in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone When we become discouraged in today”s hostile religious environment, it helps to remember what it was like for the first-century Christians back when the church began. In pagan Ephesus, few people knew anything about Jesus Christ, even less about who or what a “Christian” was. There of all places, it was important for members of the church to stand together as one, representing their Lord to the world. Called to Unity Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul challenged
November 6, 2005
The Church Is Constitutionally One (Part 3 of 3)
Using Ephesians 4:1-6, Clint Gill explains the church as constitutionally one—an organic unity grounded in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
July 31, 2005
CHURCH IN THE CITY 1: Pursuing Partnerships in Indianapolis
In a diverse city, “one size does not fit all.” Jeff Krajewski explains how partnerships help urban churches connect resources to real needs, support spiritual formation, and strengthen unity and accountability across congregations.
