January 29, 2024
Look to the Cross
When God sees our sin, he looks to Jesus’ work on the cross . . .
Articles for tag: Unity
January 24, 2024
News Briefs for Jan. 24
A book by RENEW.org scholar Matthew Bates was selected as the top title in the Popular Theology category of Christianity Today's 2024 Book Awards. . . . Also a brief about a tragic auto accident in Illinois and a preview of the National Preaching Summit March 11-12 in Indianapolis. . . .
January 16, 2024
Why the Restoration Plea Is Still Valid
"Minister shortages. Closing churches. Struggling theology schools," The Christian Chronicle wrote in a recent editorial. "All are happening in Churches of Christ in the U.S., which raises the question: Is the restoration plea still valid?" . . .
January 15, 2024
Jan. 21 Lesson | I AM the Way
The exclusivity of Jesus is a problem in a pluralistic country like the United States. There is immediate pushback when anyone says, “This is the only way.” . . . But what else are Christians to believe and say when Jesus said that he is the gate (John 10:9)? . . .
January 8, 2024
Jan. 14 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I AM the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1-18), by Mark Scott.
December 13, 2023
‘A God Thing’: RENEW.org Helps Spur Dialogue Among Independent and Noninstrumental Church Leaders
The discipleship group RENEW.org on Dec. 5-6 organized a conference for young leaders in Independent Christian Churches, noninstrumental Churches of Christ, and African American Churches of Christ in an effort to bring greater unity to major streams of the Restoration Movement. They gathered at Harding University. . . .
December 8, 2023
National Preaching Summit to Convene March 11-12 in Indy
The National Preaching Summit will gather at The Creek in Indianapolis on March 11-12, 2024, to explore the theme, “Undivided: Preaching Unity in Turbulent Times.” . . .
November 1, 2023
Staying True? (A Christian Standard Report on Our Colleges)
College Presidents Answer Key Questions on Scripture, Sexuality, and Women in Ministry
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
November 1, 2023
Never Alone: The Power and Importance of Oneness
By Osharye Hagood I am one of seven siblings and grew up in densely populated Los Angeles. Even in a family and city so large, it’s easy to feel alone. My late brother Hussin was only 14 months older than me, but he was my hero. No, he was my superhero. We shared an unbreakable bond. Even when we were apart, I felt I was never alone. I mean this both emotionally, but also, in a way, tangibly. For example, a school bully once targeted me. The bully saw me by myself and assumed I was vulnerable. When he approached,
November 1, 2023
Is It Time for a New Restoration Movement? (Part 2)
By Jim Putman As I shared in Part 1, I am skeptical of any new view of original things. My reasons are twofold. First, when speaking about something historical in nature, eyewitnesses and their contemporaries are more likely to have it right. Second, Scripture warns that people will come seeking to change views that were once well understood. Thomas Campbell, a Restoration Movement founder, coined the phrase, “Where the Bible speaks, we speak, and where it is silent, we are silent.” It captures the spirit of Romans 14 and resonates with me. Freedom exists where Scripture is silent, but we
October 26, 2023
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Scriptures that Have Helped Me’ (1983; Part 1)
The assignment in fall 1983 was simple and direct: “Write a short paragraph telling of some verse or verses of the Bible that have special meaning to you.” Today we share responses from Edgar Nichols of Myrtle Creek, Ore.; Bill Jessup of San Jose, Calif.; Orval M. Morgan of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Murhl S. Rogers of Indianapolis, Ind.
October 25, 2023
FPM Reaches $2.5 Billion in Charitable Gift Designations (Plus News Briefs)
Financial Planning Ministry recently reached a milestone of having helped clients direct $2.5 billion to the ministries they support through estate planning. . . . Jessie Harden and Dr. Walter Zorn presented talks last week during Restoration Appreciation Week at Great Lakes Christian College. . . . And more.
October 2, 2023
October 8 | Sharing and Pretending
The church was considered by onlookers not only as a dangerous place but also a desired place. . . .
October 2, 2023
October 8 | Application (“Cut It Out and Give It Up”)
The first-century church has a lot to teach us about financial stewardship. In the book of Acts, there was a link between unity and generosity. Giving flowed naturally because the believers “were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). . . .
September 1, 2023
Is It Time for a New Restoration Movement? (Part 1)
By Jim Putman Though I grew up a preacher’s kid—and maybe because of it—I ended up in college as an unbeliever with a drinking problem. I had rejected my parents, but they were waiting to journey with me back to Jesus. Back then, I would have said there is no God . . . that God had been “educated” out of me. I was no victim, however—I was rebellious. My father sent me research that affirmed that some scientists believed in God, even though professors had told me no reputable scientist could. Over time, I moved from “there is no
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘When Christians Disagree’ (1957)
Dr. Henry E. Webb wrote in 1957: "A necessary condition for the success of any approach to Christian unity is the development of a satisfactory concept of Christian liberty—one that recognizes the right of another person to exercise his sincere mental and spiritual faculties with the freedom we demand for ourselves. . . ."
May 1, 2023
The Need for Unity
By Jerry Harris Unity is central to the biblical message. Something special rises up when people from different circles get to know each other by learning, sharing, playing, and worshiping together. Sociologists call it “emergence.” It’s when a group becomes more than the sum of its parts. The Holy Spirit works in that unity, that oneness. We are called to be one. The church is the hope of the world, and we can do far more together than we can apart. God has repeatedly shown us how unity can empower us to accomplish things that seemingly are impossible for individuals.
May 1, 2023
Humility, Unity . . . Revival
By Michael C. Mack “Jesus loves this. He loves humility. He loves unity.” A leader at Asbury University spoke these words amid what some have called revival. I visited Asbury in February and witnessed what I would call a gentle moving of God’s Spirit among people both young and old—but led by the young (Gen Z). Several things were noticeably missing at the college, however. Not once did I hear anyone refer to the denomination or tribe they belonged to or the name of the preacher at their church. I heard no arguments about worship style, Bible versions, or any
May 1, 2023
Unity: God’s Beautiful Original Intent for Marriage
By Rudy Hagood God desires so much more for our marriages than just staying together. God’s original intent for marriage is found way back in Genesis—before sin came into the world, and well before “honey-do” lists and such sayings as “happy wife, happy life.” The secret sauce of Christian marital union is the power of God binding us together in an intimate union that includes Yahweh. And when two become one, the One (God) empowers the two. Marital unity is restoration of the paradise God created in the beginning. It’s part of the reconciling work of God. It is the
