Articles

Living the Faith

The new column, "Living the Faith," will seek to help us through the spiritual minefields that we face each day as Christians. Knowledge and awareness are indispensable to walking in Christ. Growing in service to God and developing a healthier perspective on Christianity can rejuvenate our spiritual lives (2 Peter 3:18).

Motives

During the holiday season I was asked several times, "Do the people in Bangladesh and Nepal celebrate Christmas?" The answer is "yes", but with an interesting twist.

He Knows What We Need

The current issue of "U.S. News & World Report" contains a section entitled "50 Ways To Improve Your Life In 2009". The first thought I had was "More resolutions? More things I know I should be doing, but don't want to do?" But when I read the suggestion to take more naps my mood brightened.

Interpretation

Consider a few questions to stimulate your thinking. Is it really all that important, for example, as to how a pharmacist interprets a prescription? What could be the result of an incorrect hermeneutic in this realm? Would you trust your life and health to a druggist who said, "Interpretation isn't all that important"?

Thomas Campbell (2)

"Where the scriptures speak we speak, where the scriptures are silent, we are silent." The words flowed from the lips of Thomas Campbell at a meeting at the home of Abraham Alters. Campbell had called the meeting to explain his views and reasons for leaving the Presbyterian Church, discuss what was next and how they might achieve the desired unity of the followers of Christ.

Tips for a Happy New Year

As we bid good-bye to one year and usher in a new one, many in the world will make resolutions hoping to change their lives for the better. However, as children of God, our resolution should be to become more like Christ. We know that the best way to grow closer to God is to saturate our lives with his word.

The Burden of Hope

Especially when innocent lives could be impacted, does government bear the burden for bailing out failing entities, whether they be economically unviable businesses or individuals? Or should individuals and corporations reap the natural consequences for their own actions and policies?

Agree to ... Agree

The following is a rather stunning description of a president elect. "He was a barbarian, Scythian, yahoo, a gorilla in respect of outward polish..." (George Templeton Strong).

Square One and Beyond

Since the summer of 2004, the "Square One" column has existed to teach those who are unfamiliar with Christianity and to lay down the fundamentals of the faith. Readers have been very kind and generous in their support of these articles.

Getting Inside God's Head

Luke Bower, youth minister with the Baker Heights congregation in Abilene, Tex., told of a visit he, his father and uncle made to a small modern art museum in San Angelo. "I don't think we went by any painting or sculpture when I didn't hear some sarcastic remark," he said.

Have You Not Heard?

We often shake our heads in disbelief at what happened to ancient Israel. Though they were the beneficiaries of incredible blessings from God, they turned away from God to serve idols. How could it happen?

Merry Christmas

The staff of Forthright Magazine ask God's blessing upon you in all the ways that matter. We desire above all that you and those close to you may comprehend the love of God and respond to that love in daily faith and unquestioning obedience.

The Covenant for Everyone

by Steve Preston There are two major covenants God made with man, contained within the pages of the Bible. Most people understand these as the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Growing Up Emotionally and Spiritually

Spiritual growth is required of Christians, if we will mature in the faith. Christians that remain stagnant are not growing, but slowly dying spiritually. Peter points out that the study of Scripture facilitates this growth. We learn how we are to conduct ourselves in life situations and how to take God's Word to the world.

The Dreams of God

Some dream of large, fine houses decorated with new furniture and thick carpets. I dream of a family devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose lives are ...

Family Meal

The Lord's supper is a family meal. It is for those who celebrate their redemption. It is for those who have been bought by the blood of the cross, who stand in a covenant relationship with God.

Self-Reliance

Austin is 3 years old. I recently received the following news in an email from his father in Khulna, Bangladesh: "We had an accident. Austin burned the right side of his belly, his left hand and his right leg ...

No One Left Out

The conversation took place many years ago, but I remember it vividly. A well-known preacher was in town to conduct a gospel meeting. As I gave him a tour of some of the sights of our area one morning, I was surprised at how he confided in me.

Remembering Ike Hall (2)

Eventually, Ike was evacuated to a military hospital in Great Britain. The doctors treated his chest wound, inflated his collapsed lung, and removed many briar thorns from his body. They also treated two wounds, which he had received before arriving at the hedgerow.

The Greatest Generation

Over those years, we have been blessed to meet and come to love many great Christians. Sadly, though, we have said good-bye to thirteen this year; some lived many years and some were still in their prime. While we are sad to see them leave, we know that we will, one day, be together again.

Where Do Elders Come From? (2)

Brethren, can I ask some firm, but loving questions? Where do elders come from? Whom are we training to serve as future shepherds of the Lord's flock? Who will be ready to take the reins of leadership when a brother steps down, moves, or passes away?

Summum Bonum's Impact

While many might not be familiar with the term "summum bonum" [greatest good], nor regularly contemplate which values should rule others from the top of a hierarchical pyramid, the practical everyday impact of these principles explains the various currents shaping our diverse life stories.

What Would be the Highlight of Your Day?

Do we take the time to feed our emotional and spiritual selves? This week, do more than fill your belly; fill your soul!

A Congregation is More than a Group of Friends

When we pay attention to detail and ponder why people act as they do, we begin to see some important opportunities for growth. In the process, we find doors that we never noticed before, that open to beautiful new vistas. In the areas of fellowship and the spiritual growth of a congregation, we want to offer one such doorway that leads to the growth of God's people.

A Continual Feast

Of all the self-inflicted wounds, mental injuries resulting from negative thoughts vie for the worst. The hand-ringers, the finger-pointers, the sour pusses, the chicken littles, all have one thing in common: their very own thoughts keep them from enjoying life, God, blessings and peace.

Abel and Enoch

The Hall of Fame of Faith begins with an unlikely candidate. Abel got himself killed, for not fault of his own, because he sought to please God. That he still speaks would seem a small reward for doing the will of God.

Sufficient for the Day

We were quite concerned about our return flight through Bangkok, Thailand because of anti-government protesters' occupation of the airports there and the consequent shut down of all flights for about one week. We did not know if our flights would be affected, nor how we might be able to adjust if they were.

Hard To Coach

If you ask what is my favorite sport, I'll respond in a heartbeat - college basketball. I've sometimes had interest in professional baseball, but nowhere near my enthusiasm for roundball. "March Madness" is a phrase I understand well.

Remembering Ike Hall (1)

Being a veteran teacher, "Ike" was one of my mentors when I arrived at Memphis Harding Academy. If you were on campus between 1966 and 1988, you will remember him wheeling up and down the ramp outside the Guidance Office. Perhaps what you do not know is how he ended up in that wheelchair.

Where Do Elders Come From? (1)

"You are dead," Moore declared. "Now, who do you have ready to take your place?" The scene reflects both the reality of warfare and a key element of leadership: great leaders always prepare to reproduce and multiply themselves"

Richard Mansel assumes role as managing editor

Richard Mansel has been named managing editor of Forthright Magazine, effective immediately. In his previous post as assistant editor, Richard went far and beyond the call of duty. The new position reflects much of what he's already been doing -- working hard as an editor and doing much more than a mere assistant.

Knowing Christ

"After fifteen years of marriage, you still don't know me, do you?" Claire had said. Tom wasn't the first husband, of course, to fail to anticipate his wife's desires. Husbands are as adept at reading a woman's mind as a heavyweight wrestler is in a gymnastics competition.

Raising Boys 101

As my oldest son climbed out of our Saturn to enter his middle school in the crisp early morning, my eyes drifted upward to the rearview mirror where I saw a black SUV parking some thirty yards behind me. Strung out behind that car was a long line of vehicles waiting to drop off their kids. Immediately, the words of a non-Christian visitor on the previous Sunday night flashed into my mind. "I want to have a son like that."

The Baby Grew Up

As Christmas time nears, the baby Jesus becomes a very important part of our society. People proclaim that Jesus [specifically, the baby] is the reason for the season and when the packages are unwrapped and the decorations stashed away, the baby fades back into obscurity for another year.

Can People Find You?

Make sure people can find your congregation and have updated information. It may be the age of the Internet, but not even Google can find you if you don't put your information out there.

Tears of Joy

Glenda Williams tells that in their jail ministry in Geneva, Alabama, when one prisoner was baptized, he felt so thankful for the forgiveness of his sins that he stood in the baptistry and wept for a long time.

Choices

We have spent the last week in limbo, not knowing whether our flight home would be on schedule or whether we would have to make other arrangements. The airports in Bangkok have been closed due to protesters and all Thai Air flights were stopped. Since our departure is only a few days away, there has been much concern regarding arrangements.

Connecting The Broken Link

Telephone calls are a regular part of the work day. Without thinking I pick up the ringing phone, and communication begins almost instantly. It matters not whether the person on the other end of the line is next door or across the continent. Our voices are conveyed as speedily as if we were face to face.

Whom Are You Seeking?

You are running, heart pounding, and sweat streaming, faster than you have ever run before. While the moon casts shadows on the ground beneath you and the cool breeze rustles the leaves on the trees, you try to escape the weight of the world, including the endless stresses at home, work, and the demanding lifestyle that you lead.

Thomas Campbell (1)

In a short time, as a result of the ensuing ecclesiastical trial, Thomas Campbell left the church of his youth for which he had preached for many years and began seeking unity among God's people. Like Abraham of old, he did not know where he was going, but he trusted the Lord would lead him.

His One Big Mistake

Ron made only one mistake, but it was fatal. He had trained, running before dawn every day that season. He had eaten right, declining the doughnuts and Hostess Cup Cakes he so craved. At the starting line he felt good - strong, ready.

The Gift - A Divine Idea

When humanity launches out to resolve issues of spirituality, the afterlife, soul hunger or fellowship with the divine, a predictable pattern repeatedly emerges. Hope is pieced together with a glue of human goodness.

Ready to be Offered (3)

The Apostle Paul was ready to be offered to God as a willing sacrifice. What gave him the impetus to do so? Paul was ready to offer the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his life (Acts 9:29; 25:11). He was ready to be with his Lord for all eternity (Romans 8:18).

To Be the Church

To be the church which belongs to Jesus means to obey him as Lord, acting according to his will and not our own desires. Read 1 Peter 4:1-2.

Keep Seeking

Like a broom, the Lord's Supper sweeps away all the detritus, accumulated junk and lesser concerns of our lives. At the table, we see clearly the One Thing in this world that really matters.

Misdiagnosis

I arrived at the village of Tikabhairab in Katmandu valley one morning, with several Nepali co-workers, to receive the news that an elderly member of the congregation had just died. Sympathy was extended and the brothers began helping the family make arrangements for her body to be brought from the hospital to her home, and then for burial.

Monk Smackdown

by Neal Pollard There they were in "worship" in Jerusalem. Your normal orthodox service, celebrating an ancient church feast, a somber procession, ornate priestly garb, kicking, punching, and the breaking and destroying of tapestries and decorations at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, occurred during the annual "Feast of The Cross" celebration.

Amidst People and Pie

Yesterday evening as I sat on my son's bed preparing to tuck him in for the night, life without TiVo meant that if I wanted to see the last thirty minutes of my TV program, the nightly routine would have to be quick. My goal was clear: one, two, three, move on to my older son and then back downstairs. I could do this.

I've Learned it All Already!

It wasn't a case of being unable to learn so much as being unwilling to be taught! You can't teach a man who knows it all already!

Ready to be Offered (2)

Paul's deep and abiding love for his brethren led him to long for the grand renewal in heaven. It helped empower his confidence in death. When his brethren were confused about the end of time, he told them to see heaven as a "gathering together" of the saints and a reason for comfort and hope (2 Thessalonians 2:1,17).

Swift Judgment a Reason to Obey Now

A few kilometers down the highway, in a small congregation, a regular visitor contributed weekly. The brother in whose house the saints meet told the 79-year-old woman she didn't need to feel obligated to contribute, since she was a visitor. Contributing was a responsibility of the members of the body, he explained.

Stereotype, or Typical?

It is often difficult to avoid falling into the trap of stereotyping people. As one travels to different places he observes physical similarities among the inhabitants, as well as mannerisms, common interests, accents, attitudes and customs.

Behind The Headlines

The headline on the Internet news site was hard to pass up (you can see I didn't!): "Woman Wins $2.4 Million In Her First Trip To Vegas". The story is apparently true. Jessica Agbunag, a 24-year-old baby sitter from Honolulu, had a wildly successful time playing the slot machines at the California Hotel and Casino.

Lessons Learned from the Prodigal Son

Whether it's time, energy, money or food we have allowed ourselves to become a wasteful society. Jesus even speaks of being wasteful in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Not only can we learn about wasteful living in the parable, we can also learn other valuable lessons.

Are You Sure About That?

Jesus was the only man who could read minds (Jn. 2:24-25; cf. Matt. 9:4; 12:25; Lk. 5:22; 6:8; 11:17). He knew exactly what his peers were thinking. You and I don't have that luxury; we're not God (1 Sam. 16:7; Psm. 139:23). Deity can see through our façade and ascertain our true motives.

Build Your Hopes on Things That Are Eternal

These days we have abs of steel and brains of silly putty.

Citizens of Heaven

Every empire since the dawn of time had aspirations for eternity ... and ended in dust and rubble.

The Reaction Against Being Right

Today, eyes can dart furtively whenever someone confidently claims to have accurately described a particular doctrine. Believing you are right can lead to self-righteous arrogance. However, correctly understanding truth and being certain of what is right is not the problem.