March 2009 Issue
Forgiveness: An essential in Christian life
Colin T. Richardson
Who benefits from forgiveness? And why is this so important for the Christian?
Who benefits from forgiveness? And why is this so important for the Christian?How to Avoid Destructive Behavior
Lawrence Downing, C. Richard Johnson
There's no denying the fact that many pastors face sexual temptation. How does one recognize the warning signs? What can be done about it?
There's no denying the fact that many pastors face sexual temptation. How does one recognize the warning signs? What can be done about it?Worship: Maintaining theological soundness and cultural relevance
Alain Coralie
In Revelation 14:6, 7, John offers an integrative framework for worship leaders to forge authentic worship services. How does this text inform our thinking?
In Revelation 14:6, 7, John offers an integrative framework for worship leaders to forge authentic worship services. How does this text inform our thinking?Growing leaders through coaching
Michael Cauley
Mentoring is a critical element in pastoral development. How is this accomplished? How does it impact the mentor and the one being mentored?
Mentoring is a critical element in pastoral development. How is this accomplished? How does it impact the mentor and the one being mentored?A word about our great Saviour
James Earl Massey
Living in the so-called "Bible Belt" of the United States for several years now, I am accustomed to the large lighted signs churches there use to draw attention to their services. Some signs even offer a concise message-a saying-to prod thought and promote faith. One church sign I saw stated, "Satan Subtracts and Divides, God Adds and Multiplies." Another sign warned, "Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams." Another sign promised, "God Answers Knee- Mail." Still another sign advised: "Read the Bible: Prevent Truth Decay." What a worthy message when so many unbiblical notions are widely voiced and steadily promoted in our syncretistic and religiously muddled society. Our textual passage, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, shares a saying first century Christians joyously voiced as they worshiped, and it was their word of witness as they evangelized. Paul has preserved that saying here, and he commended it as "sure and worthy of full acceptance … Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (v. 15).
Living in the so-called "Bible Belt" of the United States for several years now, I am accustomed to the large lighted signs churches there use to draw attention to their services. Some signs even offer a concise message-a saying-to prod thought and promote faith. One church sign I saw stated, "Satan Subtracts and Divides, God Adds and Multiplies." Another sign warned, "Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams." Another sign promised, "God Answers Knee- Mail." Still another sign advised: "Read the Bible: Prevent Truth Decay." What a worthy message when so many unbiblical notions are widely voiced and steadily promoted in our syncretistic and religiously muddled society. Our textual passage, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, shares a saying first century Christians joyously voiced as they worshiped, and it was their word of witness as they evangelized. Paul has preserved that saying here, and he commended it as "sure and worthy of full acceptance … Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (v. 15).Letters to the Editor
Domestic violenceI applaud Ministry for tackling thedifficult but very real issue ofdomestic violence among churchmembers. Unfortunately, NatalieJoy’s story (“Recognizing Abusefor What It Is: A Personal Story,”November 2008) is repeated far toooften in our churches—pastors…