September 2009 Issue
Covered with blood: A better understanding of Exodus 12:7
L.S. Baker Jr
Egyptian archaeology provides a clear understanding of the events surrounding the Israelite slaves' final night in Egypt-one that delivers a powerful lesson about salvation by faith alone. Have you ever wondered why God asked the children of Israel to paint blood on the lintel and two doorposts of the door to their houses prior to the tenth plague (Exod. 12:7)? Sure, you answer, it was to serve as a sign for the angel of death to pass over their houses (Exod. 12:13). That's true. But why the doorposts? Since no one is kept out of a dwelling by doorposts, why not paint something like a big cross on the door itself? Egyptian archaeology provides an answer; one that can teach us a powerful lesson about salvation by faith alone.
Egyptian archaeology provides a clear understanding of the events surrounding the Israelite slaves' final night in Egypt-one that delivers a powerful lesson about salvation by faith alone. Have you ever wondered why God asked the children of Israel to paint blood on the lintel and two doorposts of the door to their houses prior to the tenth plague (Exod. 12:7)? Sure, you answer, it was to serve as a sign for the angel of death to pass over their houses (Exod. 12:13). That's true. But why the doorposts? Since no one is kept out of a dwelling by doorposts, why not paint something like a big cross on the door itself? Egyptian archaeology provides an answer; one that can teach us a powerful lesson about salvation by faith alone.Evangelism's big picture: From baptism to discipleship
Mark Finley
Any approach to evangelism that focuses primarily on the number of people baptized misses the mark.
Any approach to evangelism that focuses primarily on the number of people baptized misses the mark.Pastoral care of veterans and their families
Lawrence LaPierre
With the increase of military activity worldwide comes an increase in the need to minister to veterans. What are their needs? And how can ministers address them?
With the increase of military activity worldwide comes an increase in the need to minister to veterans. What are their needs? And how can ministers address them?Ten things to be learned in pastoral ministry
Tom Hoehner
Twenty-five years of ministerial experience condensed into ten statements worth remembering.
Twenty-five years of ministerial experience condensed into ten statements worth remembering.A closer look at Christian leadership coaching
Nick Howard
Mentoring is a process that ministers need throughout their lifetimes, and is also something they can provide to others who have also been serving for many years.
Mentoring is a process that ministers need throughout their lifetimes, and is also something they can provide to others who have also been serving for many years.The strength of the covenant
E. Obucic
The beauty of God's contract with humans lies in its inclusive nature, its acceptance of all people.
The beauty of God's contract with humans lies in its inclusive nature, its acceptance of all people.Forgiveness: A part of the journey to healing
Pattie Ecker
A practical discussion on the why, when, and how of letting go of a painful past.
A practical discussion on the why, when, and how of letting go of a painful past.Letters to the Editor
PreachingI appreciated the excellent article byLoren Seibold titled, “The Big PositivePurpose” (May 2009). Seiboldidentifi es a common fl aw in muchpreaching: a lack of clarity both interms of the single dominant thoughtand the purpose for preaching thesermon.I still…