Richard Mansel
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. Continue reading Square One and Beyond
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. Continue reading Growing Up Emotionally and Spiritually
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.
We commonly believe that if the members of a congregation get along really well, that they are unified and constitute a strong spiritual family. However, this is not necessarily true. Continue reading “A Congregation is More than a Group of Friends”
We love babies. We gather around them in wonder and coo in total bliss. Purity and innocence radiate from their tiny bodies as they remind us of what is best about humanity.
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. /1 Continue reading “The Baby Grew Up”
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). Continue reading Ready to be Offered (3)
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). Continue reading Ready to be Offered (2)
The Apostle Paul scarred from the daily spiritual wars, sought release through the rest Christ promised (Hebrews 4:8-11). His arduous battle was at an end. Few would face the struggles he had endured. His body was tired and ached for relief. Spiritually, his soul hungered for God and the glory he knew awaited. Continue reading Ready to be Offered (1)
Christians are isolated from the world (John 17:11-19). Some cannot handle this reality and seek to remedy the situation. They will look admiringly at the denominational world and become increasingly envious. In their minds, something clicks and they begin to develop a new worldview. Continue reading Isolated, But Not Alone
We guard our hearts with a ferocious spirit. People see what we allow them to see because we are not sure that people will like the person we really are. In our unguarded moments, we have lowered our defenses and become vulnerable. We reserve these moments for only the safest situations. Continue reading Cut to the Heart
God’s plan must reign supreme in the life of the Christian. In other words, we must vote Christian. Continue reading The Christian Voter