We can learn a lot about the value of human life by watching the way parents, doctors, and nurses tenderly hold, look at, and speak to a newborn child. We can also learn a lot about the son of Mary by watching the way two very different groups responded to His birth. In this excerpt of Windows On Christmas, Bill Crowder explains how the wonder and worship of angels and shepherds help us to see the inexpressible value and miracle of the most important child ever born.
Early 19th-century American statesman Henry Clay wrote, “Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition.” It’s even more pronounced in the 21st century. Because we live in such a competitive world, this booklet was written to explore the value, the benefits, and the dangers of competition—and what it takes for a follower of Christ to compete with honor and confidence.
Do fossils provide evidence that the earth has been around for millions of years? Could a catastrophic flood have thrown off the conclusions of scientists? Where do the remains of long-extinct creatures fit in the biblical account of creation? People have come up with different answers to these questions. The resulting controversy has polarized those who are equally sincere in their desire to honestly interpret the Bible and scientific data. This booklet was written to help Christians respect one another in their differences, while affirming together that the Genesis account of creation is true.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have been born into another home, culture, or religious system? We’ve all probably questioned what our beliefs and values would look like through different eyes or through a particular window on the world. This booklet summarizes and compares seven major worldviews and shows how each one attempts to answer certain basic questions of life. Then it examines the biblical worldview to help us decide which way of looking at life actually makes the most sense.
Down through history, the rite of water baptism has been widely regarded as a symbolic entry into the church. Some baptize infants, and others baptize people only after their confession of belief. Some see baptism as essential for salvation, but others see it as far less important than being spiritually immersed into Christ. Then there is the mode of baptism. Some sprinkle, some pour, and some immerse. Some baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, while others do so in Jesus’ name only. Because of these many differences, this booklet takes a look at the history and meaning of baptism—and what we can all agree on.
Three thousand years ago Solomon wrote, “Wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. . . . Nothing you desire can compare with her” (Prov. 3:14-15 NLT). Today we are experiencing information overload and unsolved problems that show why we need the wisdom Solomon was talking about. This booklet, which is adapted from a series of “Been Thinking About” articles written by Mart De Haan over the last few years, gives insight into why RBCs mission is “to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.”
In a world of cut-throat, dog-eat-dog, do-whatever-it-takes self-promotion, the character and example of Christ point us to a radically different way. Though compassion seems in short supply today, we are called to be like Christ—the One whose compassion was unquestioned in His generation. What is that compassion, and how can we model it? Vernon Grounds’ important study gives us the direction we need.
Nothing in all of creation or history tells us more about the heart of our creator—or of our own heart—than the way Jesus suffered and died. In this excerpt of The Path Of His Passion, Bill Crowder reflects on the tragedy and wonder of that day. By showing not only the mockery of the cross but also its majesty, he helps us see why this momentous event deserves to be at the center of our hearts every day for the rest of our lives.
We all carry guilt and regret, and we need to know with certainty that God’s forgiveness has truly lifted the load of our guilt and shame. In this study, we explore the depth, nature, and cost of the forgiveness that only God can give—and the peace we can know as a result.
All of us, at some point in our lives, will be confronted with a situation in which a friend or loved one is suffering. It could be caused by death, disease, divorce, or devastating news of any kind. When people we care about are hurting, our natural inclination is to help—to offer words of comfort and encouragement. But what do we say? In this study of Job 1–6, longtime pastor Roy Clark examines how Job’s three friends responded to his suffering. This booklet will help us to learn what to say—and what not to say—in those moments when an encouraging word is so desperately needed.