Justification Finds Its Footing Oct 15 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker Mention of the Protestant Reformation still evokes passion 502 years after Martin Luther nailed 95 statements to the church door in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther’s “theses,” as they are commonly known, begin with a call to an ongoing personal repentance in the life of every true Christian and end with a statement of assurance grounding believers in the knowledge that “through many tribulations” they will enter the kingdom of their God.

Ever a controversial figure, Martin Luther still receives mixed reviews about his role and place in history. Many Roman Catholic scholars still view him as a crazed monk intent only on self-promotion and credit him with the destruction of the one true church of Jesus Christ. Some Germans hail him as an earlier version of the American president George Washington, who is affectionately known as the “father of our country.” During the days of the Nazi regime, Luther was touted as a precursor to Hitler ...

In the Company of Lepers Oct 8 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker When Neil White reported to prison on May 3, 1993 after being convicted of bank fraud, he did not realize that Carville, Louisiana, not only housed a penal colony, but also the nation’s only remaining leper colony. Those suffering from Hansen’s disease (the formal name for leprosy) lived their lives in seclusion alongside prisoners—many of whom were convicted of white-collar c...

Bread, Burgers, and Blessings Sep 19 ⋅ by Phil Scribano We are reminded of the relational realities for the early church, and the importance placed on time together, as an integral aspect of the fellowship of believers.  More specifically, Luke described in Acts 2, “…they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  Well, when we think of “breaki...

In Kensington, the Freedom to Serve God Boldly Sep 17 ⋅ by Holly Favino I pulled my car to the front of the church building and saw that the police had already arrived. Nick stood on the sidewalk talking to the pastor, both looking at Nick’s car with its window broken, shattered glass filling the driver’s seat, sidewalk and curb. Nick, a Philadelphia medical student and participant in the Summer Medical Institute (SMI), had parked his car beside the chu...

Introducing John Park Sep 10 ⋅ by Travers Oliver Few know the harsh realities Tenth’s global partners face like John Park, a former Global Partner and Tenth’s new Minister of Small Groups and Partner Care. Of his twenty years as a Global Partner, John spent fifteen of those in the Middle East, working in areas that were largely closed to the church. He understands how partners can easily suffer from loneliness as they serve far fr...

Easter Sacrificial Offering  Jul 9 ⋅ by Travers Oliver Each year as we celebrate Easter, the Global Outreach Commission seeks out beneficiaries for the annual Easter Sacrificial Offering (ESO). This year we’ve partnered with seven ministries that ease the sufferings of others and faithfully proclaim the gospel around the world. As a result of the generous contributions made by the congregation, we’re pleased to announce that the ESO col...

The Church as Mentor May 28 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker Birthed in adversity when the Roman Empire was at its zenith, a fledging group of Jews surfaced near the time of the Jewish feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The Christian church emerged as a visible community of members who confessed the eternal Lordship of a resurrected Galilean executed at Golgotha a mere three days before he was recognized alive in the city of his death. Led by peasants turn...

Equipping the Littlest Kingdom-Bearers May 14 ⋅ by Julia P. Have you ever listened to a young child talk about their world? A child sees the world with wonder and anticipation. They grasp onto small details and celebrate both the new and the familiar. Their brains work like sponges soaking up new information. They can observe and enjoy the world with eagerness and freedom when they have someone willing to guide them.

Wide Open World, or WOW...

When the Mourning Comes May 7 ⋅ by Douglas E. Baker When a phone rings at 1:30 AM in the morning, the news is seldom good. The voice on the other end of the line spoke in official terms, “Is your brother’s name Michael?” I responded with a sheepish reply that yes, I had a brother by that name. I was informed at that moment his body had just been pulled from the river after drowning. My first thought upon hearing this news? I wa...