Conduct versus contrition is the territory Helen Mathis explores this month in her Bible Forum article, "The perfect dinner party" (p. 12). Expanding on this issue's cover theme, Helen presents a Biblical perspective on moving beyond the lure of achieving perfection through human actions to the promise of experiencing spiritual regeneration through a humble desire to serve God. Helen regularly speaks on the Scriptures, especially through her involvement with Higher Ground, an organization that sponsors Bible-based conferences throughout the United States.
There's a reassuring consistency about the waves crashing on the beach where Christian Science practitioner and teacher Keith Wommack lives in Corpus Christi, Texas. No time off, no stops and starts. Just wave after wave from the Gulf of Mexico keeping perfect time. "It's made me realize," Keith says, "that there's a divine constant that constitutes, animates, and keeps everything in our lives just right." Keith explores this Principle, God, and how it maintains the universe, in his article, "The divine maintenance plan" (p. 24).
For Christian Science practitioner Ginny Luedeman, opportunities to pray about interpersonal relationships are always close at hand. With six children, three sonsand daughters-in-law, eleven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter in the mix, home is as much a proving ground as anywhere else. As she explains in her article, "An ideal husband" (p. 49), even conversation with her husband, Craig, over a bowl of cereal, can provide plenty of potential for spiritual growth. When they're not at home with the family, Ginny and Craig enjoy salmon fishing on the Columbia River.
