As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Infants have
I have 10,000 pictures on my phone. How do I get that number down so I can actually find what I am looking for?The problem you’re having is a common one. I read somewhere that the average number is 2,500.William Katerberg is the curator of Heritage Hall, the archives for Calvin University, Calvin Th
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Being people
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.The recent de
If Jesus is ascended into heaven, how is he also “in my heart?”In Ephesians 3:16b-17a, Paul prays that “out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Here, we see him clearly speaking of Chr
The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while (Jesus) was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’” —Matt. 27:62-63As the clock struck one minute, Harry Houdini struggled to free himself. Hidden behind a red curtain, he was
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Revelation 19
To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.Being QuietYour thoughtful article in the November 2025 Banner resonated with me (“Being Quiet in a Culture of Volume”). Especially the phrase “consider ways a person can be encouraged to grow the gifts they already ha
We’re entering the spring season—a time known for powerful thunderstorms and, at times, tornadoes.Thunderstorms are among the most intense weather events in nature. They can even spawn tornadoes, which produce the highest wind speeds recorded anywhere on Earth.The United States—and North America in
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.One crisp Fri
Our son loves working with his hands, so we think trade school fits best, but his high school counselor is steering him to college based on his test scores. Any advice?What a blessing that your son has these different gifts, even as it creates challenges in discerning how best to use them!I encourag
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.At first glan
Can you imagine being able to lift a car with your bare hands? You don’t have to become Superman to do it; you just have to become a human-sized ant! Ants are able to lift 10-15 times their own weight. That means that if you were 100 pounds, with the strength of an ant you could lift 1,000-1,500 pou
I’ve been a Christian for most of my life. I grew up hearing the Bible stories, singing the hymns, praying at mealtimes. I’ve read theology books and led small groups. I’ve stood in sanctuaries, recited creeds, and proclaimed truths I still believe.But every now and then, doubt comes and sits beside
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Our greatest
It’s The Banner’s 160th birthday this year, but it wasn’t actually an official publication of the Christian Reformed Church until almost 50 years later. That honor belongs to De Wachter, the Dutch language publication published by the church from 1868 until 1985.De Wachter, true to its name “The Wat
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.When I was gr
Should Christians watch MA-rated TV shows or R-rated movies?It is said that we are living in the golden age of television. Never before have TV shows been so well made and so readily accessible. Even movies, while perhaps struggling at the box office, are just a few clicks away on our smart TVs. At
Weekly on “Banner day,” my grandma Byker sat by the window watching for the mail. Besides the Lyon County Reporter, The Banner was about her only outside news.Today, I get The Banner instantly, along with many competing publications. The only windows involved are the Microsoft kind.Yet Grandma and I
Even if you have been barely listening to decisions made in the Christian Reformed Church over the past several years, you have heard the term “confessional church” tossed around. You might have quietly wondered what exactly this means. What does it mean to be “confessional”? What are these document