April 5, 2021
Apr 11 | Discovery
What is the difference between being devoted to Jesus and being devoted to religious forms and practices?
Bible Study
Bible Study equips Christians to read, understand, and apply Scripture with clarity and confidence. Explore Bible-based articles on interpreting the text, studying context, asking good questions, and forming habits that help individuals, classes, and small groups grow in God’s Word. You’ll find guidance for using study tools, leading discussion, teaching the Bible, and connecting Scripture to daily life without losing the meaning of the passage. Whether you’re new to studying the Bible or helping others learn, this hub offers practical help for faithful, fruitful Bible study.
March 29, 2021
Apr 4 | A New Purpose for Life
The women became the first evangelists. The conflicting emotions of fear and joy propelled them to hurry and run to the disciples to tell them of the angel’s message.
March 29, 2021
Apr 4 | Application
Jesus spoke often about his own resurrection, but its full impact didn’t dawn on the disciples until after it happened.
March 29, 2021
Apr 4 | Discovery
As you go into the world this week, how will you carry out your purpose in making disciples?
March 22, 2021
Mar 28 | The Reward of Wisdom
As we enter this Holy Week we must be careful of unjust accusations against our Jewish forefathers for missing Jesus. If we do not embrace the wisdom from heaven, we might miss him too.
March 22, 2021
Mar 28 | Application
Christians can keep our feet on the ground while our eyes are on Heaven. We can be realistic without being cynical, and we can hold onto our ideals without being wild-eyed dreamers. We can live in the “now” while we anticipate the “not yet.”
March 22, 2021
Mar 28 | Discovery
How would you use these passages to convince someone to live God’s way rather than living their own way or the world’s way?
March 15, 2021
Mar 21 | The Call of Wisdom
As the more “unified” section of Proverbs comes to a close in chapters 8–9, we hear two voices. They are the voices (and paths) of Lady Wisdom and Madam Folly.
March 15, 2021
Mar 21 | Application
If you want to be savvy and streetwise, read the book of Proverbs. It’s a jewelry box filled with nuggets of spiritual gold . . . a toolbox full of blue-collar common sense . . . a handbook . . .
March 15, 2021
Mar 21 | Discovery
Where does Lady Wisdom make her appeal, and what does that signify? To whom does Lady Wisdom call, and what does that imply about wisdom?
March 8, 2021
Mar 14 | The Beginning of Wisdom
Mark Scott writes: The main part of this week’s text features an alternating pattern of command (Proverbs 3:1, 3, 5-6a, et al.) and reward (3:2, 4, 6b, et al.). When God’s people begin with God’s wisdom, they can . . .
March 8, 2021
Mar 14 | Application
David Faust writes: Awe is a stepping-stone toward wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
March 8, 2021
Mar 14 | Discovery
Look at how the main passage (Proverbs 3:1-12) is arranged. You’ll see six commands or actions followed by corresponding results or rewards. In what ways do you find this format to be beneficial?
March 1, 2021
Mar 7 | The Source of Wisdom
Proverbs are succinct, abrupt, and curt. They do not debate. They assert. They are short, pithy statements of “general” truth. They are always true but only in the intended context. . . .
March 1, 2021
Mar 7 | Application
My first “minister’s office” was a small corner room. . . . My office contained a gas heater, a rotary phone, and a mimeograph machine I cranked by hand to print the weekly bulletin. One of my weekly tasks was burning trash in a barrel. . . .
March 1, 2021
The Truth about Bible Reading
By Kent E. Fillinger Biblegateway.com offers 61 different Bible translations and paraphrases for readers to choose from. I’ve half-jokingly said for years that most Christians choose to read the MOV(My Own Version) Bible. The Jefferson Bible—more properly called The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth—may be the most noteworthy example of trying to make the Bible fit one’s personal perspective. Our nation’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, like many at the time, shed his orthodox Christianity in stages. He started by doubting the Trinity, then Old Testament miracles, and then New Testament miracles. During his presidency, Jefferson extracted, reduced, and
March 1, 2021
Mar 7 | Discovery
Let’s dig deeper into these passages: What do Proverbs 1:7 with Proverbs 9:10 reveal to you about wisdom, instruction, knowledge, and understanding?
February 22, 2021
Feb 28 | Friendship with God
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. He also serves as minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin. This lesson treatment is published in the February 2021 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. ________ Lesson Aim: Be single-minded in your devotion to the Lord. ________ By Mark Scott Certain words are warm. Words like infant, soft, secure, and love. Another such word is friend. While it sometimes is used in a “distant” and unflattering sense (Matthew 20:13; 26:50), most of the
February 22, 2021
Feb 28 | Application
By David Faust In August 1960 I had a close encounter with John F. Kennedy. It happened during a family vacation to Washington, D.C. I was 6 years old and JFK was a senator running for president of the United States. Our country was less security conscious then; there was easier access to government leaders. I was standing with my parents and my brothers on the steps outside the Capitol when JFK walked out. I still have a photo that shows one of my older brothers and my dad listening while Senator Kennedy chatted casually with the group standing there.
February 22, 2021
Feb 28 | Discovery
Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. How did you do last week as you sought to tame your tongue and speak with civility and in praise of God? 2. What challenge did you face last week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read James 4:1-17 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to summarize the main points of the passage. 3. What wisdom does this passage provide for us as Christ’s church to follow him more closely and carry out his mission more effectively? 4.
