Old Testament

Lesson for Aug. 14, 2011: Making a Choice (Ruth 1:8-18)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 14) is written by Jonathan Feathers, senior minister with West Waynesboro Church of Christ in Waynesboro, Virginia. ____________ Making a Choice (Ruth 1:8-18) By Jonathan Feathers (Note: The italicized words in this lesson may be used as discussion questions.) Choices, choices, choices. Do I choose what is behind curtain number one, two, or three? Should I choose vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, or a combination of vanilla and chocolate? What will I do? Maybe I should ask, what choice do you think I should make? (Describe a time

August 1, 2011

Lesson for Aug. 7, 2011: Walk in God”s Path (Judges 13:1-8, 24, 25)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 7) is written by Lori Mills, professor of psychology at Milligan College in Tennessee. ____________ Walk in God’s Path (Judges 13:1-8, 24, 25) By Lori Mills Can you recall a time you were consumed with wanting something? Perhaps it was a relationship, or child, or job, or healing from a disease. We might think we would do anything for God if he would just grant us our heart”s desire. We find ourselves promising God we will live our lives for him if he will just bless us by granting

July 25, 2011

Lesson for July 31, 2011: Return to God”s Ways (Judges 10:10-18; 11:4-6, 32, 33)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for July 24) is written by Steve Carr, teaching minister at Echo Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. ____________ Return to God’s Ways (Judges 10:10-18: 11:4-6, 32, 33) By Thomas May “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals” (Judges 10:10). Do you relate with the people of Israel during the time of the judges? One moment striving to follow God with heart and mind and soul and strength, and then””before you can blink””serving false gods. Do you ever feel that happening to you? You are not alone. In

July 18, 2011

Lesson for July 24, 2011: Let God Rule (Judges 7:2-4, 13-15; 8:22-26)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for July 24) is written by Steve Carr, teaching minister at Echo Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. ____________ Let God Rule (Judges 7:2-4, 13-15; 8:22-26) By Steve Carr In the late 16th century there emerged a religious/political doctrine known as the divine right of kings. As the Protestant Reformation spread across Europe, monarchs attempted to solidify their positions with this philosophy. This divine right claimed that God gave kings their authority, so kings were accountable to God alone. Even if a king was evil, the doctrine dictated, he could not be overthrown

July 11, 2011

Lesson for July 17, 2011: Use God”s Strength (Judges 3:15-25, 29, 30)

Bible background. Pronunciation guide. Real-life commentary. Discussion questions. Find it all in Standard Lesson Commentary. ____________ This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for July 17) is written by James Hansee, senior associate minister with Whitewater Crossing Christian Church in Cleves, Ohio. ____________ Use God’s Strength (Judges 3:15-25, 29, 30) By James Hansee Where the world sees disability, God sees potential. Where the world sees disadvantage or defect, God sees opportunity. When people rely on God”s strength, even their weaknesses or perceived shortcomings can be powerful tools in his hands to accomplish his plans. Such is the case

July 4, 2011

Lesson for July 10, 2011: Listen to God”s Judges (Judges 2:11-19)

Eight pages every week to help you with your Sunday school lesson. Learn more about Standard Lesson Commentary! ____________ This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for July 10) is written by Rick Walston, senior minister at Marion Church of Christ, Rochester, Minnesota, and adjunct professor at Crossroads College. ____________ Listen to God’s Judges (Judges 2:11-19) By Rick Walston Today”s lesson begins a new Old Testament book as we move from the conquest of the peoples in the promised land during Joshua”s lifetime to the challenging period of the judges. This unit, “Listening for God in Changing Times,”

June 27, 2011

Lesson for July 3, 2011: God Responds to Disobedience (Joshua 7:1, 10-12, 22-26)

Be a better parent. Overcome an un-Christian culture. Understand the Bible Read The Lookout! 16 pages of help and hope every week! Here’s how. ____________ This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for July 3) is written by Caleb Kaltenbach, senior minister with Valley View Christian Church in Dallas, Texas. ____________ God Responds to Disobedience (Joshua 7:1, 10-12, 22-26) By Caleb Kaltenbach Some subjects make us squirm in our seats. Disobedience is one of them . . . mainly because we all can identify with it. We disobey the speed laws, our parents, our employers, etc. As a

June 20, 2011

Lesson for June 26, 2011: God Gives the Victory (Joshua 6:2-4, 12-20)

Better Bible lessons starting at 30 cents perÂ week! Get them in Standard Lesson Commentary! (click here) ____________ This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for June 26) is written by Matt Schantz, director of organizational development with a national building supply company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ____________ God Gives the Victory (Joshua 6:2-4, 12-20) By Matt Schantz Jericho, known as the “City of Palms,” is considered both the world”s oldest city and””at 850 feet below sea level””the lowest. This elevation also makes it one of the hottest places on earth. I had the opportunity to visit Jericho a

June 13, 2011

Don Hinkle

Lesson for June 19, 2011: God Protects His People (Joshua 2:2-9, 15, 16, 22-24)

Don Hinkle reflects on Joshua 2, Rahab’s faith, and how God protects his people while calling them to move forward in trust rather than fear.

June 10, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Prophets (Part 2)

Just as a Rubik”s Cube has six sides, six principles will help you understand these often-overlooked books.Â (This is another in a series of articles titled “Reading the Bible for All It”s Worth” that Matt Proctor is writing this year.) _____________ GO TO PART 1 ______________ By Matt Proctor In Part One of this essay, I pointed out the first four of six principles that can help you grasp the marvelous meanings in the Bible”s prophetic texts. I pointed out that the 17 Old Testament books we call the Prophets””Isaiah through Malachi””contain some of the most powerful passages in all of

June 7, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Prophets (Part 1)

Matt Proctor introduces four principles for reading the Old Testament prophets, showing how their setting, task, lives, and themes help readers understand judgment, repentance, and hope.

June 6, 2011

Damon Reid

Lesson for June 12, 2011: God Expects Obedience (Joshua 1:7-18)

Damon Reid reflects on Joshua 1:7-18, showing how God called Joshua to careful obedience, constant meditation on his Word, and faithful leadership as Israel entered the promised land.

May 30, 2011

Stephen Bond

Lesson for June 5, 2011: God Keeps His Promise (Joshua 1:1-6; 11:16-23)

Stephen Bond reflects on Joshua, fear, and God’s promises, showing how Christ followers can move forward with courage by trusting God’s power, provision, and presence.

March 27, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Law (Part 2)

Matt Proctor explains how Christians can read Old Testament Law as a window into God’s heart, a mirror exposing sin, and a picture pointing to Christ.

March 25, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Law (Part 1)

Matt Proctor explains why Christians should not skip the Old Testament Law, showing how Leviticus and other legal texts still shape discipleship, worship, and our understanding of God’s grace.

February 3, 2011

Nancy Karpenske

Nancy Meets God in Isaiah

Nancy Karpenske reflects on how a purple notebook, one chapter of Isaiah a day, and one copied verse at a time drew her nearer to God’s heart.

February 1, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Stories (Part 2)

Matt Proctor offers seven practical questions for reading Old Testament narratives with fresh eyes, helping readers notice story type, setting, characters, dialogue, repetition, irony, and literary context.

January 19, 2011

Getting the Most from Old Testament Stories (Part 1)

Matt Proctor explains how to read Old Testament narratives as part of God’s larger salvation story, not merely as isolated morality tales or personal life lessons.

January 17, 2011

Steve Carr

Lesson for Jan. 23, 2011: Light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:1-7)

Steve Carr reflects on Isaiah 49:1-7 and explores three ways God’s call may unfold: before we understand, while concealed, and in preparation for future obedience.

January 10, 2011

Matt Schantz