August 7, 2023
August 13 | Where Is the Justice?
God revealed to Habakkuk that he was going to bring justice to Judah via the nation of Babylon. This confused Habakkuk, for he struggled with God’s sense of justice. . . .
Church & Ministry
Church & Ministry equips leaders and everyday believers to build healthy, gospel-centered congregations. Explore biblically grounded articles on church leadership, preaching and teaching, eldership, staff and volunteer development, discipleship systems, small groups, church planting, church growth, and ministry strategy. You’ll also find practical guidance for navigating transitions, cultivating congregational health, and serving your community with wisdom and compassion. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, ministry staff member, volunteer leader, or church member who wants to help your church thrive, this hub brings together resources to strengthen the local church and advance Christ’s mission.
August 7, 2023
August 13 | Application (‘Would Everyone Please Be Quiet?’)
Do you build quietness into your daily schedule? The Bible says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Thessalonians 4:11), but how can we do that in hectic times when so much is going on? . . .
August 7, 2023
August 13 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Where Is the Justice?” (Habakkuk 1:12-17; 2:1-20), by Mark Scott.
July 31, 2023
August 6 | Power for Justice
Jonah prophesied around 760 BC for the people of Nineveh to repent. They repented. The city was spared from the justice of God for 100 years. But later Nahum came along (663–612 BC) and had to prophesy against Nineveh again. . . .
July 31, 2023
August 6 | Application (‘God’s Holiness and Justice Are Major Issues’)
The Minor Prophets are short in length but large in significance. Here are four benefits of reading these books . . .
July 31, 2023
August 6 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Power for Justice” (Nahum 1:1-15), by Mark Scott.
July 24, 2023
July 30 | Hope in God’s Faithfulness
Jeremiah 33 is about God’s promise to restore his people to their land and their prominence. The alternating pattern of judgment and blessing continues in this chapter. God’s faithfulness is one thing on which his people can consistently count.
July 24, 2023
July 30 | Application (‘Heaven’s Branch Offices’)
Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled this messianic prophecy about “a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely” (Jeremiah 23:5). Isn’t it interesting that Jesus, the Righteous Branch, called his disciples branches, too? . . .
July 24, 2023
July 30 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week's lesson titled “Hope in God's Faithfulness” (Jeremiah 33:1-11, 15-26).
July 19, 2023
TREND WATCH: Are Churches Moving Toward Officeless Buildings?
Fern Creek Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., plans to repurpose 100 percent of their office space to ministry space for children. We contacted more than a dozen ministers and church construction experts to ask about their thoughts on "going officeless." . . .
July 17, 2023
July 23 | Hope in God’s Promise
God promised to bring his people back from Babylon to the Promised Land, and he did. Against all odds, Jeremiah was calling on his people to believe.
July 17, 2023
July 23 | Application (‘What Some Call Foolish’)
Jeremiah 32 describes a real estate transaction a Bible commentator calls “one of the most remarkable examples of personal faith found in the Bible.” . . .
July 17, 2023
July 23 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “Hope in God's Promise” (Jeremiah 32:2, 6-9, 16-27, 36-41).
July 10, 2023
July 16 | Hope in God’s Loving-Kindness
Jeremiah 31 is clearly one of the high-water marks of the Old Testament. The new covenant is announced toward the end of the chapter; its text is quoted at length in Hebrews 8:7-13. But a bit earlier in the chapter is a messianic verse . . .
July 10, 2023
July 16 | Application (‘Good Mourning’)
Jeremiah predicted dire consequences for the Jews. Because of their unfaithfulness, they would endure decades of Babylonian exile—an extended period of mourning. But God’s loving-kindness would never give up on them. . . .
July 10, 2023
July 16 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “Hope in God's Loving-Kindness” (Jeremiah 31:1-17, 31-34).
July 3, 2023
July 9 | Hope in God’s Plans
Speaking on behalf of God, Jeremiah outlined nine duties for the exiles who had been carried away to Babylon.
July 3, 2023
July 9 | When You’re Not Where You Want to Be
What should you do when your circumstances don’t match your dreams and aspirations? Jeremiah’s message to the exiles can help any of us who find ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
July 3, 2023
July 9 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “Hope in God's Plans” (Jeremiah 29:1-23).
July 1, 2023
Preventing the Celebrity-Pastor Syndrome: My Encouragement to Fellow Pastors
By Ben Cachiaras The surge in the number of celebrity pastors is a growing concern for the church. Multiple documentaries, articles, and podcasts (including “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”) have exposed this problem. And with so many high-profile pastors disqualifying themselves, one naturally wonders how much of their downfall was connected to the celebrity status that had become part of their identity. The terms Christian and celebrity have not meshed well historically. Over time, popularity has taken out more pastors than persecution. The church has been negatively impacted by this syndrome. A celebrity pastor is not easily replicable,
