December 4, 2023
Dec. 10 Application | ‘So What?’
The tiny word 'so' plays a role in the much-loved verse, John 3:16. What does it mean to say, “God so loved the world”? . . .
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.
December 4, 2023
Dec. 10 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Eternal Life” (John 3:1-21), by Mark Scott.
November 27, 2023
Dec. 3 Lesson | Witness to the Light
God’s prophetic voice had been stilled for close to 400 years when John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness of Judea. He was to be God’s messenger and the one who would prepare the way for the Lord. . . .
November 27, 2023
Dec. 3 Application | ‘Lighten Up’
Every six months, Kevin Schmidt climbs a 1,500-foot communication tower to change the red-flashing lightbulb. If you think that takes moxie, imagine what it’s like to step down from heaven to earth . . .
November 27, 2023
Dec. 3 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Witness to the Light” (John 1:6-8, 19-34), by Mark Scott.
November 20, 2023
November 26 | Rome
The city of Rome attracts millions of visitors each year. It also attracted the apostle Paul. He longed to go there (Romans 1:11). . . .
November 20, 2023
November 26: Application (‘Unhindered’)
Luke ends his account of the early church’s history on an upbeat note. He summarizes the apostle Paul’s ministry while under house arrest in Rome by exclaiming, “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31). . . .
November 20, 2023
November 26 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Rome” (Acts 28:11-31), by Mark Scott.
November 13, 2023
November 19 | Ephesus
Some cities are so significant that just saying their names gets a reader’s or hearer’s attention. In the ancient world, this was true with Ephesus, a city with a population that rivaled Rome and Thessalonica. Paul visited Ephesus as the end of his second missionary journey . . .
November 13, 2023
November 19: Application (‘What I Learned in an Ancient Theater’)
The temple in Ephesus was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was larger than a football field—425 feet long and 220 feet wide, with a roof supported by 127 tall stone pillars. Today, only the foundation and one stone column remain. . . .
November 13, 2023
November 19 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Ephesus” (Acts 19:8-10, 23-41), by Mark Scott.
November 6, 2023
November 12 | First Missionary Journey
In "Toy Story," Buzz Lightyear’s famous catchphrase was, “To infinity and beyond!” One could use that same line upon coming to Acts 13. The chapter continues the geographical expansion of the church outlined by Jesus in his commission to the apostles, with the goal of reaching “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). . . .
November 6, 2023
November 12: Application (‘Why Do They Go?’)
"Why would anyone voluntarily leave their native culture and move to a different land?' David Faust asks. "Why would anyone choose to give up the conveniences of home and adjust to unfamiliar languages, climates, customs, and foods—and raise their own financial support to pay for these inconveniences?" . . .
November 6, 2023
November 12 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “First Missionary Journey” (Acts 13:1-13, 26-31, 38-39), by Mark Scott.
November 1, 2023
Preaching with Depth
By Chris Philbeck “I’m pretty sure no one will go home and say, ‘That’s the best sermon I’ve ever heard.’” I spoke those words recently as part of my sermon introduction. Let me explain. I’m preaching chapter-by-chapter through the book of Romans in a series called, “Unashamed.” I love Romans because it gives such a thorough explanation of the gospel. Paul begins with the sinfulness of man, moves to the grace of God that makes salvation possible through faith, and then focuses on our continued pursuit of righteousness. MEAT AND POTATOES On this weekend I was preaching from Romans 6
November 1, 2023
How to Lead with Love . . . Without Compromising Truth
By Ben Simms “How can we love people without compromising truth?” This is a complex and challenging question, yet Jesus demonstrated it throughout his ministry. In a world that increasingly seems to want to bring down the church and challenge the teachings of Jesus, we must seek to love. As culture wages war with the truth, we are constantly bombarded with messages that run counter to how Scripture calls us to live. One of our primary purposes on earth is to love people toward the kingdom of Jesus. The culture wars, while significant, can be a way for Satan to
November 1, 2023
Agape Love in the Life of an Elder
By David Roadcup Cornerstones were critical in the architecture of the ancient world. A cornerstone was traditionally the first stone laid for a structure, with all other stones set in reference to it. Thus, a cornerstone determined the position of the entire structure. Cornerstones have been around for millennia. A poorly crafted or placed cornerstone can compromise an entire structure. In the life of an elder or church leader, several critical cornerstones need to be identified, grown, and matured. Examples include these: POWERFUL AND IMPACTING LOVE Scripture uses four Greek words for love: eros (extreme self-gratification), storge (love for family), filos
October 30, 2023
November 5 | Gentiles Are Added to the Church
Cornelius prayed regularly and God answered with an angel who instructed Cornelius to summon Peter to his Caesarean residence (Acts 10:1-8). God, in turn, prepared Peter via a vision as the apostle prayed on a rooftop in Joppa (10:9-16). . . .
October 30, 2023
November 5: Application (‘Go Wherever God Sends You’)
"I spent a week in Turkey last summer," David Faust writes. "My travel group toured Istanbul and visited the sites of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3. . . . The journey increased my appreciation for first-century missionaries and for the brave believers serving Jesus in Turkey today."
October 30, 2023
November 5 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Gentiles Are Added to the Church” (Acts 10:17-24, 34-48), by Mark Scott.
