October 31, 2024
Explaining the Word, Capturing the Heart
Illustrations and stories enhanced a message by making it more relatable and applicable to modern life, but it is the explanation of the Word of God that captured the heart.
Teaching
Teaching equips Bible teachers and ministry leaders to communicate Scripture clearly and help people grow in faith. Explore practical, Bible-based guidance on lesson planning, facilitation, discussion questions, and making meaningful application for different ages and settings. You’ll find resources for teaching in classes, small groups, youth and children’s environments, and church-wide studies—along with help for handling difficult topics, staying faithful to the text, and creating a learning culture rooted in grace and truth. Whether you teach weekly or occasionally, these articles help strengthen your teaching ministry.
April 22, 2024
April 28 Study | Resurrection
The resurrection (both Jesus’ and ours) makes a mockery of death. It is the ultimate joke on the devil. . . .
April 22, 2024
April 28 Application | ‘Of First Importance’
Jesus Christ is risen indeed! Aren’t you glad? The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is the turning point of history, the backbone of biblical theology, and the foundation of the Christian faith. . . .
April 22, 2024
April 28 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Resurrection” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 16-27, 50-58), by Mark Scott.
April 15, 2024
April 21 Study | Love
Who would deny that love is one of the largest (if not the largest) themes of Scripture? It is the most descriptive characteristic of God himself (1 John 4:8). . . .
April 15, 2024
April 21 Application | ‘Unselfies’
“In the past,” a friend pointed out recently, “when people were outside enjoying nature, they photographed the scenery. . . . Now, we turn the camera the other direction and take pictures of ourselves.”
April 15, 2024
April 21 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Love” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13), by Mark Scott.
April 8, 2024
April 14 Study | Spiritual Gifts
Every Christian has received grace (charis) and therefore has been given gifts (or charisma) from the Holy Spirit to be used in ministry in the body of Christ. . . .
April 8, 2024
April 14 Application | ‘Don’t Cell Out’
"Do you realize that you own factories, warehouses, transport systems, and power plants?" David Faust writes. "It’s true! In fact, although you probably haven’t given them a single thought before today, you would literally die without these valuable possessions. . . ."
April 8, 2024
April 14 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Spiritual Gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31), by Mark Scott.
April 1, 2024
April 7 Study | God’s Wisdom
There is a mind-boggling profundity in the message of the cross. What seems to be a picture of weakness actually is the only true power to get us home to God. . . .
April 1, 2024
April 7 Application | ‘Swim Upstream’
Peer pressure isn’t new. First-century believers swam against the current of competing worldviews. The apostle Paul summarized two of them by saying . . .
April 1, 2024
April 7 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “God's Wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:18—2:7), by Mark Scott.
March 25, 2024
March 31 Lesson | Edification
What constitutes success in the church? The number of seats occupied on Sunday mornings? The number of baptisms per year? . . . For the apostle Paul, one litmus test for church success surely was edification.
March 25, 2024
March 31 Application | ‘Hidden Gems’
An inquisitive fellow e-mailed me some probing Bible questions. Fittingly, the doubter’s name was Thomas. I couldn’t tell whether he was sincere or just wanted to argue. I wrote back, “Would you like to meet in person to discuss your questions?” . . .
March 25, 2024
March 31 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, "Edification" (1 Corinthians 12:12-26; 14:1-12), by Mark Scott.
March 18, 2024
March 24 Lesson | Communion
A secular proverb says, “When all else fails, read the directions.” The Corinthian church had trouble following directions . . .
March 18, 2024
March 24 Application | ‘Communion: More Than a Routine’
Throughout history, Christ’s followers have placed high value on the Lord’s Supper. Whatever else takes place in our weekly worship gatherings, the bread and the cup focus attention on the central facts of our faith: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. . . .
March 18, 2024
March 24 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, "Communion" (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), by Mark Scott.
March 11, 2024
March 17 Lesson | Selfless Liberty
Simon Sinek emphasized that “Great leaders sacrifice their own comfort—even their own survival—for the good of those in their care.” The apostle Paul could have written that line. . . .
