February 23, 2026
THE ONLY NAME THAT FITS
A Communion meditation on 1 Corinthians 13 that shows why our names don’t fit Paul’s love language—and why only Jesus does. At the table, we remember the never-failing Christ and witness to his love.
February 23, 2026
A Communion meditation on 1 Corinthians 13 that shows why our names don’t fit Paul’s love language—and why only Jesus does. At the table, we remember the never-failing Christ and witness to his love.
April 15, 2024
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
“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
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Love” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13), by Mark Scott.
January 8, 2024
Our remembrance of Jesus at Communion is very different from other actions we do in memory of someone . . .
November 1, 2023
By Jerry Harris This is the time of year for thankfulness, celebration, joy, and love, but it also can be a time of loneliness and longing, discouragement and depression. We may think this is a product of our own minds and circumstances, but something more sinister is at work. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Paul described a constant spiritual onslaught that is happening behind the scenes; it’s a battle for our hearts and minds that must be defended with the truth of God’s Word, especially as the enemy tries to rob us of that which God has richly provided. First Corinthians
January 29, 2019
By Dale Cornett No, I’m neither a chauvinist nor a misogynist. Yes, I realize how unpopular the “traditional” position I’m about to defend has become. I admit that my wife and two daughters are smarter than me. I recognize women’s capabilities. I want them to become all they can be. But I also want to be true to the Word of God. What I am about to say about women leaders in the church is simply my best effort to be faithful to God and his design for men, women, family, and the church. I must admit, here at the
May 25, 2015
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the May 24 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone This week concludes a study of key passages in Paul”s first letter to the church in Corinth. Members of this first-century congregation had written Paul with several questions. We have considered some of their concerns in past weeks. Today”s study of 1 Corinthians 13 is best understood when we realize that it is sandwiched in with a discussion of spiritual gifts
August 10, 2014
By Mike Kerrick From a campus minister, ideas for the students in your life. What do you give someone who is going off to college? A new laptop computer? A phone/data upgrade? A devotional book on keeping faith at college, with a nice note inside: “Praying for you every day”? These are all good ideas, especially because they point to the thing needed most in college: healthy relationships. From my experience ministering to college students, let me tell you what I mean. Healthy Relationships Begin with God According to the Barna group*, up to 61 percent of Christian students
April 14, 2014
By Andy Heisler Preparing a three-minute Communion meditation has challenges that are unique from crafting a 30-minute sermon or Bible lesson. A sermon speaker or lesson teacher is able to follow the arc of a story, and take time to unpack the meaning of a text. A meditation presenter, on the other hand, has only a few critical moments to engage the congregation and lead them to the foot of the cross. Preparation is critical to crafting a Communion message that hits the mark. Consider the following suggestions: Make the Point Being clever or creative is not of greatest importance,
September 24, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The book of Hebrews teaches us a number of things about true faith. In this unit”s final lesson, a familiar text””1 Corinthians 13″”is added to show how the believer”s faith is expressed in love. Consistency of Love Hebrews 13:1-3, 6 Although brotherly love was not a common virtue in the first century, the early Christians were already practicing it (see Hebrews 6:10 and 10:33, 34). For this, the writer commends them. Showing love to other
December 13, 2009
 by Douglas A. Foster The first article in this series began with a question: “What is the point of Christianity?” My one-word answer was reconciliation. From the first sin in Genesis to the throne scene in Revelation, reconciliation is at the heart of God”s dealings with humanity.  If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself,
March 1, 2009
 by Robert O. Fife This article is no longer available online, but all of the articles about baptism that appeared in the March 1 and 8, 2009, issues of CHRISTIAN STANDARD–plus this bonus article–are available for purchase as a single, redisigned, easy-to-read and easy-to-use downloadable resource/pdf (a fuller explanation is below).  Baptism: 7 Practical Perspectives  Item 02973 “¢Â $2.99  What does the Bible teach about baptism? What does baptism symbolize and what does it accomplish? Why is there so much disagreement? Seven writers offer their insights on this controversial but fundamental topic in this 14-page resource that””with the exception
March 12, 2006
By Gary Fait “Congratulations! You”re the new chairman of the elders.” The first time someone said that to me, it gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I felt honored. I felt special. Later, after ending my term as chairman and then spending several years as a “regular” elder, I heard it again: “Congratulations! You”re the new chairman of the elders.” This time I felt a chill go down my spine. I felt a tinge of panic. The chairman is the man who gets the complaints. He”s the one who finds anonymous notes in his mailbox. He”s the one who spends