June 5, 2023
No More Dead Ends
Jesus shows us how to exit from all the side streets and get us home where we belong. . . .
June 5, 2023
Jesus shows us how to exit from all the side streets and get us home where we belong. . . .
August 30, 2021
Many wanted to know, “Jesus, who do you think you are?” However, he turned the question around and asked, “Who do you say I am?” Some compared him to prophets like Elijah or Jeremiah, but Peter gave the most logical answer . . .
August 17, 2020
By David Faust Judge Deborah gave General Barak a tall order. It would take considerable amounts of faith and courage for him to lead 10,000 soldiers and face a formidable enemy at Mount Tabor. But Deborah declared, “Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14). In today’s troubled times, Deborah’s question can help us climb our mountains and face our battles, too. “Hasn’t the Lord gone ahead of you?” Yes, he has. He is ahead of us in time, for he knows the future. He is ahead of us in wisdom, for his ways are higher than our
April 9, 2018
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 4 (weeks 13–16; April 1–22, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “To follow Christ is to obey Christ.” The apostles had the privilege of literally “coming after” Jesus. For them, following Jesus meant geography, physicality, and proximity. But after Jesus’ resurrection their following of him became more like ours. Obedience outstripped physical presence. The lesson text today picks up
February 14, 2010
By Phyllis Fox So, you want to hear about the Rabbi. Good. You”ll get your chance at the Thursday-evening session of the North American Christian Convention. I should warn you, though, it”s challenging to find the right words that will take you BEYOND your imaginations and BEYOND your previous theater experiences, because The Rock & The Rabbi is so much more. Beyond the synagogues and shorelines, beyond the church walls and workplaces””the Rabbi says, “Follow Me. I”ll make you fishers of men.” It all begins with a name-changing encounter and a miraculous catch of fish for Peter, the Rock, when
December 21, 2008
Worship often feels like a place to collect answers, but Scripture frequently leaves us with questions instead. Tom Lawson explores how those untidy questions can follow us home—and lead to fresh insight and changed lives.
July 20, 2008
By Darrel Rowland About a year ago the founder of one of the most influential churches in modern American history confessed a need for repentance. But Bill Hybels wasn”t adding his name to the list of those succumbing to moral failures. Instead, he admitted that despite Willow Creek Community Church”s worldwide influence and 21,000 weekly attendees spread across four campuses, the church had failed. How so? By not equipping its members to become mature Christians. STALLED OR DISSATISFIED Using techniques borrowed from sophisticated consumer studies, Willow”s leaders discovered they were doing well meeting the needs of those exploring Christianity and
February 4, 2007
With “Christians” everywhere, the church still struggles to live Jesus’ mission. This article argues we’re overloaded with competing “little ideas” and need one clear Big Idea—“Follow me”—that leads to action.
December 17, 2006
By Tom Lawson For many, worship is all about answers. Big answers. Little answers. Even ordinary answers. “Where can I find meaning for my life?” “Where can I find a place to belong and be loved?” “Where can I go when I”m broken and empty and alone?” For many, worship is all about answers. Children like answers. “What is that?” “Are we there yet?” “Is it gonna hurt?” Sometimes college students like answers. “Listen, I understand the three views you presented in class, but which one is the right one? Which one will be on the test? Which one am