September 16, 2025
Underestimated
I’m learning not to underestimate people, problems, or God’s power. Lest I forget these lessons, there’s a pile of hickory nuts in the woods that helps me remember.
Articles for tag: Israel
August 19, 2024
THE THINGS THAT BRING PEACE
As we eat and drink these symbols of peace, let us continue to celebrate the King who brought us the peace of God through his cross.
August 12, 2024
August 18 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Give careful thought to your heart; do not harden it” (Malachi 1:6-14; 3:8-18), by Mark Scott.
July 22, 2024
July 28 Study | She Brought Joy
The Jews thwarted their enemies, and the events that Purim celebrates also propelled Esther and Mordecai into even more significant positions of authority . . .
June 24, 2024
June 30 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Vision and Insight” (Daniel 9:1-6, 14-27), by Mark Scott.
June 5, 2023
June 11 | Warning for Idol Worshippers
This section of Jeremiah begins 13 oracles of God’s case against Judah that continue through chapter 25. . . .
March 27, 2023
April 2 | Application (‘Mud on Your Coat’)
"In the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry," David Faust writes, "several details stir my curiosity. . . ."
December 22, 2022
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘The Telstar of God’ (1962)
Television audiences on the North American and European continents were treated to an added marvel of electronics on July 23, 1962, when live transmissions were beamed off the Telstar satellite. But as Solomon said, “There is no new thing under the sun.” God long ago placed in the sky His own Telstar, commonly called the “Star of Bethlehem.” . . .
September 19, 2022
Blood-Stained Hands
We gather at this time to remember the Son of David—Jesus—who died with blood-stained hands. They were not stained from the battles against flesh-and-blood sinners . . .
August 8, 2022
August 14 | Discovery
What would it look like to “build up the wall” or “stand before God in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30) against the atrocities we see in this chapter?
June 13, 2022
June 19 | Discovery
What similarities do you see between how God treated Nineveh in Jonah 4 and Israel in Joel 2?
March 14, 2022
March 20 | Discovery
What do you learn about God's sovereignty, grace, and patience from Romans 11:11-32?
January 10, 2022
Jan. 16 | Application
Something in the human spirit wants to push back and assert our independence. When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, Peter refused at first. On the surface his objection appeared humble, but in reality, pride was at work.
November 29, 2021
Dec. 5 | Application
What was so unusual about the centurion’s faith? And what can this ancient soldier teach us about fighting the good fight of faith?
September 27, 2021
Visible Reminders
The narrative draws an interesting picture. The curtain hid the mercy seat and ark, leaving visible only the ends of the poles by which the ark was carried. . . .
June 21, 2021
God’s Presence
We set aside time for this meal to thank God for his promises, provisions, and most of all, his presence.
August 24, 2020
They Forgot
By Stuart Powell The book of Judges begins with the hope that Israel will complete the unfinished work Joshua left them by transforming the land into the dwelling of God’s people. Yet the generations after Joshua learned that living as holy people is not easy. It created conflict between Israel and the people around them. As the Israelites settled into their inherited houses and began gathering the harvests from the adopted gardens, something terrible happened. Judges 3:7 summarizes the tragedy: “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals
August 17, 2020
Community of Outcasts
By Stuart Powell In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, we read about King Saul, who, filled with delusional jealousy and hatred, set out to kill David, whom he feared would take his throne. David escaped to safety and refrained from starting a rebellion. But during his time in exile, many people became connected to the young man who would become the next ruler. Scripture says, “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around [David], and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him” (1 Samuel 22:2). The people who first
September 24, 2019
Happy New Year!
By Jon Wren Tonight [September 29, 2019] marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah literally means a “day of shouting or blasting of horns” by the priests. The year begins anew, and according to Jewish tradition, over the next 10 days, the people’s deeds are examined and weighed by God. The culmination of the 10-day observance is Yom Kippur. Historically, on that final day, the sinful deeds of the people were symbolically placed on a literal “scapegoat” that would be sacrificed by the priests so the sins of the past year would be
August 22, 2019
Returning to Palestine
It can be fascinating to read an editorial from an old issue of Christian Standard and consider biblical history that preceded it and world history that has occurred since. Such is the case with this piece from 140 years ago. One important note: We don’t believe the editor’s reference to the Jewish people as “the hated race” was intended as a personal slur. Instead, we think he meant to describe the anti-Semitic opinion held by many in the world at that time in history. Sadly, some of these feelings and rhetoric remain today. _ _ _ Jews in Jerusalem An
