February 19, 2011
The Time for Cross-Examination
Charles Gerber reflects on Communion as a time for honest self-examination, urging believers to examine their hearts for bitterness, unforgiveness, and the need to seek forgiveness.
Articles for tag: Jeremiah
February 15, 2011
Pray Expectantly
By Sheila S. Hudson Dr. Karen Jones made her way to my ground-floor office. As she blinked back tears in her hazel eyes, she broke the news that funding from the State Department of Education hadn”t arrived. What she didn”t say was, without those funds, my job would go away. But both of us knew that was true. I was stunned. Neither of us could believe it. For seven years, Karen and I had worked hand in glove providing summer workshops for special education teachers. Now it seemed our partnership was coming to an end. Not only that, but at
February 7, 2011
Lesson for Feb. 13, 2011: Jesus Is God”s Son (Mark 9:2-13)
Jesus Is God’s Son in the Transfiguration This lesson on Mark 9:2-13 reflects on the Transfiguration and the question of Jesus’ identity. Rod Idle emphasizes that God’s proclamation identifies Jesus as his Son, and God’s command calls disciples to listen to him as the ultimate authority. The Transfiguration revealed Jesus’ glory and divinity to Peter, James, and John. God proclaimed Jesus as his dearly loved Son, distinct from Moses and Elijah. The lesson calls readers to recognize Jesus’ authority and listen to him. This week’s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for February 13) is written by Rod Idle
January 10, 2011
Lesson for Jan. 16, 2011: Reassurance for God”s People (Isaiah 48:12-22)
Matt Schantz reflects on Isaiah 48, Israel’s unfulfilled potential, God’s pursuit of his people, and the call to leave spiritual compromise behind.
January 5, 2011
A Book Like No Other
By Ward Patterson For 65 hours one October several years ago, students at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, read the Bible aloud at a crossing in the heart of the university campus. Standing under a tent and reading into a microphone in 30-minute shifts, they read from Genesis to Revelation. Erica Wothen, a senior student and member of His House Christian Fellowship, led more than 200 students in the event. Erica said, “We came together to read the Word. We didn”t worry about what we would say or do. We just read and watched God move.” God”s Word
December 30, 2010
Regrafting: A Matter of Motivation
Ken Swatman urges struggling churches to pursue renewal through prayerful vision, clear purpose, honest self-assessment, and a deeper understanding of their congregation’s unique DNA.
December 20, 2010
Lesson for Dec. 26, 2010: God Is with Us (Isaiah 43:1-7, 10-12)
God with You in Turmoil God with you is Isaiah’s message to fearful people living through unrest, exile, and spiritual distance. Tom May reflects on Isaiah’s reminder that the Lord created, chose, saved, and secured his people—and that his presence is not merely near, but with them. Isaiah’s ministry unfolded during political crisis, relational strain, and spiritual unfaithfulness. God reminded Israel that he had created, chosen, and redeemed them. The promise of God’s presence speaks directly to fear, suffering, uncertainty, and exile. This week’s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for December 26) is written by Tom May who
November 25, 2010
A Date with God
Daniel Schantz reflects on marriage as a picture of life with Christ, pointing readers to the Lord’s table as a place of honest conversation, reassurance, and everlasting love.
November 15, 2010
Lesson for Nov. 21, 2010: God Is Protector (Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16)
Don Hamilton reflects on Psalm 91, showing how God provides shelter, protection, love, and security for those who trust in him as their heavenly Father.
October 18, 2010
Lesson for Oct. 24, 2010: God”s Universal Reign (Psalm 47)
Brenda J. Lang reflects on Psalm 47, worship, and mission, showing how praise to the God of all nations can help others hear and respond to Christ.
October 5, 2010
The Playfulness of Creation
John Mark Hicks explores how God created both work and play, showing that playful rest reflects God’s delight in creation and belongs within faithful kingdom living.
October 4, 2010
Lesson for Oct. 10, 2010: God’s Perfect Law (Psalm 19:7-14)
Nicolas Cox reflects on Psalm 19 and explains why God’s perfect law is not a burden, but a life-giving path that draws believers closer to God.
August 18, 2010
Prophetic Lessons for the 21st-Century Christian Leader (Part 2)
©Standard Publishing Christian Leadership Commitments from Jeremiah’s Call Edward Sanders reflects on Jeremiah’s call to show how Christian leaders today can make commitments rooted in trust, discipline, Christ-centered ministry, God’s authority, perseverance, and disciple-making purpose. The article connects Jeremiah’s difficult prophetic calling with the responsibilities of church leaders who serve under God’s authority. Christian leaders must place their complete trust in God alone. God’s discipline, authority, and presence shape authentic leadership. Jeremiah’s call points leaders toward Christ-centered, disciple-making ministry. (This is part 2 of a 2-part article.) By Edward Sanders The calling of Christian leaders today is different and more
August 11, 2010
Prophetic Lessons for the 21st-Century Christian Leader (Part 1)
Edward Sanders reflects on Jeremiah’s prophetic calling and challenges Christian leaders to define success by faithfulness to God rather than numbers, growth, or cultural approval.
June 27, 2010
Great and Mighty Things
Chuck Booher shares how Crossroads Christian Church turned an impossible financial campaign into 40 days of prayer, renewed faith, and more than $3 million in commitments.
Enrolling Our Kids in the Jesus Mission
Janet McMahon shares how responsibility, relationship, repetition, and results helped her children process a family move to Kansas City for the planting of Restore Community Church.
March 21, 2010
When You Feel Like Giving Up, Giving In, or Getting Out
Rick Grover offers honest encouragement for ministers facing discouragement, reminding leaders to remember their call, keep their eyes on the goal, and stop trying to serve alone.
November 22, 2009
Christians, Politics, & Ethical Speech
Thomas Scott Caulley urges Christians to reject name-calling, political fearmongering, and win-at-all-costs tactics while keeping faith distinct from partisan and economic systems.
March 22, 2009
The Greed Factor
Karen R. Rees reflects on economic abuse among foreign household servants in Hong Kong and challenges Christians to respond with biblical justice, generosity, and trust in God.
January 11, 2009
The Power and Potential of “Not-Thank-You”
Ethan Magness reflects on a child’s bedtime prayer to show how honest prayer can hold gratitude and lament together before a good and caring God.
