August 25, 2025
Generations of teachers imparted skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, but maybe we should add a fourth "R" for "ripples. Decades after I was in their classrooms, my teachers still exert a ripple effect in my life.
April 29, 2024
There is a home which will fulfill all our dreams. Jesus talked about it. . . .
January 15, 2024
The exclusivity of Jesus is a problem in a pluralistic country like the United States. There is immediate pushback when anyone says, “This is the only way.” . . . But what else are Christians to believe and say when Jesus said that he is the gate (John 10:9)? . . .
January 15, 2024
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I AM the Way” (John 14:1-21, 27), by Mark Scott.
January 8, 2024
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I AM the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1-18), by Mark Scott.
April 3, 2023
Thank God for the empty tomb! . . .
May 2, 2022
This is one of the few parables where Jesus inserts “God” into a secular story. God called the man a fool (not an atheist but someone who has no moral compass). Death is a great wake-up call. . . .
November 1, 2021
By Wes Beavis A time-zone change hijacked our Thanksgiving last year. My wife and I needed a getaway, and when we stumbled across an extraordinary holiday package, we decided to go for it. We flew east across the country enticed by thoughts of long days relaxing in the sunshine. After a few days, however, we noticed the days going by quicker than anticipated. We finally figured out why. Our holiday destination was three hours ahead of our body clocks. We were waking up at about 10 a.m. and the sun was setting at 5 p.m. Our jet lag made the
November 16, 2020
By Michael C. Mack Thanksgiving is more than an annual holiday. For Christ followers, it’s a vital spiritual discipline. Jesus often modeled giving thanks for us. When he raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus thanked his Father for hearing him (John 11:41-42). Before he fed the 4,000, he gave thanks for what was available to him—seven loaves and a few small fish (Mark 8:6-7). Jesus lived a life of thanksgiving for the big as well as the small blessings. And the early church followed Jesus’ example. The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
June 15, 2020
By David Faust “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5), but for many the world seems like a dark place. How can you and I brighten things up? To make a difference, you don’t have to make headlines. Christ often calls his followers to serve humbly behind the scenes, like the woman named Tabitha or Dorcas, who “was always doing good and helping the poor,” making robes and other clothing items for those in need (Acts 9:36-39). I want to tell you about some light-bearers I know. They don’t seek recognition, so I
March 15, 2020
By Jerry Harris Were you scared of the dark when you were a kid? There are two reasons we naturally fear darkness: Darkness makes us see things that aren’t really there. Darkness keeps us from seeing things that actually are there. I remember seeing scary shadows in my room at night when I was little. I needed to have a night-light on or leave my bedroom door slightly open. But the closet—that needed to be closed. I feared the darkness of the closet . . . and the darkness under the bed. I remember imagining things were coming to life
March 2, 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 March 1 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone In his Gospel, the apostle John often focused on a central theme for an entire chapter (John 14, 15, 16, 17). The predominant note in John 14 is comfort. The setting is the night on which Jesus was betrayed. After instituting the Lord”s Supper in the upper room, Jesus and his disciples (except Judas) set out for the Garden of
July 25, 2013
By Tim Harlow In his book Who Switched the Price Tags? Tony Campolo tells of an African-American pastor who was preaching to some students who were about to graduate. He said, “Children, you are going to die! One of these days the hearse is going to take you to the cemetery, drop you in a hole and everyone”s going back to the church to eat potato salad. When you were born, you were crying and everyone else was happy. Here is the question, “˜When you die, will you be the only happy one with everyone else crying?” The answer depends
May 27, 2013
By Sam E. Stone This quarter we will consider God”s people and worship, learning from Isaiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah. First we will study important sections from Isaiah. His book includes many important messianic prophecies. Israel was to be the means by which God”s blessing would come to all nations of the world. Isaiah prophesied during the divided kingdom. He was called in the year that King Uzziah died (about 740 BC), with most of his ministry focused on the southern kingdom (Judah). In the opening chapters of his book, Isaiah warns the rebellious people of God”s judgment upon them. In
May 21, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Some Bible students have pointed out that while John 13 contains a narrative and a dialogue, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 each have a central theme. The predominant note in John 14 is conflict. The setting for this week”s lesson text is the night Jesus was betrayed. After instituting the Lord”s Supper in the upper room, Jesus and his disciples (except Judas) set out for the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ”s Promises John 14:1-4 Do
June 27, 2011
Be a better parent. Overcome an un-Christian culture. Understand the Bible Read The Lookout! 16 pages of help and hope every week! Here’s how. ____________ This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for July 3) is written by Caleb Kaltenbach, senior minister with Valley View Christian Church in Dallas, Texas. ____________ God Responds to Disobedience (Joshua 7:1, 10-12, 22-26) By Caleb Kaltenbach Some subjects make us squirm in our seats. Disobedience is one of them . . . mainly because we all can identify with it. We disobey the speed laws, our parents, our employers, etc. As a
March 5, 2006
In this excerpt from Trading Places, Steve Wyatt shows how Jesus shaped John’s passion into steadfast love—affirming uniqueness, rejecting manipulation, and modeling servant leadership that calls people to grow within an atmosphere of acceptance.
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