November 6, 2023
In "Toy Story," Buzz Lightyear’s famous catchphrase was, “To infinity and beyond!” One could use that same line upon coming to Acts 13. The chapter continues the geographical expansion of the church outlined by Jesus in his commission to the apostles, with the goal of reaching “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). . . .
November 6, 2023
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “First Missionary Journey” (Acts 13:1-13, 26-31, 38-39), by Mark Scott.
August 5, 2019
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. 8 (weeks 29-31; July 21–August 11, 2019) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ________ Lesson Aim: Encourage and help one another by being devoted to prayer. ________ By Mark Scott The lesson title asks a question. The implied subject is “You.” Thus, “Do you pray enough?” Most of us would have to answer, “No.” But God is hurt by our distance and preoccupation with other
November 5, 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. 12 (weeks 45–48; October 14—December 2, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ Lesson Aim: Understand the importance of mission work and pray for and otherwise support current missionary efforts. ______ By Mark Scott God likes things to grow: families (Genesis 1:28), gardens (v. 29), nations (11:8, 9), and churches (Acts 5:14). In fact, God expects his church to grow (Matthew 13:31, 32) and it is unnatural
December 6, 2017
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. 50″“53 (December 10-31, 2017) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott In this Advent month, our lesson today celebrates the coming of the gospel to the nations. The tidings of great joy would come to the island of Cyprus. A proconsul would receive the Christ of Christmas and a sorcerer would cry, “Bah, humbug!” In both cases great discernment would be necessary to understand
March 20, 2016
By Tim Harlow There are some wonderful benefits to leading the same church for 26 years. It”s actually very difficult to make much headway into your community as a church leader without longevity. However, when people ask me for the hardest thing about longevity, this is my answer””what got us here doesn”t usually get us there. I don”t mind change. I don”t mind that I”ve preached through the years of overhead projectors to slide projectors to video to HD video. I don”t mind that I grew up in a church with a bus ministry and a puppet troupe, but I”m
November 9, 2015
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri, and has held preaching ministries in Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado. This lesson treatment is published in the November 8 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott The pioneer statement, “Go west, young man,” matches our text. Another way to say our title, “From Derbe to Philippi,” is “From Asia to Europe.” Those of us who live in the western hemisphere need to thank God for this text. Western civilization would have been
February 18, 2013
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone When reading Colossians, it is important to remember that this is another of Paul”s letters written from prison. This makes every word even more meaningful. In this final lesson of our current study, his counsel is especially challenging. Principles Colossians 4:2-6 Prayer has always been of great importance to Christ”s followers. Jesus is our perfect example. He taught his disciples to pray during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:5-14) and demonstrated prayer”s importance throughout
September 30, 2007
By Barney Wells If you work well at preventing conflict, you won”t need to intervene often, and if you intervene promptly, resolution will naturally follow””most of the time. Most church members really do not want conflict in their lives or in the church, and given a little help and encouragement will resolve their conflicts in short order. Now and then, however, amicable resolution doesn”t come. Then the leaders must take a different kind of action. Matthew 18:17 shows that some conflicts must be addressed by the leadership churchwide, and sometimes individuals must be allowed, or even required, to leave. Earlier
October 9, 2005
Ministry effectiveness often hinges on teaming. This article challenges the “sanctified partnerships” myth, explains the affinity factor, and draws biblical guidance from Paul and Barnabas and Jesus’ careful disciple selection.
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