August 21, 2023
August 27 | Justified
A theological dilemma in the biblical story is this: How can God punish sin (and thereby stay true to his promise and character) and yet absolve the sinner? . . .
Articles for tag: Justification
March 1, 2023
How Do We Talk About Grace with a Generation That Feels No Guilt?
By Tyler McKenzie As generations of young people emerge who are more different than ever imagined, how should our presentation of God’s grace change? Millennials (those born 1981–96) are assuming leadership. Gen Z (born 1997–2012) is entering the workforce. The youngest of those from Generation Alpha (about 2013–25) are upon the age of accountability. They are the new mission field. From Guilt to Shame One of my hypotheses is that evangelists of the future will shift from presenting grace through a guilt framework to a shame framework. Guilt is, “I did something bad.” Shame is, “I am bad.” While guilt
May 23, 2022
May 29 | Two Stories about Prayer
The subject matter of the parables was prayer, but the context concerned the faith and humility necessary for always being ready for the return of the king.
February 14, 2022
Feb. 20 | Called, Justified, Glorified
In Romans 8, everyone and everything is groaning—creation, believers, and the Holy Spirit. But through all the groans, believers know they were called, are being justified, and will be glorified.
January 31, 2022
Feb. 6 | Justified by Grace
As the Justifier, how can God stay true to his character and punish sin (that is, how can he be “just”), and at the same time release the offender (i.e., the sinner) from punishment? Grace is the answer.
January 24, 2022
Jan. 30 | Discovery
In Romans 14:1-5, 13-23, what surface-level issues were people in the church having with one another . . . and what deeper issues may have been behind those problems?
June 8, 2020
Has-Beens
By Stuart Powell The term has-been is a demeaning way to describe the diminished status of once-popular personalities—athletes who can no longer compete, actresses who have not aged well, singers whose vocal ranges shrank with their fan base. A has-been’scurrent status is a dim shadow of what it once was. As Christians, maybe we should consider becoming a has-been as a liberation rather than a demotion. Compare the “glory days” of our life prior to knowing Christ with the abundant life of our present faith. Would we willingly adopt the term has-been to become more like Jesus? In 1 Corinthians
August 20, 2019
Washed, Sanctified, Justified
By Stuart Powell As Christians, we must choose how to express ourselves. We all are tempted to display the sins in our relationships with people inside and outside of the faith. Paul wrote about this battle in his letter to the believers in Corinth: Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and
April 17, 2017
Lesson for April 23, 2017: Reconciling Love (Romans 5:1-11; 8:31-39)
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 the April 16, 2017, issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott How did the facts of Jesus” death on the cross and his empty tomb set things right between God and humanity? How to articulate the atonement is of great debate among scholars today. Twelve different New Testament words and at least six different models have to be examined. Many of those are in Romans. Romans
May 9, 2016
Lesson for May 15, 2016: Humble Faith (Luke 18:9-14)
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 May 8 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott Humility was not prized in the ancient world. It was viewed as weakness. Jesus Christ changed the way that the world looked at humility. Following the incarnation, humility became a virtue. That does not mean the modern world does not struggle with arrogance. An NBA
April 5, 2015
How Much Do You Know About Easter?
By Victor Knowles Faith in the resurrection of Christ has been called the keystone of the arch of Christianity. How much do you know about the resurrection of Jesus? 1. Who prophesied the following in regard to the resurrection of Christ? “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; . . . because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” a. Moses b. David c. Isaiah d. Daniel 2. Jesus predicted he would be raised on: a. The first day of the week
August 30, 2014
Ten Ways to Stifle Discussion in Your Group or Class
By Michael C. Mack 1. Use impressive, big words like regeneration, justification, and eschatology as much as possible. 2. Interject names such as Polycarp, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and, yes, Rick Warren and Max Lucado. 3. Be serious all the time. Since you are studying God”s Holy Word, there is no time for fun or frivolity! 4. Don”t allow people to share their feelings. Focus on facts. Feelings have no place in Bible study. 5. Do most of the talking. Study diligently and then share everything you learned about your topic. This is what it means to teach. 6. If no one responds
September 2, 2007
The Meaning of the Cross
By H. Lynn Gardner The death of Christ on a cross stands at the center of human history. James Stalker describes its significance: The spot to which we have come is the center of all things. Here two eternities meet. The streams of ancient history converge here, and here the river of modern history takes its rise. The eyes of the patriarchs and prophets strained forward to Calvary, and now the eyes of all generations and of all races look back to it. This is the end of all roads. The seeker after truth, who has explored the realms of
September 2, 2007
Benefits Brought by the Death of Jesus
By H. Lynn Gardner Benefits Brought by the Death of Jesus: Atonement””a sacrifice that brings forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Justification””God”s justice is preserved because the penalty for sin is paid, but the believer is declared “not guilty.” Reconciliation””restoration of friendship with God after being alienated by sin. Redemption””freedom gained in being released from the slavery caused by the guilt and power of sin. Propitiation””offering that turns away the wrath of God against the sinner. New life””characterized by righteousness as Christ lives in us. Defeat of the devil and death””basis for hope and eternal life beyond the grave. This is
November 20, 2005
TWO VIEWS OF GRACE: Based on Law
Donald A. Nash explains why grace and law belong together under the new covenant. Without God’s law, sin is undefined and grace is unnecessary—but Scripture presents commandments as loving, life-giving guidance.
