February 21, 2022
Exploration of the unknown was a common theme in Gene Roddenberry’s fictitious Star Trek stories. Roddenberry sought to avoid spiritual truths, yet there are many lessons for Christians embedded in those futuristic fables. . . .
February 14, 2022
Based on this passage from Romans 8, what is God’s plan and progression for those he calls?
December 19, 2021
All this week, Christian leaders will be sharing favorite Christmas memories with readers. Today we hear from Johnson University educator Kendi Howells Douglas, who recalls being in children's Christmas programs at her Minnesota church. Check back every morning, through Christmas Day, for more recollections.
December 13, 2021
While they were keeping watch over their flocks at night, an angel of the Lord appeared to them . . .
September 20, 2021
When we gather for Communion, we focus our thoughts on the historical account of one man’s death on a tree just outside Jerusalem. But the Bible tells of another man who died on a tree that very same day . . .
September 1, 2021
What people believe really matters, according to a 2017 Canadian study of 22 churches and more than 2,000 churchgoers. Churches that adhere to conservative theology are more likely to grow than those that do not, and people who attend growing churches reported praying more often and reading their Bibles more often than those who attend declining churches, the study showed. What churches teach impacts the spiritual practices of their attendees and, in turn, the health of the church. Our 2020 annual church survey asked church leaders this question: How much does your church emphasize the following personal and family faith
August 23, 2021
Paul wrote at the level of our desires when he shared the practical application of living by faith in Christ as opposed to living by works of the law. Desires shape much of our lives. But what shapes those desires?
August 23, 2021
Mary’s whiplashed emotions made it difficult for her mind to grasp history’s greatest miracle. In your own life, have there been times when the Lord was right there with you, but you didn’t recognize his presence?
July 12, 2021
The example of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection compelled David Lipscomb and others to put their faith into action on behalf of others during Nashville's cholera outbreak of 1873.
May 31, 2021
The Jerusalem temple was just one part of God establishing his kingdom. The temple would not last forever, but what God was establishing through David’s family would be eternal.
December 9, 2020
By Chris Moon In honor of its late pastor, Joel Wilson, Myrtle Beach Christian Church in South Carolina is working to help and house vulnerable people in its community. The church recently opened a shelter for mothers in crisis, such as those who come out of abusive relationships or who are homeless. The shelter is located in apartment units adjacent to the church. The church also is planning 24 senior apartments on its property. It plans to build the first 5 to 10 units next year. “To God be the glory. You write that,” senior minister Danny Banks told Christian
December 7, 2020
This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Dec. 13, 2020: Fulfilled through Love (Matthew 1:18-25; 22:34-40) ________ By David Faust Joseph’s second choice impresses me more than his first one. His first choice was relatively easy. Mary was an eligible young woman, and no doubt Joseph found her attractive. Nazareth wasn’t a big town. It’s likely their families knew each other well and their parents approved of their engagement. The local grapevine buzzed with cheerful chatter about their upcoming wedding. As a gift for his wife, Joseph may have used his carpentry skills to build furniture for their
October 19, 2020
By Jon Wren Upon arriving in the little Russian town of Kalinovka around the turn of the 20th century, a new priest launched a program where each week children were given a short passage of Scripture to memorize—in exchange for a piece of candy. Soon, children from all over the village and countryside came to learn from the village priest and to get their candy. And of all the children who participated, a young boy named Nikki stood out by memorizing the most passages. The village elders and the priest were confident Nikki’s impressive knowledge of Scripture would lead to
September 22, 2020
By Kent E. Fillinger The full impact of COVID-19 goes well beyond the number of confirmed cases, the death toll, and the unemployment rate that many are tracking. The pandemic has exacerbated several preexisting problems like anxiety, depression, suicide, child abuse, drug abuse, and others. These often overlooked “killers” are affecting scores of Americans today, and some experts say these conditions have reached epidemic proportions. Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant U.S. secretary for mental health and substance use, said in late May, “The increase in the number of suicides, fatal drug overdoses and instances of domestic abuse will be broad, deep
September 7, 2020
COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Sept. 13, 2020: “Fight” (1 Timothy 1:12-19; 6:11-16) “How to Have a Good Fight,” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What was the biggest challenge you faced last week? 2. What did you do last week, as empowered by God’s Spirit, to share the love of Jesus with someone? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 1:12-19 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Repeat the process for 1 Timothy 6:11-16. Ask the third person to summarize
August 24, 2020
Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What challenge did you face last week? 2. In what ways did you see the Lord going before you over the past week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Judges 6:11-16, 25-40 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story in four acts: Act 1: A Mighty Message; Act 2: “Altering” the Altar; Act 3: Dad’s Defense; Act 4: A Trumpet and a Test. 3. What stands out to you in this passage? 4. Let’s
July 7, 2020
(These Discovery questions go with the Bible lesson for July 12, 2020: “Perfect Love Living in Me” For a detailed explanation of how to use Discovery Bible Study, click here.) By Leigh Mackenzie 1. Name one thing for which you are grateful today. 2. What challenges did you encounter last week as you sought to walk in obedience to God’s Word? • Did you share God’s love with anyone this past week? If so, tell us more about it! Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the two readers to read 1 John 3:24 one after the
June 22, 2020
By David Faust In 1901 a songwriter in Chicago named Carrie Jacobs-Bond published her composition, “I Love You Truly.” The song sold over a million copies (one of the earliest songs composed by a woman to do so) and became a favorite at weddings. Three American presidents invited Jacobs-Bond to sing at the White House. Her song concludes sweetly, “Gone is the sorrow, gone doubt and fear, for you love me truly, truly dear.” Cole Porter’s “True Love,” released in 1956 and popularized by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly, says, “You and I have a guardian angel on high, with
June 8, 2020
Study Questions for Groups (These Discovery questions go with the Bible lesson for June 14, 2020: “See Him All Around” For a detailed explanation of how to use Discovery Bible Study, click here.) By Leigh Mackenzie 1. What are two things for which you are thankful right now? 2. In the difficult or challenging circumstances you faced this past week, how were you comforted? – In what ways were you a comfort in the misery of others? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the first two to read Job 38:16-41 one after the other (preferably from different
June 1, 2020
By David Faust My barber is my best friend. You see, my wife cuts my hair. During our first year of marriage, I was on the receiving end of a particularly bad haircut—a near-scalping experience in a smoke-filled barbershop. Arriving home afterward, I asked Candy, “Could you cut my hair from now on?” She gazed at my freshly shorn cranium and replied, “I can do at least as well as the barber you just visited.” The rest is history. We’ve done the math. According to www.mistershaver.com (yes, that’s a real website), the average price of a standard men’s haircut in
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