May 2, 2025
Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. The Power of Spousal Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the most radical and transformative principles of Christian marriage.
Articles for tag: Matthew 6:1
February 17, 2025
Your Will Be Done
Discipleship requires surrender—ceasing our battle of the wills and voluntarily submitting ourselves to the Lord.
May 20, 2024
May 26 Study | Generosity
Second Corinthians 8-9 is the largest stewardship of giving passage in the Bible. After the rich discussion about the ministry of the gospel (2:14—7:16), Paul launched into this major teaching about giving. . . .
March 18, 2024
The Good Stuff
In the moment, it was hard to see that some "good stuff" was happening . . .
January 16, 2023
January 22 | It Requires Prayer and Fasting
Once work on the temple altar and temple itself were completed, it was time to get the exiles’ lives in order. Ezra the great Bible teacher led the way in this through prayer and fasting.
November 1, 2022
Thankful . . . in All Circumstances
What the Bible Teaches Us About Unwavering Gratitude
May 2, 2022
May 8 | The Story of the Poor Rich Man
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. . . .
February 3, 2020
Lesson for Feb. 9, 2020: Miraculous Provisions (Exodus 16:11-32)
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. 2 (weeks 5-8; February 2-23, 2020) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ________ Lesson Aim: Trust the Lord to provide for your needs. ________ By Mark Scott Bread is a staple of life. Sometimes it is a metonymy for “food” in general. It is part of the fourth petition of the model prayer (Matthew 6:11). It was the content of the first temptation of Jesus
April 30, 2018
Lesson for May 6, 2018: Giving from a Generous Heart (Exodus 35:20-29; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
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. 4 (weeks 17–20; April 29—May 20, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott One of the best ways to acknowledge God (quarterly theme) and give praise to God (monthly unit theme) is with our “coined” lives. Giving to God in generous stewardship of finances can be a disciplined obligation and a wonderful privilege. But it is at its best when it is the
February 11, 2016
Thinking Theologically
By Mark A. Taylor Our theology affects all our actions and decisions“”how we live and serve and react and decide. But do most Christians and Christian leaders define their decisions by their theology? Can we do this? How? Why should we try? For answers we talked with four church leaders and Bible scholars: “¢ Ben Cachiaras, senior pastor with Mountain Christian Church, Joppa, Maryland “¢ Frank Dicken, assistant professor of New Testament at Lincoln (Illinois) Christian University “¢ J. K. Jones, pastor of spiritual formation with Eastside Christian Church, Normal, Illinois “¢ Jon Weatherly, dean of the School of Bible
December 12, 2014
Uneasy with the Times
By Neal Windham When I grow weary with the poverty that surrounds us, I remember one fact about the One whose birth we celebrate: When Jesus came to earth, he chose to be poor. Defining moments often arrive without warning. Back in my college days, somewhere around 1977, I was returning from work during a pelting thunderstorm when I came across a man who was wandering around in a ditch near the road. He had no raincoat or umbrella, and his hat and clothes were drenched, head to toe. I pulled over, invited him into the car, and asked what
The Fasting Track: Sixteen Great Reasons to Fast
By Victor M. Parachin In 1756, a frightened and somber king of England called for a day of solemn prayer and fasting. Behind his call was the immediate threat of an invasion by the French. On February 6, 1756, John Wesley recorded in his journal the positive effect a day of fasting and prayer had upon the nation: “The fast day was a glorious day, such asLondon has scarce seen. . . . Every church in the city was more than full, and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God heareth prayer, and there will yet be a lengthening of
January 4, 2009
Servanthood Without Star Power
By Jim Herbst  May I suggest another cable channel (since we don”t have enough already)? Let”s call it The Extreme Compassion Channel; its slogan can be, “Total Compassion Reality 24/7.” The catch with all reality shows, of course, is that they have little to do with reality. Like others, I”m moved every time Ty Pennington shows a homeowner his brand new home on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Afterwards, however, I begin to wonder why my life isn”t more sensational. My life is reality, after all. And I am compassionate. But no one applauds, cries, or hugs me when I
