May 6, 2012
The Priority of Preaching
Eddy Sanders argues preaching should remain a church priority because the church’s identity rests on the gospel message and Scripture places preaching at pivotal moments, from Moses to Peter.
May 6, 2012
Eddy Sanders argues preaching should remain a church priority because the church’s identity rests on the gospel message and Scripture places preaching at pivotal moments, from Moses to Peter.
April 30, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone An entire year elapsed between the healing of the lame man (John 5) and the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6). This would be two years after the first cleansing of the temple and one year before the crucifixion. John explains that his Gospel contains only a limited number of the many miracles and teachings of the Lord (John 20:30, 31; 21:25). Seth Wilson observes that the feeding of the 5,000 was a “turning-point in Jesus”
August 9, 2011
By Tim Harlow “Show me the glory” sounds like a rip-off of a famous movie line””but it”s quite a bit older. Moses was charged with the greatest (and hardest) leadership position in human history. How do you lead people who don”t want to be led? How do you lead people God doesn”t even like anymore? After the golden calf incident, Moses pleaded with God to spare the lives of the members of his “church.” And God did, but he”d had enough of them and decided to send an angel to lead them because he was DONE. (I believe God was
November 8, 2010
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for November 14) is written by Phyllis Fox who serves as director of church relations and Youth in Ministry at Milligan College in Tennessee. God Is Forever (Psalm 90:1-12) By Phyllis Fox Stephen R. Covey”s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was a best-selling self-help book in the late 1980s and early “90s. Principle 2 says to “begin with the end in mind.” Perhaps Covey was thinking of Psalm 90 when he wrote, “How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and, keeping
September 20, 2010
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 26) is written by Cheryl Frey, a freelance proofreader and editor from Rochester, New York. God Promises an Awesome Thing (Exodus 34:1-10) By Cheryl Frey Talk about pushing your luck. When Jason Zacchi of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, decided to rob a Wendy”s drive-through window, he thought the bandana over his face would conceal his identity. But when the manager heard the commotion and came over, she immediately recognized him. The Wendy”s Jason had chosen to rob was the one where his mom worked. She called the police, and he was arrested. In the
September 13, 2010
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 19) is written by Phil Roberts who serves as senior minister with Hill-N-Dale Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. ________________________________________________________ God Rejects Idol Worship (Exodus 32:1-10) “I don’t want a relationship.” I remember those words of rejection from 20 years ago almost like yesterday. They were preceded by the phrase, “I think we need to talk,” and followed by my label of being “dumped.” Rejection hurts, and motivates. We are motivated by the pain of rejection and the fear of further rejection. But should feelings or fears of being rejected by God ever come
August 30, 2010
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 5) is written by Earl Winfrey, senior minister with Calvary Christian Church in Paris, Kentucky. God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15) By Earl Winfrey Moses and the burning bush is a popular event that has been acted out many times over the years. From Vacation Bible School to the movie screen, the burning bush is included in nearly every depiction of the Exodus. Why is that scene so important? It is when Moses receives the call from God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event happened thousands of years ago, so what
February 17, 2010
Mark A. Taylor reflects on visits to Israel and Jordan, remembering the Sea of Galilee, the Garden Tomb, Mount Nebo, and the spiritual depth of Holy Land travel.
September 16, 2009
Mark A. Taylor reflects on simple obedience, biblical examples, and the next faithful step God asks us to take while we trust him with the larger outcome.
February 3, 2008
Isaac may seem ordinary beside other Bible figures, but Hebrews 11 honors him as an example of faith, reminding everyday believers that God measures the heart.
November 11, 2007
When churches excuse sexual sin and criminal abuse in the name of grace, victims are harmed and truth is buried. This article argues biblical forgiveness includes repentance—and repentance includes consequences and accountability.
June 24, 2007
Tim Harlow reflects on God’s name “I AM” in Exodus 3 and why it changes how we carry responsibility. If God is I AM, we are “I AM NOT”—and that’s good news for weary hearts.
November 19, 2006
A pastor reflects on the hidden danger of people-pleasing in leadership and the temptation to make decisions by popular opinion. Looking to Moses, he urges leaders to pay attention to God’s voice and remember their call.
November 15, 2006
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Moses’ reluctance and God’s persistent patience, showing how God equips hesitant leaders and calls them to trust and obey when the task feels impossible.
A workout walk on a lonely canyon road becomes an unexpected spiritual discipline—learning to notice God, release burdens, love others well, and cling to him in ordinary, gritty moments.