December 5, 2022
Your Picture on His Tree
Some evening when you are looking at your beautiful Christmas tree, think about another kind of tree mentioned in Scripture in a passage where Paul described the impact of Jesus’ death. . . .
Articles for tag: New American Standard Bible
February 7, 2022
Feb. 13 | Application
Has life disappointed you? Have others disappointed you? How about the church . . . or God?
January 17, 2022
Draining the Cup
As we gather around the Lord’s table, consider two things about this “cup of death” Jesus drained: (1) the potency of the cup, and (2) the resolve of the one who drank from it.
August 30, 2021
God Is Always at Work
We know God rested from the work of creation on the seventh day, but God continues to “work” in sustaining the universe and advancing his plan of salvation.
December 30, 2020
Ordinary Guy
By John Caldwell (adapted from his new book) I am a pretty ordinary guy. I’m not dumb, but neither am I brilliant. While I love sports, I’m certainly not athletically gifted. I was a decent trumpet player in my high school and college days, but I was second chair, not first chair. I don’t light up a room when I enter it. Actually, I’m pretty much an introvert who, if given the choice, would sit in a chair in the corner and read a book rather than socialize. I’m not ugly, but neither would most consider handsome (my wife and
March 15, 2020
Thomas: Testimony . . . and Why Seeing Doesn’t Contradict Believing
By John Whittaker It was evening of the Sunday Jesus rose from the dead, and the frightened disciples were holed up behind locked doors. Emotions, excitement, and tensions soared. Suddenly, though the doors were locked, Jesus stood among them. “Shalom,” he greeted them. And then he showed them his hands and his side, scars and all, evidence that it was indeed him. After that encounter, the euphoric disciples couldn’t wait to tell Thomas, who wasn’t with them that night. But upon hearing the news, Thomas was hesitant, uncertain. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to believe. He just needed more
April 25, 2014
Where Is Eden?
By Jeff Faull Where is the Garden of Eden? Not the actual geographical description. You can read that in Genesis 2. Where is the garden now? What happened to it? Last we knew, it was in Genesis 3. Remember? Therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:23, 24, New
His Story, Our Story, the Story of Christ
By Jeff Faull Imagine a child asking the apostle Paul, “Would you tell me a story?” Where would he start? He could tell about his Damascus road experience, adventures at sea, the time he was bitten by a snake, and the great basket escape. He could speak of the time Eutychus fell asleep during his sermon and fell out the window and died. Then there were the occasions he was stoned and left for dead. He could relate his vision of the third heaven. He might mention his authorship of at least a dozen books of the Bible. Paul could
December 16, 2013
The Father Was There
By Shawn McMullen We see Jesus Christ as the focal point of the final week, the main character in the drama of redemption. From the triumphal entry to the resurrection, our eyes are fixed on him. We picture him during his last days on earth cleansing the temple, teaching the masses, and warning hypocrites. We follow him as he observes the Passover, prays in the garden, and suffers a friend”s betrayal. Our hearts ache over his abandonment, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Following Christ in his final week helps us appreciate the scope of his sacrifice and the depth of his
August 2, 2013
A Humble Savior
By David Timms In 1938 and 1939, as war loomed in Europe, a young British stockbroker changed his plans from taking a skiing holiday in Switzerland to helping in a Jewish refugee camp in Czechoslovakia. With that last-minute change of plans, he was able to help rescue 669 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia just before the Nazis took control. He found those children new homes in England and raised funds to guarantee each child could return home when (and if) it became safe to do so. He also quietly recorded their names, the names of their new parents, and the addresses
April 28, 2013
Focusing on Good Deeds to Meet Needs
By Jennifer Johnson In 2010, leaders at Mount Gilead Christian Church (Mooresville, IN) challenged members to complete 50,000 hours of community service. The church stepped up, logging more than 75,000 hours””and sparking new discussions about what could come next. “Several people in the church were especially inspired by this,” says senior minister Jeff Faull. “One of them dreamed of a permanent building we could use as an ongoing outreach tool, and when we found a location, this individual provided much of the money for the over $1 million purchase.” The church raised another $300,000 for the building and opened the
August 3, 2011
An Embarrassment of Riches (Part 2: Four Popular Translations)
By Mark S. Krause Last week we looked at five factors that shape an English translation of the Bible: interpretation, version genealogy, translation theory, audience, and gender-neutral language. This week and next week, we will take a quick look at eight translations. Popular English Translations There are too many English translations of the Bible to write about each one, but we will focus on a few. In each case, we will look at the presuppositions behind the translation, its audience, and a couple of test verses: Psalm 8:4 and Matthew 16:18. Psalm 8:4 is well-known for its ringing question,
Reading the Book Rarely Opened
Diane Stortz reflects on learning to read the whole Bible not merely for lessons or answers, but to know God more deeply and hear his Word.
February 7, 2011
Lesson for Feb. 13, 2011: Jesus Is God”s Son (Mark 9:2-13)
Jesus Is God’s Son in the Transfiguration This lesson on Mark 9:2-13 reflects on the Transfiguration and the question of Jesus’ identity. Rod Idle emphasizes that God’s proclamation identifies Jesus as his Son, and God’s command calls disciples to listen to him as the ultimate authority. The Transfiguration revealed Jesus’ glory and divinity to Peter, James, and John. God proclaimed Jesus as his dearly loved Son, distinct from Moses and Elijah. The lesson calls readers to recognize Jesus’ authority and listen to him. This week’s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for February 13) is written by Rod Idle
January 20, 2011
A Birthday Worth Celebrating
Victor Knowles reflects on the 400th anniversary of the King James Version, honoring its beauty and influence while urging Christians not to divide over Bible translation preferences.
January 7, 2011
God’s Word the Life Shaper
Marshall Hayden reflects on how Scripture confirmed, instructed, and shaped his life, centering on John 10:10 and the promise of abundant life in Christ.
January 3, 2011
Lesson for Jan. 9, 2011: Salvation for God”s People (Isaiah 45:14-25)
Ron Martin’s lesson on Isaiah 45 explores God’s providential care, his rebuke of idols, and his invitation for all the ends of the earth to be saved.
December 28, 2010
A Ministry Based on Proverbs
Javan Rowe draws from Proverbs to show how prayer, organization, and persistence can help ministries endure hard times while remaining faithful to God’s direction.
July 11, 2010
Seven Days of Praise
Daniel Schantz reflects on seven ordinary days and the many ways God receives worship through creation, teaching, Scripture, home, music, communion, and grace.
June 7, 2009
The Bible Mandate for Single Mom Ministry
Nancy Karpenske reflects on Scripture’s call to care for widows, orphans, single mothers, and fatherless families through compassion, provision, and practical church involvement.
