December 13, 2021
Dec. 19 | Discovery
Through the rest of the Christmas season, how will you follow the shepherds’ example of spreading “the word concerning what had been told them about this child”?
Articles for tag: Obedience
September 27, 2021
Oct. 3 | Discovery
Why is it important for Jesus as our high priest to understand our trials and temptations?
September 13, 2021
It’s All About Jesus
No person mentioned in the Old Testament or New Testament could have imagined how history would one day come together and finally make sense at the cross.
July 5, 2021
July 11 | Discovery
What do you learn about leadership and cultural change in the examples of Asa and Josiah?
July 1, 2021
The Law of the Bigger Yes!
Do you have a sense you are on “special assignment”—that something important has been given to you to do . . . a calling that matters?
June 28, 2021
JULY 4 | DISCOVERY
What can you infer about Solomon’s character traits from this week's lesson text?
June 21, 2021
JUNE 27 | DISCOVERY
Imagine you witnessed the events described in 2 Chronicles 5. How would you describe the demeanor of the people as the ark was carried into and placed in the temple?
May 31, 2021
June 6 | Discovery
Sometimes, like David, we make our plans for how we will serve God, but God’s plans, purposes, and timing may be different. What does this passage teach you about obedience?
May 17, 2021
May 23 | Discovery
What are the differences between being “right” and being “righteous”?
May 10, 2021
May 16 | Discovery
Compare David and Goliath. What was each one depending on to bring about victory?
March 29, 2021
Apr 4 | Discovery
As you go into the world this week, how will you carry out your purpose in making disciples?
March 18, 2021
When You Baptize . . .
There is no sermon so eloquent on the subject of Christian baptism as a properly performed baptism, C.J. Sharp wrote in 1951. The way in which it is performed determines whether its message is made or marred.
January 25, 2021
Jan 31 | Clearing Away the Fog
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount clarifies our vision with regard to prayer, truth, obedience, and others.
January 25, 2021
Jan 31 | Discovery
We study the Bible not just to hear and know God’s Word, but to put it into practice. What specific teaching from this study will you put into practice this week?
December 17, 2020
His Biography Is Not Complete
Edwin V. Hayden wrote this Christmas editorial 50 years ago. _ _ _ God Sent His Son An editorialDec. 20, 1970; p. 10 How remarkable is the biography of God’s Son! . . . God’s messengers of old spoke of a maiden conceiving, of a son being born, and of Bethlehem as the place from which a timeless ruler would come. The heart of a man named Joseph provided Matthew with the key to the mystery. . . . The explanation in Matthew 1 combines Joseph’s experience with Isaiah’s prophecy. In chapter 2, it brings Micah’s prophecy to bear on
December 14, 2020
Discovery Questions for December 20, 2020
COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Dec. 20, 2020: Fulfilled through Promise (Matthew 2:1-15) “The Day I Visited a King’s Palace” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What challenge did you face last week? 2. In what way did you tell others about Jesus (“the Lord saves”) and Immanuel (“God is with us”) last week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Matthew 2:1-15 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story as if sharing it with a
December 7, 2020
The Second Choice (Dec. 13 Lesson Application)
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
December 7, 2020
Discovery Questions for December 13, 2020
COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Dec. 13, 2020: Fulfilled through Love (Matthew 1:18-25; 22:34-40) “The Second Choice” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What from this past week would you like to thank God for? 2. In what way did you bear fruit over the last week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Matthew 1:18-25 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story as if telling it to a group of high school students. Then ask
November 22, 2020
The Missing Piece
The concept of peace was like a refrain in my early years. Every Sunday morning in the Catholic church where I grew up, we exchanged a “sign of peace.” I was an admirer of Mother Teresa, who often wrote and spoke about peace. “Works of love are works of peace,” she said. We regularly sang a hymn in our church that begin with the words, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” It’s a beautiful song with admirable sentiments. I truly wanted to “take each moment and live each moment” as a peacemaker. Yet, theologically
October 26, 2020
Trimming Around the Edges (Nov. 1 Lesson Application)
This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Nov. 1, 2020: God Is Faithful (2 Timothy 2:11-13; 4:6-8, 16-18) ________ By David Faust I learned a lot of practical lessons on the farm where I grew up. Dad was good at fixing things. I wasn’t. He didn’t have a college degree, but he deserved an honorary doctorate in the school of hard knocks. He knew how to weld metal, mend fences, install electrical wiring, fix leaky water pipes, help a cow give birth, and grow a flourishing garden. He knew his Bible well. Neighbors and church members respected his
