November 15, 2021
Nov. 21 | Application
When we are discouraged and feel like giving up, the book of Hebrews urges us to take the better way and persevere.
Articles for tag: Old Testament
November 1, 2021
The Secret to Finding Joy
By Mark E. Moore “The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness,” said Benjamin Franklin, before adding, “you have to catch it yourself.” Happiness is temporary; joy is permanent. At least that’s what I have been told. But I no longer believe that to be true. Happiness comes from external things; joy comes from what’s inside. At least that’s what I have been told. But I no longer believe that to be true. I suppose we can use happiness and joy to mean whatever we want them to mean. After all, that’s the way language works.
October 25, 2021
Oct. 31 | Both Priest and Sacrifice
Under the Old Covenant, priests would bring animals to the tabernacle and sacrifice them. By contrast, the Messiah not only administers the sacrifice, he is the sacrifice.
October 11, 2021
Oct. 17 | Application
Jesus Christ didn’t come from the bloodline of the priestly tribe of Levi, but like Melchizedek, he derived his priestly credentials from a higher source.
September 13, 2021
Sept. 19 | Application
The word "sacrifice" has been cheapened by overuse, David Faust writes. Is it really a sacrifice to skip dessert or give up gourmet coffee? What does sacrifice mean to us today? Here are three questions to consider . . .
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.
August 30, 2021
Sept. 5 | Discovery
Why is it important for us to pay careful attention to God’s Word and act on it?
July 5, 2021
July 11 | Application
The Book wasn’t lost as much as it was neglected and taken for granted—hidden in plain sight. It had been there in the temple all along, but no one was paying attention to it.
July 1, 2021
Ruth: How God Weaved Her Story of Redemption into His
Ruth went from being an outsider to being part of the lineage of Jesus. Her story helped pave the way to the greatest story ever told. Your story can have great impact, as well.
July 1, 2021
Thursday Is Hero Day
Thursdays are a special time in our house. That’s the day we’ve set aside for grandchildren. . . .
Lame Ideas Can Lead to Healing Ideas
Have you ever excitedly run your flag up the flagpole of ideas, only to have nobody salute? It’s not a pleasant experience.
June 28, 2021
JULY 4 | DISCOVERY
What can you infer about Solomon’s character traits from this week's lesson text?
June 7, 2021
June 13 | House of David Shaken
Just when the house of David had reached its zenith, the situation was about to implode. In the spring, when kings go back to battle, David stayed home . . .
February 17, 2021
SCJ Conference Goes Virtual Again This Year (Plus News Briefs)
Registration is open for the 20th annual Stone-Campbell Journal Conference, slated for April 16-17. Due to uncertainties related to COVID-19, the event recently was switched to virtual for the second consecutive year. Lincoln Christian University, which was to have hosted, will provide technical staff to facilitate the online-only event. The theme “Violence of God in the Old Testament” will be developed by featured speakers Eric Seibert, professor of Old Testament at Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Michelle Knight, assistant professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill.; and Mark Hamilton, Onstead Professor of Biblical Studies
January 1, 2021
How to Read Scripture Correctly: A New Challenge for a New Year
For years, I would commit to reading through the Bible in just 12 months. And every year, by mid-February, I would have to start playing catch-up. By the time March rolled around, my reading plan would be so thrown off I would resolve to double up on Scripture reading every day just to get back on track. Why did this happen again and again? I think there were two main reasons for my struggles in sticking with a Bible reading plan. In some ways, “life” would just get in the way, but the main reason was the Pentateuch—that is, the
November 30, 2020
Why Begin with Begats? (Dec. 6 Lesson Application)
This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Dec. 6, 2020: Fulfilled through Generations (Matthew 1:1-17) _ _ _ By David Faust Imagine you’re reading the Bible through for the first time. The Old Testament comes to a close, and you sense silent centuries passing by while God prepares to turn the page to a new day and a new covenant. Eager to read the groundbreaking good news, you turn to Matthew 1, only to find the New Testament begins with “begats”—branches on a Hebrew family tree. If you and I wrote the Bible, we probably wouldn’t have done
November 3, 2020
Plans Announced for 2021 SCJ Conference at Lincoln Christian University
The 20th annual Stone-Campbell Journal Conference is slated for Lincoln (Ill.) Christian University next April 16-17. If necessary, due to COVID-19, the conference will function virtually. The plenary sessions (and perhaps more) will be available virtually regardless. The theme “Violence of God in the Old Testament” will be developed by featured speakers Eric Seibert, professor of Old Testament at Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Michelle Knight, assistant professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill.; and Mark Hamilton, Onstead Professor of Biblical Studies at Abilene (Texas) Christian University. Seibert will present “Solving the Problem of
September 23, 2020
Deaf Missions Completes American Sign Language Version of Bible
By Jim Nieman Deaf Missions has completed the American Sign Language Version (ASLV) of the Bible—a 38-year project that started in 1982. CEO Chad Entinger said the feeling upon completing the project was something like “a runner crossing the finish line of a marathon. We are beyond exhilarated . . . that now, finally, Deaf people have all of God’s Word in our native, heart language.” “Words in printed English cannot explain the depth of the Bible to Deaf people,” explained Renca Dunn, a Bible translator with Deaf Missions, Council Bluffs, Iowa. “For many in the Deaf community, written English
August 31, 2020
Lesson for Sept. 6, 2020: Serve Devotedly (Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, 14-18)
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 the September 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “Ruth’s Exemplary Loyalty,” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Sept. 6, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Serve God devotedly. ________ By Mark Scott Arthur Gossip was the preacher at the Beechgrove Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. The day after his wife suddenly collapsed and died in 1927 he preached his famous sermon,
August 17, 2020
Community of Outcasts
By Stuart Powell In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, we read about King Saul, who, filled with delusional jealousy and hatred, set out to kill David, whom he feared would take his throne. David escaped to safety and refrained from starting a rebellion. But during his time in exile, many people became connected to the young man who would become the next ruler. Scripture says, “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around [David], and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him” (1 Samuel 22:2). The people who first
