July 14, 2026
Christian Hope in a Cynical Age
In a cynical age marked by distrust and institutional failure, Christians need biblical hope—a confident expectation anchored in God’s character, Christ’s resurrection, and the Spirit’s sustaining power.
Articles for tag: Perseverance
January 19, 2026
My One and Only Marathon
David Faust recalls his relay leg in Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon and the lessons it taught him about endurance, teamwork, and finishing well. The Christian life, like a marathon, calls for perseverance with eyes fixed on Jesus.
December 30, 2025
What’s Next?
For the Christian, a new year means another growth step to take, another goal to set, and more fruit to bear in God’s kingdom.
November 10, 2025
Through the Open Door
This is the sixth in a series of weekly articles based on Christ’s letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. This week’s church is Philadelphia.
March 2, 2025
Walk a Little Farther
Has your faith become complacent? Is your lifestyle a bit too predictable and comfortable? Is the Lord nudging you to do more, give more, or risk more? Don’t quit if the Lord wants you to walk a little farther.
May 6, 2024
May 12 Application | ‘We Do Not Lose Heart’
European missionaries face daunting challenges, but they have not given up hope. . . .
July 1, 2023
It’s Not About How Much Faith You Have
By Jerry Harris When I came to The Crossing in Quincy, Illinois, 25 years ago, I fashioned a mission statement of helping people find “an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” The thought that a real relationship with Jesus was even possible was a game changer for many in our church and community, and it shaped our impact on the world around us. If I understand that the “what” of my faith is defined in my relationship to Jesus, and if a relationship is what I want, then the next logical step is the “how.” I think the “how” of
February 6, 2023
February 12 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week's lesson from Nehemiah 4:1-18, "Courage to Take a Risk."
November 1, 2022
Vision Without Sight
A Short-Term Mission Trip to a Liberian Orphanage, an ‘Experiment,’ and a 6-Year-Old Blind Girl Named Princess
September 1, 2022
Stay the Course
By Chris Philbeck When it comes to ministry, for me, one Scripture verse stands above the rest. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” I love this verse for many different reasons, but mostly because of Paul’s honesty in saying that doing good can wear you out. How else can you interpret those first eight words? While I invest my life in many “good” things, preaching is the one constant “good” thing that takes up most of my
July 18, 2022
July 24 | Be Strong Through Trials
Paul gave the Thessalonians inspired advice about how to be strong through trials. It had to do with growing in faith and love, recognizing God’s judgment, and constantly praying.
November 22, 2021
Nov. 28 | Discovery
What do faithful people do to keep from growing weary or losing heart?
November 15, 2021
Nov. 21 | Persevere in Faith
After spending significant time and space describing why the New Covenant is superior to the Old Covenant, the writer gives what some call the fourth major exhortation of the Epistle.
November 1, 2021
Nov. 7 | Application
The book of Hebrews urges us to stick with our faith. Hebrews 3:14 says, “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”
October 4, 2021
Oct. 10 | Application
Successful athletes keep playing in spite of minor aches and many battle their way back to health after suffering major injuries, David Faust writes. Likewise, serving the Lord requires perseverance through pain.
May 1, 2020
Lessons from the Bonsai Tree
By Megan Rawlings I have always wanted a bonsai tree. The whole concept absolutely fascinates me. Unfortunately, I was born with a black thumb. When I enter a greenhouse, the plants lean away from me, scared for their lives. It’s so bad, a friend once asked me to come to their house to touch their grass so it would stop growing. OK, so I am not a farmer, but it did not stop me from researching bonsai trees. When You’re Planted in a Small Container Bonsai is an umbrella term for small trees—not dwarf trees—that are clipped and tied in
December 5, 2019
Focusing on Failure
Here’s a Christian Standard editorial from 140 years ago that will apply to most everyone, at least on some level. _ _ _ Concerning Failures. By Isaac ErrettDec. 13, 1879 We are moved to say a few words concerning failures, by a letter received from a friend, over whose pathway thick darkness has gathered, and on whose head fierce tempests have broken in long succession, who says: “My life is a failure, and I know it; I have attempted tasks for which I was not qualified and have wasted my life in attempts to be what God never meant I
October 7, 2019
Lesson for Oct. 13, 2019: Persevere Through Growth (2 Peter 1:3-11)
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. 11 (weeks 41-44; October 13—November 3, 2019) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ________ Lesson Aim: Add to your faith so that you grow and do not fall. ________ By Mark Scott Chuck Swindoll wrote a book entitled Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back. Sometimes the Christian life seems that way. But, even if that is the case, the believer is one step closer to
February 27, 2019
‘Run the Race’ an Exercise in Perseverance for Filmmaker
By Chris Moon Last Friday was more than a decade in the making for Trey Brunson. The communications director at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville watched as a film he helped produce, Run the Race, opened in theaters nationwide. The movie was coproduced by Tim and Robby Tebow and marks their first venture into filmmaking. “It doesn’t even seem real,” Brunson told Christian Standard. Brunson and his friend Jake McEntire were students in 2004 at Dallas Baptist University when McEntire came up with the idea for the movie—about two brothers trying to get out of their hometown and the working
July 25, 2017
Old Dogs Keep Running
By Michael C. Mack Some maxims should never be uttered again, especially by Christian leaders. Like this one: “You can”t teach an old dog new tricks.” I own an old dog, a black Lab named Lainey, and she still is learning new tricks. I figured she was simply smarter than the average dog. My vet, however, told me all older dogs can continue to learn, though it may take more work. Like Lainey, we as individuals and the body of Christ, regardless of age, have the capability to learn new things, be transformed, and do more of what God created
