August 11, 2025
How Are You Doing—Really?
In the last two chapters of Philippians the apostle Paul uses panta three times to drive home important points about the Christ-centered life.
Articles for tag: Philippians 4
May 5, 2025
Finding Joy When Life Isn’t Enjoyable
Joy is more than light-hearted levity based on happy circumstances. It’s not a fleeting feeling; it’s a fruit of the Spirit—a by-product of God’s presence in your life.
January 7, 2025
The Army of the Anxious
Anxiety and depression are increasing in America, particularly among the younger generation. It’s time to revisit what the Bible says about worry.
December 31, 2024
A Wheel of Emotions: Finding Balance for Lasting Growth
Emotions are a natural part of marriage for both spouses. True growth and stability in marriage come from recognizing that each emotion has its place.
August 5, 2024
August 11 Application | Guard Duty
The prophet Zechariah served as spiritual guardian, warning people to keep watch over others and to guard their own hearts.
December 25, 2023
Dec. 31 Application | ‘It’s Time for Some Soul Food’
"What lifestyle habits will nourish your spiritual health in the coming year?" David Faust asks. "Here are some tips I have discovered. . . ."
November 6, 2023
November 12: Application (‘Why Do They Go?’)
"Why would anyone voluntarily leave their native culture and move to a different land?' David Faust asks. "Why would anyone choose to give up the conveniences of home and adjust to unfamiliar languages, climates, customs, and foods—and raise their own financial support to pay for these inconveniences?" . . .
October 26, 2023
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Scriptures that Have Helped Me’ (1983; Part 1)
The assignment in fall 1983 was simple and direct: “Write a short paragraph telling of some verse or verses of the Bible that have special meaning to you.” Today we share responses from Edgar Nichols of Myrtle Creek, Ore.; Bill Jessup of San Jose, Calif.; Orval M. Morgan of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Murhl S. Rogers of Indianapolis, Ind.
September 1, 2023
There Is Hope, and His Name Is Jesus
By Megan Rawlings The news makes me anxious. Stories that make it seem the world is ending far outnumber positive articles and reports. Wars, division, disaster—it’s too much to process on a daily basis. And social media only adds to my unease. To deal with this, I changed my phone setting to limit my social media intake to 30 minutes a day. Any longer than that and I find I am crippled by comparison, more bad news, and disappointment. I started to wonder why the news and media (social media included) seem mostly to bend toward evil. It turns out,
November 1, 2022
How to Be a ‘Cheerful Giver’ (and How to Develop More of Them at Your Church)
By Megan Rawlings I first heard of Chuck Lane from my husband’s time at Alliance Defending Freedom, where they worked together. Chuck mentored me in development (sometimes referred to as fundraising). He taught me everything I know. Fundraising is all about relationships and not being afraid to ask. It is a ministry to teach people how to be cheerful givers. Chuck’s insight was unrivaled, and his warmth was immeasurable. We talked a couple of times a month until his untimely death last year. So, to honor his legacy, I want to share with you several thoughts about giving that have
May 26, 2022
A Response to the Southern Baptist Convention Report
As SBC Leaders release the results of an investigation of sexual abuse and cover-up, what can Independent Christian Church leaders learn?
November 22, 2020
The Anxiety Antidote (A Study of Luke 2)
Two Announcements of Peace and How We Live In Between And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:8-10). What a sweet story. We can almost hear Linus recounting the entire passage in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” We see images of sweet children in a
October 24, 2020
How to Find Real Peace
It’s ironic I’m writing an article instructing others on how to find peace. I have recently struggled with anxiety—a deep restlessness in my soul that sleep could not satisfy. I have been so tired. And the pandemic hasn’t helped at all. I was worrying about minor things too often—stuff I couldn’t change. It’s not that I don’t know how to find peace, I was simply not practicing what I preach. But all that changed one Wednesday morning. Here is what I learned about finding true peace. Step 1: Do not use Google to research health issues! It started one Saturday.
March 29, 2020
Application for April 5: The Feeding of the Five
(This “Application“ column goes with the Bible study for April 5, 2020: “Power to Sustain.”) By David Faust The feeding of the 5,000 is one of my favorite biblical miracles. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were fond of it, too. Other than the Lord’s resurrection, it’s the only miracle described in all four Gospels. The multiplying of the bread and fish simultaneously demonstrates both Jesus’ creativity and his compassion—his amazing power over material objects and his concern for hungry souls. John says of the Living Word, “Without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). The all-powerful Lord
November 22, 2019
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Well . . . Even if It’s Not Happy
By Michael C. Mack Several years ago as the Thanksgiving holiday approached, I decided to dig a little deeper into how the Bible uses that word, thanksgiving, and I’m very thankful that I did! I discovered three perspectives I had never really considered before. Perhaps they will help you better understand and live with thanksgiving . . . all year long. _ _ _ 1. Thanksgiving Is an Attitude, Not Just a Day Look at the following Bible verses, especially the context for thanksgiving: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident
July 22, 2019
Eisegesis for Everyone
From After Class Podcast Do you struggle to apply the Bible to your life? Does the Bible sometimes feel old and outdated? This new resource might be just what you need to jump-start your faith. Sonbeam Publishing is proud to bring you Eisegesis for Everyone. This empowering book employs the familiar technique of eisegesis so you can read your own brilliant insights into the Bible. Free from the shackles of original context, anyone can see any passage talking about—well—anything. No Bible training, no cultural background, and no historical awareness required. Now you can find your ideas all over the pages
July 8, 2019
Lesson for July 14, 2019: Speak Up by Giving (Philippians 4:10-20)
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. 5 (weeks 25-28; June 23–July 14, 2019) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ Lesson Aim: Speak up by trusting Christ enough to give. ______ By Mark Scott Famous Methodist preacher Clovis Chappell said, “I love to preach on giving. I love to watch the generous smile and love to watch the stingy squirm.” We preach sermons by what we say, by how we live,
April 16, 2019
Remembering Excellence
By Stuart Powell Have you noticed the prevalence of sorrow-filled information that surrounds us? The daily news is laden with violence, and much popular entertainment is dark. Many of our words, even in church, are glum . . . almost heartbreaking. Most of our prayers are petitions for the sick and pleas for God to comfort those who have endured loss. Bible studies and sermons highlight the risks we face from cultural evils. This shouldn’t surprise us, for the brokenness of sin warps the human mind. The effects of sin direct our focus to violence and death. Our culture seems
January 7, 2018
The Solution to Our Money Problem
By Gary L. Johnson With his transmission, “Houston, we’ve had a problem,” astronaut Jack Swigert rather understatedly signaled to Mission Control on April 14, 1970, that there was an emergency. An explosion onboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft threatened the lives of three astronauts and NASA’s mission to the moon. We must declare that we also have a real problem. A serious one. It involves something that affects all of us—money. Money impacts every person every day, from putting gas in the car to food on the table. Many people struggle with money-related issues. Bills can’t be paid. Budgets go unfunded.
March 28, 2017
Not Happy? Don”t Worry
By Mark A. Taylor Just when you think the world is beyond hope, here comes the United Nations trying to bring a smile. Did you know that Monday last week, March 20, was International Day of Happiness? Did you know it was the fourth such day, having been “adopted by consensus of all 193 member states of the United Nations” on June 28, 2012? Did you miss your local International Day of Happiness celebration? If so, I”m right there with you. Maybe Americans don”t make much of celebrating happiness, because, according the U.N.”s World Happiness Report 2017, the United States
