July 29, 2024
POURED OUT
Whenever we take Communion, we have before us symbols of a sacrifice.
Articles for tag: Philistines
August 14, 2023
August 20 | Application (‘The Crumbling House’)
I wondered, "What made a home that once looked classy and inviting become so ugly and empty?" . . .
September 19, 2022
Blood-Stained Hands
We gather at this time to remember the Son of David—Jesus—who died with blood-stained hands. They were not stained from the battles against flesh-and-blood sinners . . .
July 1, 2021
Manoah’s Wife: Unnamed but Not Anonymous
Israel was in big trouble, and they needed a big solution, and God revealed his big plan to a wife who displayed big faith.
June 14, 2021
June 20 | Song of the King
The songs from which our texts are drawn for this lesson are reflective of deliverance and righteousness, as David poetically revisited his life.
May 17, 2021
May 23 | Kingly Character: Mercy and Humility
Even though Saul had compromised his kingship, David still had respect for the office.
May 10, 2021
May 16 | Kingly Character: Courage and Heart
David vs. Goliath is more than a story about the underdog winning.
May 3, 2021
May 9 | A Kingship of Disobedience
While Saul ruled Israel for 40 years and had many military successes, his reign was checkered with disobedience and neuroses.
April 26, 2021
May 2 | A Cry for Kingship
The Israelite elders said they wanted a king so they could be "like all the other nations." But they really wanted Yahweh not to be their king anymore.
June 19, 2017
Lesson for June 25, 2017: Samson (Judges 13-16)
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 June 18, 2017, issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott I do not like Samson. Like Esau, he was a sensualist (Hebrews 12:16, 17). He lived by his glands instead of his God. He was a playboy. The Samson narrative in Judges (chapters 13-16) is filled with rebellion, sexual immorality, anger, revenge, disappointment, heartache, and a glimmer of hope. That being said, Samson judged Israel
November 11, 2013
Lesson for November 17, 2013: Beginning of Freedom (Exodus 13:17-22; 14)
By Sam E. Stone Last week we reviewed the institution of the Passover meal when the Israelites prepared to leave their bondage in Egypt. With the death of every firstborn Egyptian, Pharaoh relented and gave permission for God”s people to leave. As they did, the presence of God went before them, visible in a pillar of cloud and of fire (Exodus 13:21). God told them to take a most unlikely route. He directed them toward the Red Sea rather than going northward on the Via Maris through the land of the Philistines (13:18). Their circuitous route made Pharaoh conclude that
June 25, 2012
Lesson for July 1, 2012: Samuel Administers Justice (1 Samuel 4″“7)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Further evidence of God”s desire for justice is found as we move from the patriarchs and judges to the kings. Samuel is a “bridge” figure between the latter two groups. He had a role unique in Hebrew history. He was a prophet (1 Samuel 3:20), but he was also a judge (7:15). It was Samuel who anointed both King Saul (10:1; 15:1), and later King David (16:13) to rule over Israel. He was a strong and
April 12, 2009
This Is the Church”s Moment
By Ethan Magness The fifth chapter of 2 Samuel records three pivotal events in the life of David and the history of Israel. First, David is acknowledged as the king of all Israel. Saul and his legacy are rejected, and David is established as the unquestioned ruler. Politically he has arrived. Second, David conquers Jerusalem and establishes a new capital. Geographically (and strategically) he has arrived. Third, David defeats the Philistines. From Gibeon to Gezer he strikes down the powerful Philistine army. Militarily he has arrived. He has one more important task. He must retrieve the ark of the covenant
The Humble Leader
Christian leadership isn’t just strategy or skill—it’s a matter of the heart. Through David’s story, this article warns against pride, highlights humility, and calls leaders to remember that God, not the gifted, is the source of true leadership.
