December 16, 2024
The Communion table may be considered a “peace table,” for by these symbols of the bread and the juice we remember what the Prince of Peace accomplished, “making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).
September 30, 2024
Dr. Lois Tverberg explains how the Jews would debate two sides of an issue by first making a point and then saying, “On the other hand . . . .” She writes, “Some of the most important truths of the Bible are paradoxical."
December 16, 2019
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. 13 (weeks 49-52; December 8—December 29, 2019) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ________ Lesson Aim: Let the One who was born for us bring light into your life. ________ By Mark Scott People speak unscientifically about sunrise—technically the sun does not rise. But the sun does “rise” at first very incrementally. Then, almost before it can be observed totally, the sun is “up” and
October 27, 2017
The journeys of two missionaries from diverse backgrounds and a unity only the Prince of Peace can bring  By Dave Stewart In The Grand Weaver, Ravi Zacharias writes, God intervenes in the lives of every one of us. He speaks to us in different ways and at different times so that we may know he is the author of our very personality. . . . Once you begin to see God”s hand in your life, you will know that his workmanship within you and through you was tailor made, just for you. His design for your life pulls together every
December 18, 2015
By Becky Ahlberg Friday, December 18 Read John 14:27. Jesus would be in a tomb less than 24 hours after he spoke these words. It”s a stark reminder that a steadfast mind is able to focus with an unwavering, unfaltering, resolute, committed, dedicated, unswerving resolve to be used of God for his purposes, and therein to find peace that the world does not, cannot give. Do you equate peace only with tranquility, calm, serenity, and the absence of conflict? That may be why it eludes you today. Just “getting away from it all” may certainly be necessary in our lives.
December 13, 2015
By Becky Ahlberg For many, especially church leaders, Christmas is more chaos than celebration. Besides the extra programs and parties, family responsibilities and expectations also expand. These short meditations (which started December 6 and will continue with a new, early morning post each day through January 1) are designed with leaders in mind. Take a few minutes each day to ponder these thoughts designed to help you find the wonder of the incarnation in the midst of your responsibilities. Advent is simply a time to prepare for the celebration of Christ”s birth. In liturgical settings, Advent begins four Sundays before
December 15, 2014
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the December 14 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone Of the four Gospel writers, Luke is the one who gave the historical details and setting of Jesus” birth. With careful research and guided by the Holy Spirit”s inspiration, he recorded the wonderful news of Christ”s birth and how those who first heard about it were encouraged to give glory to God. Joseph and Mary had gone from Nazareth in
March 24, 2014
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Continuing this quarter”s study, “Jesus” Fulfillment of Scripture,” we come to the Triumphal Entry. It marks the beginning of the end of our Savior”s earthly life. The event had been foretold centuries before by the prophet Zechariah. He served as a priest along with Haggai, urging the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (see Ezra 5:1, 2). James E. Smith pointed out four important facts found in Zechariah 9 concerning the coming Prince of Peace:
March 3, 2014
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Today”s lesson is based on three passages of Scripture. Psalm 89 affirms God”s faithfulness in keeping his amazing promise to David (2 Samuel 7) that we studied last week. There he assured David that he would have a place of greatness, that his offspring would succeed him, and that his kingdom would be established forever. Next, one of the key messianic prophecies is cited. Isaiah assures the people that Immanuel will remain beside them””literally “God with
December 16, 2013
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Of the four Gospel writers, Luke is the one who gives the historical details and setting of Jesus” birth. With careful research and guided by the Holy Spirit”s inspiration, he records the wonderful news of Christ”s birth and how those who first heard about it were called to rejoice. No doubt Luke interviewed Mary, Jesus” mother, in preparing to write it (Luke 1:3; 2:19). The Baby”s Birth Luke 2:1-7 Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. The Romans were
December 3, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone In the book of Ephesians the apostle Paul tackles one of the great challenges facing believers in the first century: uniting all Christians in one body, following the one head, Jesus Christ. That challenge remains today! Two groups of people were living side by side in Ephesus””Jews and Gentiles. Each group had contempt for the other. Jewish Christians had been reluctant to admit Gentiles into the church, unless they first became Jews (Acts 15:1; Galatians 2:11-21).
August 6, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Today”s text is one most readers associate with the Christmas season. It pictures the coming of Jesus (the Messiah) into the world. Today we see it is also a prophecy that goes back long before that. To the original audience””the people to whom Isaiah spoke””it simply meant hope for the future. Isaiah predicted the coming attacks of Assyria upon the nation (chapters 7-12). King Ahaz was inexperienced and fearful. Things did not look good for his
December 20, 2009
 by Ethan Magness For centuries, church leaders have been creatively using the cultural opportunities available to them to proclaim the gospel and the reign of the kingdom of God. Most of our current Christmas traditions developed in this way. Cultural practices (many pagan in origin) were adapted and redeveloped in the context of celebration of Christ”s birth. In fact, although the precise history is murky, it is likely the date of the celebration itself was chosen to co-opt the ancient celebration of the sun that occurred at the winter solstice. These opportunities to redeem the culture around us and
December 17, 2006
A reflection on Christmas amid a world marked by anger and violence. Through Matthew’s birth narrative and Isaiah’s promise, we remember the Prince of Peace and the steady settling-in of shalom.
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