Articles for tag: Resurrection of Jesus

Why We Meet

By Mark Krause Why did the early church celebrate the Lord”s Supper every week? The answer to this is very simple, but for some Christians it requires a different way of thinking. Most believers are well acquainted with the church tradition and expectation of meeting together on the first day of the week. This weekly gathering is reflected in a term we sometimes use for a particular, local church, the congregation. This word literally means “those who gather together.” Churches are made up of members who assemble, who come together. But why? If you were to ask believers why they

After Easter: the Challenge Remains

By Mark A. Taylor   Churches and church leaders around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief this week. Easter is over. All the hard work anticipating big Easter attendances is finished. Larger numbers of volunteers were recruited. Worship services were added (some megachurches began Easter services on Thursday evening). Musicians practiced harder and longer; choirs and worship teams prepared their best. Preachers gave special effort to make sure their sermons were polished and ready. New churches and multisites launched on Easter Sunday, with the hope to attract newcomers on the one Sunday when tradition prods the largest

Now Is Christ Risen

This Easter editorial was written by Burris Butler, CHRISTIAN STANDARD’s eighth editor. It first appeared in the April 20, 1946, issue of the magazine. ____ By Burris Butler Now is Christ risen! This fact is more far-reaching in its implication than any other fact in history. As to Jesus himself, it proved beyond the possibility of doubt all His claims to be the Messiah of Israel, the son of God, and the Saviour of the world. Through it He was vindicated at the bar of justice. His death alone of all who have died was by it proved to be

Meditating on Joy: December 25

By Becky Ahlberg Friday, December 25 It”s Christmas Day””a day defined by giving. But oh how quickly (for many) it has become the season of “getting.” Today as you open gifts and celebrate with your family traditions and one another, here are a few Scriptures to remind you of who gave first, and how very much: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave

How Much Do You Know About Easter?

By Victor Knowles   Faith in the resurrection of Christ has been called the keystone of the arch of Christianity. How much do you know about the resurrection of Jesus?   1.  Who prophesied the following in regard to the resurrection of Christ? “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; . . . because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” a.  Moses b.  David c.  Isaiah d.  Daniel   2.  Jesus predicted he would be raised on: a.  The first day of the week

Lesson for April 5, 2015: Believe in the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-22)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the March 29 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  Often 1 Corinthians 15 is described as the “resurrection chapter” of the Bible. Tom Friskney wrote, “There is no other chapter like this in the whole Bible; the hope of Christianity resides within it. . . . We may wonder why Paul has waited until now to discuss it. . . . It is not last because it is least,

The Cup of Blessing

By C. Robert Wetzel “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16, King James Version). There are so many rich meanings and experiences in the Lord”s Supper! When the apostle Paul spoke of the “cup of blessing” he used a term that had a special meaning for those who understood Jewish dinner tradition. At the end of a Jewish meal the most honored guest at the table took the cup, lifted it up, and said the benediction. Today when we talk of the benediction we probably think of

Celebrating One Who Lives

By J. Michael Shannon “I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father”s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). We can understand when someone wants to celebrate the life of someone who had a great impact on our world. Consider Paul Bunyon, for example. Several communities in the upper Midwest celebrate the larger-than-life lumberjack. Contests and festivals honor him. Woodsmen compete, people play games, and there”s all kind of food. Here”s the problem: these activities and events commemorate a person who did not

Lesson for August 17, 2014: Treasure in Clay Jars (2 Corinthians 4:1-15)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the  The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone  Paul”s suffering is mentioned throughout this second letter to the Corinthians, especially in chapters 4, 6, and 11. When the Lord called him into his service, he revealed his plan to use Paul as a “chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles.” He added, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:15, 16). The apostle”s

John Polkinghorne: A Bottom-Up Thinker

By C. Robert Wetzel   It must have been sometime in the mid-1980s that I saw the notice that Dr. John Polkinghorne would be giving a lecture at the University of Birmingham. What I did not know when I set out for the university that day was the special occasion that brought John Polkinghorne to Birmingham. He was to give an address on the topic of science and religion to the Joseph Priestly Society, the national professional organization of chemists. Polkinghorne was himself a nationally recognized mathematical physicist who had shocked his colleagues at University of Cambridge when he announced

Lesson for April 27, 2014: From Suffering to Glory (Isaiah 52:13″“53:12; Luke 24:25-27, 44-50)

  This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Chapters 42″“53 of Isaiah contain what are called the “Servant Songs.” Isaiah 53 (perhaps the most familiar of them) is quoted six times in the New Testament. It describes not only the ministry of Jesus but his death and burial as well. The fulfillment of these very prophecies is noted in our lesson text taken from Luke 24.   The Picture Isaiah 53:3-8 J. A. Alexander wrote, “Notwithstanding these and other prophecies of the Messiah,

Lesson for March 16, 2014: Peter”s Report (Psalm 110; Mark 12:35-37; Acts 2:22-36)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Two passages form the basis of today”s study. The first is from Psalm 110, one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament. It points readers to the coming Messiah. The other text is part of Peter”s sermon on the Day of Pentecost, where the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ”s resurrection is clearly shown. Victory Promised Psalm 110:1-4 David wrote Psalm 110. When his prophetic message was given, Israel was a relatively small

Lesson for January 26, 2014: Showing Compassion for the Poor (Luke 16)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The parable we study today follows directly the story that Jesus told about the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-15). J. W. McGarvey suggested, “If the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them.” Rich and Poor Luke 16:19-21 Luke explains that it was the rich man”s habit to wear costly and well-made clothing. He was literally “making merry brilliantly,”

“˜A Different Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:12, 13)

By Neal Windham A young man, skinny as a rail, makes his way to the front of the church during the hymn of decision, and for him the decision has not come easily. He has examined his world of commitment, belief, and action, as well as the biblical account of Jesus” life, death, burial, and resurrection, and has concluded in his late 20s that this faith is the real thing, that he wants to become a Christian. His eyes grow wide with interest and fear, however, as he observes the part-time preacher who is about to baptize him standing in

Foundation Problems

By Karen Rees A mainland Chinese construction company learned a hard lesson about having the right foundation. The company had nearly completed several high-rise apartment blocks across the border from Hong Kong. A number of the units had already been rented. Then a storm blew in and, to the horror of all, one of the buildings toppled over. Several workers were killed or injured. An investigation determined the accident was caused by foundation problems. The builders had constructed 10-story high-rises on foundations that were suited for one- or two-story houses. The storm exposed the truth. The foundations couldn”t handle the

Lesson for March 31, 2013: The Lord Lives! (Luke 24:1-35)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone This quarter”s theme, “Undying Hope,” focuses this month on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many evidences confirm what took place. The account of the walk to Emmaus is noted briefly by Mark (16:12, 13), but is reported at some length by Luke. It took place on the afternoon of Resurrection Sunday. We know nothing more about Cleopas and his companion other than what is stated here. Some suggest this could be Clopas (John 19:25), and that

Lesson for November 4, 2012: Paul Testifies Before King Agrippa (Acts 25, 26)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The remaining four lessons in this unit help answer the question, “Where does faith take us?” We will look at examples of the apostle Paul”s faith and ministry recorded in the book of Acts. Paul was preaching fearlessly in Jerusalem when a riotous crowd threatened his life (Acts 22:22-24). The Roman soldiers took him into custody in an attempt to restore order. When the commander ordered that he be flogged, Paul asked, “Is it legal for

Lesson for April 8, 2012: Jesus Lives! (John 20:1-23)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Good Friday looked anything but “good” to Jesus” disciples that day. Saturday was no better. Sunday began with the same feelings of despair, disappointment, and desperation in the hearts of all his followers. As one of them explained later, “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).   Empty Tomb John 20:1-10 Just after sunrise Sunday morning (Mark 16:2), the women made their way to the tomb where

Meeting and Meaning at the Lord’s Supper

By Lee Magness   Gathering is central to our identity. Worship is central to our gathering. And breaking bread is central to our worship.   Luke describes how, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread” with the early Christians of Troas (Acts 20:7). So many centuries later, their practice is still instructive. The Lord’s people gathered for the Lord’s worship on the Lord’s Day to share the Lord’s Supper.   The church may gather for any number of reasons—for service, for prayer, for study. But there is no better reason for Christians to gather

God”s Great Story

By Ethan Magness There is a great story to be told that the world needs to hear. It is a story of rebellion and loss, chaos and destruction, punishment and fear. It is a story of rescue and restoration, order and repair, forgiveness and hope. It is a story of great redemption purchased at great cost. It is the story of great sacrifice because of a great love. This is the story of God and all people and this is the story the world needs to hear. There is a great story to be told that the church needs to

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