September 29, 2025
THE WELCOME SIGHT OF BLOOD
At the cross, God used bloodshed and a gruesome instrument of death to further his holy purposes and provide salvation for lost humanity.
Articles for tag: Romans 8:1
August 21, 2023
August 27 | Justified
A theological dilemma in the biblical story is this: How can God punish sin (and thereby stay true to his promise and character) and yet absolve the sinner? . . .
February 27, 2023
March 5 | Application (‘The Older Ones First’)
An unholy part of us—with a careless attitude about sin—wants to do whatever we please, hoping God will overlook our misdeeds. On the other hand, a guilty conscience makes us wonder if our sins are unpardonable, and that leads to despair. . . .
September 17, 2022
Jack Cottrell and God’s Plan A+
On Friday evening, after a long battle with cancer, Jack Cottrell, 84, passed from earth to heaven. Dr. Cottrell was professor of theology at Cincinnati Christian University for 48 years. Throughout his life, Dr. Cottrell enjoyed helping others come to a clearer and more specific understanding of biblical and doctrinal issues . . .
June 20, 2022
June 26 | Application
The universe is headed toward a climactic end—the consummation of the ages orchestrated by the Lord himself. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. We live in the middle—believing what God has done in the past, trusting him in the present, and looking toward the future with hope. . . .
February 28, 2022
March 6 | Discovery
What does the contrast between being slaves to sin/impurity and being slaves to obedience/righteousness teach you about how to live a holy life?
February 21, 2022
Feb. 27 | Discovery
In Romans 10:1-15, what do you learn from the comparisons between the righteousness that is by the law and God’s righteousness that comes by faith?
August 2, 2021
Aug. 8 | Application
A biblical text normally has a single meaning, but it can have many applications. Consider Galatians 2:20 . . .
April 1, 2021
What Judas Can Teach Us About Jesus
By Ryan Rasmussen You might be surprised that the name Judas means “let God be praised.” I find it incredibly ironic that the man who betrayed Jesus would carry a name of such reverence. Sometimes, though, things aren’t what they seem. For example, the fact that Judas Iscariot was a disciple at all must have baffled those who spent time with Jesus. While Jesus welcomed misfits and the marginalized into his friend group, Judas must have seemed “next level” in this regard. The Gospels documented that Judas, the band’s treasurer, would regularly skim money from the group’s funds (John 12:6).
March 8, 2021
Mar 14 | Application
David Faust writes: Awe is a stepping-stone toward wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
October 25, 2018
Living as Missionaries
By Gary L. Johnson “Clean your room.” Do you remember saying that to your child or being told that by a parent? It’s straightforward. Clear. Easily understood. A parent simply expects the child to clean his or her room. Nothing more. As a dad, I remember telling my sons to “clean your room” over and over again. Yet, instead of actually cleaning their rooms, what if my sons gathered their friends together and discussed what “cleaning your room” means, or they spoke of various cleaning methods, or even memorized the phrase, “Clean your room.” As a dad, all I wanted
November 13, 2017
Lesson for November 19, 2017: Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 12:14, 15, 18-29)
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 November 12, 2017. issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott Technically a covenant (or testament) is not a book; it is an agreement in a relationship. And relationships change due more to people than events. This in no way denigrates the event of the cross, which signaled the change of covenant (Hebrews 9:16). But is the cross the key to the covenant shift or
May 23, 2014
In the Painting
By Nancy Karpenske William E. Barrett”s novel The Shape of Illusion tells a story about a painting. The scene depicted on the canvas is Pilate”s courtyard. Jesus is there, beaten and bloodied. He is surrounded by the angry mob screaming insults and throwing rocks. This fictional painting is no ordinary work of art. It seems that everyone who looks at it finds his or her own face in the raging crowd. Saints, sinners, priests, paupers: all instantly see themselves acting despicably in the gruesome scene. How would you respond if you saw your own likeness in that setting? What if
March 8, 2011
The Earth: Handle with Prayer
Jan Johnson reflects on praying for creation amid Southern California fires and drought, asking how believers can serve as God’s agents in caring for the earth.
How the Bible Guided Me at a Crossroads
Jeffrey A. Metzger shares seven biblical principles for discerning God’s direction when life presents two good choices and the path forward is unclear.
December 27, 2010
Lesson for Jan. 2, 2011: God Is Our Redeemer (Isaiah 44:21-28)
Byron Davis reflects on Isaiah 44 and the truth of redemption, reminding readers that God remembers his people, washes them clean, and frees them from condemnation in Christ.
February 14, 2010
The Rest of the Story
George Ross reflects on Brian and Amy’s baptism, their question about forgiveness, and a surprising moment when God used their story to encourage their marriage years later.
July 29, 2007
Avoiding “I” Contact! (Do You See What I See?)
Authentic Christian Living: Letting God and Others See the Real You Lisa Jernigan reflects on the masks people wear to hide insecurity, shame, and vulnerability. Through the idea of “eye/I contact,” she encourages honest self-examination, seeing ourselves through God’s eyes, and creating churches where people can safely live with greater authenticity and grace. Hiding from others can become a way of avoiding honest examination of ourselves. Seeing ourselves through God’s eyes can free us from shame, fear, and misplaced identity. Churches can become safer places when believers offer grace and give one another permission to be real. By Lisa Jernigan
