October 17, 2024
Love for the Word Empowers Preaching
When it comes to preaching, our effort begins and ends with drawing near to God and his Word so he can speak through us with a message that is so much more than we could ever create on our own.
Articles for tag: Samaritan Woman
December 11, 2023
Dec. 17 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Water that Gives Live” (John 4:4-26), by Mark Scott.
August 30, 2021
Sept. 5 | Application
Many wanted to know, “Jesus, who do you think you are?” However, he turned the question around and asked, “Who do you say I am?” Some compared him to prophets like Elijah or Jeremiah, but Peter gave the most logical answer . . .
January 3, 2019
Cloud Church: Space for Diversity, Relationship, and the Kingdom
By Mel McGowan Imagine you’re rearranging your office. You move your desk to one corner, your bookshelf to another. You move the lamps around to get the light just right. You adjust the couch so you can see your guests better. At the end of the day, you look around with satisfaction that all your office furniture, equipment, and supplies are in the right places. Why is this so important to us? Because the furnishings of our offices are tools that facilitate things like ideas, hard work, and skills. It should come as no surprise, then, that your sacred space
February 15, 2016
My Theology and Architecture
By Mel McGowan I used to believe that, at any moment, Jesus would whisk us out and that since “it”s all gonna burn,” church funds should be spent only on “emergency shelters” just to keep the rain off of our heads””not expensive, attractive church buildings. Beauty was irrelevant, since we”re all on an emergency rescue mission, selling fire insurance to whoever would listen. Then I had the opportunity to meet storytellers who helped me see the arc in the metanarrative of his story, from the garden to the city, from creation to brokenness to restoration. He introduces himself as an
December 18, 2012
Merry Christmas
By Boyce Mouton Merry Christmas! This is among the most familiar phrases in the English language. It brightens the eyes of little children, brings cheer to those imprisoned on beds of suffering, and gives hope to those in dungeons of despair. In spite of political correctness, these precious words still echo throughout every city and village in America. Even those who do not read, speak, or understand the English language, can say these words with a smile and find blessed relief from the difficulties of life. Merry Christmas! These words are music to the ears of our brave men and
April 16, 2012
Lesson for April 22, 2012: Samaritan Woman Finds Living Water (John 4:1-42)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Early in Jesus” ministry he reached out to those ignored or snubbed by others. The Samaritans were such a group. Considered “half-breeds,” these were the children of Jews who had intermarried with pagans. Many from the Northern Kingdom were exiled years before, but some remained in the land. They married Gentiles brought to live there by the conquering Assyrians, and became known as Samaritans. Today”s lesson takes place early in Jesus” ministry in Samaria””the central part
February 2, 2011
Must We Earn the Right to Share the Gospel?
By Robert Reese A chapel speaker at a Christian university stated emphatically, “I am realizing more and more that before I can share the gospel with unbelievers, I must earn the right.” He went on to explain how it is necessary in our society to establish credibility with another person before bringing up the gospel. Establishing credibility can range from being friendly to doing benevolent acts. The idea is that people will not be interested in a gospel presentation until they see an authentic expression of Christianity. With missionaries in parts of the world plagued by disease and malnutrition, the
September 1, 2010
Growing Like Jesus: Wisdom from Fellow Travelers
By Jennifer Taylor (Jennifer Taylor was among eight Christian leaders asked to share what helps them mature just as Jesus did. Taylor, one of CHRISTIAN STANDARD”s contributing editors, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.) ________________________ This spring I tagged a few days onto a California business trip so I could spend time with friends. First I had coffee with John, who shared his recent decision to leave a safe ministry position and start a new church. “I waited years to discover this calling, and just tried to stay faithful until I saw the next step,” he told me. “And I”m not afraid
October 14, 2007
Finding and Focusing on Living Water
Reflecting on Jesus’ conversation at the well, Greg Allen explores “thirst-quenching worship” rooted in the Holy Spirit—not personal preferences. Practical steps help move beyond worship wars toward spirit-and-truth worship.
Practice God’s Presence While You Walk
A workout walk on a lonely canyon road becomes an unexpected spiritual discipline—learning to notice God, release burdens, love others well, and cling to him in ordinary, gritty moments.
