April 3, 2023
Easter Meditation 1: Simon of Cyrene
In this first of six meditations in the week leading up to Easter, former editor Mark A. Taylor shares thoughts about Simon of Cyrene . . . "Burdened by the Cross" (Mark 15:16-22).
Articles for tag: William Barclay
August 2, 2021
Aug. 8 | Application
A biblical text normally has a single meaning, but it can have many applications. Consider Galatians 2:20 . . .
May 22, 2019
Vested in Our Leaders: Center for Church Leadership
Vested in Our Leaders: The Center for Church Leadership By Alan Ahlgrim Many pastors lead growing ministries and have hundreds or even thousands of social media friends, yet they have no one other than their wife who really understands them and is truly devoted to them. A recent survey found that less than 25 percent of Christian men have a close male friend; for pastors the percentage is even smaller: less than 5 percent. The isolated leader is a vulnerable leader!Isolation is the devil’s tool to discourage and dishearten those in vital roles.We all are weak and vulnerable at times.
May 11, 2015
Lesson for May 17, 2015: One Body; Many Members (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the May 10 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone Last week we considered the first half of 1 Corinthians 12, and this week we will study the last half of the chapter. J. W. McGarvey wrote, “In the early church the Spirit of God . . . endowed certain members with miraculous gifts . . . As gifts were bestowed on different individuals, some of them became a source of
August 18, 2014
Lesson for August 24, 2014: An Appeal for Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 6:1″“7:4)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the August 17 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone In the section of 2 Corinthians just before today”s printed text, the apostle Paul discussed why Christians must resolve differences (5:11-21). Compelled by Christ”s love, we are to practice “the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18). Paul reminded the church that God”s forgiveness of us is a model of how we should forgive others (compare Matthew 6:12). Corinthians” Need 2
August 11, 2014
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
May 12, 2014
Lesson for May 18, 2014: Jesus” Teaching on the Law (Exodus 20; Isaiah 29:13, 14; Matthew 5:17-48; 15:1-20; Romans 3:31)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone While Jesus was teaching in Galilee some 50 miles away from them, the religious leaders in Jerusalem sent a delegation to question him. This demonstrates clearly that they regarded him as a threat to their position and influence with the people. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were very influential to the Jews in all religious matters. They held to a strict interpretation and application of God”s law. Most of the common people felt, “Whatever
April 28, 2014
Lesson for May 4, 2014: Jesus Resists Temptation (Deuteronomy 6:13-16; 8:3; Psalm 91:11, 12; Matthew 4:1-11)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone This month concludes our study of “Jesus” Fulfillment of Scripture,” as we see how he used the Old Testament so powerfully in his teaching and ministry. The giving of the Law through Moses is recorded in the book of Exodus. Much of the material is related again in the book of Deuteronomy (literally “Second Law”). It repeats and renews the message delivered to the people before they were to enter the promised land. Our New Testament
September 24, 2012
Lesson for September 30, 2012: Faith Instills Love (Hebrews 13; 1 Corinthians 13)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The book of Hebrews teaches us a number of things about true faith. In this unit”s final lesson, a familiar text””1 Corinthians 13″”is added to show how the believer”s faith is expressed in love. Consistency of Love Hebrews 13:1-3, 6 Although brotherly love was not a common virtue in the first century, the early Christians were already practicing it (see Hebrews 6:10 and 10:33, 34). For this, the writer commends them. Showing love to other
July 20, 2005
The Least Is Me
A reflection on Matthew 25:40 and ministry with families affected by disabilities—examining motives for service, resisting hidden selfishness, and discovering how Christians can learn, receive, and grow alongside those they serve.
