July 20, 2023
Thirty years ago, Tom Claibourne posed several "what if" questions from the Bible. Examples: What if Mordecai had bowed down to Haman? What if Paul's tent business had taken precedence over his ministry? . . .
September 26, 2022
If you think about things like food, frustrations, family, finances, and the future, you are not alone. It’s natural and necessary to ponder subjects like these. But let’s not forget about faith!
June 14, 2020
By Jerry Harris Kujenga is the Swahili word for building, and it’s where the name of the building-block game Jenga comes from. The game starts with constructing a tower by stacking identical, rectangular-shaped wooden blocks in opposite rows of three. The fun begins as players take turns removing blocks one at a time and restacking them on the top. This continues until the tower, thoroughly compromised by the removal of blocks and top-heaviness, finally comes crashing down. Our lives can look a lot like this game. We are all building a life, but as priorities are rearranged, instability increases—and we
April 25, 2019
We continue our monthly series of excerpts from Christian Standard, circa 1909. The magazine devoted one issue each month that year to articles of particular interest to our movement. Today we feature a sermon by Barton W. Stone, who allied with Alexander Campbell to form the Restoration Movement (aka, the Stone-Campbell Movement). No date is attached to this sermon, which we will prune some, as it is quite long. Here’s Barton W. Stone (1772–1844): _ _ _ God’s Love for a Lost World A Sermon by Barton W. Stone (Published April 10, 1909; p. 6) The love of God is
September 19, 2018
By David Roadcup It was probably one of the most impactful moments of Peter’s life. John 21 tells the story. After Jesus’ resurrection, while the disciples are fishing from a boat, Jesus appears on the beach, starts a fire, and fixes breakfast for them. After another fish-producing miracle, Jesus calls the disciples in for breakfast. After they eat, Jesus engages Peter in a powerful discussion. Three times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. Three times, Peter emphatically states that he does. Three times, Jesus exhorts Peter to fulfill a specific task. Jesus concludes round one of this exchange by
August 20, 2018
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. 9 (weeks 33–36; August 19—September 9, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ Beginning with this batch of four lessons, the weekly Bible lessons are based on a scope and sequence prepared by Christian Standard Media. For more information, click here. ______ By Mark Scott Israel lived by the Word of God (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus lived by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). The church should
July 6, 2013
JODI HICKERSON Programming director, Mission Church, Ventura, California I am so grateful to have experienced Jodi”s influence both from the pulpit and around the fire pit in her backyard. Her words, wisdom, and direction have restored, lifted, healed, and literally changed my life. When Jodi teaches, she commands a room, not because she demands it but because she speaks with grace and humility “”whether to a crowd of one or thousands. Jodi has an authentic way of taking the message of the Word of God and making it accessible to people, and her exceptional creativity helps her meet people right
December 10, 2011
By Karla McElroy The Spirit brought to mind the lyrics of “You Are My All in All,” by Dennis Jernigan, this morning, specifically the line about Jesus being “the treasure that I seek.” The lyrics led me straight to Jeremiah”s thoughts about treasure. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16, King James Version). Though I rarely””OK, never””read the KJV anymore, this verse always comes to me in this grand old translation
January 23, 2011
By Dave Stone Since I was fairly young, I”ve had a favorite Bible verse that has stuck with me through every phase of my life: Acts 4:13. Yes, I get the same look from everybody when I reveal the verse because it really isn”t a common passage; most people are like, “Uh . . . really?” and they don”t know whether to act like they know it. It”s such a cool passage because the disciples are being intensely persecuted but continue to preach about Jesus Christ being resurrected, and this is the observation the Jewish people have as they look
November 29, 2010
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for December 5) is written by Teresa D. Welch, assistant professor of Christian education at Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tennessee. God Gives Strength (Isaiah 40:1-8, 25, 26, 29-31) By Teresa D. Welch Are you waiting, worried, or weary? What concerns do you carry? Wars and rumors of wars? Economic upheaval and increased poverty? Political decisions and governmental policies? Religious hostility or indifference? The words of God recorded in Isaiah 40 are delivered to the nation of Judah, which had these concerns and many more. The people of God
November 4, 2007
By Randy Gariss Dear Class and Family: Well, I”m here at the Teacher”s Rehab Center and I just got back from my first support group session for struggling teachers and preachers. I really hate to admit it, but the first day wasn”t as bad as I expected. I am not yet ready to thank you for kidnapping me and forcing me to go, but I do want to apologize for my angry words and swinging fist as the class mobbed me and carried me out to the rehab bus. (Especially to you, Sweetheart . . . I just think your
May 7, 2006
Worship renewal isn’t mainly about better music. Jack Reese traces early Christian worship from Scripture to prayer, peace, and the table—arguing revival begins with hearts quiet enough to hear God’s Word.
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