THE LOOKOUT

OUR FREE WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH CHRISTIANSTANDARD.COM AND OUR “+LOOKOUT STUDY” NEWSLETTER.

To access our weekly lesson material, simply visit ChristianStandard.com in your web browser and select +The Lookout in the main menu.

There you will find the most recent

• Study by Mark Scott (longtime Christian college professor)

• Application by David Faust (veteran Christian educator and minister)

• Discovery questions by Michael C. Mack (editor and experienced curriculum writer)

A new block of related lessons begins every month, so your group can jump in at any time during the year.

Many small-group leaders and participants prefer to receive our lessons via newsletter, which we send out monthly at least 10 days in advance. The newsletter provides a link to a download of the next month’s lesson material all in one easy-to-print pdf. (Send an email including the title “The Lookout Study” to cs@christianstandardmedia.com to be added to our mailing list.)

You have our permission to print as many copies as you need for your group or class, or you can forward the link or share the pdf via email with your friends.

A final thought: Our Discovery questions are designed to foster conversation and “discovery” of biblical truth among groups and individuals with much Bible knowledge or no Bible background. Try it out! It’s free!

MINOR PROPHETS (AMOS, HOSEA, MICAH)

I’VE BEEN UNFAITHFUL

Unfaithfulness is a painful word. It is painful for the wounded party, for sure, but it is also painful for the one who wounded. Recognizing one’s unfaithfulness just might be the first step toward grace. The earlier of the Minor Prophets—Amos, Hosea, and Micah—will help us understand that. These eighth-century BCE Minor Prophets cried out against Israel’s (and Judah’s) unfaithfulness. God’s punishment for his people’s unfaithfulness would come from Assyria and Babylon. Students will learn the progression of returning to God by seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy, getting help for one’s brokenness, and getting back on the trail of righteousness.

Gospel Of Mark

EVERYONE’S INVITED

Reading the Gospel of Mark is like preparing for the arrival of company. The fast-moving Messiah of Mark’s Gospel was getting his house (kingdom) ready for a wide assortment of guests. Jesus wanted everyone in his kingdom—the ordinary, the nations, sinners, the hurting, and even you. Students will want to give Jesus their RSVP.

A ‘COLLECTOR’S ITEM’

Victor Knowles, president, Peace on Earth Ministries, Joplin, Missouri I received the January/February 2023 Christian Standard this morning. Even though I am only up to page 39, it is very encouraging to see the topic, “What Is Truth?” being “rightly divided” (literally “cutting it straight”) by your writers. Jerry Harris and Mike Mack “set the table,” as it were, with their columns. The articles by Ken Idleman, Kent Fillinger, Billy Strother, and Mark Moore really put strong, spiritual meat on the table. I liked what E. V. Hill's grandmother told him: “When it comes to the Bible, don't adjust it; trust it!” This issue promises to be a “collector’s item” and makes me glad to be a part of a movement that still raises the standard in doctrine and ordinances (to borrow somewhat from Christian Standard’s motto).

T He Invitation

Patty Boswell I appreciated “The Gospel and the Invitation” [by Jerry Harris, p. 2, November/December 2022]. I’ve seen the power of the Holy Spirit draw men to a decision as the preacher confirms the urgency of accepting Christ and being baptized into him. This is a much-needed article.

Bruce I was also saved by the hearing of an invitational prayer after sermons many times over and over. It finally touched my heart enough that the Holy Spirit convicted me to want to know more and to be saved. I agree 100 percent that we have lost a great opportunity in church services nowadays.

Sarah Lewis An essential message wrapped in a lovely story [“Close the Sale! The Eternal Power of the Triedand-True Public Invitation,” by Daniel Schantz, p. 56, November/December 2022].

Tami Beaverson Great writing as always. Keep these thought-provoking pieces coming.

WHAT NOW?

Jim D. I agree completely [Bold, “Roe v. Wade Overturned . . . What Now for the Church?” by Tina Wilson, p. 8, November/December 2022]. There will be a cost of time and finances for the church and individuals that needs to be made to prove to the world that this is God’s will.

Kimberly Silver Waycaster Very well-written article and thanks for your boldness! We all gotta love like Jesus!!! The lost and hurting need us more than ever!

Communion

Harold Haker, elder, Woodland Hills Church of Christ, Pleasant Hill, Iowa I read “Communion: The Crown Jewel of Worship” [by Victor Knowles, p. 38, November/December 2022] and thought, Wow, what an amazing article! . . . This article is so good that I believe our congregation needs to hear it spoken from the pulpit on a Sunday morning as a Communion Meditation.

P Reach

Roger Carr Tina, thanks for bringing this moving testimony of a man willing to endure such hardships to us [“You Must Preach the Gospel,” by Tina Wilson, p. 78, November/December 2022]. It is so encouraging to hear of how God continues to work in amazing ways through those who so love him and trust in him.