We redesigned The Lookout because we believe this: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12, 13). Alive and active. Sharp and penetrating. Revealing and judging. The Word of God does all this and more—if we let it.

How do we allow God’s Word to accomplish all this in our lives? By spending time in it. By reading it, studying it, meditating on it, and applying it. Every change we’ve made to this publication, every feature we’ve added, serves a single purpose—to make The Lookout a tool every follower of Christ can use to grow in grace and knowledge and to become an effective disciple maker at home, at church, and in the community.

The Word of God can release its power today just as it did in Ephesus years ago: “the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (Acts 19:20). When we avail ourselves of the great power that is in God’s Word, power to reveal and convict and transform, we will be changed and we will become change agents to those around us.

In light of this, I invite you to make a commitment in the coming New Year. Use The Lookout in your personal quiet time and with a Sunday school class or small group in 2018. Avail yourself of the great power that rests in the Word of God. Let his Word penetrate deeply into your heart as you conform to the image of Christ.

On January 22, 1888, in London’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon he titled, “The Lover of God’s Law Filled with Peace.” In his message, Spurgeon spoke about the great power of God’s Word—power to deliver truth and overcome opposition. While Spurgeon’s focus was on preaching and defending the gospel, his words speak volumes to individual followers of Christ today.

See that lion? They have caged him for his preservation; shut him up behind iron bars to secure him from his foes! See how a band of armed men have gathered together to protect the lion. What a clatter they make with their swords and spears! These mighty men are intent upon defending a lion. O fools and slow of heart! Open that door! Let the lord of the forest come forth free. Who will dare to encounter him? What does he want with your guardian care? Let the pure gospel go forth in all its lion-like majesty and it will soon clear its own way and ease itself of its adversaries.

What’s the best way to defend and promote and disseminate the Word of God? Stand back and open the door! Let Scripture speak for itself. Let it come in the power God provides. Let it change your life, and then turn it loose to change the lives of those around you. Study it on your own. And then study it with a group. “Let the pure gospel go forth in all its lion-like majesty!”

We want to help you let the lion out.