By Dr. Mark Scott A chiasm (or chiasmus) is a literary device named after the Greek letter “chi,” which looks like an “X.” A chiasm is a crosswise arrangement writing style of words or concepts that repeats things in reverse order to achieve memory and emphasis. The main idea occurs at the point at which […]
Sabbath Observance—The Uniform Lesson for September 17, 2017
By Dr. Mark Scott God is dead serious about rest. He did it (Genesis 2:2). He commanded his people to do it (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-17). He gave it to the land and animals (v. 14; Leviticus 25:1-7). He gives it to his followers now (Matthew 11:28-30) and eternally (Hebrews 4:9, 10). Heaven is a […]
Circumcision—The Uniform Lesson for September 10, 2017
By Dr. Mark Scott Cutting a Covenant A covenant is “cut”—literally. In fact, the Greek word for circumcision actually means “cut around.” Choosing a rainbow as a sign (last week’s lesson) is one thing, but circumcision? It does seem like an odd sign for a covenant, but maybe it is more profound than first thought. […]
The Rainbow—The Uniform Lesson for September 3, 2017
By Dr. Mark Scott The God of the Bible is a covenant-making God. He makes agreements and contracts (literally “cuts” a deal) with the creation he has made. Our lessons during September will concern some of these covenants (the rainbow, circumcision, the Sabbath, and the Spirit-filled heart). The Hebrew word for covenant, berit, appears 284 […]
Called to Be Inclusive—The Uniform Lesson for August 27, 2017
By Dr. Mark Scott Years ago we participated in an ordination service for a good ministry friend. The service was held at Broadway Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The preacher was Dr. Marshall Leggett. His text for the Sunday morning message was Acts 10:1–11:18. The opening line of the message was, “That door just keeps […]