By Dr. Mark Scott Humility was not prized in the ancient world. It was viewed as weakness. Jesus Christ changed the way that the world looked at humility. Following the incarnation, humility became a virtue. That does not mean the modern world does not struggle with arrogance. An NBA player says, “I am the greatest […]
Grateful Faith—The Uniform Lesson for May 8, 2016
By Dr. Mark Scott Gratitude should be our default setting (Psalm 107:1; 118:1). Gratitude is God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We were made to be grateful, and it should be as natural as breathing. Not to give thanks is duplicitous. Ingratitude is high treason against God and a mark of unrepentant humanity (Romans 1:21). People […]
Increased Faith—The Uniform Lesson for May 1, 2016
By Dr. Mark Scott Jesus’ teachings often overwhelmed the disciples. When he taught that he was the bread of life, his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching” (John 6:60). When he taught about what truly defiles a person, his disciples asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” (Matthew […]
Recovered Faith—The Uniform Lesson for April 17, 2016
By Dr. Mark Scott Three of the Gospels record this story (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; and our text today from Luke). The Synoptics place this story following the calming of the storm and prior to the healing of the woman with the flow of blood and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. Perhaps there is a […]
Shameless Faith—The Uniform Lesson for April 10, 2016
By Mark Scott Love and forgiveness are inextricably linked. The reason that God forgives so well is because his love is ginormous. Love without forgiveness is only academic. Forgiveness without love is hypocritical. In Luke 7 we move from the amazing faith of the centurion (vv. 1-10) to the shameless faith of the penitent woman […]