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 […]
Tested Faith—The Uniform Lesson for April 24, 2016
By Mark Scott This parable is the most familiar of Jesus’ 40 parables. Jesus’ teaching on discipleship ended with the words, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 14:35). The most unlikely people, namely tax collectors and sinners, drew near to hear him (15:1). To justify his association with such folk, Jesus told […]
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 […]