Freelance submissions due by January 15, 2011 All about us: SEEK is a magazine created to encourage adults in their walk with Jesus Christ. SEEK corresponds to the topics of Standard Publishing’s adult curriculum line and is designed to further apply these topics to everyday life. How to write to this theme list: Please read the Scriptures listed so that you know what will be studied in class. Listed are the aims of the lesson—the points of the lesson that students will apply to life. Your story or article will be an example of how someone did or can apply these points to real life. REMEMBER TO MARK ON THE MANUSCRIPT THE ISSUE NUMBER AND DATE FOR WHICH IT IS BEING WRITTEN. Word count: 600 minimum, 1200 maximum. (Manuscripts without this information will be rejected as not written to theme.) Use the King James Version when quoting Scripture. No decision will be made on any manuscript prior to the submission due cutoff date. Please e-mail your submissions to seek@standardpub.com. Quarter titles for Winter 2011–2012: God Establishes a Faithful People—Unit 1, God’s Covenant (Issues 1–4); Unit 2, God’s Protection (Issues 5–9); Unit 3, God’s Redemption (Issues 10–13). Issue 1: The Lord Calls Abram (Promises Made) December 4, 2011 Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9 Lesson Aim: Sometimes people are asked to do incredibly difficult things with only promises of reward to motivate them. Christians discover that their faith grows stronger when they act on what they believe God would have them do. Believers recognize that their personal faith responses affect others, including family members. Sometimes they struggle as they attempt to live out their faith in God. How do we respond to God’s promises, especially in a culture that does not always honor promises? Issue 2: The Lord Gives His Promise (Believing the Impossible) December 11, 2011 Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18 Lesson Aim: Everyone knows people who keep promises and people who do not. God’s promises to us are real and believable—even when they’re unbelievable! Christians find courage to face daily challenges because of their faith in God’s promises. Issue 3: The Lord Provides (Passing the Test) December 18, 2011 Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14 Lesson Aim: Abraham was unquestioning in his faith and devotion to God, even when the life of his son was at stake. Believers seek to obey God under all circumstances, knowing that God will provide strength and meaning. Share circumstances and events of life that seemed to be tests of faith in God. What was the outcome? Issue 4: The Lord Keeps His Promise (Celebrating Promises Fulfilled) December 25, 2011 Scripture: Luke 1:46-55; 2:1-7 Lesson Aim: Christians recognize—and celebrate!—that God does extraordinary things through ordinary people, regardless of gender or economic, political, and social standing. The faithfulness of Mary as a humble, submissive servant results in timeless benefits that are passed down through generations of descendants. Explore the idea of a spiritual family tree. Issue 5: Joseph Shows Character (A Life of Integrity) January 1, 2012 Scripture: Genesis 39:7-21a Lesson Aim: Living with integrity in our day-to-day relationships sets the stage for faithful and loyal behavior when difficult situations arise. Recognizing that God is always present, believers can reflect joy and hope not only when things are going well but also when we have to endure injustice or persecution. Issue 6: Joseph Finds Favor (Real Success) January 8, 2012 Scripture: Genesis 41:37-46, 50-52 Lesson Aim: Joseph’s life is both a rags-to-riches story and the account of a prominent leader whose life pleases God. It is possible to be successful and godly! Believers are inspired by the account of Joseph to remember that God can orchestrate events to accomplish His will through both their good and bad experiences. Emphasize that God restores us through trials and makes us fruitful again.
Issue 7: God Preserves a Remnant (Sharing Blessings) January 15, 2012 Scripture: Genesis 45:3-15 Lesson Aim: Believers trust in God to heal and redeem broken family relationships. Joseph’s entire family would ultimately be protected because of Joseph’s faithfulness—and his willingness to share his blessings. How can we use a position of influence to help and bless others, even those who have behaved unjustly? Issue 8: Joseph Transmits Abraham’s Promise (The Power of Forgiveness) January 22, 2012 Scripture: Genesis 50:15-26 Lesson Aim: Christians recognize from Joseph’s example the need to extend forgiveness rather than seek revenge. Considering how Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers had a positive effect on his family and the future nation, portray modern-day versions of similar potential ripple effects from acts of forgiveness or unforgiveness. Encourage the healing of broken family relationships. Issue 9: Israel Is Delivered from Egypt (Following a Trusted Leader) January 29, 2012 Scripture: Exodus 15:1-5, 19-26 Lesson Aim: People will often follow a trusted leader even into dangerous places. Believers recognize that God provides deliverance in various ways, and they have confidence that God will not abandon His people. Praise is the natural response to God’s marvelous deliverance from any kind of oppression. Issue 10: Justified by Faith in Christ (Seeking Something to Believe In) February 5, 2012 Scripture: Galatians 2:15-21 Lesson Aim: Believers understand what faith in Jesus Christ can do or has done for them. Contrast works-based religions with the grace-based system of Christianity. It is important for Christians to live in and demonstrate the freedom of faith in Jesus Christ. Explore the privilege of doing good works out of love for Jesus rather than as a way to earn merit. Issue 11: Blessed with Abraham (The Place of Ultimate Trust) February 12, 2012 Scripture: Galatians 3:1-14 Lesson Aim: People can be misled into following a destructive spiritual path. The true gospel had been clearly preached to the Galatians, so Paul found their defection from the crucified Christ toward something inferior to be incomprehensible. Faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us is the basis for our being declared righteous by God. Issue 12: Inheriting Abraham’s Promise (Understanding Values) February 19, 2012 Scripture: Galatians 3:15-18; 4:1-7 Lesson Aim: People understand what it means to be an heir to property from the parents. Christians recognize that it was God’s plan from Abraham to the present that those who have faith become heirs of God’s promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. Our Father’s plan for His children—superior to all others—is cause for great joy. Issue 13: Bearing the Fruit of Redemption (Bearing One Another’s Burdens) February 26, 2012 Scripture: Galatians 5:22–6:10 Lesson Aim: Believers seek to mature in the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control) and work for the benefit of others, especially for those in the family of faith. The Holy Spirit provides the strength to encourage and support others. Compare and contrast bearing “one another’s burdens” with the idea that “every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:2, 5).