Bible study
-
A Book of Remembrance
The Book of Malachi has been reduced to a footnote in many of the Old Testament surveys I have seen, heard, and read. It’s the last book of the Old Testament, both chronologically and canonically; it falls in step with the same themes common to the other Minor Prophets; it mentions the coming of “Elijah” (aka John the Baptist) before the arrival of the day of the Lord. Very few overviews go much deeper than this, and it’s hard to blame them. In a sense this last word from God before 400 years of silence is difficult to understand, especially given its unique place within the scope of Scripture. At…
-
My Annual VBS Rant
VBS is a wonderful time and, when done well, can be a great way to both encourage your own congregation and reach out to others. Rarely, if ever, will you have more guests from the community than during a well-done Vacation Bible School. Personally, I enjoy teaching (or co-teaching) our adult class at Central during VBS. Because most people feel a little more relaxed during VBS, it seems that classes flow a little more naturally and people seem to appreciate the lessons. So, again, I’m not against VBS. However… Each year, I have an issue with what I see in most places when I survey the landscape of VBS. And…
-
One Man’s Idea about the Message of the Bible
During my lifetime, I have had some conversations which are difficult to forget. There are some which I would like to forget, but have difficulty in accomplishing that. At other times, there are conversations which I hope I never forget. There are at least a couple of reasons why a conversation can find its way into that second and much more positive category. The reason could be that the person with whom the conversation took place is one of those unforgettable people in my life. At other times, it was just the fact that something was said which made a major impact on me and/or caused me to do some…
-
Into the Heart of the Bible Episode 016: “The Period of Restoration”
This week, Leah finishes the Old Testament narrative with a great overview of the Period of Restoration. Watch below or click this link.
-
A Spiritual Lesson from a Dying Phone Battery
For some time now, I’ve been dealing with a phone on its last legs. (Update: after brainstorming this article, I was able to get a new phone. Whew.) If you’ve ever had to deal with that, you know that it can be frustrating. The phone would seem to be fine. The battery clipping along near 100%…until it wasn’t. In rapid succession, I’d get a notification that it was at something like 14%, then (one second later) 7%, then…dead. The other issue was that, if it got to zero, it took hours to charge back up. Once it was, I had to keep it basically plugged in non-stop so the battery…
-
Milk or Meat
In a recent Bible class we were discussing gospel preaching and how it helps the local congregation grow in maturity. We first looked at Hebrews 5:12-14, where the author is chastising Christians for their lack of progress toward maturity. He writes, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food…” (verse 12). It is important to back up and realize that their lack of growth is, at least in part, because they had become “dull of hearing.” A quick look at Vine’s Expository Dictionary reveals that the word…
-
And the Bible Says
A few weeks ago, something happened where I worship that I will remember for as long as I have a memory. A man taught an adult Bible class on a Wednesday evening. Before you think that I’ve lost what little mind I have, let me explain. It is true that it is not unusual to have Wednesday evening Bible classes. It is not unusual for a man to teach a class like that. In fact, a lot of things were not unusual about that particular class that evening. What was unusual, though, and what made this particular class memorable was the teacher. It was one of the first times he…
-
Three Sermon Outlines
One of my favorite things about being part of a family of preachers and teachers is the number of lesson ideas and outlines that are tossed back and forth between us. There is nothing like a good scriptural idea from a fresh perspective to get the gears turning and motivate deeper study for the purpose of sharing that study with others. Over the years, I have probably been given upwards of 50 sermon outlines from different members of my family (and used a few of them, too) and have also shared several with them. Today’s “article” has three goals in mind. The first is to give you, dear reader, three…
-
Week of March 10 “Into the Heart of the Bible” and “Something from the Margin of My Bible”
On her video series this week, Leah discusses a period of Bible history that is often overlooked, the period of Judah alone. You can watch the video below or, if you choose, click here to watch on her YouTube channel. On the “margin” podcast, Adam gives a note this week from the time of preparation for receiving the 10 Commandments. Click here to listen.
-
Week of March 3 “Into the Heart of the Bible” and “Something from the Margin of My Bible”
On her video lesson this week, Leah overviewed one of the most confusing parts of the Bible for many people: the period of the Divided Kingdom. To watch the lesson, click here or watch below. On the “margin” podcast, Adam shared a very short note about Exodus 20:2. To listen, click here.