Last time we looked at the importance of the meaning of specific words in the Bible. Individual words are building blocks, but we do not discover the rich meaning and truth of God’s word just by looking at individual words. We find the meaning in the statements and ideas that the biblical authors gave us […]
Developing Our Biblical Vocabulary Read More »
Given the uncertainty of our times, it is crucial that we have a full and deep connection with Jesus Christ. People are wondering… What does being a follower of Jesus mean today? How can I find an inner peace when there is so much noise in the world? Do Christians and Muslims worship the same
Draw Closer to Christ This Easter Season Read More »
It is hard to believe that there ever would be questions about the importance of the preached and taught Word in the ministry of the church, but there are. There are objections to preaching from those who fear authoritarianism, or irrelevancy, or traditionalism. Some are even saying that modern people have such short attention spans that they cannot possibly be expected to listen to a string of words that exceeds eight or nine minutes—and church leaders sometimes uncritically accept it all as dogma.
The Nature and the Importance of Preaching Read More »
Many people love detective stories, and probably for different reasons. I know I enjoy them not because of chase scenes or gunfights or big finales. I appreciate a good detective story when it shows someone who is able to discover the truth of a situation by amazing observational powers. That detective who sees details that
The Power of Observation in Bible Study Read More »
For the first time in years I will be teaching again in The Elmbrook Christian Study Center. Starting Wednesday night, January 20 and going through May 4 (excluding February 17) I will be teaching a survey of the whole of the history of Christianity. I am looking forward to an eye-opening experience that will help
The History of Christianity Read More »
Only God knows the future, and, more importantly, is the caretaker and Lord of the future. In Christian faith there is a bedrock truth that enables believers to move into the future with assurance: providence. The God of the Bible is above all reality, encompassing in his vision and embracing in his power our past,
A Thought and a Prayer for the New Year Read More »
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary New Bible Dictionary Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Recommended Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias Read More »
[link below for downloading PDF “printable prayer” version, 8″ x 10″, suitable for display] Lord God, In these weeks leading up to Christmas we long to know the meaning, the power, and the mystery of that great mission whereby you came to save us from our sins. Help us to focus on the good news
A Prayer for the Christmas Season Read More »
One of the most-often asked tough questions in the Christian faith is whether the God of the Bible commanded immoral acts in the harsher parts of the Old Testament, for instance. In the words of author and apologist Paul Copan, for instance, the issue is whether or not God is “a moral monster.” Here is
Is God a Moral Monster? Read More »
Books can change lives. What better gift to give someone you care about? Here are some book recommendations for Christmas giving in 2015. Christ has come! __________________ FREE DOWNLOADABLE CHRISTMAS GIFT BOOKMARK -> HERE __________________ The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, Timothy Keller What’s So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey A Time
Books for Christmas Gifts Read More »
I had left a large evangelistic rally in our city one day when I was 21 years old, and was surprised to see the speaker, Leighton Ford, walking across the parking lot where I happened to be. Seeing an opportunity talk to the great man, I introduced myself and told him that I was going
How Scripture Examines Us Read More »
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7 1 Thankfulness lessens our anxiety (“do not be anxious”). 2 Thankfulness reframes every
The Power of Gratitude and Thanksgiving Read More »
Dear God, You have invited us to give you thanks, and this is what we wish to do. We live in a time in which there is great anxiety, but you have offered us a way out of anxiety. We long to know your loving care. We pray to you because there is no one so good, so high,
A Prayer for Thanksgiving Read More »
If you walked into someone’s home, picked a big book off a shelf, and read a single line on a random page, one thing is certain: you would not understand it. That is because we receive meaning through words by seeing them in their context. One of the most helpful things we can do to
What Is the “Big Picture” of the Bible? Read More »
People have strong feelings about the Bible version they use. That’s a good thing when it reflects our devotion to the gift of Holy Scripture. You are welcome to offer your thoughts in the “comments” section below. * * * Study Bibles have concise introductions that are no more than a page. For instance: The
Bibles for Studying Read More »