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Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.

fear, phobeo, G5399

fear, phobeo, G5399

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek verb: to fear, phobeó G5399.

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Olivet Discourse: Comparing the Synoptic Gospels

Olivet Discourse: Comparing the Synoptic Gospels

The Olivet Discourse is a conversation Jesus had with his disciples shortly before his crucifixion. As they sat on the Mount of Olives looking across at the temple, Jesus explained many things about the coming destruction of the temple. While Matthew provides the fullest account, this teaching is found in all three synoptic gospels.

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July 2022 Reflections

July 2022 Reflections

As we continue studying the miracles recorded in Matthew 8-9, watch for how the miracles both point backward to the prophets (e.g. Isaiah 35:3-6) and ahead to the fullness of the promise to come.

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How do I study the Bible?

How do I study the Bible?

Wondering how to get started studying the Bible? You can jump in anywhere. But here are a few suggestions to get you moving.

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June Reflections 2022

June Reflections 2022

Foxes, funerals, demons, pigs, fasting and wine skins. That’s all coming in the Gospel of Matthew as we look at various miracles Jesus performed. Lord willing, I plan to cover chapters 8-9 this summer, take a short break and then dive into the next discourse (the sending of the 12).

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May 2022 Reflections

May 2022 Reflections

No new podcasts this month as I’m busy preparing for the Gospel of Matthew Part 2.  I’m planning to cover chapters 8-12 which will take us through the next major discourse of Jesus. We’ll be talking about authority a lot.

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Who were the Essenes?

Who were the Essenes?

The Essenes are the third major “philosophical school” identified by Josephus. Little is know about them with certainty.

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Who were the Zealots?

Who were the Zealots?

The Zealots were a revolutionary movement that arose in response to Jewish oppression by the Roman empire (but they were not the only revolutionary movement).

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April 2022 Reflections

April 2022 Reflections

After studying the Sabbath, it seems appropriate take a break from the podcast. Then we’ll resume our study of the Gospel of Matthew. We’ll pick up in chapter 8 where Matthew begins to highlight the authority of Jesus.

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Did Jesus change the Sabbath?

Did Jesus change the Sabbath?

How did Jesus had to our understanding of what should we do or not do on the Sabbath? He taught that Sabbath is a rest that is given, not earned, and that our “job” is to enjoy it, not to live up to it.

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Is Jesus coming back?

Is Jesus coming back?

Yes, Jesus is coming back! Yes, he warned his disciples his return would not be soon. All the New Testament writes claim the return of Christ is integral to our Christian hope.

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When do we keep the Sabbath?

When do we keep the Sabbath?

Sabbath rest is yet to come —the rest we enjoy today anticipates the real Sabbath rest that awaits us in the kingdom. That future rest is granted to those who have saving faith in Jesus Christ.

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Women’s Ministry Survey Example

Women’s Ministry Survey Example

As a ministry leader, you often do surveys. But what questions should ask? Which questions solicit the best input? After 30 years in ministry — and countless surveys! — these are the questions I’ve found most helpful.

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How do we keep the Sabbath?

How do we keep the Sabbath?

How do we keep the Sabbath? The simple command is not to work. We stop the activities we do that sustain our lives and instead we do the things that most foster our relationship to, understanding of and dependence on God.

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How to use commentaries

How to use commentaries

Commentaries can kick-start your thinking when you hit a dead end but should not be a substitute for your own work. Here’s my two rules of thumb.

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