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

33 The Lord’s Prayer: What Does ‘Daily Bread’ Mean (Matthew 6:11)

33 The Lord’s Prayer: What Does ‘Daily Bread’ Mean (Matthew 6:11)

Nov 17, 2021

In Matthew 6:11 we don’t know with certainty what the word translated “daily” means. This leads to much debate and two good interpretations: one literal and one metaphorical. Both understandings have merit. Both use good methodology. Both teach something that is taught elsewhere in Scripture, and in that sense, both of them are true. In this life, we may never be certain which one Jesus meant, but we can affirm the truths both of them teach.

trial, periasmos, G3986

trial, periasmos, G3986

Nov 16, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek noun for trial or temptation: peirasmos

32 The Lord’s Prayer: What Jesus Meant by Thy Kingdom Come (Matthew 6:7-10)

32 The Lord’s Prayer: What Jesus Meant by Thy Kingdom Come (Matthew 6:7-10)

Nov 10, 2021

Discover what Jesus really meant in the Lord’s Prayer. Learn why “Thy Kingdom Come” is the only request that matters and how to stop praying like the Pharisees and pagans. Matthew 6:7-10 explained.

What do expiation and propitiation mean?

What do expiation and propitiation mean?

Nov 9, 2021

When studying the atonement, you’re likely to run across two technical words: expiation and propitiation. These terms tend to appear in a text without explanation. But since they are not in the Bible and they don’t often come up in daily conversation, it can be difficult to remember what they mean.

31 How to Give, Pray, and Fast Without Being a Hypocrite (Matthew 6:1-6; 6:16-18)

31 How to Give, Pray, and Fast Without Being a Hypocrite (Matthew 6:1-6; 6:16-18)

Nov 3, 2021

Discover what Jesus really meant in Matthew 6:1-6 about giving, praying, and fasting. Learn the difference between seeking God’s reward and settling for human approval and why it matters for eternity.

sin, hamartia, G266

sin, hamartia, G266

Nov 2, 2021

ools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for sin, hamartia.

Wednesday in the Word Background & History Library

Where to find biblical background, history and cultural information

Nov 1, 2021

Background, historical and cultural information to help you study the bible.

October 2021 Reflections

October 2021 Reflections

Oct 29, 2021

17 podcasts to cover Matthew 5. A new record! In November we’ll begin Matthew 6 which includes the Lord’s prayer. You say it. Do you know what it means?

30 Why the Pharisees Were Wrong About Loving Your Neighbor (Matthew 5:43-48)

30 Why the Pharisees Were Wrong About Loving Your Neighbor (Matthew 5:43-48)

Oct 27, 2021

Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In one sense, loving your neighbor is a simple, practical guide to good conduct. But it is also a truth we have to embrace and choose to follow. In that sense, it is a test of faith.

Isaiah: Outline & Highlights

Isaiah: Outline & Highlights

Oct 26, 2021

Isaiah was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom (Judah) His ministry spans 50-60 years from approximately 740 – 680 BC during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (kings of Judah).

Wednesday in the Word Introductions Library

Introduction to …

Oct 25, 2021

Introductions to background, history, chronology and books of the Bible.

29 Why “An Eye for an Eye” Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means (Matthew 5:28-42)

29 Why “An Eye for an Eye” Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means (Matthew 5:28-42)

Oct 20, 2021

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for applying instructions for the judges of Israel to their personal behavior. They claim they can be proportionally vindictive in the name of seeking retribution and still consider themselves blameless. Jesus says the guiding principle is not “an eye for an eye” but rather “turn the other cheek.”

How do we know the Bible is the Word of God?

How do we know the Bible is the Word of God?

Oct 19, 2021

How do we know the Bible is the Word of God? First, we can examine what the Bible claims about itself.

28 What Every Christian Should Know About Making Promises (Matthew 5:33-37)

28 What Every Christian Should Know About Making Promises (Matthew 5:33-37)

Oct 13, 2021

Discover what Jesus really meant in Matthew 5:33-37 about oaths and vows. Learn why the Pharisees got it wrong, what it means to take God’s name in vain, and how to let your yes be yes today.

Introduction to the Trinity | WednesdayintheWord.com

Introduction to the Trinity

Oct 12, 2021

How can God be one being and yet 3 persons? While not explained explicitly in any passage, the concept of the Trinity is progressively revealed in Scripture. The early church struggled for centuries to understand the doctrine of the Trinity before landing on 3 statements.

27 What Jesus Taught about Divorce (Matthew 5:31-32)

27 What Jesus Taught about Divorce (Matthew 5:31-32)

Oct 6, 2021

Both Moses and Jesus recognize that we sinners are going to fail in our marriages and so they allowed divorce with some regulations. Moses did not mean divorce was a righteous option. Divorce results from the fact that the parties involved are sinners. God intended marriage to be forever but divorce is a necessary evil because of our sin.

daily, epiousios, G1967

daily, epiousios, G1967

Oct 5, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek verb for daily, epiousios, G1967.

Bible Maps, Charts & Tools

Bible Maps, Charts & Tools

Oct 4, 2021

Without the proper tools, your ability to do great Bible study is limited. On this one page, you’ll find links to websites, maps, charts, overviews, outlines, timelines encyclopedias, concordances and tips on how to use them.

September News from WednesdayintheWord.com

September 2021 Reflections

Sep 30, 2021

We can have all the knowledge in the universe, but if we don’t fear the Lord, the Bible calls us fools. The fear of the Lord is the necessary ingredient that turns knowledge into wisdom. In that way, our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and the Pharisees.

26 What Jesus Means by “Adultery in Your Heart” (Matthew 5:27-30)

26 What Jesus Means by “Adultery in Your Heart” (Matthew 5:27-30)

Sep 29, 2021

The Pharisees consider themselves blameless before the law if they have refrained from physically committing adultery. But Jesus says righteousness requires more. It requires inward submission to the will of God and accepting the boundaries He has placed on your life, including your sexuality.

10 rules for interpreting the Bible + an example

10 rules for interpreting the Bible + an example

Sep 28, 2021

Wayne Grudem’s 10 rules for how to interpret the Bible. The first 3 rules are the most important.

6 Basic Tools for Bible Study

6 Basic Tools for Bible Study

Sep 27, 2021

If you’re building a bible study library, here are the basic tools you need to get started.

25 Why Jesus Says Your Anger Makes You Guilty of Murder (Matthew 5:21-26)

25 Why Jesus Says Your Anger Makes You Guilty of Murder (Matthew 5:21-26)

Sep 22, 2021

The Pharisees believed they were righteous because no court could convict them of murder. But Jesus countered that if courts were in charge of judging righteousness, then responding to others with unloving anger would get you arrested; and calling people insulting names would get you thrown into the fires of judgment.

sanctify, hagiazo, G37

sanctify, hagiazo, G37

Sep 20, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek verb for to sanctify or to make holy.

24 Why Your Righteousness Must Surpass the Pharisees (Matthew 5:17-20)

24 Why Your Righteousness Must Surpass the Pharisees (Matthew 5:17-20)

Sep 15, 2021

In the second section of this sermon Jesus warns that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. Unlike them, we must have a genuine commitment to the Scriptures and what they teach if we want to find life in the kingdom of God. We must seek to understand the full demands of the Law and want to obey it.

Old Testament Canon: Why these books?

Old Testament Canon: Why these books?

Sep 13, 2021

The canon of Scripture is the list of all the books that belong in the Bible. The Bible, the Apocrypha and history all testify to the historical development of the Old Testament canon.

Overview of Biblical History | WednesdayintheWord.com

Overview of Biblical History

Sep 3, 2021

Whenever you study Scripture, it’s important to know where your particular passage fits into biblical history. As Karl Barth said: “The Bible is not a philosophical book, but a history book, the book of God’s mighty acts, in which God becomes knowable to us.” Here’s a simple overview of biblical history.

What is hope and what good is it?

What is hope and what good is it?

Sep 1, 2021

The “so what” of being justified by faith is now we have a reason to boast. Paul explains the 3 things we boast about in Romans 5:1-11. The first is hope.

hypocrites, hupokrites, G5273

hypocrites, hupokrites, G5273

Aug 30, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for hypocrite, hupokrités.

August 2021 Reflections

August 2021 Reflections

Aug 29, 2021

The Wednesday in the Word podcast is on break to celebrate the arrival of my newest grandchild! We’ll return to the Gospel of Matthew in mid-September. We finished the beatitudes We’ll pick up with the “Antitheses.”

What is saving faith and why is it so important?

What is saving faith and why is it so important?

Aug 25, 2021

Saving faith is the permanent, ongoing trust in God that one day He will free me completely from all the consequences and effects of sin because of the blood of Jesus Christ. Saving faith itself is a gift from God and it involves 4 things.

logos, word, G3056

logos, word, G3056

Aug 23, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for word, logos

What is justification and why do I need it?

What is justification and why do I need it?

Aug 18, 2021

There are 2 consequences to our sin: 1) We experience death and futility. 2) Our rebellion is wrong and we now owe a debt to justice that must be paid. Justification is the payment of that debt.

perfect, teleios, G5046

perfect, teleios, G5046

Aug 16, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek adjective for perfect, teleios.

What is life & death and why should I care?

What is life & death and why should I care?

Aug 11, 2021

Understanding the gospel means we must understand the problem that the gospel solves. While the word gospel means “good news,” understanding the gospel begins with bad news: death.

perfect, telos, G5056

perfect, telos, G5056

Aug 9, 2021

Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek noun for perfect, telos.

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