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

05 What is your name? Mark 5:1-20

05 What is your name? Mark 5:1-20

This question is addressed to the legion of demons who are tormenting the man in the graveyard, and it is asked in the presence of the disciples. Why would Jesus care about the name?

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04 Why are you so afraid? Mark 4:35-41

04 Why are you so afraid? Mark 4:35-41

Perhaps the most difficult question that skeptics ask is the question of suffering. How can God be all-powerful and all-loving and allow His people to live in tragedy and anguish? The disciples ask “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus responds reveals the problem of suffering is ultimately a problem of faith.

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03 Good or evil, life or death? Mark 2:23-3:6

03 Good or evil, life or death? Mark 2:23-3:6

Mark 2:23-3:6 contains two stories back-to-back about the sanctity of the Sabbath. In the first story, the Pharisees accuse the disciples of Jesus of breaking the Sabbath. In the second story, Jesus turns the tables on the Pharisees and accuses them of being the real Sabbath breakers.

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02 What’s easiest to say? Mark 2:1-12

02 What’s easiest to say? Mark 2:1-12

This passage contains two questions addressed to the Pharisees when the paralyzed man was lowered through his roof. Jesus challenges them, asking whether they serve a Lord who forgives and delights in forgiveness or one who withholds forgiveness? Passage 2:1And when...

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01 Gospel of Mark Introduction

01 Gospel of Mark Introduction

Have you ever wondered why Jesus would ask a question, especially one he already knows the answer to? Divine questions are meant to be answered on a deeper level.

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What does it mean to carry your cross? Luke 14:25-35

What does it mean to carry your cross? Luke 14:25-35

Jesus said whoever does not bear his own cross cannot be his disciple. This passage can be terrifying because Jesus makes strong claims about hating your family and your own life. If we claim to follow Jesus, then we need to know exactly what he requires to be his disciple.

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What is a disciple?

What is a disciple?

The Greek word usually translated disciple simply means a student or one who learns. But it was a particular kind of student in Jesus’ day.

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Introduction to the Pentateuch

Introduction to the Pentateuch

The first five books of the Old Testament — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy — are collectively been known as the Pentateuch. The Jews usually call the Pentateuch the law or the Torah.

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2 Thessalonians Study Resources

2 Thessalonians Study Resources

Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians.

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June 2020 Reflections

June 2020 Reflections

During my study break, I will randomly offer single podcasts that illustrate good Bible study methodology or that are passages I’ve always wanted to teach. I’ve also been adding to the number of resource pages to aid you in your study.

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Word Study Shortcuts

Word Study Shortcuts

While I recommend you learn how to do your own word studies, here are some shortcuts you can take to save time, to get past “study block” or compare your ideas with someone else’s.

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The Great Banquet Parable, Luke 14:7-24

The Great Banquet Parable, Luke 14:7-24

In Luke 14, Jesus gives a series of parables in rapid secession. They are all set at a banquet. These parables aren’t as famous as some of the other parables Jesus tells. They are relatively straightforward so they tend to get overshadowed by other parables like the prodigal son. But I think they are very profound.

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Judges of Israel Chart

Judges of Israel Chart

The book of Judges tells of the various leaders raised up to deliver Israel from the enemies remaining in the land after the conquest under Joshua. The Judges of Israel (c. 1375–1050 BC) came from various tribes and regions of Israel.

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Exodus Bible Study Resources

Exodus Bible Study Resources

Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study the Old Testament book of Exodus.

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May 2020 Reflections

May 2020 Reflections

1Corinthians is the textbook case for understanding context. This is a profoundly important claim about the way we approach the Bible.

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Study break

Study break

The podcast is on study break before we start a new series. During my study break, I will randomly offer single podcasts that illustrate good Bible study methodology. Or you can listen to any of over 500 previous episodes.

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Scripture Quotes Scripture

Scripture Quotes Scripture

The New Testament is our divinely inspired commentary on the Old Testament. When studying a passage, it’s often helpful to see how other biblical authors understood it.

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47 1 Corinthians 16 Final Thoughts

47 1 Corinthians 16 Final Thoughts

In the business end of the letter, Paul explains his travel plans and gives his final admonitions. We’ll also reflect on two important themes we learned from the letter as a whole.

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46 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 The end of death

46 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 The end of death

Paul argues that death is a bigger problem than we think because it is more than the end of our earthly life. It is the doorway to judgment. But God will give us mercy in judgment and victory over death because of Jesus Christ.

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April 2020 Reflections

April 2020 Reflections

Paul’s discussion of the resurrection in 1Corinthians 15 is powerful! Somehow I never seriously studied this chapter before and I can’t believe how profound Paul’s argument is.

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