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.
01 Introduction to the Gospel of Mark
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Blog
Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
Numbers Quotes in the New Testament
Quotations/Allusions to the Old Testament book of Numbers in the New Testament
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leviticus quotes in the New Testament
New Testament Citations of the Old Testament book of Leviticus
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.
Parable of the Great Banquet
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.
Numbers Bible Study Resources
Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study the Old Testament book of Numbers.
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.
Leviticus Bible Study Resources
Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study the Old Testament book of Leviticus.
Exodus & Numbers Parallels
A chart of the parallel passages found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Numbers.
Return of the Unclean Spirit (Matthew 12:43-45)
Matthew 12:43-44 contains one of the most difficult sayings of Jesus. This passage can only be solved with good Bible study methodology.
Exodus quotes in the New Testament
Quotations/Allusions to the Old Testament book of Exodus in the New Testament
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.
May 2020 Reflections
1Corinthians is the textbook case for understanding context. This is a profoundly important claim about the way we approach the Bible.
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.
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.
47 How 1 Corinthians Exposes Our Worldliness and Calls Us Back to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 16)
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.
46 The End of Death: Our Final Transformation (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)
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.
45 What Will Our Resurrection Bodies Be Like? (1 Corinthians 15:29-49)
Paul answers an objection to the resurrection raised by his opponents with three comparisons: a seed versus the plant it becomes; Adam who brought death versus Christ who brings life; and natural lie now versus transformed life in the kingdom of God.
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.
44 The Goal of History: Christ’s Reign and the End of Death (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
In correcting the Corinthians’ view that there is no resurrection, Paul argues that resurrection is an essential part of the way God intends to solve the problem of sin and death.
43 Why Christ’s Resurrection Matters (1 Corinthians 15:1-19)
Paul starts correcting the Corinthians view that there is no resurrection from the dead by making two points: 1) Jesus, the man, was resurrected and 2) if Jesus wasn’t resurrected, then his death accomplished nothing and we are still guilty before God.
42 Should Women Keep Silent in Church? (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)
Paul gives the Corinthians a rule for deciding when to speak in their public gatherings: If your speech does not edify the group, keep silent. If your speech does edify the group, take turns in an orderly fashion.
What is Good Friday?
What is Good Friday? Learn what happened, why Christians call it “good,” what the Bible says about the crucifixion, and how to observe it with meaning.
41 Why Some Gifts are Greater (1 Corinthians 14:1-25)
Paul argues that prophesy is a better than tongues because prophesy edifies the larger body while speaking in tongues edifies only the speaker. Implicit in his argument is that we should value truth over emotion.
Ruth Bible Study Resources
Everything you need to kick start your study of the Old Testament book of Ruth
40 Faith, Hope, and Love: Why Love Is the Greatest (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
Before he explains what he means by the greatest gifts, Paul interrupts his argument to explain something more important than all of the individual gifts: love.
March 2020 Reflections
I think 1Corinthians 12-14 are some of the most profound chapters in the letter. In correcting the Corinthians’ view of speaking in tongues, Paul gives us a valuable perspective we can apply to many important issues in life. I’m grateful to finally have a chance to teach through them.
COVID Cville Church Services
Here’s where you can find some of our local churches during the COVID closures. If you visit them online now, when the closures are over, you’ll feel right at home going in person.
39 What Does Real Love Look Like? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Paul’s famous passage on the attributes of love is part of a 3-chapter argument. In this podcast we focus on what Paul is saying about love and why Paul felt it was important to correct the Corinthians understanding of love. In the next podcast, we’ll examine how this passage fits into the context of his overall argument.
38 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 Understanding the body of Christ
Paul compares the people of God to the unity and diversity of the human body. In this rich analogy, Paul teaches us how we should view ourselves, how we should view each other and where we should find our worth.
37 Should Everyone Speak in Tongues? (1 Corinthians 12:11-13)
As Paul continues discussing the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, we pause to consider what that tells us about speaking in tongues today. Should everyone speak in tongues?