Everything you need to kick start your study of the Old Testament book of Esther.
Esther Bible Study Resources
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Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
36 What Are Spiritual Gifts? (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
Paul argues that while all believers have the same Spirit, God distributes different gifts to different believers on purpose. Paul’s point in this section is not to give a catalog of gifts, but examples of the diverse ways the Spirit works.
What are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are not fixed supernatural talents but roles and opportunities God gives believers to serve one another for the common good.
February 2020 Reflections
I hope thinking through the issues surrounding communion has been as meaningful for you as it has been for me. But I’m really looking forward to what’s coming next! 1Corinthians 12-14 has been on my bucket list of “things I want to teach” for a long time!
35 What Is the Mark of True Spirituality? (1 Corinthians 12:1-3)
Paul starts the topic of spiritual gifts in 1Corinthians 12. The Corinthians are confused in thinking that speaking in tongues is the mark of true spirituality and that those who have not spoken in tongues are lesser Christians. Paul lays the foundation in 12:1-3 for his argument which will run through chapter 14.
What is an Apostle? 4 Biblical Qualifications
What is an apostle? Learn the biblical meaning, four qualifications of Christ’s apostles, who the apostles were, and why their authority matters.
34 What it Means to Take Communion in an Unworthy Manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-34)
What does it mean to take communion in an unworthy manner? How are we to examine ourselves before participating? In this podcast, we look at what Paul found wrong with the way the Corinthians were handling the Lord’s Supper and what he wants them to do instead.
33 Why We Take Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
What’s the connection between Passover and Communion? Why are we suppose to celebrate the Lord’s Supper? In this podcast, we look at how Paul explains the significance of the Lord’s Supper.
Study Tools by Book of the Bible
Have you tried cooking without measuring devices? You may bake an edible cake, but it won’t be your best. Having the right tools makes the job better. On this one page, you’ll find links to the resources for sorted by book of the Bible.
Best Online Resources for Deeper Bible Study
Find trusted online Bible study tools, apps, maps, commentaries, and language resources to help you study Scripture in context.
How to get a Wednesday in the Word “App”
Did you know you can make an “app” (really a shortcut icon) on your mobile device so you can quickly access all the resources on Wednesday in the Word? It’s quick, easy and will give you a shortcut to all everything on the website. But you’ll still want to subscribe to the podcast for easy listening.
32 What Was Wrong with the Lord’s Supper in Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)
What’s the problem with the way the Corinthians are handling the Lord’s Supper? Some think the key issue is that they were profaning a holy ritual. Others think the key issue is mistreating the poor. I think the key issue is their lack of belief.
January 2020 Reflections
Thanks for the awesome feedback on the 1Corinthians 11 head covering passage! I hesitated to put my views out there given the controversial nature of the passage. But your feedback has been worth it! Now it’s on to the Lord’s Supper and then spiritual gifts. THANKS for listening!
Old Testament Books in Chronological Order
The Old Testament books in chronological order with the traditional dates. Chronological means the events recorded in the books took place during this period and/or the author wrote during this period.
31 What Does ‘Head’ Mean? Ephesians, Christ, the Church, and a Husband’s Responsibility
Most everyone agrees that Paul is speaking metaphorically, but few agree exactly what he means by the metaphor of head. To understand Paul’s use of head in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, we look at Paul’s use of head in all his other letters, particularly in Ephesians.
How is the Old Testament organized?
In the Christian Bible, the Old Testament is divided into 4 main parts based on genre. Within each genre, books are organized by author, chronology and size.
30 What does ‘Head’ in Corinthians? A Genesis-Based Look at Headship
Paul appeals to the creation of Adam and Eve to make his argument. This podcasts examines what Genesis 2 teaches us and why Paul appeals to it.
Women in Authority: What the Bible says
These 5 passages are the most commonly discussed in debating the question of whether women should teach or have authority in the church.
29 Are Women’s Head Coverings Cultural? Hats, Wedding Rings, and How to Apply the Bible Today (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)
The cultural background behind Paul’s advice on women wearing head coverings is incomplete and contradictory. Here’s what we know and (what I think is) the best way to put it together.
What Church Positions are Open to Women?
What church positions are open to women? This chart shows the spectrum of church leadership roles open to women depending on your view.
28 Should Women Wear Head Coverings? (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)
When a woman participates in a public worship service, is it proper for a her to uncover her head? This podcast gives an overview of what (I think) Paul meant to say and what it means for us today. If you only want the bottom line, listen to this podcast. The next several podcasts cover the details and the controversies.
What is a Soft Complementarian?
The views regarding women in authority in the church can be generalized into 3 basic positions: hard complementarian (most restrictive), soft complementarian (less restrictive), and egalitarian (least restrictive). This is a summary of the soft complementarian position.
What is a Hard Complementarian?
The views regarding women in authority in the church can be generalized into 3 basic positions: hard complementarian (most restrictive), soft complementarian (less restrictive), and egalitarian (least restrictive). This is a summary of the hard complementarian position.
What is an Egalitarian?
The views regarding women in authority in the church can be generalized into 3 basic positions: hard complementarian (most restrictive), soft complementarian (less restrictive), and egalitarian (least restrictive). This is a summary of the egalitarian position.
Women in Authority Resources
Should women teach and/or have authority in the church? Here are resources to help you understand the debate and answer that question.
Should Women Wear Head Coverings Today?
A 4-week study on 1 Corinthians 11. Should women cover their heads in church today?
2019 Reflections
My 2020 goals are to: 1) break 500 podcasts (currently at 479) and 2) pass 150,000 downloads (currently 121,159). I need your support! Please subscribe to the podcast and tell a friend about it.
Holiday Study Break
The podcast is on break for the holidays. In the meantime, please listen to a previous episode or series. May I suggest one of these:
November 2019 Recap
After 10 chapters in 27 podcasts on 1Corinthians, I’ll be taking a break for the holidays. But we will tackle the head covering passage when the podcast returns in January. THANKS for listening!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m grateful for your involvement with Wednesday in the Word.
27 How to Use Your Freedom Without Playing With Idols (1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1)
Paul concludes by summarizing the his 2 main points: 1) We should limit our freedoms out of love for our neighbor; and 2) We need to take care lest our freedoms are a covering for idolatry.
26 Does God Always Provide to Escape Temptation? (1 Corinthians 10:13)
1Corinthians 10:13 is often memorized as a stand-alone verse that promises God always provides a way to escape sin, if only you’ll take it. But in context, Paul is saying something quite different.
25 Take Heed Lest You Fall: Is Going to Church Enough? (1 Corinthians 10:1-12)
Appealing to the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, Paul warns that not everyone who saw the miracles entered the promised land. Being part of the tribe does not guarantee God’s favor.
24 Why Paul Refused To Take Support: Living on Support, Part 2 (1 Corinthians 9:15-27)
In 1Corinthians 9, Paul uses his own situation as an example of how the Corinthians ought to think about exercising their freedom. As an apostle, Paul has the right to receive financial support, but declined to take any support from them. He wants the Corinthians to learn from his example and exercise their freedom the same way. In part 2 of his argument, Paul explains why he declined to take support.
23 Should Pastors Be Paid? Living on Support Part 1 (1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
In 1Corinthians 9, Paul uses his own situation as an example of how the Corinthians ought to think about exercising their freedom. As an apostle, Paul has the right to receive financial support, but declined to take any support from them. He wants the Corinthians to learn from his example and exercise their freedom the same way. In part 1 of his argument, Paul defends his right to accept support.
October 2019 Recap
I admit I was dreading the meat sacrificed to idols section (1Corinthians 8-10). How could that possibly be relevant today? Now I wish I’d studied it years ago! I hope you’re finding it as challenging and engaging as I am. October milestones: We set a new record for subscribers in one month, and we hit podcast #475! How should we celebrate #500?