What can the story of a coal miner’s kid trying to build rockets teach us about Bible Study and Psalm 27?
Psalm 27: A goal worth having
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Blog
Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
Psalm 143: Dealing with depression
Psalm 143 is about being in the deepest blackest pit of despair and finding God anyway. It’s about depression, but the particular depression and anguish you feel when you’re confronted with the consequences of your sin.
Reformed Theology
Which side you take on some basic theological questions makes a world of difference in how you live your life.
2Samuel: David as King
1 & 2 Samuel reflect two sides of a promise — the promise to David that he would be king over Israel. In 1 Samuel David is waiting for that promise to be fulfilled. In 2 Samuel the promise is fulfilled.
1Samuel: Path to Kingship
In the book of 1 Samuel records three “tectonic shifts” in how God structures His kingdom. These three shifts are to prepare the way for the next major shift: transforming God’s people from with a geopolitical identity to a people with a heavenly identity.
Basics of Bible Interpretation
If you’re looking for a refresher course on how to study the Bible or want to start learning, Bob Smith’s Basics of Bible Interpretation is still a good choice.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple and what that teaches us about Bible Study
How could a 12-year old astonish the best theologians of his day? Why was the knowledge of Jesus radically different than everyone else?
Sin and academic perfection
All through my academic career I rubbed shoulders with people smarter than I. The standard was always higher than I could reach, no matter how I hard I tried. Holiness is like that.
When to tell a story in teaching
Teaching through stories is increasingly popular. But there is a downside. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls.
Small Group Dynamics: The Rule of “In”
In new groups, participants often seek connections through icebreaker questions. How we respond impacts the future community. I’ve learned to employ what I call the “Rule of In”.
45+ Sample Icebreakers
Tired of the same old icebreakers? Are you using the same 3 interesting facts about yourself at every gathering? Here are some sample icebreakers to kick start your thinking.
What to pray when you don’t know what to pray for
Think about what you’d wish for if you had a genie. Think about what you pray for. How similar are they?
Plagiarism and Bible Teaching
You’ve probably heard the joke that the greatest insult you can give a Bible teacher is that your work is both original and good. Why is that funny? The part that’s original is not good, and the part that’s good is not original. The goal of Bible study is to be right, not original.
Temptations of Jesus: Dealing with doubt & despair
This series examines the Temptations of Jesus with the goal of learning how to face waiting and affliction with hope, trust and endurance.
7 Things to Remember When You Invite an Event Speaker
Here’s advice from an expert on how not to burn out your retreat speaker.
Criteria for evaluating a ministry
How do you know when a ministry is working? Numbers do not always reflect an accurate picture. These questions will help.
I’m Confused, You’re Annoying, and He’s Pig-Headed. To God be the Glory!
Can God use less-than-perfect believers without also perfecting them at the same time? Do their failures negate the good examples of Abraham and David? Apparently not.
Loving someone with cancer
In an 11 month period, my mother died of breast cancer and both my mother-in-law and her mother died of lung cancer. Here’s what I learned about how to love, help and support someone living with cancer and their caretaker.
7 Habits of Spectacularly Unsuccessful Leaders
Failed CEOs shared these 7 habits. What about leaders in the church?
Divine Secrets of the Yahweh Sisterhood
Becoming a believer is in some ways like becoming a Ya-Ya. When you become a believer, not only do you gain a vertical relationship with God, you gain a horizontal relationship with other believers.
Servant Leadership in Practice
Putting servant leadership into practice: thoughts on leading from moral authority rather than hierarchy.
Mary & Martha: A lesson for Women’s Ministry
Martha chose to serve physical food while Mary chose to receive spiritual food. Mary chose wisely. When Jesus comes to town, all of us should drop everything to listen.
Drawing the Doctrinal Line
Which of our many doctrinal differences should Christians worry about? After all, one person’s heresy is another person’s minor difference of opinion.
What is the Glory of God?
When Paul writes in Ephesians 2 that believers are “growing into a holy temple in the Lord” and “being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit”, he’s drawing on rich Old Testament history.
What if I failed my Bible reading plan?
Approximately one-third of those who started a Bible reading plan in January abandon it by February. By May that number will drop to half. What if you are one of the statistics?
5 Ideas NOT believe about your English Bible
What do you believe about your English translation of the Bible? Here are 5 ideas you should NOT hold.
7 Steps to Discover Your God-Given Calling
Explore 7 biblical steps to find your unique calling. Learn how to align your passions with God’s purpose and overcome obstacles through faith
The Dividing Line
The Apostle Paul divides humanity by one thing: those who belong to God and those who don’t. It is the only distinction that matters.
Why I reject Emergent Theology
Emergent Theology claims theological certainty is an idol, but Paul claims the authority to speak on behalf of God.
An exceptionally good Christmas
Alone and cold in a German prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “I think we are going to have an exceptionally good Christmas.” As I sit in warmth and comfort, I wonder at his words.
What Men Wish Women Knew About Men
What one particular husband thinks that other husbands might appreciate him telling their wives.
Ephesians Bible Study Resources
Everything you need to kick start your study of Ephesians: discussion questions, bible study tools, maps, charts, key words and podcasts.
Ephesians: Our New Life in Christ
Paul writes to instruct and exhort believers as to the full ramifications of their relationship with Jesus Christ, including what Christ accomplished on their behalf and the appropriate change in their lifestyle as a response.
Cats and the End of the World
The day our cat died our daughter changed her Facebook status to “starting over from the end of the world.”
Role Playing
To compare roles is to count paper clips. Neither is a valid measure of our worth.
Barnabas: Playing Second Fiddle
Barnabas is an great example of the incredible good you can do when you don’t care who gets credit.