Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
The theology of Spiritual Formation sounds great on paper, but it is focused on the wrong target. Spiritual formation is “an intentional Christian practice with the goal of developing spiritual maturity that leads to Christ-likeness.” The central claim of...
In modern American culture growing older seems to mean becoming invisible; unfortunately this trend is also infecting the church. Relegating older women to the nostalgia-bin is a symptom of “The Huddle Syndrome.” Fortunately, the Huddle Syndrome is easy to break.
So you’d like to teach the Bible? How do you get started? How do you decide if Bible teaching is your calling? Here’s my advice for aspiring teachers.
If I could sum up James, in one verse, it would be Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” The central question of the book of James is: Are you living what you claim to believe?
If you think that worship equals singing, A Taste of Heaven: Worship in the Light of Eternity by RC Sproul is a must-read book for you.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus would ask a question, especially one he already knows the answer to? This series looks at the places where Jesus asks a question in the Gospel of Mark.
There’s nothing like the Christmas season to force you to face the fact that life is often neither joyful nor triumphant. It raises the question, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
75% of Psalms are 1 of three main types: lament, thanksgiving or praise. Here is the general form for praise psalms.
75% of Psalms are 1 of three main types: lament, thanksgiving or praise. Here is the general form for lament psalms.
75% of Psalms are 1 of three main types: lament, thanksgiving or praise. Here is the general form for Thanksgiving psalms.
"Spiritual formation" is a hot topic today. But does it work? The Old Testament prophet Haggai would answer no. Spiritual formation is "an intentional Christian practice with the goal of developing spiritual maturity that leads to Christ-likeness." ...
Recently, my life has been marked by loss. Like the Beatles, how I long for yesterday! The last place I expected to find comfort was in the Old Testament Book of Haggai — yet I did.
A good teacher tailors her presentation to her audience. The same is true of the four New Testament gospels. Each gospel writer had a different audience in mind and tailored his presentation of the story to his audience.
Maps, charts, study guide – everything you need to study the book of Habakkuk.
What can the story of a coal miner’s kid trying to build rockets teach us about Bible Study and Psalm 27?
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.
Which side you take on some basic theological questions makes a world of difference in how you live your life.
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.
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.
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.
How could a 12-year old astonish the best theologians of his day? Why was the knowledge of Jesus radically different than everyone else?
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.
Learn when storytelling strengthens Bible teaching and when it distracts. Discover simple guidelines to use stories with clarity, power, and purpose.
“Rule of In”: a simple tip for healthy small group dynamics. Learn how to welcome newcomers, and keep people in the circle, not pushed out.
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.
Think about what you’d wish for if you had a genie. Think about what you pray for. How similar are they?
Learn how to avoid plagiarism in Bible study with clear do’s, don’ts, and real examples—when to cite, how to credit sources, and what to change.
This series examines the Temptations of Jesus with the goal of learning how to face waiting and affliction with hope, trust and endurance.
Here’s advice from an expert on how not to burn out your retreat speaker.
Discover a proven framework for evaluating ministry effectiveness beyond attendance numbers. Learn 20+ questions to assess spiritual impact, leadership development, and gospel-centered growth in your church programs.
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.
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.
Failed CEOs shared these 7 habits. What about leaders in the church?
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.
Putting servant leadership into practice: thoughts on leading from moral authority rather than hierarchy.
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.