Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
These two parables in Luke 18 (The Widow & the Unjust Judge and the Pharisee and the Tax-gatherer) deal with prayer. But the underlying theme is how we achieve justification.
The only solution to real guilt is real forgiveness. Forgiveness is a universal need of all humankind. Not only is forgiveness something we all need, forgiveness is also something we must give. But how?
The Parable of the Unjust Steward has always been disturbing. At first reading, Jesus appears to commend the steward for being a liar and a thief. Careful study reveals an alternative.
The Pharisees grumble against Jesus for eating with sinners. Jesus responds with 3 parables which challenge their definition of repentance and their attitude towards repentant and unrepentant sinners.
What do you do if you know that — left to yourself apart from the grace of God — you are unable to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37)?
Since the Messiah was expected to establish his kingdom on earth and that would involve a moral cleansing, why isn’t Jesus judging Gentiles and evildoers? The Parable of the Wheat & the Tares explains why Jesus’ ministry is not meeting this expectation.
Since just what you would expect to happen in the Parable of the Sower & the Seed happens, this story must have sounded pointless to those who heard it without explanation. Why would Jesus tell it?
Parables are serious theology. But they are metaphorical theology. They teach through metaphor, simile, and dramatic action rather than through logic or reasoning, drawing us into the story.
Parables are serious theology. But they are metaphorical theology. They teach through metaphor, simile, and dramatic action rather than through logic or reasoning,drawing us into the story.
Can I resist the working of God’s grace in my life to the point where I am no longer saved?
You may never have thought this question through. You may be inconsistent in how you live it out. But how you answer some basic theological questions makes a world of difference in daily life.
Commentaries can kick-start your thinking when you hit a dead end but should not be a substitute for your own work. Here’s my two rules of thumb.
What happens when pastors start looking at their congregation as a means to an end instead of a flock to shepherd? Consider these real-life examples of the ways 3 different churches went about seeking volunteers.
Multi-volume encyclopedias are good sources for historical and biblical themes. But background information does not impose meaning.
Lexicons & dictionaries can reveal what might be “lost in translation” but they also tempt us to fall into the trap of “I learned a fact about a word and I must use it.”
Are we to believe NT Wright, like Dr. Bramwell, is the first to get it right? Should we so easily brush away “centuries of theological tradition”? Chronological snobbery cuts both ways.
A concordance is an organized list of all the biblical texts which contain a given word. Concordances allow you to broaden your understanding of how a word is used and its range of meanings.
Improve your spiritual life with 30 Bible study tips; practical methods to deepen understanding, boost consistency, and grow closer to God.
Why should I have confidence that God answers my prayers? According to James, I have confidence that my prayers will be answered because of who is answering my prayer, not because my prayer is perfect, powerful or articulate.
Bible Maps. Access to geographical information about the ancient near east will improve your Bible Study. Here’s where to find good maps.
Not sure which Bible to read? Learn the difference between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase translations—and which one is best for study and devotion.
How do you know if you’ve successfully understood a passage of Scripture? Start by understanding and embracing these basic interpretative convictions.
The main theme of James is that faith devoid of works is not real faith and won’t save anyone. The Reformers used the language: “we are justified by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone.” Faith that is alone is one devoid of works.
In 5:1-11, James begins the conclusion of the book which is a call to repentance. As he calls for repentance, he returns to his 2 main examples of the kind of change repentance should bring about in our lives. Our speech and they way we handle wealth.
Desires play a key role in the life of faith. The question is how we handle our desires and whether we are willing to listen to what God says about them.
Fights and quarrels among believers are symptoms of a deeper problem of leaning on earthly wisdom rather than seeking God’s wisdom.
Operating with earthly wisdom comes easy and naturally to us. We have to seek God to gain godly wisdom. How, then, do we gain it?
Since Bible teachers presume to explain the word of God to others, James warns them to seriously consider the responsibility before seeking the job.
James 2:21-26 is the second half of the “problem” passage where it appears that the Apostles James and Paul disagree about how we are justified. The key to resolving the apparent contradiction is context. James and Paul are addressing two different questions.
James and Paul appear to contradict each other because they use the same vocabulary: faith, works and justification. Plus they both appeal to Abraham. But they use the same language in very different contexts to address different problems and answer different questions.
Judging by external appearance is at the heart of James 2:1-13. But James is not concerned with whether we are nice to people or not. James is raising a more profound question: how are you looking at the world?
Discover why a lifelong Bible lover struggles with sermons—and how Scripture alone reshaped her faith, thinking, and spiritual practice.
God has identified the real problem in our lives and the only solution. But we easily deceive ourselves. The real issue is how are you going to respond to this message? Are you willing to hear God out?
A recently engaged woman learned her fiancee has “ongoing struggles with pornography.” She isn’t sure what to do. Assuming sin usually runs deeper than we care to admit, my advice would be postpone the wedding until the she can answer “yes” to two questions.
The poor believer will be exalted. The rich unbeliever will be humiliated. It may seem the other way around right now, but if you understand the gospel, it should change your perspective.
When did we learn that all hardship is harmful, that every unknown is dangerous, and that even the tiniest failure must be avoided? It is a logical conclusion if we alone are responsible for everything, but James would say otherwise.