After the death of King Solomon, two of his sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, fought for the throne. When Rehoboam harshly raised taxes on the people, the 10 northern tribes rebelled and installed Jeroboam as their king, creating the northern kingdom of Israel. The two southern tribes, Benjamin and Judah, remained with Rehoboam and became the kingdom of Judah.
Introduction to the Exile & Return
The period of the divided kingdom ended with the people of Israel being taken into captivity. Here is an overview and timeline of the exile of Israel and her return from captivity.
What happened between the Old and New Testaments?
The time between the end of the Old Testament (400BC from the prophet Malachi) to the preaching of John the Baptist (25 AD) is known as the “intertestamental” period. Here’s an overview of what happened.
Small Groups: How to Keep New People From Feeling Left Out
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”.
What is Lent?
What is Lent? Is it an official Christian holiday? Was it instituted in the Bible? What — if anything — is required of believers during Lent?
How to Format Your Notes so You Teach Better
Ultimately, how you handle your speaking notes will depend on personal preference. As you experiment, here are some ideas that may help you find your style and prepare like a pro.
What if I failed my Bible reading plan?
It’s February. 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?
Avoiding Plagiarism in Bible Study: Do’s, Don’ts, and Examples
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.
Want to Teach the Bible? Read this First
Learn how to become a Bible teacher with 6 clear steps from study habits to mentorship and prep time, so you can teach with confidence.
4 People You Need to Improve your Teaching
Grow as a Bible teacher with four key roles—cheerleader, coach, critic, craftsman. Learn to find them, set expectations, and trust the team.
How to Discern “God’s Voice” Without Getting Misled
You’ve probably heard a teacher, pastor or preacher say something to the effect “and then God told me.” What’s up with that? What role does personal experience and/or personal revelation play in Bible study? For me, the bottom line is: Scripture takes precedence over emotions and experience; and teachers ought to strive for accuracy and precision in their language. Here are the guidelines I use when teaching.
Preaching: When Telling a Story Helps (and When It Hurts)
Teaching through stories is increasingly popular. But there is a downside. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls.












