Understanding Hebrew Poetry
The key to understanding Hebrew poetry and Wisdom Literature is knowing that the “rhyme” of ideas is more important than the sounds. This “rhyming” of ideas is called parallelism.
Marks of false Teachers
A vital part of your Bible study arsenal is learning to recognize false teachers. Here are three interesting lists — both modern and classic — on how to discern a true teacher from a false teacher. Notice the similarities.
5 Questions to Identify a Cult
How do you recognize a group which claims to represent genuine, apostolic Christianity but in reality does not? Here are 5 questions that separate “the sheep” from “the wolves.”
Emergent Theology building on thin air
Emergent Theology claims theological certainty is an idol, but Paul claims the authority to speak on behalf of God.
Growing Older and Breaking the Huddle Syndrome
With my birthday approaching, I’m again wondering “how someone so young can be this old?” That thought inspired this 2015 post on how in modern American culture growing older means becoming invisible. Unfortunately this trend is also infecting the church.
45+ Sample Icebreakers
Tired of the same old icebreakers? Are you using the same 3 interesting facts about yourself at every group and gathering? Here are 45 sample icebreakers to kick start your thinking.
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.
Women’s Ministry Survey Example
As a ministry leader, you often do surveys. But what questions should ask? Which questions solicit the best input? After 30 years in ministry — and countless surveys! — these are the questions I’ve found most helpful.
How to use commentaries
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.
When should I use a Bible encyclopedia?
Multi-volume encyclopedias are good sources for historical and biblical themes. But background information does not impose meaning.
What good is a Bible dictionary?
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.”
What is a concordance and why do I need one?
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. There are 3 types: analytical, exhaustive and complete.
About the Author
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.