Biblical Studies / Bible Figures

  • The Promise Confirmed

    Genesis 35:9–12

    Secular psychology has rightly caused many believers to be wary of the emphasis on “self-esteem” found in many areas of life today. However, while secular attempts to improve one’s self-image are questionable at best, there is in Scripture a ...Read More

  • The Promise Kept

    Genesis 46:8–25

    Today, we also wait for the promises of God to reach their fullness. And like Jacob we have evidence all around us that the Lord is keeping His word, though the proofs we can see are far greater. Around the ...Read More

  • The Promise to Isaac, Part 1

    Genesis 26:1–5

    As we have said repeatedly, our obedience does not earn us a place in the kingdom, it only shows that we possess the faith that lays hold of salvation (James 2:14–26). Redemption’s greatest blessing is the Lord ...Read More

  • The Promise to Isaac, Part 2

    Genesis 26:17–35

    Isaac’s quiet nature is one biblical example of the maxim: “Our greatest strength is also our greatest weakness.” Peter’s eagerness to make himself heard also manifests this principle (Matt. 16:13–23). Take time today to consider that ...Read More

  • The Return to Canaan

    Genesis 13:1-4

    All of those who are in Christ are also the Israel of God (Gal. 6:16). We can therefore expect that God is moving to provide for His faithful servants just as He did under the old covenant, even if ...Read More

  • The Revelation

    Genesis 45

    We often long for things to be “just as they were before [fill in the blank] happened” in our relationships with other people. If we are the main offending party, however, we cannot realistically expect this to happen if our ...Read More

  • The Revelation of Mystery

    Ephesians 3:3

    Cults commonly claim to have special teachings that are available only to a few who are wise enough to understand them or have enough money to buy this knowledge. This is far different from biblical Christianity, which assumes that God ...Read More

  • There Was Strife

    Genesis 13:5–7

    If we are not careful, we can allow the good gifts of the Creator to bring difficulties to our lives. Parents who favor one child over another can provoke envy between siblings and enmity between parent and child. Likewise, when ...Read More

  • The Seriousness of Sin

    Joshua 7

    By our obedience to God’s commands we can by no means earn our place in His kingdom. Nevertheless, that does not mean that our faithfulness to His law is unimportant. As those converted by His Spirit through the preaching ...Read More

  • The Sin of the Famished

    1 Samuel 14:31-35

    No man can see all the repercussions that will ripple outward from a decision. Only God can see the end from the beginning. But leaders ought to give thought to the possible consequences of their actions. Pray that God will ...Read More

  • The Son Versus the Servant

    Hebrews 3:1–6

    Like Moses, we too are servants of God, and we want the Lord to pronounce us as good and faithful servants on the last day. While our service can by no means earn us a place in the kingdom and ...Read More

  • The Sure Blessings of David

    Acts 13:13-52

    Being faithful and true, God must keep His covenant promises, so His pledge to give David’s greater son the holy and sure blessings of David is a pledge to bring Him back to life that He might, as the ...Read More

  • The Timing of Providence

    Genesis 41

    In the midst of trouble and suffering, it can be difficult to believe that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing. So often it is easier to despair, believing that God has abandoned us and that He will not ...Read More

  • The Touch of the Lord

    Genesis 32:25–26

    Augustine reminds us that “the touch of the Lord is the hand of the Lord, chastising and giving life” (Works of St. Augustine, 31:223). Too many Christians today run after the abundant, life-giving touch of God without being willing ...Read More

  • The Transfer of the Kingdom

    Acts 13–14:7

    Just as the first missionaries took the ministry of the Good News to their own first, in some sense we also have home ministry obligations to the family of God which should take precedence over those outside the covenant community ...Read More