Biblical Studies / Books of the Bible

  • False Teachers Accursed

    Galatians 1:8–9

    Martin Luther’s comments on Galatians 1:8–9 illustrate Scripture’s relationship to tradition: “Here then is a plain text like a thunderbolt, wherein Paul subjects both himself and an angel from heaven, and all others, doctors, teachers, and ...Read More

  • First Timothy

    1 Timothy 1:1-2

    Take time to read through the letter of 1 Timothy in preparation for our study over the next few months. Consider the problems and issues Paul discusses in this letter and how they manifest themselves in the church today. Ask ...Read More

  • Following the Blueprint

    Joshua 14:1-5

    As we will see, God determines which tribe inherits which mountain, field, or stream. He does the same for us, giving us those things that are for our good and His glory. Most of all, He gives us an “inheritance ...Read More

  • For Such a Time as This

    Esther 3–4

    Mordecai’s confession, “Who knows?” in Esther 4:14 is one all believers must make at one time or another. The Lord’s hand is usually invisible to us, and when we take a step of faith we are not ...Read More

  • Fourteen Generations

    Matthew 1:12–17

    We are not yet certain why Matthew’s genealogy differs from Luke’s, but this ought not cause confusion. Scripture has been proven trustworthy time and again, and differences such as these cannot be contradictions (Heb. 6:18). Thus, our ...Read More

  • From Abraham to Exile

    Matthew 1:2–11

    Not every ancestor of Jesus trusted in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Still, the Lord’s grace overcame what could be called “impossible” odds in working through the sinful sons of David to bring about our salvation. This ...Read More

  • Fulfillment in Christ

    Matthew 26:56a

    Take some time today to peruse the gospel of Matthew and reflect on some of the lessons we have learned this year. Consider how marvelous it is that God kept His promises to us when we did not keep our ...Read More

  • Full Participants in Grace

    Acts 8:14-17

    We have to admit God chooses some odd people to be His sons and daughters. The Bible says “not many wise … not many mighty, not many noble are called.” Remember that this applies to you, too. Pray to God to ...Read More

  • Genesis, Continued

    Genesis 22:20-24

    Take some time to skim over Genesis 23–50 today in preparation for our study this year. Ask God to help you understand this book of beginnings and consider how Abraham’s children like Jacob and Joseph help to show ...Read More

  • Hear, O Israel

    Deuteronomy 6:4–9

    Devotion to the one, true God of Israel means that we must be discerning any time someone uses the word god in public. Not everyone who says “God bless you” believes in the God of Scripture, and so we must ...Read More

  • James and Jesus

    James 5:13–20

    Think of ways that God, through this study of James, has been challenging you in the areas of testing, wealth and generosity, and wisdom and speech. Find a way to implement concretely a couple of the things you have learned ...Read More

  • Joy in Samaria

    Acts 8:5–8

    It has been said that Sunday morning is the most segregated time of the week. This should not be, for Christ is building His church from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Ask your church leaders what you can do to ...Read More

  • Judah’s Inheritance

    Joshua 15:1–12

    Judah, being a populous tribe, was given a big territory—and a big responsibility. It was stationed on the border between Israel and some of its fiercest enemies. The Bible declares that ” ‘to whom much is given, from him much ...Read More

  • Jude, Brother of James

    Jude 1–2

    Take some time to read through the book of Jude today in preparation for this month’s study. Consider that Jude, out of humility, does not assert his physical kinship with Jesus but describes himself as a humble servant of ...Read More

  • Lust for Power

    Acts 8:18–25

    Simon wanted spiritual powers for his own exaltation. We are told to “earnestly desire the best [spiritual] gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31), but only for the edification of the church. Furthermore, any gift the Holy Spirit gives us must be ...Read More