Biblical Studies / Books of the Bible

  • Coming Home

    Acts 8:36-40

    Philip told the Ethiopian that he could be baptized if he believed with all his heart. Belief is more than intellectual assent; our hearts must be set aflame by the things our minds grasp. As you call unbelievers to faith ...Read More

  • A Divine Appointment

    Acts 8:26-35

    In today’s typical estimation of ministry efficiency, Philip would have been best-suited to minister among the Samaritans or evangelize in the Greek-speaking cities. But God sent him to a divine appointment with a single man. Always seek God’s ...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

  • 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

  • Two Men, Two Kingdoms

    Acts 8:9-13

    As we look around the cultural landscape today, we see a wide variety of spiritual practices that do not please God. Satan uses these practices to blind people to the truth and hold them in darkness. We must confront these ...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

  • Paul at Corinth

    Acts 18:7–11

    In the holy war conquest of Canaan, enemy cities were burned as whole burnt offerings, almost certainly by God’s altar fire. In Acts 2, tongues of fire fell on God’s new altar-people, who then take holy war to ...Read More

  • Opposition at Thessalonica

    Acts 17:1-15

    The Jews opposed the early Christians for the same reason that Rome opposed the Reformers, and compromised liberals oppose uncompromising evangelicals today. The greatest enemies of the true church are always found within the church. Pray for strength in the ...Read More

  • Paul’s Ministry at Philippi

    Acts 16:11-40

    Paul never asked the civil magistrate to sponsor the Gospel. Following Jesus’ advice, the disciples avoided conflict with the “powers that be.” When calling on the magistrate was pointedly useful to the Gospel, however, the apostles did so. Here Paul ...Read More

  • A Crisis in Antioch

    Galatians 2:1–21

    Myron Augsburger’s book Caring Enough to Confront proves that confronting, when done biblically, is a virtuous act. When confronting Peter, Paul had the greater good of the church in mind. Accept the responsibility to care and confront, and to ...Read More

  • The Preparation of Paul

    Galatians 1:11–24

    How likely is it that the acknowledged leaders of the church today could come to such unanimous theological agreement? It was no less difficult then, yet it was achieved. What would it require for such accord in our generation? Pray ...Read More

  • The Judgment of Heretics

    Galatians 1:6–17

    Paul presupposes in verse 8 that the difference between the two gospels is something obvious that “ordinary” believers should be able to detect. The Protestant Reformers stood with Paul when they judged the traditions of Rome. We are to cling ...Read More

  • The Greeting of the Gospel

    Galatians 1:1–10

    Paul did not hesitate to expose heresy which observed the Gospel. Do you follow that example? Do not allow your legitimate desire for unity to squelch your understanding of the need to protect the purity of the Gospel. Be supportive ...Read More

  • Who Were the Galatians?

    Galatians 1:1–10

    Christian scholars continue to debate the topic of today’s lesson. While such an exercise might be valuable, we must be careful to insure that the issue of the book’s original audience does not obscure its meaning to us ...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