Biblical Studies / Books of the Bible

  • The Prophet to Assyria

    Jonah 1:1–2

    Despite God’s promise to Abraham that His descendants would bring blessing to the world (Gen. 12:1–3), the old covenant community, as a whole, tried to keep the Lord’s blessings for themselves and did not reach out ...Read More

  • To All the Saints at Philippi

    Philippians 1:1–2

    Philippians is well known for its exhortations that we might rejoice always. Take some time today to read quickly through Philippians in preparation for our study. Note how the personal concerns Paul addresses in the letter reflect the joy he ...Read More

  • Watching the Teaching

    1 Timothy 4:16

    Take some time today to look over 1 Timothy as a conclusion to our study of this epistle. Thank God for the gift of His Word and for its transforming message. Make sure that you are in a church that ...Read More

  • Peace with God

    Romans 5:1–11

    In the new covenant era, Isaiah 52:7 is fulfilled in the work of God’s people as they publish news of peace with Him across the world (Rom. 10:15). All of us who have found peace with God ...Read More

  • Rightly Directed Zeal

    Galatians 4:18–20

    Other people may know us as zealous for the truth, but are we also known for being zealous for the good of others? Telling the truth is something that we should never compromise, but let us never be happy that ...Read More

  • The Perils of Telling the Truth

    Galatians 4:15–17

    Matthew Henry offers this caution: “Ministers sometimes create enemies to themselves by the faithful discharge of their duty. Yet ministers must not forbear speaking the truth, for fear of offending others.” Pastors and leaders must love their people well, but ...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

  • The Pastoral Epistles

    2 Timothy 1:14

    Today’s passage summarizes a theme that runs throughout the Pastoral Epistles, namely, our need to guard the deposit entrusted to us. This deposit is the prophetic and apostolic word of salvation found in the Bible, which is entirely trustworthy ...Read More

  • Faith and the Liberty to Love

    Galatians 5:6

    Take time to skim over the book of Galatians and select one passage on which to meditate. Consider how God has used this epistle in your life and try to discern those areas in which you have been most tempted ...Read More

  • The Judaizer’s True Motives

    Galatians 6:11–12

    John Calvin says that for us, as for the Judaizers, “a dread of the cross” leads one “to corrupt the true preaching of the cross.” The Judaizers were afraid to stand up for what was scandalous in their day — that ...Read More

  • Apostolic Fellowship

    Galatians 2:7–9

    The truth of the gospel binds believers together, and by the Holy Spirit we are empowered and enabled to love those who are in Christ even if they are different than we are. It is the love of one another ...Read More

  • 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

  • The Galatian Problem

    Galatians 1:6–7

    Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians states, “Since Paul by his own experience teaches us that congregations which are won by great labor are easily and soon overthrown, we ought with singular care to watch against the devil ranging everywhere ...Read More

  • To the Churches of Galatia

    Galatians 1:1–5

    Our study of Galatians will be enhanced if we all take a moment this weekend to read through the book of Galatians. As you read this letter, consider some of the themes that Paul returns to again and again. Note ...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