Biblical Studies / New Testament

  • Every Good Gift

    James 1:16–18

    Though it is hard for us to understand, the Bible is clear that even in evil God is working out good things for His people. In the midst of the most terrible circumstances, God prepares good gifts for us, some ...Read More

  • Temptation’s Source

    James 1:13–15

    God is never responsible for the evil in this world or the temptations that may produce it. He may ordain evil for the purposes of His good plan, but all wickedness that comes about is from the evil inclinations of ...Read More

  • The Crown of Life

    James 1:12

    What are the trials in your life? Are you currently facing some sort of persecution for your faith in Christ? Do you find yourself suffering from an illness? Is a lack of money causing you to doubt, or is the ...Read More

  • Proper Boasting

    James 1:9–11

    Without faith, we could never boast in our position in Christ. Rather, we would find other things, economic or not, in which to boast. Poverty and wealth are both trials that the Lord may send our way (James 1:2 ...Read More

  • Wisdom By Faith

    James 1:5–8

    In his comments on these verses, John Calvin writes, “our prayers are not heard by the Lord, except when we have a confidence that we shall obtain.” Are you confident in God’s ability to give you those things that ...Read More

  • Trials of Various Kinds

    James 1:2-4

    Simply because faith is purified throughout life does not mean that our works contribute in any way to our justification. Rather, this teaching recognizes that we must continually strive to keep our faith in Christ alone. Many things come against ...Read More

  • James, A Servant of God

    James 1:1

    Proper biblical interpretation requires that we understand the original circumstances surrounding a book’s composition. The meaning for the original audience sets the trajectory for how correct application is to be made today. The original audience, living in exile, needed ...Read More

  • Farewell Greetings

    Hebrews 13:22–25

    The prayer for grace to be with the people of God is no mere wish or vain hope. Rather, the predestinating work of the Father, the effectual work of the Son, and the sealing work of the Spirit all work ...Read More

  • Paul’s Theology

    Romans 1:16–17

    Paul was a unique vessel prepared by God for a unique task. His inspired work has been the foundation for many of the church’s theological tenets for two thousand years. Scan through Acts 9 through 28. List ways Paul ...Read More

  • Paul the Preacher

    2 Corinthians 11:22–12:10

    Paul’s life, so extraordinary in so many ways, should define the ordinary life of the Christian in one sense: radical obedience. Jesus calls us to count the cost before enlisting and, having made a decision for Him, never to ...Read More

  • Paul the Pharisee

    Galatians 1:11–14

    Paul’s conversion is as miraculous as any in Scripture or throughout Christian history. Yours may not have been nearly as dramatic, but it represented just as radical a change of direction for you. Take time to reflect on the ...Read More

  • The Conversion of Saul

    Acts 9:1–9

    God stopped Saul in his tracks and can do so with any who oppose Him. But He sometimes allows persecution to buffet His church. Do you believe God can bring good out of hard times for His people? If not ...Read More

  • 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