Old Testament » renew.org

Walking through a Psalm of Resurrection

Psalm of Resurrection and God’s Surprising Grace Psalm of Resurrection reveals dramatic reversals. David experienced God’s power turning near-death into life, sorrow into joy, and silence into singing. This psalm […]

Who Is Hannah in the Bible?

Hannah lived at the end of the period of the Judges (approximately 1100 B.C.) in Israel. The Bible records her story in 1 Samuel. Many women (and their husbands) will […]

Where Is the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament?

What Is God’s Kingdom in the Old Testament Story Eden introduces God’s kingdom as a space where his will is done on earth under his true rule. Israel later displays […]

Is Masturbation a Sin? A Thoughtful Christian Exploration

“Of all the moral issues which face the community of Christian believers, there are few issues that Christians feel more uncomfortable discussing than the issue of masturbation.”[1] Masturbation is a […]

Bible Verses About Peace in the Old Testament

Putting it lightly, the Bible has a lot to say about peace. In fact, in the King James translation, the English word “peace” appears about 470 times, making it one […]

Learning to Fight Like David

One of the best examples of fight comes from the famous story of David and Goliath. Even if you’ve never picked up a Bible in your life, you probably know […]

What are Seraphim in the Bible?

The Hebrew word śārāp̄ appears seven times in the Old Testament and is used to describe both a serpent and a class of supernatural beings (seraph/seraphim). References to a serpentine […]

What Are Cherubim in the Bible?

Beyond the scope of angels/archangels are two other categories of beings that have rightly or wrongly been conflated with the descriptions of angels. Those categories/terms are cherubim and seraphim. Whether […]

Seven Churches of Revelation: The Church in Smyrna

The city of Smyrna is actually the only one of the cities of the Seven Churches of Revelation still around. It is modern-day Izmir, Turkey. Traveling from Ephesus, the first […]

The Deceitfulness of Wealth?

Wealth, like sex, drugs, and fame, has an unusually strong effect on people. Everyone knows sex, drugs, and fame will seriously influence us, but for some reason, we resist the […]

David Rohl’s New Egyptian Chronology: A Solution to Biblical Difficulties or a Misguided Enterprise?

I first became aware of British Egyptologist Dr. David Rohl’s revised Egyptian Chronology not long after his book A Test of Time was published in 1995. I was an undergraduate […]

Who Were Naomi and Ruth in the Bible?

Naomi and Ruth lived during the period of the Judges, probably during the time of Gideon, around 1200 B.C. Their story is told in the Book of Ruth in the […]

The Character of God: Compassionate

If you ask someone, “What is God like?” you’ll get a variety of answers. I posed this question on Facebook last year. From dense theological explanations to quick two-word descriptions […]

You Shall Not Make Idols

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not […]

Spiritual But Not Religious? Reflections on Balaam

Have you heard the phrase or maybe even said it yourself: “I’m spiritual but not religious”? It’s a description that has become so widely used in America and the West […]

The Apocrypha and the Old Testament Canon

When the Hasmonian king Jonathan sent a letter to the Spartans seeking an alliance, he made a fascinating remark worth repeating. According to 1 Maccabees, King Jonathan says, “We have […]

Out of Ur: Halfway Isn’t Home

We all long for home. Deep down, every one of us has a homesickness that nothing in this world quite satisfies. I’m not just talking about a familiar place or […]

Build the Ark: Noah, Meaning, and the Church in an Age of Collapse

One of the first things the Bible teaches us—right there in Genesis—is that God is a God of order. God separates: light from darkness, sea from sky, meaning from murk. […]

Summary of Ezekiel: Understanding the Basics of Ezekiel in the Bible

The book of Ezekiel is titled after the name of the prophet Ezekiel, son of Buzi who was among the exiles of Babylon. What do we know about this unusual […]

Who Is the Beast in Revelation?

Editor’s Note: There seem to be as many interpretations of the book of Revelation as there are readers. It’s true that we find core Christian truths in Revelation— truths which […]

The Heart Is Deceitful: Reflections on Pharaoh’s Divided Heart

“We are never better deceived than when we deceive ourselves.”[1] “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal [but not equal to God], that they […]

Who Was Rahab in the Bible?

Rahab lived in Jericho, the world’s oldest city, thought to have been established approximately 9000 years B.C. Its ruins are located just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. Some archeologists […]

Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Listening & Encouragement

AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]

Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Dignity & Presence

AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]

You Are Standing on Holy Ground

“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5, NLT) “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who […]

The Untapped Power of Prayer

“I’m praying for you” is a familiar phrase that you have either given to someone, or they’ve given to you, with the intent to bring comfort. While it is encouraging […]

5 Offerings in the Old Testament Law

“These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the fellowship offering, which the Lord gave Moses […]

Finding Your Way Again: Learning from King Josiah in the Bible

My wife and I were driving to a home we had never seen to help some friends who were preparing it for another family to move into. I typed the […]

Summary of Joshua: Understanding the Basics of Joshua in the Bible

The book of Joshua is named after the primary character and likely author, Hoshea, son of Nun to whom Moses gave the name Joshua (Numbers 13:16). The title is the […]

Who Was Miriam in the Bible?

Miriam was one of the three siblings whom God appointed to rescue the Israelite nation from bondage in Egypt. A little background will help us understand Miriam’s place in time […]

Idolatry in the Bible (and in Our Own Hearts)

Satan is always scheming and making efforts to tempt us, to dishearten us, and to break us with many other things that can take away our focus from God. The […]

Why Does God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart?

Summary: Why does God harden Pharaoh’s heart in the book of Exodus? This article will explore how There is hope when we listen to God and unharden our hearts to […]

When a Worldview Leads to Crisis

It’s a beautiful grace that worldviews can change! The one you hold now is probably somewhat different from the one you held at an earlier stage in life. Each metamorphosis […]

The Quickest Path Isn’t Always the Best

Here is something I’ve learned about myself over the years: I tend to have a certain way I like to do things! I have a routine, a set pattern that […]

Esther: A Book of Reversals

“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good […]

Fear and the Men without Names

If you’ve been around the church for a while, you’ve probably heard the names Joshua and Caleb. They were brave men who heard the promises of God and followed Him even in the […]

Summary of Daniel: Understanding the Basics of Daniel in the Bible

The book of Daniel is named after the prophet of the same name who likely went into Babylonian captivity around 605 BC when the Babylonians first began to dominate Judah. […]

What Did Jesus Believe about the Bible?

In light of increasing skepticism about the Bible’s authority in our lives (see “Are We Turning into Skeptics of the Bible”), we should take a fresh look at why we […]

Ichabod: When the Glory Has Departed

The first time we see the word “glory” in the Bible is in Exodus, when God is preparing to show his glory through rescuing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. […]

Summary of Isaiah: Understanding the Basics of Isaiah in the Bible

In this summary of Isaiah, let’s start with the title. The title of the book of Isaiah is simply Isaiah, and as with most of the prophets it is the […]

Who was Jezebel in the Bible? It depends on your worldview.

Who was Jezebel in the Bible? She was a Phoenician princess who became a queen of Israel. As the wife of King Ahab, Queen Jezebel forcefully introduced Baal worship into […]

God Parted the Red Sea. So, What Does That Mean for Me?

Which movie does the best job portraying the panic of seeing Pharaoh’s chariots closing in before God parted the Red Sea? Let’s do a multiple choice: The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton […]

My Cup Overflows

“My cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5c, NIV). These three simple words come from one of the most popular psalms in the Bible, Psalm 23. These words have given me so much […]

Who Was Zipporah in the Bible?

Zipporah lived approximately 1500 years before Christ and she was the wife of Moses. She acted decisively in a crucial moment to protect her family, and she helped her husband […]

The Prophet Amos, the Day of the Lord, and Us

From the prophet Amos we read a prophecy against the northern kingdom of Israel that would have greatly surprised them. The warnings of judgment were first delivered against seven nations […]

Which Character in Proverbs Are You?

Proverbs is a collection of sayings, stories, and metaphors that were used to train young men how to rule and govern themselves and others. Most proverbs are from Solomon teaching […]

What Is Unity in the Bible? (It’s Far More Important Than I Thought.)

And the first prize for most unifying religion goes to… Easy answer, right? Obviously, the answer is supposed to be Christianity, isn’t it? And yet the church isn’t always very […]

Summary of Psalms: Understanding the Basics of Psalms in the Bible

The Hebrew title for the book of Psalms is tehilim, roughly translated as “praises.” In some ways, this is an unusual title, as the largest single category of Psalms are […]

Preaching Politics? 6 Thoughts from the Book of Daniel

“Did I hear you say that you’re preaching on politics?” “Yes, I’m looking forward to this series.” “Hmm. Good luck.” Scary, huh? There are two things that make for impolite […]

Who Was Potiphar’s Wife in the Bible?

The actual identity of the woman known as “Potiphar’s wife” has never been verified, though in the book of Genesis chapter 39, she is the woman who caused Joseph to […]

Gratitude and Meaninglessness

I’ve been doing some study from the book of Ecclesiastes lately. This is partly related to a book that I hope to write next year. I also spoke from Ecclesiastes […]

Sing to the Lord a New Song? Reflections on Psalm 98

Four times we are told in Scripture to “sing to the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). Every song ever sung was new at some point. […]

Summary of Exodus: Understanding the Basics of Exodus in the Bible

Let’s start our summary of Exodus with a look at the title of the book. The Hebrew title for the book of Exodus is Shemoth (“names”), coming from the very […]

What Every Man Needs

*Editor’s Note: First Samuel 13 narrates the sad account of how Israel’s first king, Saul, lost the opportunity for his kingdom to endure. God’s prophet Samuel had told Saul to […]

How Beautiful Are the Feet?

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God […]

What We Learn from Two Hebrew Midwives

When I think of people who show and live out their allegiance to God in the Bible, I immediately think of Shiphrah and Puah. They are better known as the […]

Summary of Genesis: Understanding the Basics of Genesis in the Bible

Beginnings are important, as they set the stage for everything that comes after. The book of Genesis is the same way. It narrates the beginning of creation, of man and […]

Wait on the Lord: An Invitation to Unwasted Time

Let me share with you a truth I learned by the time I was a toddler: the people of God wait. A lot. My dad’s a preacher. There were quite […]

Overview of the Old Testament

The Old Testament begins with God creating a very good world. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31a, NIV). Yet something happened after He […]

Formation of the Old Testament Canon

How did we get our Old Testament? Who decided which books made the cut (and became “canon”)? Why are there differences between the list of books in Catholic and Protestant […]

Praise Him, Sun and Moon: Reflections on a Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, I was one of more than 31 million people who observed a total solar eclipse as the moon cast its shadow on the earth, darkening a […]

Who Was Elihu in the Bible? Meet Your New Theology Prof

Theology is word that literally means the study of God. So, the entire Bible is theology, but if we wanted to learn about who God is, we would probably think […]

Surviving Spiritual Valleys

When was the last time you had a mountaintop experience? Living in Colorado, I am blessed with the opportunity to hike and/or drive through a variety of mountains, which we […]

What Is the Book of Isaiah About?

Around 740 B.C., a prophet stepped onto the world stage after King Uzziah of Judah had died. His preaching and prophetic words would echo through the halls of history and […]

Five Reasons You Need to Read The Old Testament

The more I study the New Testament (NT), the more I understand my need to study the Old Testament (OT). Jesus’ story is a story of two testaments, not one. […]

Deborah and Jael: Unexpected Leaders

In a time when Israel was doing what was right in their own eyes and evil in God’s eyes (Judges 4:1, 17:6, 21:25), God chose certain people to bring the […]

The Old Testament Scriptures: What They Are and Why We Read Them

What are the Old Testament scriptures, and why do Christians continue to study them? The Old Testament scriptures are a collection of 66 books written by and for ancient Jews. […]

Who Was Eve in the Bible? Exploring Her Temptation, Disappointment, and Hope

Who was Eve in the Bible? Eve’s name appears only four times in Scripture (Genesis 3:20, 4:1 – 2; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13). Yet this one person set […]

Walking with Esther Through Life’s Unfortunate Circumstances

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows […]

Abraham, Jacob, and Generational Sin

When reading through the Old Testament, we find many common themes. One common theme is that there are specific sins shared among generations. This can appear as an older generation […]

Who Was Deborah in the Bible?

Who was Deborah in the Bible? Scripture introduces Deborah as “the wife of Lappidoth, a prophetess, and a judge.” In the words of her celebratory victory song, she declares: “The […]

What I’ve Learned from Spending a Little of Each Day in the Psalms

Starting in 2019, I started a slow journey through the Psalms. My goal was to reflect on 1 or 2 verses from the Psalms each day and write down those […]

What Jonah Teaches Me About God and Myself

The book of Jonah teaches us a lot about the character and nature of God, and it also provides us a great opportunity to look in a mirror and examine […]

What Is the Pentateuch: A Short Intro to the Bible’s First Five Books

What is the Pentateuch in the Bible? The first five books of the Bible, often referred to as the “law of Moses,” are also referred to as the “Torah” or […]

The Interconnectedness of Old and New Testaments

The Bible, the sacred text revered by millions around the world, is a compilation of ancient writings that span thousands of years. In understanding how we got the Bible, it […]

Jesus: Our Guide for Affirming Both Testaments

The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, holds a central place in the lives of Christians. It serves as a guide and a source of spiritual nourishment. However, one […]

10 Secrets in the Bible: The Allure of Mysterious, Misleading Knowledge

Before we start listing secrets in the Bible, let’s consider what a secret is. A secret is knowledge concealed to many, revealed to some. Its allure lies in promising knowledge […]

What Makes You Cry?

Why is it that some people rarely cry while others weep at the opening of a new supermarket? Sometimes it is a matter of maturity. While we expect babies to […]

What Does the Bible Say About Work? 10 Truths

What does the Bible say about work? That depends on where you flip to. The entrepreneurial and successful “Proverbs 31 woman” has a very different relationship to work than the […]

When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: Reflections on Moses, Jeremiah, Paul, and Charlie Brown

If you’ve ever read the comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz or watched Peanuts movies, you probably understand that the famous main character, Charlie Brown, struggles with feelings of inadequacy […]

Naaman, Elisha, and Do We Want to Follow?

Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, […]

Honor Your Father and Mother…As an Adult?

“Honor your father and mother.” Dallas Willard emphasizes how vital this biblical command is to helping people grow as disciples. He says that when helping people live as disciples of […]

Who was John the Baptist in the Bible? Meet the Prophetic Preacher who Prepared People for the Messiah

Who was John the Baptist in the Bible? John the Baptist, who lived in the wilderness of Judea, was a prophet and a preacher who prepared people for Jesus, the […]

6 Fathers in the Bible & the Advice They’d Give Today: Adam to Jacob

If the fathers in the early pages of the Bible could give modern fathers advice, what would they say? Based on their stories in the biblical books of Genesis and […]

For I Know the Plans I Have For You?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah […]

What Is the Shema in the Bible?

What is the Shema in the Bible? In the Old Testament, the Shema was a confession of exclusive faithful obedience to Yahweh that would be passed on for generations to […]

What Is a Eunuch in the Bible?

What is a eunuch in the Bible? Under the Old Testament law, eunuchs were banned from the priesthood and from God’s assembly due to their castration. Yet, we see men […]

God Renews Strength, Selves, and Sinners

God is a God who loves to renew things. Like what? Here are three. 1. God renews exhausted strength. You find yourself tired most of the time? Busier than is […]

Behind the Curtain: How God Built a Missionary Family into a Family of Missionaries

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen […]

Fasting and Prayer: 2 Stories

Fasting and prayer are often combined in Scripture. Both Old Testament followers of God (Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4; Psalm 35:13; Daniel 9:3) and the New Testament church (Luke 2:37; Acts […]

Theology of the Body: What the Bible Teaches About the Importance of Bodies

What is a theology of the body? It is easy for us to see our bodies as disconnected from our spirituality. Yet the Bible teaches us much about the purposefulness, […]

It’s About the Children: Reflections on the Why behind the Exodus

The Bible passage I’m reflecting on here is from the portion of the Torah that starts with the word “Bo” (“Come to Pharaoh”). The biblical narrative in this portion of […]

Is Change Good? Reflecting on Why God Placed Us in Time

Is change good or bad? As we look back over our lives, we can spot changes that were obviously good as well as ones which felt very harmful. But as […]

What’s the Meaning of Ecclesiastes?

What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes? This book in the Hebrew Bible tends to puzzle us with its pessimistic tone and philosophical orientation. What we find as we explore the […]

What We Learn from Job’s Three Friends

The story of Job, from the Old Testament, is well known. He is the man who lost everything—family, wealth, health—and yet did not lose his faith in God. While in […]

What Is Holiness And Why Is It Such A Big Deal?

What is holiness, and why is it such a big deal? God’s holiness means that he is entirely unique, pure, and powerful, and to enter into his presence in a […]

12 Bible Verses about Trusting God

Why take the time to walk through multiple Bible verses about trusting God? Isn’t it enough just to, well, you know, trust God? At first glance, trusting God would seem […]

Fools According to the Bible

What are fools according to the Bible? A fool is someone who refuses to listen to wisdom or learn from discipline. Failing to fear God or respect the rules of […]

A Psalm of Thanksgiving: Reflections on Psalm 18 / 2 Samuel 22

A psalm of thanksgiving is a worship song which expresses gratitude for what God has done. In this article, we will reflect on the psalm of thanksgiving we call “Psalm […]

Why the Flood?

Isn’t it a little funny that we often use the walls of church nurseries to paint the most extreme portrait of God’s wrath to date? The Genesis Flood. Of course, […]

Prayer of Repentance: Learning U-Turns from Nehemiah

What’s a prayer of repentance? In the Bible, “repentance” means a change in mind and behavior so that we go from doing whatever we feel like to living for God […]

Who Was Caleb in the Bible? Spy, Soldier, and Settler

Who was Caleb in the Bible? Caleb is best known as one of the 12 spies sent by Moses on a reconnaissance tour of the land of Canaan. The reason […]

Why Are We Here? An Exploration of Why Humans Exist

Why are we here? In short, we are here because an eternal God created us, so that we might be in union with him, and spread his glory. The 20s/30s […]

Who Was Joshua in the Bible? 10 Leadership Habits from the Life of Joshua

Who was Joshua in the Bible? Joshua was a national leader and military commander in ancient Israel. As Moses’ aide and successor, Joshua finished what God started through Moses: leading […]

Navigating the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous passages of Scripture. You can find these poetic lines everywhere, from sermons to pop songs, tattoos to funerals. The psalm is relatable […]

How Do We Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?

How do we take the Lord’s name in vain? A common way to see this third of the Ten Commandments as prohibiting speech about God which misuses his name (e.g., […]

Who Was Samuel in the Bible? Meet Your Instructor in Resisting Cynicism.

Who was Samuel in the Bible? Samuel was a prophet in ancient Israel who served as the hinge between the time of the judges and reign of the kings. He […]

God Is a Jealous God? Exploring a God Who Loves Us More Than We Want Him.

Is it true that God is a jealous God? Numerous Bible verses describe God as a jealous God, in the context of his people breaking their covenant with him and […]

Story of the Bible: Scripture’s Storyline in 7 Steps

What is the story of the Bible, and why is it important? The story of the Bible starts with God creating the world and ends with God recreating it after […]

Who Was Elijah in the Bible? Elijah’s Story in 8 Roles

Who was Elijah in the Bible? Elijah was a prophet of Yahweh sent to the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab. Through displays of miraculous power […]

More Than Watchmen: Reflections on Waiting on and Wrestling with God

“Out of the depths I cry to You, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.” Have you prayed words like these before? When the depths are close at hand, are you able […]

Is the Bible the Word of God? Here’s What the Bible Claims.

Is the Bible the Word of God? A first step in answering the question is to ask what the Bible claims about itself. The question matters because, if it is […]

What Psalm 23 Means for Your Relationship with God

We’ve all heard Psalm 23 quoted, but have you ever wondered what Psalm 23 means for your own relationship with God? Here are 3 threads that connect the psalm to […]

When Life Hits, Think About Joseph in the Bible

Joseph in the Bible: Moving Forward After a Painful Setback Joseph’s imprisonment shows that painful loss and false accusation do not mean God’s presence or love has been withdrawn. The […]

Why did God take so long rescuing His people from slavery?

Rescuing His People from Slavery and God’s Purpose in the Delay Scripture shows God formed Israel’s identity through suffering so they would love foreigners with empathy. Deuteronomy ties God’s rescue […]

Truth About God in Special Revelation

Special Revelation: How God Reveals Himself in History Knopp highlights that God’s miracles in real moments—like the Exodus, Mount Carmel, and Jesus’ works—aim to reveal the Lord’s unique identity. Scripture’s […]

When a Story Is Cut Tragically Short

Lives Cut Short: Trusting God With Unfinished Stories Stories that end too soon remind us how deeply loss disrupts our sense of meaning and leaves grief without easy resolution. Faith […]

What Is the Old Testament?

What is the Old Testament? God’s “Law, Prophets, and Psalms” That Tutor Us Toward the Messiah The Old Testament is the 39 books that contain God’s covenant promises, covenant laws, […]

How to Tell the Story of the Bible in 7 Kingdoms

7 Kingdoms in the Bible That Reveal the Kingdom We’ve Longed For Biblical history moves through Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, showing how human kingdoms repeatedly bring tragedy […]

5 Bible Verses on My Mind as I Watch Afghanistan Crumble

Afghanistan Christian: Bible Verses for Hope in Upheaval Scripture speaks to collapse and fear, echoing Jerusalem’s devastation and validating lament without denying God’s reign. Job exposes fragile trust, urging sober […]

Why Do We Need Royal Good News?

What is the Gospel and Royal Good News Royal good news is necessary because God’s gospel restores His original purpose for humanity to reflect His image and rule on His […]

A Weird Way We Win

Meek: The Weird Way Christians Win Battles Instead of mirroring the world’s aggression, meekness wins by keeping strength under control and responding with humility. Scripture shows Jesus conquering through gentleness—riding […]

Habitual Sin: Do We Want to Get Well?

Habitual Sin: Do We Truly Want to Get Well? Jesus’ question in John 5 exposes whether we truly want healing or keep waiting in patterns that never change. Habitual sin […]

When You Face Criticism in Ministry

Criticism In Ministry and Wise Leadership Responses Identify the difference between helpful critique and a critical attitude using Jethro’s counsel and the spies’ negativity. Evaluate negative feedback through biblical wisdom […]

Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law

Fulfilling the Law Through Jesus’ Completion and Covenant Shift Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that He did not abolish the Law and the Prophets but brought them […]

Some Uncommon Thoughts About the Book of Ruth

Book of Ruth: Insights for Holiness and Hospitality Drawing from two Old Testament streams, the Book of Ruth highlights how God honors both the call to holiness and the welcome […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Repeat (Part 3)

Shema and Forming the Next Generation in Faith Shema highlights a timeless pattern of hearing, obeying, and repeating, showing parents and leaders how continual remembrance shapes a child’s view of […]

On Gender and the Bible: A Summary (Part 12)

On Gender and the Bible Part 12: Seven Scripture-Based Points On Gender and the Bible Part 12 outlines seven biblical convictions about gender roles in marriage and church leadership rooted […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Do (Part 2)

Shema Part 2: Loving God Through Obedient Devotion Shema Part 2 shows that loving God is an action that forms disciples, not just a feeling. Moses calls God’s people to […]

My Favorite Paragraph of Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church

Mission of the Church: Intentional Relational Transformation Mission of the Church is portrayed as helping people toward the next life through intentional, relationship-based disciple making that treats people as true […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Hear (Part 1)

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith in the Shema Rooted in Deuteronomy 6, this first step Hear calls Israel—and us—to recognize that the Lord alone is God and deserves […]

Introduction to Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church, by Bobby Harrington & Scott Sager

Core Mission of the Church in Intentional Disciple Making Disciple making defines the church’s purpose. Bobby Harrington and Scott Sager explain that the core mission of the church is to […]

The People of God Refuel in the Desert

People of God Strength in Desolate Places Desert encounters with God show that the People of God can become strongest against temptation when they withdraw like Jesus to lonely places […]

Moving Mountains in Myanmar: A Guide to Prayer and Action for Myanmar

Pray for Myanmar Faith That Moves Mountains Amid violent crackdowns and fear, Pray for Myanmar reminds believers that the true enemy is the unseen powers of darkness, not the people […]

When Life Doesn’t Go How You Expect

When Life Doesn’t Go How You Expect and Learning to Trust God’s Will Remembering a childhood dream of overseas missions, Naomi Jones describes how returning home left her grieving unmet […]

What the Exile Can Teach Us about Returning to Church

Returning to Church with Exilic Hope and Joy Drawing from Israel’s exile and Psalm 126, this article pictures returning to Church as a joyful homecoming where God turns seasons of […]

Food Idolatry VS Living Water: Refreshing the Soul by Fasting

Food Idolatry VS Living Water in the Purifying Practice of Fasting Fasting exposes how food has become a modern golden calf, revealing misplaced cravings that should be satisfied in Jesus […]

Can Masculinity Be Non-Toxic?

Masculinity in God’s Good Design for Men Scripture presents masculinity as part of God’s creation of male and female, giving men a unique calling to reflect His character in strength, […]

Christian Parenting Is the Passing On of an Inheritance

Christian Parenting as Generational Faith Inheritance Christian Parenting treats faith like treasure, showing kids that trusting Jesus is a rich inheritance built through years of God’s provision, sacrifice, and grace. […]

A Brief History of the Bible: From Creation to Now

History of the Bible as God’s Living Word History of the Bible shows that God’s word begins with creation itself, where God speaks the universe into existence and continually sustains […]

Good Friday: Buffet or Cafeteria?

Good Friday Reflections on Christ’s Sacrifice Jesus’ suffering reveals how every individual sin carried real weight as he bore griefs, sorrows, and transgressions on the cross. Isaiah 53 and Luke […]

Mirage #5: I Want to Find Freedom through Sin

Freedom through Sin — Biblical Insight Choosing rebellion may feel liberating, yet Scripture shows it traps us in repeating folly (Prov 26:11). Jesus teaches that everyone who sins becomes a […]

Everybody Is Recovering from Something

Recovering — Steps to Spiritual Health Powerlessness led to trust in God, beginning a Scripture-shaped transformation marked by honest surrender and dependence on His strength. Through the twelve steps—surrender, confession, […]

Righteousness: Given to You and Grown Within You

Righteousness — Gift and Growth in Christ Declared righteous by faith, believers stand in right relationship with God as His grace places them in Christ (Rom. 3:22). Transformation by the […]

Top Ten Forward-Thinking Trends for Disciple Makers

Top Ten Forward-Thinking Trends — Priorities for Disciple Makers Clarify definitions and mission, making disciple making the core focus while moving beyond Sunday-only to a seven-day relational approach with phygital […]

Mirage #2: I Want God to Fix Everything without Touching Anything

Fix Everything without Touching Anything — Why God Changes Us First Pharaoh’s “please…no thanks” pattern illustrates our habit of wanting relief while resisting the repentance God requires. Genuine help begins […]

Sermon on the Mount: Pure in Heart

Pure in Heart — Cleanness that Sees God Jesus moves past externals to the inner life, insisting a clean heart matters more than ritual performance (Mt 5–7; 15). Leviticus’ pattern—confession, […]

Want to Do Something Eternal? Do Kids Ministry.

Kids Ministry — Building Lifelong Disciples Before adulthood, many choose to follow Jesus; intentional teaching at church and home plants convictions that endure. Parents who prioritize gathering and partner with […]

An Invitation to Come in Out of the Dark

Dark — Pathways into God’s Light From Genesis to John, Scripture shows God’s presence bringing light that exposes deception and brings order to chaos. Turning to Jesus, the Light of […]

When You Worry, Remember God Is at Work

Worry — Trusting God’s Work Today Remember Jesus’ call in Matthew 6 to release anxiety and fix your heart on the Father who provides. From wilderness sandals that never wore […]

Why Humans?

Humans — Purpose, Image, and Kingdom Work From Genesis and the Ancient Near Eastern backdrop, the story reveals a good Creator forming people to share His goodness and steward creation. […]

On Gender and the Bible: What Does It Mean to Be a Man or Woman? (Part 10)

Man or Woman — Design, Signs, and Culture Drawing on nature and biology, the article shows how male and female bodies shape behavior and complement one another toward intimacy and […]

If Stonehenge Is Proof of Ancient Wisdom, What Does the Universe Prove?

Universe — Design, Reason, and Worship Stonehenge’s deliberate structure highlights intelligent planning; the far more complex cosmos rationally points to a Designer. Scripture affirms it: Psalm 19 and Romans 1 […]

Letter to Someone Struggling with an Anxious Heart

Anxious Heart — A Letter of Peace From racing thoughts to simple prayers, the writer brings fear to Jesus and invites family support to re-center trust. Scripture anchors courage: Psalms […]

When the Foundations Are Being Destroyed

Foundations That Endure Through Faith Discover how Foundations grounded in God’s Word give strength when society feels unstable and divided. Explore David’s Psalms to understand why trusting the Lord offers […]

Walking: More than Exercise for the Disciple of Jesus

Walking with God in Practice Enoch’s example in Genesis 5:24 shows that Walking with God means living in His presence, where life overcomes death. Amid ordinary neighborhood routes, Walking opens […]

Church, It’s Time to Bring Back Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships that Shape Ministry Readiness Rooted in Scripture, Apprenticeships mirror Jesus with the Twelve, Moses and Joshua, and Paul with Timothy to form leaders through life-on-life mentoring. Beyond classrooms, they […]

On Gender and the Bible: Where Does Egalitarianism Lead? (Part 9)

Egalitarianism and Scriptural Trajectories Authors trace how egalitarianism, when unchecked, can override created differences and biblical hierarchies in church and home. The article contrasts secular lenses with exegesis, arguing that […]

When You Compare, Beware.

Compare — Following Jesus Over Envy Drawn from Luke 9:46, comparisons among disciples ignite pride and conflict, draining love for neighbor. From 1 Samuel 18:7, Saul’s fixation on David spirals […]

A New Year…in the Eyes of the Lord

New Year — Reading Scripture, Seeing Right in God’s Eyes Through Old Testament history, the refrain “did right/evil in the eyes of the Lord” reshapes personal evaluation beyond comparison or […]

Shepherd

Shepherd — Disgrace Reversed in Christ Rabbinic tradition branded shepherds as dishonest outcasts barred from legal testimony and public respect. Yet Jesus embraced them—announcing His birth to shepherds and declaring […]

God Is the Healer of Your Wounds

God Is the Healer — Jehovah Rapha and True Restoration From Psalms to Hebrews, Scripture affirms that God binds the brokenhearted, answers distress, and invites confident grace-seeking. In honest prayer […]

The Lure of the Fruit…in the 21st Century

21st Century — Resisting the Lure of the Fruit Drawing from Proverbs 3 and Isaiah 55, the article contrasts confident curiosity with obsessive self-reliance and calls us back to trusting […]

Accepting LGBTQ+ Lifestyles for Disciples of Jesus: A Response to Sally Gary and the CenterPeace Ministries Decision to be Pro Gay

CenterPeace Ministries — Conviction with Civility Drawing on his testimony, Guy Hammond upholds historic Christian sexual ethics while explaining why holiness—not heterosexuality—is the disciple’s aim. While affirming dignity and respect […]

How I Learned to Look for “God Signs”

God Signs — Everyday Reminders of God’s Nearness A skeptic turns joyful after a “praying mantis” moment on her windshield, recognizing a personal nudge following talk of sparrows as signs […]

Critical Race Theory: Friend or Foe?

Critical Race Theory — Gospel Framework for Discernment Amid its move from classrooms to culture, CRT now shapes public discourse and even school curricula, prompting fair, informed evaluation. Grounding the […]

Peter, Paul, and Race

Peter, Paul, and Race — Gospel Unity Lived at the Table Grounded in Galatians 2:14, the piece insists racial unity is a core gospel conviction, not an optional add-on. From […]

An Election Day Prayer

Election Day Prayer — Peace, Wisdom, and Hope in Christ Rooted in 1 Timothy 2 and Jeremiah 29, the prayer seeks national peace so believers may live quiet, godly lives. […]

Church, You Can’t Lose on Tuesday

You Can’t Lose on Tuesday — Hope that Outlasts Politics Grounded in Joseph’s foresight, the church prepares in seasons of plenty and provides in famine, trusting God’s mercy in both. […]

What a Ghost Hunter Taught Me about Trust in God

Ghost Hunter – Faith, Scripture, and Inquiry A scientist-believer’s witness shows how investigation of the unseen can coexist with Scripture-shaped thinking and humble limits. Unanswered questions become invitations to trust […]

Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Gratitude

Gratitude — Habits for Grace-Filled Ministry Drawing on 2 Peter 1:3, gratitude replaces entitlement and frees worship teams to serve with joy under a grace-filled posture. Leaders practice weekly thank-you […]

Q: How Do I Convince My Kid that the Bible Leads to Happiness?

How Do I Convince My Kid that the Bible Leads to Happiness? — Parenting Pathways Affirming that God created joy (Psalm 103:5), parents point kids to lasting happiness found in […]

On Gender and the Bible: Practical Advice by Complementarian Women for Local Churches (Part 7)

Practical Advice by Complementarian Women — Implementing in Local Churches Leaders clarify biblical complementarity, communicate it openly, and invite women’s voices in decisions, prayer, Scripture readings, and visible service. Churches […]

Sermon on the Mount: The Sermon’s Most Important Word

Sermon’s Most Important Word — Heaven’s Nearness and Fulfillment Tracing “heaven” across Scripture, the article presents it as the spiritual realm where God rules—more solid and enduring than this passing […]

When the World’s All Wrong…Trust God

Trust God — Lessons from Daniel 1 Daniel sets his mind, resists assimilation, and trusts God with outcomes—God provides health, wisdom, and influence before the king. In hostile settings, disciples […]

America Is in a Spiritual War. Are You All-In or AWOL?

America Is in a Spiritual War — Weapons, Courage, and Hope Scripture exposes the unseen battle and calls us to demolish lies and take every thought captive to Christ (2 […]

On Gender and the Bible: What about Husbands and Wives? (Part 6)

Husbands and Wives: Biblical Design in Marriage Husbands and Wives draws from Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, and 1 Peter 3: wives respect and submit; husbands love sacrificially, mirroring Christ and […]

3 Keys for Training Your Kids for Lifelong Faithfulness

3 Keys for Training Your Kids — Forming Lifelong Faith Model wholehearted love for God so kids imitate a living relationship, not mere religious activity. Weave Scripture into everyday decisions—at […]

Revival: God Could Do It Again!

Revival – Pathways to Renewal From the Reformation to six historic “waves,” God has repeatedly revived His church—and He can do it again. Through united prayer, fasting, repentance, and obedient […]

Book Review: Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire

Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire – Biblical Evaluation Drawing on Scripture, the review contrasts Hatmaker’s self-focused identity claims with biblical teaching on sin, grace, and the fear […]

Jesus, Suicide, and Our Lowest Points

Jesus – Care at Our Lowest Points From Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–38) to Mark 2:17, He acknowledges deep anguish and invites the broken to His healing. Prayer, gratitude, and corporate intercession […]

Good Leaders Don’t Rush God

Good Leaders – Patience in God’s Timing From David’s restraint with Saul and his prayers for guidance, leadership seeks God first and acts only when He directs. In contrast to […]

On Gender and the Bible: Can Women Be Elders? (Part 5)

Can Women Be Elders – Biblical Foundations for Eldership From Genesis through 1 Timothy and Titus, Scripture portrays elders/overseers as qualified men who exercise humble, servant leadership. Hermeneutics matter; rather […]

When the World’s All Wrong…Persevere

Persevere – Faithful Action When the World Feels Wrong In exile, Daniel held conviction without hostility, respectfully proposing an alternative diet and persisting until a fair test was granted. God’s […]

Shane Wood – Enneagram Micro Course – Introduction

Shane Wood – Enneagram Insights Shane Wood explains the Enneagram through Genesis and theology, showing how it connects with creation, brokenness, and God’s pursuit. He highlights how self-awareness and loving […]

The Inspiration of the Old Testament

The Inspiration of the Old Testament – Core Teachings The Inspiration of the Old Testament is shown in how Moses recorded God’s commands, passing them to Israel as a lasting […]

Reasons for Church Decline in the West

Church Decline in the West – Causes, Culture, Renewal Prosperity can breed forgetfulness of God, dulling urgency about death, judgment, and obedience. Secularism disciples people to live as if God […]

On Gender and the Bible: Does God Allow Women Preachers in 1 Timothy 2? (Part 4)

Does God Allow Women Preachers in 1 Timothy 2 – Context & Teaching Drawing from 1 Timothy 2:11–15, the article argues that Paul grounds instructions in creation order and aims […]

Promise Keepers: Stand in the Gap

Stand in the Gap – Sacred Assembly Impact Over two years of planning, fasting, and prayer culminated in a Washington DC gathering where more than a million men sought God […]

Exile: The Perfect Word for Our Situation

Exile – Living Jeremiah 29 Exile calls believers to seek peace and pray for their city, following Jeremiah 29:7 while resisting deceptive voices that divide. Amid dislocation and loss, trust […]

Great Leaders Are Led by Convictions

Great Leaders in Conviction-Fueled Courage Caleb demonstrates that convictions—God will lead, be with us, help us, and overcome—ignite courageous action. When excitement fades or obstacles loom, conviction redirects ministries to […]

When the World’s All Wrong…Set Your Mind

Set Your Mind for God-Honoring Resolve Daniel models decisive resolve—refusing defilement so loyalty remains with God rather than Babylon. Amid cultural pressure, believers choose practices that distinguish them from a […]

When Advice Isn’t Helpful

Advice — Listening Before Speaking When mistakes happen, people often need care more than lectures; be present like Job’s friends were—before they started talking. Social posts and quick opinions can […]

Great Worship during a Terrible Time

Great Worship — Joy in Hard Seasons Great Worship treats praise as the overflow of treasuring God, so joy remains even when life hurts. When COVID-era plans collapse, choose to […]

In Seasons of Suffering, You Need a Pile of Stones.

Suffering — Stones of Remembrance Keep a “pile of stones” journal that records God’s help, so present pain is met with remembered grace. Testify to what you’ve seen God do, […]

Break for…a God-Sized Question

God-Sized Question and the Transfer of Authority Scripture shows the Father giving “all authority” to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), a loving move that secures His family’s honor. Against the Accuser’s challenge, […]

I’ve Got Peace like a Rocking Chair

Rocking Chair and Rest in God From a child’s “rock-a-chair” refrain, readers learn to seek quiet pauses with the Father amid chaos at home and overseas. Drawing on Nehemiah 8:9–10 […]

When Should You Confront a Fellow Christian’s Sin? Part 2

Christian’s Sin — Spirit-Led Intervention Wise, Spirit-led believers restore gently, often with others, balancing truth and love to help a brother or sister return to faithfulness. Because situations are messy […]

Disciples Should Expect God’s Discipline

God’s Discipline — Lessons for Growing Up in Christ Trials expose our weaknesses and invite repentance, producing the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” in those trained by them (Hebrews 12:11). Parents […]

What’s the Alternative to Judgmentalism?

Judgmentalism — Paths to Empathy and Mercy Jesus’ “Judge not” warns of both human backlash and divine accountability, calling for humility instead of superiority. Proverbs-like wisdom shows criticism triggers defensiveness […]

Growing Wise in the School of Waiting

Growing Wise — Practicing Patient Trust In a hurry-first culture, waiting trains obedience and self-control, echoing Proverbs and the slower rhythms of earlier generations. Jesus’ teaching distinguishes two kinds of […]

Satan: Function and Foe

Function and Foe in Progressive Revelation OT usage of satan typically denotes an adversary or accuser, not a named devil; scenes like Job 1–2 and Zechariah 3 fit this role. […]

Racism: A Lament and Call to Repent

Call to Repent for Gospel Healing In light of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, the church laments evil, listens to pain, and prays with compassion. Scripture frames repentance—Lamentations, James 4, […]

Rebuilding after Loss: the Book of Job

Book of Job and Rebuilding After Loss Book of Job reveals hope after suffering. Even after devastating loss, Job’s story shows God’s restoration through renewed blessings and family. Faith in […]

The Book of Job: A Guide in Suffering (Part 2)

Book of Job Part 2: Lessons for Suffering Well Worship redirects grief toward God. Job blesses the Lord amid loss and recognizes every gift was on loan. Transparency names the […]

Satanic Imagery in the Bible

Satanic Imagery in Scripture’s Story Satanic Imagery spans apocryphal voices and the Dead Sea Scrolls, where names like Mastema and Azazel shaped Jewish views of evil opposing God. Old Testament […]

Why Plant New Churches?

Plant New Churches for Gospel Multiplication Rooted in Genesis, God calls His people to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth—church planting embodies that mandate. In Acts, the church stalled […]

Satan in the Old Testament

Satan in the Old Testament: Language, Development, and Meaning Satan in the Old Testament is not a fixed name but a role—“the satan” acts as an accuser in Job and […]

The Book of Job: A Guide in Suffering (Part 1)

Book of Job Part 1: Lessons for Suffering Disciples Book of Job Part 1 recounts Job’s righteousness, devastating losses—including his children—and his astonishing worship instead of cursing God. Amid searing […]

Do Prayers Work in a Pandemic?

Do Prayers Work in a Pandemic: Faith Over Outcomes When God seems silent, prayer rests in who He is—present, wise, and sovereign—more than in immediate results. Rather than demanding answers, […]

Biden, Trump, and Other Urgent Things That Come Up

Biden and Trump—A Psalm 14 Reality Check Psalm 14 indicts both parties, showing that none of us consistently does good and we often live as if God isn’t there. Political […]

The Surprising Layers of a Genealogy

Layers of a Genealogy in Biblical Reflection Layers of a Genealogy uncover depth as Genesis 5 reveals not only lifespans but the weight of faith passed—or not passed—between generations. Sobering […]

Paralyzed or Mobilized?

Paralyzed or Mobilized and the Path of Faith Faith turns paralysis into purpose. When crises strike, God calls us not to freeze in fear but to trust Him and act […]

Through the Eyes of the Egyptian Mother

Egyptian Mother and the Night of the Plagues Egyptian Mother offers a vivid look at the grief of losing a firstborn during Exodus, bringing ancient sorrow into a modern reader’s […]

Confronting Coronavirus with a Dozen Contradictory Emotions

Confronting Coronavirus and the Struggles of Faith Confronting Coronavirus reveals how believers experience fear, grief, and gratitude all at once while facing the pandemic. The article shows how Scripture, from […]

Meet Your Mentors in Exile

Mentors in Exile and Lessons for Today Jeremiah’s wisdom guides exiles by urging them to plant, build, and bless their captors, showing that faithful living thrives even in hardship. Daniel’s […]

Are You Finding Your Value in Victimhood?

Are You Finding Your Value in Victimhood — Moving from Isolation to Fellowship From a chance Craigslist encounter, the author shows how clinging to a victim identity breeds bitterness and […]

Book Review: Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser

Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser Book Review — Insights & Implications Heiser argues Psalm 82 reveals a real “divine council” of elohim under the Most High, challenging views that shrink […]

Lent & the Value of Subtraction

Value of Subtraction – Practicing Lent’s rhythms Begin by removing what dulls devotion—fasting, repentance, and prayer create space for God to draw near. Remember that God subtracts our sin as […]

Uncertainty: Just What We Should Expect

Uncertainty in Faithful Living When answers feel scarce, Uncertainty isn’t unfaithfulness. Scripture shows how to walk with Jesus within limits and grow through them. Scripture shows that Uncertainty is part […]

Hope in Bleak Midwinter

Hope in Bleak Midwinter – Practices for Weary Hearts A quick guide drawn from the article to help you orient your mind and habits toward Christ when the news feels […]

Uncertainty Isn’t Your Enemy

Uncertainty in Faith — Reasons To Engage Uncertainty isn’t faithlessness; we “know in part” yet follow Jesus, letting questions mature trust and perseverance. Questions can signal God’s image in us—curious […]

What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad (Part 2)

What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad Part 2: Design, Purpose, and Covenant Sex as God’s gracious gift. God intends sex for joyful, self-giving love—not self-centered use—so healthy habits start before […]

What is Mianzi, and What Can Christians Learn from it?

What Can Christians Learn from Mianzi in Faith and Life What Can Christians Learn from Mianzi is shown through cultural insights that highlight humility, confession, and authentic living. By exploring […]

A Tale of Two Love Stories

A Tale of Two Love Stories in Christian Living A Tale of Two Love Stories highlights the journey of love, marriage, and the growth that comes through faith in God. […]

The Super Bowl Halftime Show & Empowerment

Super Bowl Halftime Show and Empowerment in Christian Living Super Bowl Halftime Show highlights cultural empowerment while Scripture points to true empowerment through God’s will. The article shows how the […]

How Progressivism Refuels

How Progressivism Refuels in Christian Thought How Progressivism Refuels explains how inconsistencies among Bible-believing Christians give progressives room to reinterpret Scripture. The article shows that How Progressivism Refuels highlights the […]

Category: Old Testament