Does Our Character Affect How We Understand Scripture?

Cultivating a virtuous character influences how we understand Scripture in three ways: it helps us understand Scripture’s relevance, Scripture’s requirements, and Scripture’s richness. Do our character and obedience play a […]
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 […]
The Key to Understanding the Bible: A Story of Two Brave Women

What is the key to understanding the Bible? Although there are helpful tools for understanding the Bible, understanding has more to do with practicing obedience than just learning information. In […]
How Do We Interpret the Bible?
Interpret the Bible: Proven Steps to Prevent Confusion Hermeneutics is presented as the art and science of interpretation that helps readers understand Scripture in its proper context. Three core principles—observation, […]
5 Ways to Close to the Distance Between Us and the World of the Bible

The World of the Bible: Five Distances to Cross Time distance calls for humility, since centuries separate us from the original authors and audiences. Linguistic and geographical distance can be […]
Introduction to God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture
God’s Word: The Inspiration of Scripture — Introduction This video introduces Orpheus J. Heyward’s book, God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, part of the Real Life Theology series. […]
The Gospel Precisely Author Q&A – Matthew Bates with Bobby Harrington
Definition of the Gospel: Clear & Urgent Q&A Definition of the Gospel is clarified as the story of Jesus the saving King—sent by the Father, incarnate in David’s line, crucified, […]
How to Read the Bible like a Progressive

Read the Bible like a Progressive with Clear Discernment Progressive reading is shown as rewriting essential Christian doctrines to fit Western cultural values while proudly selecting which Scriptures still apply. […]
A 3-Step Process for Reading the Bible – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Reading the Bible – 3-Step Process for Understanding Observation sees what the text says. By reading Ephesians 1:3–4 in several translations and in its chapter and book context, you become […]
Come to the Bible with Questions – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Bible with Questions — Practicing Sound Interpretation Start by examining context (before/after), genre, and language so a passage’s meaning isn’t lifted out of its setting. Recognize historical, linguistic, and cultural […]
Bible Interpretation Is Closer Than You Think – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Bible Interpretation and Everyday Reading Skills Most of us already lean on context when we read texts and emails, and that same instinct helps us avoid pulling Bible verses out […]
What’s So Important about Context? – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Context — Handling Scripture With Integrity Rightly handling the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) guards us from bending verses to our will and keeps God’s will central. Examples like Ephesians 2:8, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Q: What If My Kid Thinks the Bible Is Boring?

Bible Is Boring — Helping Kids Engage Scripture Love and kindness are current. Show that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so his way remains deeply relevant. Relationship […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 2)

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms Part 2 for Christ-Focused Reading Jesus’ prayers and quotes—from Psalm 22 on the cross to Luke 24:44—teach us to wear “Jesus glasses,” seeing his […]
The Slaughter of the Canaanites: An Answer

Slaughter of the Canaanites and God’s Justice Slaughter of the Canaanites reveals that the conquest was God’s wrath against wickedness, showing His sovereignty in deciding when judgment is due. Historical […]