Your congregation has heard many Bible stories dozens of times. But are the people in your care missing key behind-the-scenes details into the biblical world that would deepen their understanding and appreciation of Scripture? The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible is packed with expert insight into the customs and culture […]
If God just forgives all Christians and none of them go to hell, why would any Christian do good when they can sin all they want? I remember being asked this question by two children, a girl and a boy about twelve and ten years old, after one of my […]
Mark: The Gospel of the Suffering Son of God Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion in Mark are scenes of betrayal, desertion, and rejection. The disciples flee at his arrest; his opponents mock and scorn him. He dies in agony on the cross, forsaken by all, even his Father in heaven. Yet […]
Take this quiz at the beginning of a Bible study and again at the study’s end. The goal: assess change in your image of Jesus and yourself. Work quickly. There are no “correct” answers. Part 1: What Do You Think of Jesus? Please answer each question with a “yes” (Y) […]
Editor’s Note: Just before the start of the 2016 Summer Olympics, ESPN shared a magazine article and video about Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps that chronicled his downward spiral following the Beijing Olympics and his subsequent recovery. A key turning point in Michael’s life was when his friend Ray Lewis […]
It’s about God. It is easy for us to focus our attention on the human characters of the Bible or on our own needs. Instead of looking to the Bible to give us tips for living or decision-making, our first line of interpretation should be to seek to understand how […]
