Bible Study

Bible Study equips Christians to read, understand, and apply Scripture with clarity and confidence. Explore Bible-based articles on interpreting the text, studying context, asking good questions, and forming habits that help individuals, classes, and small groups grow in God’s Word. You’ll find guidance for using study tools, leading discussion, teaching the Bible, and connecting Scripture to daily life without losing the meaning of the passage. Whether you’re new to studying the Bible or helping others learn, this hub offers practical help for faithful, fruitful Bible study.

June 11, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for June 17, 2012: Celebrate Jubilee (Leviticus 25)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Last week we learned that the Israelites were required to help the poor and the aliens in their midst. The Lord required fair and just treatment for everyone. This week”s lesson explains an additional unique practice God ordained for his children””jubilee. In our time, “jubilee” often suggests a big party or celebration. To the Hebrews, however, it was “a year of emancipation and restoration provided by Hebrew law to be kept by the emancipation of Hebrew

June 4, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for June 10, 2012: Live as God’s Just People (Leviticus 19)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Compassion is a key part of justice. In the Lord”s directions for how the people of Israel should live, justice is clearly an inherent ingredient. This is emphasized in the first five books of the Old Testament, known as “the Law.” An interesting literary device in today”s text is the repetition of the phrases “I am the Lord” and “I am the Lord your God.” In the 37 verses of Leviticus 19, the two expressions occur

May 28, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for June 3, 2012: Practice Justice (Exodus 22:1-23:9)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone In the three summer months we will focus attention on an important theme throughout Scripture””justice. The lessons will include highlights from 12 Old Testament books. They make it plain that God is concerned that his people be consistent in practicing his kind of justice in our very wicked world. The book of Exodus does not simply tell about how the children of Israel left Egypt. In addition it contains the laws laid down by God to

May 21, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 27, 2012: The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Some Bible students have pointed out that while John 13 contains a narrative and a dialogue, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 each have a central theme. The predominant note in John 14 is conflict. The setting for this week”s lesson text is the night Jesus was betrayed. After instituting the Lord”s Supper in the upper room, Jesus and his disciples (except Judas) set out for the Garden of Gethsemane.   Christ”s Promises John 14:1-4 Do

May 14, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 20, 2012: The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-44)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the “synoptic Gospels.” These three accounts of Jesus” life follow a similar outline and record many of the same events. The Gospel of John, written some years later, supplements our knowledge of Christ”s ministry in a wonderful way. While John recounts many of the same things as the other three, he also includes other significant teachings and events not previously recorded. Today”s lesson is one of them. Near the

May 7, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 13, 2012: The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone In the Old Testament, God”s relation to the Hebrew people was often compared to that of a shepherd and his sheep (Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:31). It is not surprising to find that Jesus used the same illustration (Luke 15:3-6). Today”s lesson is taken again from John”s Gospel. The setting is Jerusalem, well into Christ”s ministry.   The Good Shepherd and the Sheep John 10:7-10 By saying, “I tell you the truth,” Jesus clearly connects what he

April 30, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 6, 2012: The Bread of Life (John 6)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone An entire year elapsed between the healing of the lame man (John 5) and the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6). This would be two years after the first cleansing of the temple and one year before the crucifixion. John explains that his Gospel contains only a limited number of the many miracles and teachings of the Lord (John 20:30, 31; 21:25). Seth Wilson observes that the feeding of the 5,000 was a “turning-point in Jesus”

April 23, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for April 29, 2012: Blind Man Receives Sight (John 9)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The miracle that we study today took place later in Jesus” earthly ministry, probably four or five months before his final Passover. Once more the scene is Jerusalem. Jesus chose to demonstrate his authority by another miracle of healing. Giving sight to the blind had been prophesied as an example of the Messiah”s work (see Isaiah 35:5; 42:7).   The Healing John 9:1-7 When the disciples encountered a man who had been blind from birth, it

April 16, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for April 22, 2012: Samaritan Woman Finds Living Water (John 4:1-42)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Early in Jesus” ministry he reached out to those ignored or snubbed by others. The Samaritans were such a group. Considered “half-breeds,” these were the children of Jews who had intermarried with pagans. Many from the Northern Kingdom were exiled years before, but some remained in the land. They married Gentiles brought to live there by the conquering Assyrians, and became known as Samaritans. Today”s lesson takes place early in Jesus” ministry in Samaria””the central part

April 9, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for April 15, 2012: Temple Is Cleansed (John 2:13-25)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone John”s Gospel clarifies the length of Jesus” earthly ministry. Because he mentions the various Passovers celebrated by our Lord, we are able to determine that his entire ministry was a little over three years. Christ did what was expected of all Jewish men””he came to Jerusalem each year in observance of Passover (Deuteronomy 16:16). Today”s text describes his first visit there after beginning his earthly ministry. It was true to the spirit of Malachi”s prophecy (3:1-3).

April 2, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for April 8, 2012: Jesus Lives! (John 20:1-23)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Good Friday looked anything but “good” to Jesus” disciples that day. Saturday was no better. Sunday began with the same feelings of despair, disappointment, and desperation in the hearts of all his followers. As one of them explained later, “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).   Empty Tomb John 20:1-10 Just after sunrise Sunday morning (Mark 16:2), the women made their way to the tomb where

March 26, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for April 1, 2012: Jesus Testifies to the Truth (John 18, 19)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Instead of continuing chronologically through the Gospel of John, this week we will consider events leading up to the cross. Then on Easter Sunday, we will study the resurrection. Jesus actually underwent not one trial, but three. Two high priests were involved in the trials (Luke 3:2). The three Synoptic Gospels explain what happened in those trials (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:66-71). Jesus was taken first to the house of Annas (John 18:13), then to

December 28, 2011

Christian Standard

Getting the Most from Revelation (Part Two)

By Matt Proctor Part One of this article examined four hermeneutical keys to help you unlock the meaning of the book of Revelation. But, what about the book”s significance? Even if I understand how to read Revelation, an important question remains: why should I read it? How will it help me devotionally? In what ways will it make me a better follower of Jesus? Another way of asking this: We know God has promised a blessing to those who take hold of the words of Revelation (1:3). But what kind of blessings should our people expect? Here are seven ways

December 18, 2011

Christian Standard

Getting the Most from Revelation (Part One)

By Matt Proctor At first I steered clear of this perplexing book. But then a seminary class showed me that no Bible book offers greater help or relevance for Christians today. When I interviewed for my first preaching ministry at age 23, I told the pulpit committee I absolutely believed in the power of God”s Word to transform lives. I told them I was convinced “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). I affirmed for them my commitment to proclaim “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27, English Standard

December 16, 2011

Christian Standard

The Impact of God”s Word on My Heart

By Dean Trune I desperately need daily input from the Bible. Because it is “alive and active,” according to Hebrews 4:12, I can examine the same verse or passage from time to time, and the Holy Spirit will “speak” truth in applicable ways for what is happening in my life at that particular time. God”s Word is so powerful! Since I need a steady flow of God”s Word into my life, God has orchestrated four ways for me to receive its input.   I read God”s Word from cover to cover each calendar year. It is not simply a goal,

December 12, 2011

Christian Standard

Your Journey with the Word

By Kelly Carr Have you ever thought about how amazing it is to have daily access to the Word of God””a privilege unknown for centuries? We can have the Bible on our bookshelf, our e-book reader, our car stereo, MP3 player, computer, tablet, and our phone””all at the same time! If you”re looking for a new plan to jump-start your Bible-reading habit, this article is for you. We”ve compiled a variety of Bible reading plans, including some recommendations by Christian Standard readers. Whether you”re just beginning to read on a regular basis or you have read the Bible daily for

November 22, 2011

Christian Standard

Reading the Text on Its Own Terms

By Mark Scott “Good Bible interpretation is letting the text have its own voice.” “True interpretation is what the author intended to say.” “Always strive for the AIM (author”s intended meaning).” “A text cannot mean what it never meant.” “Meaning is singular; significance is plural.”   I heard and/or read all of the above statements in my Bible college days. Each one made sense to me. I trusted their sources. I embraced them. They served me well. I was good to go on interpreting the Scriptures. But something happened along the way. The supposed plain talk of interpreting the Bible

November 21, 2011

Christian Standard

Application Without Heresy

By Daniel Overdorf I hiked a trail in the Smoky Mountains with some friends last spring. I was refreshed by the crisp air, mountain peaks, and conversation. All the fresh mountain air I”d inhaled came out in a single gasp, however, when we approached a 20-foot bridge that crosses a ravine. The term bridge may overstate the reality””a park ranger, with a devilish grin in place, positioned what looked like a long railroad tie across the canyon, strung a couple of wires to function as handrails, and invited weekend hikers to test their mettle. I prefer to leave my mettle

November 2, 2011

Christian Standard

What a Guide!

By Ben Merold I grew up knowing that the Bible was the Word of God. In retrospect, I consider that fact strange for several reasons. I do not recall reading the Bible in my early life, and my attendance at a Sunday school class or a church youth group meeting was limited to a few short periods of time. I heard very few sermons and remembered none of them, but in spite of these things, I really believed the Bible was the Word of God. Yet, even though I had this conviction about the Bible, it had very little influence

October 24, 2011

Christian Standard

Getting the Most from the Epistles (Part Two)

By Matt Proctor   We have seen that the New Testament Epistles are published apostolic sermons intended to be read publicly to the recipient churches””with rich theological content, skillful rhetorical crafting, and deeply personal emotion. Now let me suggest five questions that can help you understand these sometimes-difficult books.   Have I Read the Entire Letter? Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart give this challenge: “You need to develop the habit of reading the whole letter through in one sitting. You will need to block out an hour or so to do this, but nothing can ever substitute for this exercise. It is the

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