December 19, 2022
December 25 | Discovery
How can the Magi be examples to you for how to radically pursue Jesus?
Theology & Bible
Theology & Bible helps Christians understand Scripture and the core teachings of the Christian faith. Explore Bible-based articles on biblical interpretation, doctrine, salvation, the Holy Spirit, baptism, communion, creation, and key themes across the Old and New Testaments. You’ll find thoughtful guidance for studying the Bible faithfully, applying God’s Word to life and ministry, and growing in theological clarity rooted in the gospel. Whether you’re a church leader, teacher, student, or everyday disciple, this hub equips you to know God through Scripture and live with conviction and hope.
December 19, 2022
Traveling by Starlight
Ignatius wrote words about a birth on his way to his death . . .
December 15, 2022
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘The Approved Precedent of the Shepherds’ (1972)
Certain groups in Christendom do not observe Christmas nor do they commemorate the birth of Christ under any designation. One such body maintains that no such commemoration is required by Scripture. . . .
December 12, 2022
December 18 | Lord of Judgment
Jesus came as a Savior the first time. When he returns, he will come as our judge. In fact, all judgment has been given to Jesus by the Father so that all will honor the Son (John 5:22-23). He is Lord of Judgment. The diamond of the gospel shines brightest on the black cloth of judgment.
December 12, 2022
December 18 | Application (Caring for ‘the Least of These’)
In Matthew 25, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. This Scripture passage teaches important truths about the Lord, and it has practical implications for us.
December 12, 2022
December 18 | Discovery
Matthew 25:31-46 contrasts two groups of people, depicted by Jesus as sheep and goats. . . . What contrasts do you see?
December 5, 2022
December 11 | Lord of Creation
There are five miracles in this lesson text—the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water, Peter walking on water, the calming of the storm, and the healings at Gennesaret. Only the Lord of Creation could demonstrate his power over that creation.
December 5, 2022
December 11 | Application (‘You’re Not Too Small—or Too Big—to Trust in God’)
Science can take us only so far. The more we learn about the universe, the humbler we should become.
December 5, 2022
December 11 | Discovery
If you were to ask Jesus to do the seemingly impossible for you, what would it be?
November 28, 2022
Showing Up
Communion reminds us of a beautiful part of the Christmas story. . . .
November 28, 2022
December 4 | Lord of the Harvest
The only thing the God of the Bible enjoys more than planting is harvesting. He is both Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:38). He works very hard in his field, and he invites others to join him there.
November 28, 2022
December 4 | Application (‘Something Is Missing’)
Do you ever feel like you’re missing something? While driving away from home, do you wonder if you left the lights on or forgot to lock the door? While preparing a meal, have you ever omitted an important part of the recipe? Matthew 9:36-38 mentions several missing ingredients. . . .
November 28, 2022
December 4 | Discovery
In these passages from Matthew 9 and 10, Jesus tells his disciples three times to “not be afraid.” Why should Jesus’ followers not be afraid to speak about him to others?
November 21, 2022
November 27 | Application (‘Learning About Worship from an Old Songbook’)
In biblical times, Jewish boys and girls soaked up the music they heard in the temple. Their families used an old songbook that’s still in print today: the book of Psalms.
November 21, 2022
November 27 | Discovery
What would you need to change in your life to give more glory and praise to God?
November 14, 2022
November 20 | Application (‘The Strangest Verse in the 23rd Psalm’)
"One part of the 23rd Psalm puzzles me," David Faust writes. "It’s the verse that says, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies' (Psalm 23:5a). Who wants to sit at a table surrounded by enemies?"
November 14, 2022
November 20 | Discovery
How has God protected you and provided for you over the past year?
November 7, 2022
November 13 | Application (‘Learning the Art of One-Downmanship’)
Do you ever try to one-up someone and make yourself feel superior? Have you ever engaged in a competitive conversation where, instead of listening well, everyone tried to outdo each other by telling more impressive stories of their own?
November 7, 2022
November 13 | Discovery
In what ways have you seen God use the weakest of things (such as children and infants) to build a stronghold and deter his enemies?
November 7, 2022
Focused on Christ
By Lee Magness Many of us call the meal “the Lord’s Supper” (1 Corinthians 11:20), but the Greek word translated “Lord’s” is not a possessive noun, but a descriptive adjective. Although the meal does belong to the Lord (Jesus inaugurated the meal, is present in the meal, presides at the meal, etc.), Paul was emphasizing that the meal is characterized by the Lord. It is the Lordly Supper. In every way it is focused on him—past, present, and future. The meal is a remembrance of Jesus past, not just a memorial of the meal he instituted, but a recollection of
