June 20, 2022
June 26 | Discovery
What area in your life do you need to “call on the name of the Lord?”
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.
June 13, 2022
June 19 | Experience My Compassion
The picture of God in both Jonah and Joel is one of compassion, which the Lord so wants us to experience.
June 13, 2022
June 19 | Application
David Faust writes: What should you do when “locusts” threaten to consume your dreams and devour your joy? Joel suggested three ways to respond. . . .
June 13, 2022
June 19 | Discovery
What similarities do you see between how God treated Nineveh in Jonah 4 and Israel in Joel 2?
June 6, 2022
June 12 | Return to Me
Jonah was on the run. In chapter 1 he ran “from” God. In chapter 2 he ran “to” God. In chapter 3 he ran “with” God. And in chapter 4 he ran “counter” to God. God always desires for us to run to him in full repentance. . . .
June 6, 2022
June 12 | Application
"Have you drifted away from the Lord?" David Faust asks. "Have you neglected God, separated yourself from the church, and allowed your faith to wane? It’s not too late to come back."
June 6, 2022
June 12 | Discovery
Sometimes change seems impossible. But these passages from Jonah and Joel show that’s not the case. What “turning points” in your walk with God is he currently offering you?
May 30, 2022
June 5 | Where Have You Run?
The book of Jonah is a narrative prophetic book. There is no question it is a story. But what kind of story is it? Historical story? Story “based” in history? Fictional story (similar to a parable)? . . .
May 30, 2022
June 5 | Application
We all can relate to Jonah because at some point we all have tried to run from God. The Lord said go, and we said no. The Lord said speak, and we stayed silent. He sent us to Nineveh, and we headed for Tarshish. . . .
May 30, 2022
June 5 | Discovery
Compare the prophet Jonah’s words and actions toward God with those of the fishermen.
May 23, 2022
May 29 | Two Stories about Prayer
The subject matter of the parables was prayer, but the context concerned the faith and humility necessary for always being ready for the return of the king.
May 23, 2022
May 29 | Application
I can’t comprehend the brilliant mind of God, fathom the depth of his love, or explain exactly how prayer works. But I know God treasures our communication with him . . .
May 16, 2022
May 22 | The Story of the Running Father
The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin clearly set up the parable of the lost son(s). And all three parables connect back to the criticism of the religious elite in Luke 15:1-2.
May 16, 2022
May 22 | Application
Have you ever wandered from God and squandered your resources, wondering if the Father would welcome you back? In a sense, it’s every Christian’s story. . . .
May 15 | The Story of the Master’s Return
This lesson text is highly metaphoric. The main metaphor concerns a master and servant. But under that big-picture metaphor are at least eight others that make this text quite visual . . .
May 15 | Application
At first glance, "waiting" implies little more than passive, quiet expectation. But the word also refers to being ready for action—prepared to serve or obey.
May 8 | The Story of the Poor Rich Man
This is one of the few parables where Jesus inserts “God” into a secular story. God called the man a fool (not an atheist but someone who has no moral compass). Death is a great wake-up call. . . .
May 8 | Application
I’m a sports fan, but I’m alarmed by the swift expansion of sports betting. Gambling is addictive and it threatens the integrity of athletic competition. . . .
April 25, 2022
May 1 | The Story of the Neighbors
This parable began in reality, for there really was a road that went from Jerusalem to Jericho referred to as “The Bloody Way.” But for a Samaritan to help a Jew on that road? That was the point at which the true-to-life parable veered into fictional analogy. . . .
April 25, 2022
May 1 | Application
Bad Samaritans evidently can become good ones. That’s why Jesus wanted the gospel to be preached in Samaria (Acts 1:8), and when it was, many Samaritans accepted Christ and were baptized (Acts 8:5-11).
