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?
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.
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).
April 18, 2022
April 24 | Perfect Action
Many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day failed to rejoice when the hurting were helped. The religion police were more interested in procedures than people.
April 18, 2022
April 24 | Application
The road of life is littered with perils. Often, we manage to glide over the hazards and keep going, but a small nail can lead to a slow leak or a major blowout in our relationship with God.
April 11, 2022
April 17 | Perfect Love
“Holy Week,” as it is called, is a demonstration of perfect love. Even while enduring the cross, sustaining the solemnity of the tomb and experiencing the victory of the resurrection, Jesus continued to love and serve others.
April 11, 2022
April 17 | Application
If you survey a crowd about their favorite flowers, crocuses probably won’t make the list. They aren’t tall like sunflowers, elegant like orchids, or fragrant like hyacinths and lilacs. . . .
April 4, 2022
April 10 | Perfect Judgment
The woman poured out her repentance in several ways—weeping (in contrition) over Jesus' feet, letting her hair down so she could use her “glory” as a towel, kissing his feet, and pouring expensive perfume on them.
April 4, 2022
April 10 | Application
They appeared to have nothing in common at all. People treated him like gold and they treated her like dirt . . .
