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.

January 9, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for Jan. 15, 2012: God Preserves a Remnant (Genesis 42:1″”46:7)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ God Preserves a Remnant (Genesis 42:1″”46:7) By Sam E. Stone This month we are highlighting events from the life of Joseph under the general theme, “God”s Protection.” In last week”s lesson we saw Joseph correctly interpret the Pharaoh”s dream and placed “second in command” over the entire land of Egypt. In that capacity he supervised a program to store up the extra grain from the seven years of abundance, then ration it out during the seven years of famine. The

January 2, 2012

Christian Standard

Lesson for Jan. 8, 2012: Joseph Finds Favor (Genesis 41)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ Joseph Finds Favor (Genesis 41) By Sam E. Stone Joseph could have complained when he was sent to prison. Some would declare, “A guy tries to do right and look where it gets him! He gets thrown into jail!” We have no record that Joseph displayed such an attitude at any time, however. What we find is that “the Lord was with him” (Genesis 39:21). God “showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”

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 27, 2011

Christian Standard

Why New Testament Christians Should Study the Old Testament

By Steve Hooks The Stone-Campbell Movement has served Christendom well through its invitation of all believers to practice “New Testament Christianity.” An unintended and unfortunate consequence of this plea, however, has been the historical neglect of the Old Testament in the preaching and teaching of many Restoration churches. Regarding the New Testament as the “only rule of faith and practice,” some in our fellowship have come to view the Old Testament as no longer relevant for the believer. The Old Testament, it is argued, was for the Jews. Having brought us to Christ it has now served its intended purpose

December 26, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Jan. 1, 2012: Joseph Shows Character (Genesis 37, 39)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ Joseph Shows Character (Genesis 37, 39) By Sam E. Stone Someone said, “Character is what a person does in the dark.” Another observed, “Character is what you do when you know no one will find out.” Both descriptions apply to Joseph. In last month”s lessons we studied Abraham. We saw the fulfillment of God”s promise to send the Savior through his descendants. Abraham”s son Isaac had two sons, Jacob and Esau. In the years that followed, Jacob himself had 12

December 19, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Dec. 25, 2011: The Lord Keeps His Promise (Luke 1:26″“2:7; Galatians 3:6-18)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ The Lord Keeps His Promise (Luke 1:26″“2:7; Galatians 3:6-18) By Sam E. Stone God always keeps his promises. The life of Abraham provides an excellent illustration of this. In recent weeks, we saw an elderly, childless couple become parents. Moving forward 2,000 years, today”s lesson reveals that from their descendants came God”s own Son, bringing the hope of salvation for all people. The first section of our text is part of Mary”s song after she learned that she would give

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

December 12, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Dec. 18, 2011: The Lord Provides (Genesis 22:1-19)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for December 18) is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ The Lord Provides (Genesis 22:1-19) By Sam E. Stone In last week”s lesson God assured Abram that he would actually have a son who would serve as his heir. Abram believed God. In the chapters that follow (Genesis 15:18″“22:1), we read about Hagar and Ishmael, the covenant of circumcision, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot, and Abimelech. Abram”s name was changed to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), literally “a father of many nations.” Finally Sarah gave birth to

December 5, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Dec. 11, 2011: The Lord Gives His Promise (Genesis 15)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for December 11) is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ The Lord Gives His Promise (Genesis 15) By Sam E. Stone Last week we learned how God called Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a new country God would give him. The initial call from God came while he was still in Mesopotamia (Genesis 12:1-3; see Acts 7:2). Scripture next describes his sojourn in Egypt and his experiences with Lot. In chapter 15 we find Abram approaching the Lord with something that was troubling him.

December 2, 2011

Christian Standard

The Lord”s Supper as Abstraction

By Jason Bembry I want you to imagine our world in the year 2111, 100 years from now. Imagine it”s a few days before Thanksgiving. The fastest-selling grocery item is “Thanksgiving on the Go,” a package containing a little cube of pressed turkey meat, a congealed cube of stuffing, and a tube of cranberry sauce. People in the 2100s are busy folks. Traveling to see loved ones for the holiday has become too hectic; many have deemed it psychologically stressful. Most people opt to work on the fourth Thursday in November, carrying with them the handy “Thanksgiving on the Go.”

November 28, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Dec. 4, 2011: The Lord Calls Abram (Genesis 11:27″“12:9)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for December 4) is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ________ The Lord Calls Abram (Genesis 11:27″“12:9) By Sam E. Stone “God”s Covenant” is the general theme of our lessons this month highlighting several events in the life of Abraham. He is one of the most important figures in the Old Testament. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26, in the section before today”s printed text. There he is called Abram. It was not until many years later that the Lord changed his name to Abraham (Genesis 17:5).

November 28, 2011

Christian Standard

Our Year in Deuteronomy

By Mike Baker I had just become senior pastor two months earlier and now, at the annual sermon planning retreat, I was to give direction for our preaching for the upcoming year. Our church was known for biblical preaching, but I sensed we were in a topic-driven rut that basically had rotated a handful of relevant biblical themes in our teaching year after year. It was time for a change, and so I suggested a yearlong study through the book of Deuteronomy. My wife”s reaction was a big “thumbs down.” When a staff member heard my proposal, she simply said,

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 21, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Nov. 27, 2011: Facing Life Without Worry (Matthew 6:19-34)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for November 27) is written by Phil Roberts, who serves with Hill-N-Dale Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. ____________ Facing Life Without Worry (Matthew 6:19-34) By Phil Roberts (Note to teachers: The italicized sections are questions designed to help involve your students in the learning process.) My wife and I are parents of a second grader and a set of triplets (technically, three surviving quadruplets). The triplets are approaching their sixth birthday and recently entered a whole new world called kindergarten. They come home daily from their full-day school with stories and

November 14, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Nov. 20, 2011: Praying Sincerely (Matthew 6:1-18)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for November 20) is written by Jim Littlejohn, pastoral care minister at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg, Indiana. ____________ Praying Sincerely (Matthew 6:1-18) By Jim Littlejohn There seems to be a growing number of books about who we are when no one is looking. Our true character jumps up when our guard is let down. Even though we need accountability, the other side of the coin can be just as ugly. How are other people””people we may trust””when we are not looking? For example, ask that question of investors who

November 7, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Nov. 13, 2011: Loving Unconditionally (Matthew 5:38-48)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for November 13) is written by Ron Mobley, senior minister with Northwest Christian Church in Acworth, Georgia. ____________ Loving Unconditionally (Matthew 5:38-48) By Ron Mobley The classic song from the stage play Carnival begins, “Love makes the world go round.“ If you have paid attention to world news in recent months you realize that if “love makes the world go round,” our planet has nearly come to a screeching halt! If someone asks, “Can you feel the love,” the answer for many in our world must be “NO!”   It”s Personal

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

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