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.

October 25, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Oct. 31, 2010: God”s Comforting Presence (Psalm 63)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 31) is written by Bruce Stoker who serves as adult education minister with Memorial Church of Christ in Livonia, Michigan. God’s Comforting Presence (Psalm 63) By Bruce Stoker I suppose wilderness is a matter of perspective. What most of us might call wilderness, Bear Grylls or Les Stroud might call an ideal location for a family picnic (where ants would not only be welcome but also likely on the menu). While I”ve never seen a desert, as a teen I spent several hours lost in a remote, swampy wilderness.

October 18, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Oct. 24, 2010: God”s Universal Reign (Psalm 47)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 24) is written by Brenda J. Lang who serves as professor of music and worship at Cincinnati (Ohio) Christian University. God”s Universal Reign (Psalm 47) By Brenda J. Lang Clap your hands all you people, Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. Clap your hands all you people, Shout unto God with a voice of praise. Hosanna! Hosanna! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. Praise Him! Praise Him! Shout unto God with a voice of praise. I suspect as you read those words based on Psalm

October 11, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Oct. 17, 2010: God”s Safe Refuge (Psalm 46:1-7)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 17) is written by Neil Norheim, senior minister with Parkview Christian Church, Findlay, Ohio. God”s Safe Refuge (Psalm 46:1-7) By Neil Norheim “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.” Think about the trust factor of these words in the hymn by Isaac Watts. Trust is the critical issue. Our temptation is to trust only in ourselves, doubt everyone else, and constantly remain suspicious. From an emotional standpoint, this defensive posture is mostly paranoia. Psalm 46 begins, “God is our refuge and strength, an

October 5, 2010

Christian Standard

The Playfulness of Creation

By John Mark Hicks “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” The proverb first appeared in the mid-1600s. Perhaps it originated as a Puritan excuse for recreation. I don”t know. Originally, it was used against parents who did not give their children playful relief from their scholastic studies. The proverb seems like a justification for playfulness, but in God”s world play needs no more justification than work does. Both are built into creation. God created both work and play. God”s Smile Indeed, God embodies playfulness. His wisdom creates with delight, joy, and play. Personified divine wisdom in

October 4, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Oct. 10, 2010: God”s Perfect Law (Psalm 19:7-14)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 10) is written by Nicolas Cox who serves as minister of small groups and spiritual formation at Community Christian Church, White Marsh, Maryland. God”s Perfect Law (Psalm 19:7-14) By Nicolas Cox Whether it”s the speed limit or regulations of a homeowners association, we tend to dislike laws. Restrictions seem to rankle us. Laws point out what is black and what is white””what is wrong and what is right. It”s amazing how hard we search for a messy gray somewhere in between. We become experts in finding loopholes that will

September 27, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Oct. 3, 2010: God”s Majesty and Human Dignity (Psalm 8)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 3) is written by Dave Butts who serves as president of Harvest Prayer Ministries in Terre Haute, Indiana. _________________________________________________________ God’s Majesty and Human Dignity ( Psalm 8 ) By Dave Butts How much do we really know about God? How can we learn more of who God really is? God certainly has revealed some of his nature in his Word. A careful examination of the life of Jesus shows us even more. For the Lord said if we have seen him, we have seen the Father. Psalm 8 gives us

September 20, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Sept. 26, 2010: God Promises an Awesome Thing (Exodus 34:1-10)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 26) is written by Cheryl Frey, a freelance proofreader and editor from Rochester, New York. God Promises an Awesome Thing (Exodus 34:1-10) By Cheryl Frey Talk about pushing your luck. When Jason Zacchi of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, decided to rob a Wendy”s drive-through window, he thought the bandana over his face would conceal his identity. But when the manager heard the commotion and came over, she immediately recognized him. The Wendy”s Jason had chosen to rob was the one where his mom worked. She called the police, and he was arrested. In the

September 13, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Sept. 19, 2010: God Rejects Idol Worship (Exodus 32:1-10)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 19) is written by Phil Roberts who serves as senior minister with Hill-N-Dale Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. ________________________________________________________ God Rejects Idol Worship (Exodus 32:1-10) “I don’t want a relationship.” I remember those words of rejection from 20 years ago almost like yesterday. They were preceded by the phrase, “I think we need to talk,” and followed by my label of being “dumped.” Rejection hurts, and motivates. We are motivated by the pain of rejection and the fear of further rejection. But should feelings or fears of being rejected by God ever come

September 6, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Sept. 12, 2010: God Makes a Covenant with Israel (Exodus 20:1-11)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 12) is written by Jeremy Lawson who serves as minister with Mount Pleasant Church of Christ in Williamstown, Kentucky. God Makes a Covenant with Israel (Exodus 20:1-11) By Jeremy Lawson What is the difference between a contract and a covenant? By definition, a contract is an agreement between two people that is based on ifs. For example, when building a house, the contractor agrees to pay the roofing company if it puts an acceptable and long-lasting roof on the house he is building. If the roofing company completes the task acceptably, then the contractor

August 30, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Sept. 5, 2010: God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 5) is written by Earl Winfrey, senior minister with Calvary Christian Church in Paris, Kentucky. God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15) By Earl Winfrey Moses and the burning bush is a popular event that has been acted out many times over the years. From Vacation Bible School to the movie screen, the burning bush is included in nearly every depiction of the Exodus. Why is that scene so important? It is when Moses receives the call from God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event happened thousands of years ago, so what

August 23, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for August 29, 2010: Upheld by God (Acts 28:16-25, 28-31)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 29) is written by Jonathan Feathers who serves as senior minister with West Waynesboro Church of Christ in Waynesboro, Virginia. Upheld by God (Acts 28:16-25, 28-31) By Jonathan Feathers (Note: The italicized words in this lesson may be used as discussion questions.) Several years ago, I traveled to Mexico on a short-term mission trip. I had no idea what to expect when I got there. I found myself living in a foreign country where I was unable to read or speak the language, or understand the culture, but I knew I would be there for about

August 16, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 22, 2010: Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 22) is written by Thomas May who serves as discipleship minister with Eastside Christian Church, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14) By Thomas May I recently moved into an office in a just-completed wing of the church building. If you visit, you will find two walls lined with scads of books collected over years of ministry and education. My desk is situated in the midst of the shelves so that when I prepare lessons and sermons, many of the books literally are at my fingertips. But in the

August 11, 2010

Christian Standard

Remember Your Baptism, Teach About Baptism

By Mark A. Taylor More than a year ago, Bruce Shields encouraged readers, “Remember Your Baptism” (March 1, 2009). His wonderful essay sheds light on our discussion of children and baptism published last week and finished in this issue. A few lines from the conclusion of his piece:   When life seems to be too hard for you to remain true to what you know is right, remember your baptism. When friends urge you to loosen up and go the way of the world, remember your baptism. When memories of guilt assail you in the night, remember your baptism. When the

August 11, 2010

Christian Standard

Children and Baptism: In Search of a New Model (Part 2)

By Teresa D. Welch (Click here to read Part 1) I was in the church office when I received a somewhat frantic phone call from the parents of a 6-year-old. Anna had returned from attending Vacation Bible School with her neighbor and announced to her parents that she had “prayed Jesus into her heart.” Her parents knew this was not the practice of our church and were concerned that this indicated Anna was now accountable and needed to be baptized immediately. After discussing the situation, the parents realized their young daughter had not acted on her own volition. Instead, Anna had

August 9, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 15) is written by Rick D. Walston, vice president of academics and professor of Christian ministries at Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota. Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4-16) By Rick D. Walston What motivates you? What goals are you pursuing? Gordon MacDonald tells about pursuing a doctorate in history at the University of Northern Colorado. He was in a seminar with a dozen other graduate students discussing the economic impact of changes in tobacco prices in 17th-century Virginia. The students offered their opinions, raised their voices, and gestured forcefully, evidencing true passion. MacDonald reports, “When I left the

August 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Safe, to Lost, to Saved? (A Response)

This article is a response to John Mark Hicks’s “Safe, to Lost, to Saved?” __________ By Jeff Faull John Mark Hicks”s thought-provoking article in this week”s “Reflections” column leads me to sympathize with him about the ambiguity that appears to exist in regard to the process of our children coming to Christ and the timing of their baptisms. His line of reasoning questions our historically accepted assertions about the entrance of children into the kingdom of God. He questions “the theological underpinnings of the notion that our children move from safe to lost to saved (once baptized).” I respect and admire brother Hicks,

August 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Safe, to Lost, to Saved?

Read Jeff Faull’s response to this article _______________ By John Mark Hicks What is the relationship of our children to the kingdom of God? Within the Restoration Movement we have historically held that children are safe (without sin) until they reach the “age of accountability,” at which time they own their sin and become sinners (guilty). At that point, as I generally understand the theology, children are not only unsafe but also outside the grace of God. They do not belong to the kingdom. Consequently, children (ranging from ages 9-13 generally) are instructed about baptism, their sin, and their need

August 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Children and Baptism: In Search of a New Model (Part 1)

By Teresa D. Welch Susan and Kevin approached me after church and asked a series of questions I had heard before. “Could you talk to our son, Nathan, for us? He told us he wants to be baptized, and we don”t know if he is ready. What do you think?” Hearing questions about children and baptism was not uncommon in my role as a children”s minister, I regularly was asked by parents of elementary-aged children about matters of their child”s faith and readiness for baptism. However, the longer I served as a children”s minister, the more these questions concerned me.

August 8, 2010

Christian Standard

Were You Old Enough to Be Baptized?

By Mark A. Taylor A discussion of baptism in Christian Standard usually stimulates spirited response, and that will probably happen after readers digest this issue, too. As always, we welcome your letters and e-mails, but we hope readers will keep two things in mind as they write us: Remember that a fourth article, Part 2 of Theresa Welch”s “search for a new model,” will appear next week. She offers a balanced, careful approach, one that does not reject current understandings, but only serves to enrich them. You may want to read the next issue before writing us about this one.

August 1, 2010

Christian Standard

Time for a Name Change?

By Jeff Faull Have you ever thought much about the name we have been given as followers of Jesus? Christians. We wear a name that signifies our devotion to our Lord and Savior. Scripture reveals believers were first called Christians at Antioch. But there”s talk on the street these days about a name change for Christians, And at first glance, I can understand why. CHRISTIANS? Let me introduce you to Fred Phelps and his congregation. He and his tiny group of followers journey across the country and spew a message of hatred. His latest stunt is to show up at

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