Ray Deck IIIIn Scripture, God makes a lot of promises. He keeps them all, but there are a few things he never promised that might surprise you. Here are three; can you think of others? Justice on earth God keeps score. He promises to heal the wounded, reward...
Chuck McKnightThe NET (or New English Translation) is a relatively new Bible version, but it has quickly become one of my favorites. It is completely unlike any other translation before it. Perhaps the word openness best describes what makes this Bible so special...
jarridwilson“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” —1 Timothy 6:10 What did Paul mean when he said, “For the love of money is a root...
It’s resolution-making season. Whether you’re resolving to do the same things you did a year ago or starting over with a new list of goals, we’ve got some tips to help you make resolutions that stick in the new year. Imagine a...
Each Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ birth and retell his origin story. But it’s hard to celebrate Christmas without also thinking about the reasons for Jesus’ birth and the world-changing events of his lifetime. As Bob Coy explains...
Nate SmoyerAuthor and humorist Jon Acuff recently relaunched his popular blog, StuffChristiansLike.net. We had a chance to speak with him about it. For those who may not know you, who are you and what do you do? I write books, speak all over the country, and...
We know we ought to be studying the Scriptures, but sometimes we don’t know how. Here are five of 10 common Bible study mistakes to avoid: 10. Starting without prayer The Bible is unlike any other book because it was inspired by God himself. Paul...
Proverbs—one of my favorite books in the Bible—contains wisdom for nearly every facet of human life. Written primarily by the wise King Solomon, Proverbs is best known for its contrasting descriptions of wisdom and foolishness, but it has a lot to...
One of the first Bible study tools that many believers acquire is a Bible with added footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory articles—a study Bible. But choosing a study Bible can be difficult. There are dozens to choose from, and many factors...
Scripture—Proverbs in particular—offers wisdom about a wide range of subjects, from finance to relationships and everything in between. Some of its most prevalent wisdom, though, is framed around the subject of wisdom itself—what it is, how it acts...
Since the Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, it must be translated for most of us to read and understand it. In English, we have several options. But how are they different? How do you choose a Bible translation...
No single book of the Bible stands alone. The biblical writers continually referenced, quoted, and built off previous books. Cross-references connect related verses and provide the full context for the passage you are studying. The Faithlife Study...
John 3:16 is probably the most talked-about verse in the entire Bible—and one of the most memorized verses in the entire world. We’ve encountered it painted on the face of famous athletes, written on the walls of national monuments, and even...
Studying the Bible isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Our faith encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with God, but what does that look like in terms of reading the Bible? That’s the big question that needs to be answered. It’s easy to...
It probably felt funny standing on the Galilean hillside that spring after everything that had happened. The people were all familiar, but not quite the same. I imagine Peter looking over Jesus’ shoulder, expecting the Roman cavalry to crest...
It’s a question worth considering: How much should we trust a 3,000-year-old book? The Bible certainly has its enemies. Since the moment of its completion, Scripture has been under attack. AD 300—The Roman emperor Diocletian ordered...
Using the three-step Bible study process—observe, interpret, and apply—you’re bound to learn new things about God. The observe phase doesn’t require any tools beyond a copy of the Scripture itself. (If you’re in search of one, we...
It’s always a delight to read over a favorite passage of Scripture. Familiar words and phrases unfold, conjuring the sense of wonder we felt upon our first understanding. Unfamiliar passages can present more of a challenge, though. Personally...