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Best Chapter in the Bible — 1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15 causes me to fall on my knees in worship. It points me to the resurrection, the gospel, and the works of Christ.

Passing the Baton: How to Equip Future Pastors and Teachers

2 Timothy 2:2 commands us to train a next generation of pastors and teachers. Jeremy Walker details the importance and weight of this task.

Best Books on Hermeneutics and How to Interpret the Bible

A list of recommended books on hermeneutics and the principles of how to interpret the Bible for evangelical Christians.

Teaching Deuteronomy: From Text to Message

Teaching Deuteronomy is a book written to help pastors and teachers understand its big picture so they can preach and teach it to others.

Essential Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch

This article summarizes the attacks on Mosaic authorship and defends the position that Moses was the principal author of the Torah (Pentateuch).

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness — Matthew 5:6

Don't seek happiness. Seek righteousness instead. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, God will satisfy us by grace alone.

A Birthday Letter to My 10 Year Old Daughter

A letter written from a father to his daughter one day after her 10th birthday.

The Doctrine of Election

What does the Bible say about the doctrine of election? Ten of John Calvin's sermons preached in the 16th century are translated to help us.

A Primer on Biblical Literacy

Biblical literacy is an awareness of the diverse composition of the 66 books and a knowledge of the central themes and events found in the Bible.

Adopted into God's Family from Romans 8:15

In an uncertain, divisive world, where can one find security? Paul explains in Romans 8:15–17 what it means to be adopted into God's family.

The Sabbath As Rest and Hope for the People of God

This is a book review on The Sabbath As Rest by Guy Waters. It is an excellent introductory biblical theology on the Sabbath that I recommend.

Blessed Are the Lowly — Matthew 5:5

"Blessed are the lowly, for they shall be comforted." Jesus's beatitude in Matthew 5:5 is the opposite to what many in our world think today.

Spectacularly Ordinary — 2 Corinthians 4:7

Using our ordinary weakness, God has placed his gospel treasure in earthen vessels (jars of clay) to elevate Christ and his greatness.

4 Helpful Ways to Discern God's Will

Good decision making and discerning the will of God requires seeking counsel, applying Scripture, evaluating circumstances, and praying.

Introduction to the Book of Joshua

An overview on the purpose, structure, and content of the book of Joshua, the first book of the Former Prophets found in the Old Testament.

What the Bible Says About Christian Tithing

This article examines the Bible passages on Christian tithing to identify factors that determine if today's Christians are supposed to tithe.

Introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy

An overview of Deuteronomy including its setting, its structure highlighting Moses' three speeches, and three important theological themes.

Introduction to the Book of Numbers

Explains the purpose, structure, and important themes in Numbers. The book brings into focus God's love for Israel and his faithfulness.

Introduction to the Book of Leviticus

A summary and outline of the book of Leviticus is given. God is holy, and he desires a relationship with his covenant people who must be holy.

Introduction to the Book of Exodus

Overview of the book of Exodus covering the internal support for Mosaic authorship, the structure of Exodus, and seven themes in Exodus.

Introduction to the Book of Genesis

Overview of the book of Genesis covering authorship, basic outline, and a survey of its contents with the 10 generations (toledot).

Christian Groaning — Romans 8:23–25

Christian groaning is acknowledging our present suffering, waiting eagerly for our bodily redemption, and living courageous until the final day.

A Biblical Theology of Hospitality

This article is a succinct biblical theology of hospitality, which includes applications and practical tips for how to offer and receive hospitality.

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn — Matthew 5:4

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." This article explain what it means to mourn and what it means to be comforted.

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit — Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This article explains what "blessed" and "poor in spirit" means.

Jesus Cleanses the Leper — Matthew 8:2–4

Like the leper Jesus healed, Christians are cleansed for a purpose. To be cleansed by Jesus costs us nothing, but it also costs us everything.

The Heart of Anger

The Heart of Anger was written to help Christian parents understand, correct, and prevent anger in their children in a biblical manner.

What Is Biblical Theology? Why Does It Matter?

What is biblical theology and how it differs from systematic theology? This article answers these questions and explains why it is important.

To Such Belong — Including Children with Down Syndrome

A heart-felt encouragement from Clara Lee on the value and importance of including children with Down syndrome.

Rejoice and Tremble: Good News of the Fear of the Lord

How can Christians pursue a proper fear of the Lord. Rejoice and Tremble, written by Michael Reeves, speaks on the joys from fearing the Lord.

On Loss and Joy — A Story of a Stillborn Birth

My story is not unique, but I'd like to share with you about a little girl that I gave birth to who has gone to heaven before us.

Paul's Spiritual Father's Prayer — Colossians 1:3–14

Paul's prayer in Colossians 1 is a model prayer. There are 5 aspects of his prayer we can incorporate, so let's pray like our spiritual father.

What Is Dispensationalism? 5 Core Beliefs of Dispensational Theology

Dispensationalism is a theological system which affirms that Israel and the church are distinct. There are 5 tenets in dispensational theology.

What Is the Trinity?

An important yet mysterious concept is the doctrine of the Trinity. There is only one God in essence, yet he is three in person and subsistence.

God Is Great. God Is Good.

God has unique, incommunicable attributes which no other created thing possess. God also has communicable attributes that he can help us develop.

9 Best Christian Parenting Books

The best Christian books about parenting that seek to be gentle, encouraging, instructive, biblical, gospel-oriented, and Christ-centered.

The Aseity and Immanence of God

God is self-existent and self-sustaining. His creation adds nothing to Him. This is God’s aseity. God also came near to us; He is immanent.

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

The gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of God's messianic promises and portrays Jesus as the promised but rejected King of the Jews

God Reveals Himself, and God Speaks

We know God because He has revealed Himself to us. We cannot discover God on our own. Thankfully, God has revealed Himself, and He has spoken.

Parable of the Shrewd Manager — Luke 16:1–8

In the parable recorded in Luke 16, the dishonest manager was commended for his shrewdness. Let us serve God with fervor and faithfulness.

God Meant It For Good [Genesis 50 Study]

Genesis 50:20 is Joseph's Romans 8:28. The story of Joseph is a lesson of God's providence. Others meant it for evil; God meant it for good.

Lion of Judah: When All Is Said and Done [Genesis 49 Study]

In Genesis 49, Jacob prophesies the Lion of Judah. Jacob's final words to his twelve sons reminds us to consider the legacy we leave behind.

God Will Be With You [Genesis 47–48 Study]

What will your final words be to your children? Can we borrow and utter Jacob's words to Joseph, "As God has been with me, God will be with you."

The Blessing of Family Worship

Christians throughout history have practiced family worship. Learn the three components of family worship and how to start family worship today.

Introduction to the Book of Psalms

This article covers several topics on the book of Psalms: purpose, questions to ask when reading, genre, origin of composition, and content.

God Rescues Egypt [Genesis 47:1–26 Study]

In Genesis 47, God rescues and blesses Egypt through Joseph. As Christian, we are sojourners, benefactors (instruments of blessing), and slaves.

Prepared to Die [Genesis 46 Study]

Following the example of Jacob, we learn from Genesis 46 that as we worship God, trust Him, and live for Him, we will be prepared to die.

It Is Enough [Genesis 45:9–28 Study]

Jacob reunited with Joseph and said, "It is enough." Can we follow Jacob's example of contentment and say, "My cup overflows. It is enough."

A Portrait of Forgiveness [Genesis 45:1–8 Study]

There are several well-known Bible stories on forgiveness, but few are as renown as the story of Joseph, a model example of forgiveness.

Judah Becomes Surety for Benjamin — Genesis 44

Judah became surety for Benjamin. Likewise, Jesus became surety for Christians. As our guarantor, Jesus receives the title Lion of Judah.

Gentle and Lowly

Jesus, in Matthew 11:28–30, describes himself as "gentle and lowly." Dane Ortlund's book expounds on its implication to the Christian life.

Lifelong Learning as a Means of Spiritual Growth

The wise person continues to learn. Learning is mostly by discipline, not by accident. The more we learn about God, the more we love him.

3 Ways We Can Cherish Our Wives

Here are three helpful ways husbands can cherish their wives. Apply these three steps as you serve your wife and surprise your wife.

Journaling as a Means for Spiritual Growth

Journaling can help us in many ways in our spiritual growth. Many men in Scripture and church history journal as a spiritual discipline.

Silence and Solitude as a Means of Spiritual Growth

Silence is the abstention from speaking. Solitude is withdrawing to privacy. As spiritual disciplines, both can help us in our spiritual growth.

Fasting as a Means of Spiritual Growth

Fasting, frequently misunderstood, is a spiritual discipline which should not be ignored. God expects Christians to fast for spiritual benefit.

Judah’s Plea for Benjamin [Genesis 44:18-34 Study]

The climax of the Joseph narrative. "The most moving address in all the Word of God." Judah offers himself as Benjamin's substitute and surety.

Stewardship of Time and Money for Spiritual Growth

Stewardship of our time and money is a spiritual discipline. We must be disciplined with our use of time, and we must use God's money with care.

Joseph Plants His Silver Cup [Genesis 44:1-17 Study]

Joseph tests his brothers' readiness for reconciliation by planting his silver cup inside Benjamin's sack. How will Joseph's brothers respond?

12 Ways Parents Provoke Children to Anger

Parents inadvertently can provoke their children to anger. The ways we provoke children to anger may be subtle; here are twelve examples.

Joseph Reunites with Benjamin [Genesis 43:15-34 Study]

Jacob gives final instructions to his sons who return to Egypt with Benjamin. Joseph reunites with Benjamin, and Joseph hosts a celebratory feast.

8 Truths About the Apostles' Creed

Ancient statements of faith affirming the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith remain important. The most well-known is the Apostles' Creed.

Jacob Accepts Judah's Guarantee [Genesis 43:1-14 Study]

Amidst his family's plight, Judah declares himself as surety guarantee for Benjamin. Jacob trusts God saying, "If I am bereaved, I am bereaved."

Jacob's Sons' First Trip to Egypt [Genesis 42 Study]

Genesis 42-43 describes the reunion of Joseph and his 10 brothers. Genesis 42 continues the story line of Jacob’s family from Genesis 37.

Parable of the Talents — Matthew 25:14–30

The Parable of the Talents is one of the final parables of Jesus recorded by Matthew. The parable teaches a simple truth: Don't waste your life.

Christian Service as a Means for Spiritual Growth

Instead of remaining God's enemies, we have become his servants. Christ gives us the means, the model, and the motivation to serve him.

5 Lessons on Suffering from the Book of Job

Periodically, I read the book of Job in an uninterrupted, two–hour sitting. It remains one of my favorite Bible stories. During my most recent delving, I found 5 lessons on suffering.

Joseph Made Prime Minister [Genesis 41:37–57 Study]

Joseph gives Pharaoh counsel which he gladly accepts. Joseph is married and has two sons, and he successfully saves Egypt from the severe famine.

Pharaoh's Dreams Interpreted [Genesis 41:1–36 Study]

Pharaoh received two divine dreams. The cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. No one could interpret Pharoah's dreams until Joseph was summoned.

God Remembers Joseph in Prison [Genesis 40 Study]

God's faithfulness followed Joseph in prison as he correctly interprets two dreams. The cupbearer forgot Joseph, but God still remembered Joseph.

How to Read the New Testament in 8 Weeks

Read 15 minutes each day to finish reading the New Testament in 8 weeks. Double the speed of this reading plan, and you can finish in 28 days.

Joseph Tempted by Potiphar's Wife [Genesis 39 Study]

Although Joseph was tempted and falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, God remained with Joseph. God showed him steadfast love, favor, and grace.

Evangelism as a Means for Spiritual Growth

A desire to share the gospel will accompany a Christian's pursuit of godliness. The more we pursue Christ, the more we want to proclaim him.

Judah and Tamar — Genesis 38 Commentary

Genesis 38 focuses on Joseph's brother Judah who commits 3 major sins. Tamar is vindicated and bears Perez who is an ancestor to Jesus.

Joseph Sold to Slavery — Genesis 37:12-36

The brothers sold Joseph to slavery for 20 shekels of silver when Joseph was 17 years old. Arriving in Egypt, Joseph is sold again to Potiphar.

Joseph the Dreamer [Genesis 37:2-11 Study]

In Genesis 37:2-11, we meet Joseph the Dreamer. We see his special status, his father's favoritism, his brother's hatred, and God's revelation.

Knowing God

Knowing God by J.I. Packer is one of the most beloved books for Christians desiring to know God. This is a concise, executive summary of the book.

Introduction to the Joseph Narrative in Genesis

This introduction to the story of Joseph found in Genesis reviews Joseph’s childhood, his model character, and his similarities with Jesus.

Worship as a Means to Produce Godliness

Worship produces godliness. The more Christians worship God, the more we become like God. Therefore, worship needs to be cultivated.

Limitation of General Revelation — Why We Need More

General revelation gives sufficient evidence for God's existence but we are not capable of seeing the evidence clearly without transformation.

Why Did God Choose Jacob, Not Esau?

This article answers an important question. “Why did God choose Jacob, not Esau?“ Rephrased, "On what basis did God choose Jacob over Esau?”

6 Different Forms of Pride in the Bible

Here are 6 forms of pride that we need to recognize. The first three forms of pride are obvious. The second three are less conspicuous.

Descendants of Esau [Genesis 36 Study]

Genesis 36 gives us the genealogy of Isaac's older son Esau. Esau spurned his birthright, but God did not forget him. Rather God blessed Esau.

What is General Revelation? How Everyone Knows God?

God reveals himself to everybody through general revelation. God reveals himself through nature, history (providence), and people.

Jacob Returns to Bethel in Canaan [Genesis 35 Study]

In Genesis 35, Jacob returns to Bethel before seeing his father Isaac at Hebron and enduring several more trials including his wife Rachel's death.

Prayer as a Means for Spiritual Growth

Prayer is an important spiritual discipline. God expects us to pray. He wants us to learn to pray, and he is faithful to answer our prayers.

9 Best Study Bibles for Evangelical Christians

The first tool you need to read the Bible for understanding is a study Bible. For evangelical Christians, here are the nine best study Bibles.

Bible Reading and Intake for Spiritual Growth

We cannot live a healthy Christian life without regular Bible intake. Hear it. Read and study it. Memorize and meditate on it. Then apply it.

How to Find God's Will and Guidance

This article explains God's sovereign will and commanded will. It covers three meanings to God's guidance and four ways God guides indirectly.

What Is Christian Obedience?

God expects all Christians to obey. It marks a true believer. There is blessing as we follow Christ's example of obedience.

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions

Gregory Koukl helps Christians engage our secular culture and keep our gospel conversations diplomatic and loving without compromise.

How to Share God's Love with Muslim Women

Having lived in Senegal, Angie shares lessons from Scripture, other believers, and personal experience on how to show God's love to Muslim women.

What Is Christian Evangelism?

This article covers God's mandate for evangelism, the essential components of the gospel, and three tactics to employ in evangelism.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

This article identifies the various gifts of the Holy Spirit which are temporary and permanent and how they should be exercised in the church.

What Is the Church?

In the Bible, we learn about the universal church, the local church, fellowship in the church, worship in the church, and the Lord's supper.

How Should Christians Pray?

This article covers the basics of Christian prayer. It explains prayer's purpose, its nature, its practice, and its challenges.

Visual Outline Charts of the New Testament

The Visual Outline Charts of the New Testament (VOCNT) help Christians grasp a "big picture" for each of the 27 books of the New Testament.

Posse Peccare — Posse Non Peccare [Genesis 3 Study]

Genesis 3 gives an account of the fall of Satan and the fall of man. But Jesus, as the second Adam, serves as the Christian's representative.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the one Triune God. The Holy Spirit is working in salvation and in the Christian's life.

Imago Dei [Genesis 1–2 Study]

Understanding that God made man in his image (imago dei), we can deduce why God made the universe, why God made man, and what is man's purpose.

Creatio Ex Nihilo [Genesis 1:1–3 Study]

An introduction to the book of Genesis and an examination of Genesis 1:1–3. God created everything out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo).

How God Saves Us? Salvation

Topics of salvation covered in this article include God's sovereignty in salvation, the components of conversion, and three evidences (fruits) of salvation.

Survey of the Book of Ruth [Video]

This 18 minute video provides an introduction and survey of the Book of Ruth. We highlight three important themes: Hesed lovingkindness, kinsman redeemer, and God's providence.

What Did Jesus Do? Works of Jesus Christ

This article covers several aspects of Christ's work: man's need for Christ, the costly price, the provision it provided, and the motive.

Who is Jesus? Person of Jesus Christ

Jesus is God who became man. Jesus possesses all the attributes, power, and titles of deity. He came to save and to rule.

The cookie (Simon & Silas #3)

Simon and Silas fight for the last cookie.

How to Know God and His Attributes?

This article covers what it means to know God through the Bible, explains the importance of knowing God, and reviews some of God's attributes.

The virus (Simon & Silas #2)

Simon worries about a new virus.

A gift for her (Simon & Silas #1)

Silas asks Simon for help to find a gift for her.

How to Identify and Find a Good, Healthy Church

Using nine questions, we can identify what is a good church. These truths can help us better serve our church and help others find a new church.

How to Understand the Bible?

This article covers the reasons why Christians need to understand the Bible. It covers five activities and four steps to studying the Bible.

How People Change

A book summary on the 14 chapters of How People Change by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. This is a 6000 word summary of How People Change.

9 Truths About Spiritual Disciplines to Train for Godliness

Christians are to obey 1 Timothy 4:7 and train ourselves by employing spiritual disciplines which are activities that promote promote godliness.

How We Got the Bible

Our Bibles went through God's five step process: (1) Revelation, (2) Inspiration, (3) Canonicity, (4) Preservation, and (5) Transmission.

Introduction to the Bible

An overview of the Bible summarizing the content and central theme of Scripture, four reasons for its importance, and how we got our Bible.

What Grieving People Wish You Knew

Learn how to better love and care for those who have experienced loss. If you find it hard to show up and grieve alongside others, read this book.

4 Aspects of Christ's Atonement

This article explains what is the atonement, five wrong views of it, and a biblical description covering the four aspect of Christ's atonement.

How To Deal with Loneliness Biblically

All of us can feel lonely. God never promised Christians that he will take away our loneliness, but he does teach us how we can manage it.

3 Aspects of God's Election of Salvation

There are three aspects of election in Reformed theology. God's election is (1) unconditional, (2) individual, and (3) infralapsarian.

Chance at Life — An Embryo Adoption Story

The five of us boarded a plane together for the first time. It wasn’t a typical family vacation. We flew across the country to give an embryo a chance at life.

How to Deal with Anger Biblically

We constantly get angry, so how can we overcome sinful anger biblically? This article covers the biblical principles on anger.

6 Theories on the Origin of the Universe

I summarize six views on the origin of the universe and several different interpretations on the six days of creation recorded in Genesis 1–2.

7 Lessons from Hannah's Prayer in 1 Samuel 2

By reading Hannah's Prayer in 1 Samuel 2, we sense what resided in her heart and learn how God affected her thoughts, desires, and priorities.

How to Understand and Apply the New Testament

Andy Naselli's book on New Testament exegesis has become my favorite handbook to Bible study methods of the New Testament. Read my review on this 2017 book.

God the Son Incarnate

The sixth volume of Foundations of Evangelical Theology is God the Son Incarnate. By Stephen Wellum, this is an excellent book on Christology.

Biblical Doctrine

Biblical Doctrine, published by Crossway, is MacArthur and Mayhue’s systematic theology. This is my review, having read through the book in its entirety.

5 Reasons You Should Study Systematic Theology

Defining systematic theology in contrast with historical, biblical, and practical theology. Offering five reasons Christians should study it.

Inductive Bible Study

Inductive Bible Study, written by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr. and Andreas J. Kostenberger, serves as a guide to how to study the Bible inductively.

Work and Our Labor in the Lord

Work and Our Labor in the Lord explores the theme of work throughout the whole Bible. Written by James M. Hamilton Jr., the book examines how God views work.

Best Commentaries of the New Testament

I have compiled a list of the best evangelical commentaries of each book of the New Testament. I have organized the list to include devotional, mid-level, and technical commentaries.

7 Features of Godly Christian Friendship in Philippians 1:7–8

In Philippians 1:7–8, the apostle Paul depicts seven features of Christian friendship. May we model Christ as we love our Christian friends.

40 Questions About Salvation

Answers to the most common questions pertaining to salvation: election, the order of salvation, and the perseverance of the saints.

9 Best Commentaries on the Gospel of John

I highlight my favorite commentaries on the fourth gospel written by John to help you select your first or next commentary on the gospel of John.

9 Best Commentaries on Romans

I summarize my favorite commentaries on the book of Romans to help you decide on your first or next Romans commentary purchase.

9 Best Commentaries on Philippians

I summarize my favorite commentaries on the book of Philippians to help you look for your first or next commentary on the Book of Philippians.

9 Best Commentaries on Hebrews

In this article, I summarize my favorite commentaries on the book of Hebrews to help you look for your first or next commentary on the Book of Hebrews.

9 Best Commentaries on Matthew

Here are nine recommended commentaries on the gospel of Matthew to help your next Bible study or sermon preparation.

5 Reasons to Buy Ebooks Exclusively

As a kid, I never learned to love reading. But my love for reading has grown, and my transition to Ebooks has made this growth possible.

One to One Bible Reading: Guide for Everyday Christians

Reading the Bible one-to-one can be initiated by any Christian. David Helm covers the who, what, how, and why of one-to-one Bible reading.

5 Best New Testament Introductions for Evangelical Christians

New Testament introductions gives us historical, cultural, literary, and theological background to help us interpret the New Testament.

Accordance 13 Lite: Best Free Bible Software

Accordance Bible Software has released their Bible program for free. Available for MacOS and Windows, it is the best free Bible software today.

7 Bible Study Tools to Get First for Christians

A list of seven essential tools in a basic Bible study library. With these seven tools, you can dive deeper in your personal study of the Bible.

Brave Dad: Raising Your Kids to Love and Follow God

By looking at different Bible passages, Brave Dad by John MacArthur encourages men to be strong and courageous as godly husbands and fathers.

9 Months I Won't Forget — Eulogy to George H. Fox

George H. Fox, Pastor Emeritus of Grace Bible Church, made a deep impression on me in just 9 months. I wrote my thoughts shortly after his death.

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown — NT Introduction

This New Testament introduction offers a solid, conservative, evangelical viewpoint. It addresses modern issues of critical scholarship.

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Change Your Family

Paul Tripp organizes 14 principles of the gospel for Christian parents to apply that can radically change their family.

Sonnet 1 — a poem asking for forgiveness

I wrote my first sonnet to my wife Janice on our 7th wedding anniversary. It is in iambic pentameter.

Why Would God Make Me Gay?

You're not alone if you struggle with same-sex attraction. Here are six truths in Holy Scripture to help Christians with homosexual desires.

Rejoicing in Other's Successes

An encouragement to those who compare themselves with others and feel guilty, inadequate, or insecure when others seem to "have it all together."

How to Keep Children Under Control

With God's help, we can have self-control as we shepherd our children's hearts. Here are five ways we keep our children under control.

What Is the Gospel?

Written by Greg Gilbert and published by Crossway, this 120 page book summarizes the essential truths of the Christian gospel.

Why Did God Bless Abraham? What Was So Special About Him?

God chose Abraham in spite of Abraham's sins. God has the right to choose who He blesses. Like Abraham, we are unconditionally chosen by God.

Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace

Principles and guidelines on how to write clearly. Write to think better; then think (and work through these principles) to write better.

A Primer on Praying to Our Triune God

This article, written by Donald R. White, describes the nature of Christian prayer, God's law, the Lord's Prayer, and trinitarian prayer.

8 Lessons Mom Taught Me — A Eulogy to Mom

Dedicated to my mother, who died 48 hours ago. I reflect on 8 lessons Mom taught me that have shaped my life.