I've been teaching a Bible study on Ezra & Nehemiah with guys from our church, Bowling Green (Kentucky) Christian Church. Here are my notes from the first session. Introduction to Ezra/Nehemiah (Haggai and Zecharaiah) Timeline from Nebuchadnezzar through Ezra & Nehemiah 605-562 — Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon. Some captives were taken into exile in 605. The … Continue reading Bible Study Notes: Introduction to Ezra & Nehemiah
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Advent Prayers with The Biblical Institute: Peace (week 2)
Merry Christmas from Kentucky and Zagreb! We're so grateful to be walking through this Advent season with you. This week we light the second Advent candle, the candle of peace. It reminds us of the angels' announcement at Jesus' birth: "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14). The biblical word for peace is the … Continue reading Advent Prayers with The Biblical Institute: Peace (week 2)
Advent Prayers for the Biblical Institute
This past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent 2025. Some churches celebrated it by lighting the first candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of HOPE, which some call the "prophecy" candle. Advent invites us to prepare for celebrating Christ's coming and to welcome the work He wants to do in and through us, work … Continue reading Advent Prayers for the Biblical Institute
What Does “Loving Our Enemies” Look Like?
What is the Christian’s responsibility toward the people we believe are trying to destroy Christianity, or nullify its influence on our culture? Jesus forthrightly calls these people "enemies". But he redefines how we should respond to enemies. His command is that we show them neither scorn nor withdrawal but that we engage with them. “Love … Continue reading What Does “Loving Our Enemies” Look Like?
Ninth Anniversary
I've been in Zagreb since last Tuesday. In that time, we have hosted a group from America (wonderful brothers and sisters from the Cornerstone Christian Church, from Dallas / Farmers Branch, Texas) and hosted a major event (a two day symposium on the spiritual needs of teen agers.) In all the craziness, an important date … Continue reading Ninth Anniversary
Brad East on The Atonement Debate
One of my theological interests is the atonement, particularly how we understand and apply it pastorally. Here Brad East, theology professor at Abilene Christian University, wrestles with current discussions of "penal substitutionary atonement", a very popular view of atonement. From Christianity Today: The Way We Debate Atonement Is a Mess This is an article about … Continue reading Brad East on The Atonement Debate
Bible Study Questions for James 1.13-27
I've been teaching a Men's Bible Study early Thursday mornings on the book of James. Here are the notes and questions that we used for discussing James 1.13-27. James 1.13-15 “Tempt” (v 13) is the same Greek word as “trial” (vv. 2-3). The word has at least two meanings: To test, by putting something/someone under … Continue reading Bible Study Questions for James 1.13-27
Charlie Kirk and Netflix’s Adolescence
Beth and I finished Adolescence the other night. It's an amazing, excellent, but gut-wrenching show. The Emmy awards that it won are completely justified. It's one of the best things I've ever seen on television. And I never want to watch it again, not one minute of it. It's not like Breaking Bad or The … Continue reading Charlie Kirk and Netflix’s Adolescence
Bible Study Questions for James 1.1-12
I've been teaching a Men's Bible Study early Thursday mornings on the book of James. Here are the questions that we used for discussion when we were covering the opening and first paragraph of James 1. James 1.1 Who is James? What do we know about him? To whom is he writing? What problems were … Continue reading Bible Study Questions for James 1.1-12
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