Narratives are true stories. Over 40% of the Old Testament Scriptures are narratives. Generally, the purpose of a biblical narrative is to show the Lord at work in His creation. Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Narratives are no exception. With narratives we think in scenes, plot and character, rather than paragraphs and outlines.
On Break
The podcast is on break this week for some much need rest and relaxation. In the meantime, here are 16 things to do during the break.
#TBT Interpreting Epistles
Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Here are guidelines for studying epistles.
17 1Corinthians 7:1-6 To the married
In Corinthians 7, Paul turns to answering specific question the Corinthians asked. The first question concerns the place of sexuality. Paul corrects their view that married people should be celibate.
August 2019 Recap
With 1 Corinthians 4, we finished the first major section of 1Corinthians and moved into some of Paul’s more challenging teaching on issues like sexual immorality, lawsuits between believers, and what separates believers from the world. As we waded into deep theological waters, we’ve seen the overwhelming importance of context, especially when his argument crosses multiple chapters. Thanks for listening and emailing! Welcome new subscribers!
#TBT – Hebrew Calendar
When studying the Old Testament, dates can be a source of confusion, especially when they switch between the Jewish name and the Babylonian name in the same story. Here are my reference tables.
16 1Corinthians 6:15-20 Glorify God in your body
Paul argues that the pursuit of sexual purity is a necessary part of following Christ, because we belong to him in a profound way and God created sexuality with a specific meaning.
15 1Corinthians 6:9-14 All things are lawful
Paul counters two arguments the Corinthians used to justify their choices: “all things are lawful” and “food is for the stomach.”
14 1Corinthians 6:1-8 Taking legal action
Should believers take other believers to secular law court? Paul confronts the Corinthian church for doing so. But like the other issues he’s addressed, Paul is more concerned with the attitudes behind their taking legal action.
Leader Evaluation Sample
When you recruit feedback from your students at the end of a Bible study year, don’t forget to solicit feedback from your leaders. If you are blessed to have dedicated leadership returning year after year, you may want to keep it short. Here’s an example we’ve used at Wednesday in the Word. This example survey is geared to a Bible study with a large group, small groups and homework. Customize it to fit your programs.
13 1Corinthians 5:6-13 Leaven in the dough
Continuing his discussion of the man having an affair with his stepmother, Paul uses a common biblical analogy that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. What exactly is he telling us about the church?
July 2019 Recap
You can now find a resource page for every book of the the New Testament on WitW! These pages contain links to maps, background information, charts, overviews, introductions, encyclopedias and key words to help you do your own inductive study! I hope you find them useful. On the podcast, I plan teach through 1Corinthians 8, take a break and return to 1Corinthians. Thanks for listening and emailing!