Memorization has been on my mind and on my task list recently—including preparing a list of the top ten Bible passages everyone should memorize. One candidate for that top-ten list of memory verses is Paul’s reminder in Philippians 4:8 to “fill your mind with those things that are good.” We… Read More

I couldn’t believe what I’d done. When a friend asked if I had intentionally left her off a party invitation list, I went into self-preservation mode, and instead of ’fessing up, I caved in to my fear and flat-out lied. What was wrong with me? I knew better than to… Read More

I once asked legendary Bible scholar Brevard S. Childs to describe his method for interpreting the Bible. He replied that he didn’t have a method at all, but instead he let the text speak for itself, in its own context. He went on to explain that this context involves faith,… Read More

I used to think I could check the “solitude” box on the spiritual disciplines list because I’m an introvert. But it’s not that simple. People who love to sing aren’t always worshipping. People who love to be alone aren’t always in solitude.  Solitude is not escape from a busy life. Read More

Research shows a marked increase over the last seven years in Americans rejecting the Bible. We need to be better at inviting people to engage with the Bible’s story. Here are four tactics we can use to increase Bible engagement. 1. Admit Your Faults Hypocrisy is one deep-rooted… Read More

Chances are, you’ll use those great go-to Bible verses for your Easter services. Mary Magdalene mistaking Jesus for a gardener. Peter and John racing to the empty tomb. The strange encounter on the road to Emmaus. Perhaps even Thomas’s displays of doubt and faith. These are powerful accounts of… Read More

I have chosen a new subject for a Bible study group I lead. The book of Revelation. This was not my first choice. In fact, I opposed it quite strenuously. “You think Revelation will reveal secrets,” I told the group, “but it will only confuse you more. You… Read More

There are two types of people in the world: those who divide the world into two types of people, and those who don’t. As Christians, and especially as Christian leaders, we tend to be in that first group. We see an essential division in the world. The saved and… Read More

When people start reading the Bible, they sometimes assume all the characters they meet there (or at least the good ones) are exemplary. Well, they are, but what kind of examples do they set for us? Even the most faithful figures in Scripture slip up. Perhaps in your ministry,… Read More

Help! We’re being held captive, bound by a rusty 800-year-old device! I’m talking about the chapter divisions of the Bible invented by Archbishop Stephen Langton in the early 1200s. While his system has benefited Bible students—helping us find and talk about specific parts of Scripture—it has also created… Read More