Over dinner or in a group setting, we hope that these lessons may rekindle, inspire, or help you in your
personal or group Bible study and quest of knowing God.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Introduction
Why Study the Bible? | YouTube (time 5:53): Howard Hendricks, 2012
What is Personal Bible Study? | YouTube (time 6:12): Howard Hendricks, 2012
The Process: Observation | YouTube (time 5:51): Howard Hendricks, 2012
The Process: Interpretation and Application | YouTube (time 5:31): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Observation
Observation: Who, What, Where? | YouTube (time 6:10): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Observation: When, Why, Wherefore? | YouTube (time 5:59): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Literary Devices
What is a Chiasmus? | YouTube (time 11:34): Doug Mar, 2020 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Typology: Scripture Cannot Be Broken | YouTube (time 40:31): Asish Varghese, 2019 | Abstract
Literary Genre
Interpreting Apocalyptic: Ezekiel and His Strange Visions | YouTube (time 46:03): J Carl Laney, 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Historical Narratives – Observing This Literary Genre | YouTube (time 13:06): Doug Mar, 2020 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Interpreting Parables: Do You Get the Point? | YouTube (time 52:43): J Carl Laney, 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Word Study
Agapē – Understanding a Term by Doing a Good Word Study | YouTube (time 18:31): Doug Mar, 2020 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Shema - Listen | YouTube (time 3:25): Bible Project, 2017
Interpretation
Interpretation: Content and Context | YouTube (time 6:05): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Interpretation: Comparison, Culture, and Consultation | YouTube (time 6:10): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Interpreting Scripture in light of Culture | YouTube (time 40:22): Andrea Holtan, 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Biographical / Geographical Context
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 1): Transformed | YouTube (time 20:29): Con Campbell, 2023 | Stephen's Speech and Stoning Acts 6:8 - 7:60), Saul the Persecutor (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2), Conversion of Saul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-19; 22:3-16; 26:4-18)
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 2): From Arabia to Mediterranean Missions: Where Paul Traveled After His Encounter with God | YouTube (time 21:03): Con Campbell, 2023 | Conversion of Saul and call of Paul (Acts 9:3-19; 22:3-16; 26:4-18), Barnabas introduces Paul to the disciples (Acts 9:26-30)
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 3): The Challenges of Sharing the Gospel: Paul's First Missionary Journey | YouTube (time 25:40): Con Campbell, 2023 | First missionary journey (Acts 13 - 14)
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 4): The Apostle Paul's Journey to Athens: Unveiling the Wisdom of the Cross | YouTube (time 23:40): Con Campbell, 2023 | Second missionary journey: Neapolis (Acts 16:1-15), Philippi (Acts 16:16-40), Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9), Athens (Acts 17:10-34), Corinth (Acts 18:1-16)
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 5): Christ Above All | YouTube (time 23:06): Con Campbell, 2023 | Ephesus and confronting the worship of Artemis (Acts 19:1-41), One in Christ (Eph 3:11-22), Unity in the body of Christ (Eph 4:1-16), Miletus (Acts 20:17-38), Arrested in the Second Temple (Acts 21:27-40), Testimonial defense at the barracks (Acts 22:1-29), Before the Council (Acts 22:30 - 23:10), Taken to Governor Felix (Acts 23:23-35), Defense before Felix but remains in custody (Acts 24:1-27), Sent to Rome to appeal to Emperor Nero (Acts 25:1-12)
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 6): Secure in the Storm | YouTube (time 21:50): Con Campbell, 2023 | Sailing for Rome (Acts 27:1-44), Malta (Acts 28:1-10)
In Pursuit of Paul (episode 7): The End of the Apostle Paul's Journey: His Last Words in Rome | YouTube time (21:21): Con Campbell, 2023 | From Malta to Rome (Acts 28:1-16), Renting while under captivity and evangelizing (Acts 28:11-31), Under Roman guard (Phil 1:1-21)
In Pursuit of Paul (conclusion): Reasons To Believe That The Bible Is True | YouTube (time 4:53): Con Campbell, 2023
In Pursuit of Peter (episode 1): Peter: From Fisherman To Disciple Of Jesus | YouTube (time 20:58): Con Campbell, 2021 | Calling of Peter (John 1:40-51; Matt 4:18-19), Ministry of John the Baptist (John 1:19-34)
In Pursuit of Peter (episode 2): Peter's Front Row Seat To Jesus' Ministry | YouTube (time 20:59): Con Campbell, 2021 | Healing of Peter's mother-in-law (Matt 8:14-17), Healing a paralytic (Matt 9:1-8), Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matt 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19), Calming the storm (Matt 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25), Healing a man with a demon (Matt 8:28-32; Mark 5:1-13; Luke 8:26-33)
In Pursuit of Peter (episode 3): Why Did Peter Deny Jesus? | YouTube (time 21:04): Con Campbell, 2021 | Caesarea Philippi (Matt 16:13-23; Mark 8:27-33), Jesus washes the disciples' feet (John 13:1-20), Peter draws his sword (Matt 26:47-54; Mark 14:43-49; Luke 22:47-51; John 18:4-11), Peter's denial (Matt 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-27), Confusion at the tomb (John 20:1-10), Jesus appears to the disciples (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-24)
In Pursuit of Peter (episode 4): What Peter Did After Jesus Returned To Heaven | YouTube (time 22:00): Con Campbell, 2021 | Galilee and reinstatement (John 21:1-17), Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:6-9), Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Peter's sermon (Acts 2), Joppa and Cornelius (Acts 10)
In Pursuit of Peter (episode 5): Peter Takes The Gospel Across The Mediterranean | YouTube (time 22:32): Con Campbell, 2021 | Paul confronts Peter (Gal 2:11-16), Cappadocia (1 Pet 1:1-2; 2:11-12), Suffering as a Believer (1 Pet 4:12-19), Day of the Lord (2 Pet 3)
In Pursuit of Peter (episode 6): Peter's Last Days in Rome | YouTube (time 21:35): Con Campbell, 2021 | Submit to those in authority (1 Pet 2:13-25)
Application
Application: Know, Relate, Meditate, and Practice | YouTube (time 6:04): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Application: Asking the Right Questions | YouTube (time 6:09): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Implementing Personal Bible Study | YouTube (time 5:54): Howard Hendricks, 2012
Study Methods
How to Get the Most From Your Bible Study | YouTube (time 35:58): J Carl Laney, 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Homiletics - Breaking Down Scripture to Raise our Understanding | YouTube (time 24:46): Andrea Holtan, 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
How to Have an Objective Group Study | Youtube (time 7:36): D. Mar, 2020 | Abstract
Christian Living
Seeking Personal Virtues and Qualities
Transformation - Not Conformity | YouTube (time 37:11): B. Kennel, 2019 | Abstract
Making Disciples / Discipleship
Getting the Most from Biblical Narratives | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2025 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Getting the Most from the Logic of God's Word | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2025 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Atonement | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2025 | Abstract | Print Lesson
What Does Faith Mean? | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2024 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Understanding Yourself - Sin and Temptation | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2024 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Prayer - Asking God | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2024 | Abstract | Print Lesson
For the Time is Near | Slideshow: D. Mar, 2025 | Abstract | Print Chart
Responsibilities toward Others
I am of Paul... I am of Apollos | YouTube (time 43:44): Asish Varghese, 2019 | Abstract
Using Expository Preaching to Address Biblical Ethics | YouTube (time 59:04): Walter Kaiser Jr., 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Using Exposition to Teach and Call for Revival | YouTube (time 55:45): Walter Kaiser Jr., 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
The Joy of Drinking From the Well Itself: Using Exposition to Teach | YouTube (time 55:46): Walter Kaiser Jr., 2019 | Abstract | Print Lesson
Evangelism: The Greatness of God Seen Through the Chronology of Scripture | YouTube (time 37:11): B. Kennel, 2019 | Abstract
Print Study Lessons
Why Study the Bible?
1. Sanctify One's Mind, 2023 | print lesson | All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Pet 1:20-21).
2. Requirements of a Priest, 2023 | print lesson | When one becomes a new Believer, few are taught how to read and study the Bible. There are many books and Internet resources on this subject; to learn more, look into the subject of biblical hermeneutics.
Understanding the Bible's Framework
1. The Abrahamic Covenant, 2023 | print lesson | While the Bible is a record of man's relationship with God, God is the main subject of the Bible. This becomes apparent after one understands what God's divine covenants are and the framework they establish for the biblical record of God's interaction with humanity. The Abrahamic Covenant is introduced in Genesis and is completely fulfilled in Revelation.
2. The Mosaic Covenant, 2023 | print lesson | Around 1450 B.C., 430 years after making His covenant with Abraham, God makes a covenant with the nation of Israel and establishes the Law (Gal 3:16-17). Because the nation of Israel feared the voice of God, they asked Moses to intercede; hence, the covenant became known as the Mosaic Covenant, and they committed to being obedient to God's commandments before they were informed of its stipulations!
3. The Land Covenant, 2023 | print lesson | This Covenant was known by several names: a) the Land Covenant for its promises regarding the inheritance of land, b) the Palestinian Covenant for the location of where the covenant was made (the plains of Moab), and c) the Deuteronomy Covenant for the location of where the covenant is found in the Bible. The Land Covenant is distinctly different from the Mosaic Covenant for two reasons: 1) it was made 40 years after the Mosaic Covenant, and 2) it was made in Moab (instead of Horeb also known as Mt. Sinai; Deut 29:1).
4. The Davidic (King) Covenant, 2023 | print lesson | Besides Abraham, whom God lauded for his faith, God made a personal promise to David who He found to be "a man after My heart, who will do all My will" (Acts 13:22). Both Abraham and David would be the only human beings who would share a faith approaching that of Jesus Christ (John 6:38) as a man after God's heart who will do ALL of God's will.
5. The New Covenant, 2023 | print lesson | By 600 B.C., through unending unfaithfulness and covenant infidelity, the nation of Israel (now split into Northern and Southern Kingdoms) was reckoned to have irretrievably broken the Mosaic Covenant; they were to be expelled from the Land. With Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of the Temple and unable to make atonement, how will God's people ever possess their inheritance of the Promised Land?
6. Judges – Why Does God Want Us to Know This History?, 2025 | print lesson | The book of Judges portrays the constant human struggle for prosperity and security. On the surface, the historical narrative of Judges suggest that "might is right." But beneath is the subtext of God's judgment of His people's behavior of obedience or disobedience, all in the effort to teach His people how to be holy as He is holy.
7. Ruth - Why Does God Want Us to Know This History?, 2025 | print lesson | Occurring during the period of Judges, the historical narrative of Ruth is a sharp contrast; a Gentile who lives by faith.
8. 1-2 Kings - Why Does God Want Us to Know This History?, 2025 | print lesson | The historical narrative of 1 and 2 Kings offers many examples of how a Believer should live or not live, and how God views such behavior. But leaders of God's people have a bigger role in God's plan, which is a lesson for us all, and one we should all take seriously.
The Holiness of God
1. Separated from the Profane, 2023 | print lesson | The God of the Bible is unique among all other gods. He is alive and through historical events, demonstrates that He truly exists, which separates Him from all other gods. He pre-existed before time and is timeless, which separates Him from all of Creation.
2. Agapē, 2023 | print lesson | The Bible is the only religious book that places a focus on love, a type of love that surpasses human comprehension. What god(s) of any religion would send their only son to die for the sins of mankind? Only the Bible presents the means of salvation as a work of God (John 6:29) and only achievable through the simple and genuine belief Jesus is a real Being who died for our sins and engenders a trust in His words.
3. The Kingdom of God, 2023 | print lesson | The phrase "kingdom of God" is not found in the Old Testament, and the earliest example of the title king being used of God is in the 8th century B.C., "… For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of host" (Isa 6:5). This, in part, contributes to the mystery of the kingdom of God…(Deut 29:29)
4. Judgment, 2023 | print lesson | With a few Hebrew terms, the meaning of "judgment" is with the sense "to rule or govern" with the authority "to punish, vindicate and obtain justice." Divine judgment is the work of God, because it is the consequence of one's sin evaluated against God's holy nature and moral standard. It is absolute, exact and just, and a reflection of the sovereignty of God's plan. And there is one striking aspect of God's judgment that makes Him so unique.
The Lovingkindness of God
1. His Promises, 2023 | print lesson | Arising from His compassionate and gracious character, God exhibits lovingkindness and truth, which God mentions often as a pair. The pairing is significant, because it is repeated elsewhere (Gen 24:27; 2 Sam 2:6; Ps 25:10; 26:3; 40:10-11; 57:3, 10; 61:7; 85:10; 86:15; 89:14; 108:4; 117:2; 138:2; Prov 16:6). Additionally God uses the phrase "lovingkindness for thousands" elsewhere (Ex 20:6; Deut 5:10) and a prophet repeats it as well (Jer 32:18).
2. Provision of His Son, 2023 | print lesson | Through the Mosaic Covenant, God prescribed a certain judicial process for the atonement of sin so that His wrath of judgment can be satisfied (expiation and propitiation). While the Mosaic Covenant was broken by the infidelity of its human covenant keepers, God provides the New Covenant "for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations" (Ezek 20:14), which revealed later, is through a mediator that God Himself provides.
3. Fulfillment of His Promises, 2023 | print lesson | While some aspects of divine covenants have been fulfilled (i.e. Gen 22:15-18; Deut 18:15-19; John 5:45-47) and can be evaluated historically for their truthfulness (i.e. Gen 15:13, see the articles "Statue of an Asiatic Man from the Tell El-Dabca, Egypt (R. Schiestl)" and "The Canal of Joseph"), what about those that have not been fulfilled? Do eschatological prophecies contradict the promises of God's divine covenants?
Understanding Accountability
1. Sin, 2023 | print lesson | Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned (Rom 5:12). What is sin and how is this related to temptation?
2. Faith, 2023 | print lesson | When encountering significant biblical terms, it is recommended that you seek to understand the underlying Hebrew / Greek term to develop an understanding that God intended. An example web tool that can help is BlueLetterBible.org where you: 1) enter your book and chapter of interest, 2) click "tools" next to the verse of study, 3) click "Strong's" to see the Hebrew / Greek meaning and uses of the term in question.
3. Repentance and Forgiveness, 2023 | print lesson | What is it about repentance and forgiveness that causes one to question one's credibility? Have you ever noticed that, in God's word, repentance is emphasized with non-Believers in view and forgiveness is emphasized with Believers in view???
4. Full of the Spirit, 2023 | print lesson | Progressively becoming more Christ like is the essence of sanctification (2 Cor 3:17-18), and the Holy Spirit plays an essential role. As the author of God's word (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21), the Holy Spirit provides the means of sanctification through the study of the Bible (Matt 4:4; John 8:31-32; 15:3-5; 17:14-17), and through the community of Believers (1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 4:4-7, 11-16).
5. Service, 2023 | print lesson | If the process of sanctifying oneself is simply a code of ethics, Christian ethics would not be any different from any other religious or philosophical ethics. Because God demands that we be holy because He is holy, Christian ethics places a demand for holiness. An ethic is not good simply for its goodness; it is good, because it makes one holy. To sanctify oneself is to live by an ethic demanded by God; it is a life lived recognizing the privilege of being a child of God and the grace by which that privilege is extended.
The Philip Briefings
Short lessons (seminars) to help one learn a variety of study methods through the study of various Bible passages (Acts 8:26-31). Carefully observe the text. What do you see for yourself? Be skeptical of other interpretations; let the Bible interpret itself! Build a solid foundation upon which to build a coherent theology with minimal contradiction.
1. Election: What and Who Does God Choose?, 2025 | When God speaks of choosing a person, what sort of person does He choose? And when He chooses, what is the reason for His choice? What is God's expectation of the people He chooses?
2. Faith: To Have God to be God to You, You Must Have "Faith", 2025 | Does the Bible show us how to be a member of God's people? Is faith towards God or Jesus Christ? What similar function does the Exodus and Jesus Christ share?
3. God's Character: What Does It Mean to Have God Choose to be God to Me?, 2025 | What are a couple significant blessings of a living God being your God? Is there any god that chooses to be god to human beings? What is God's purpose for His people?
4. God's Character: Steadfast Love, 2025 | What is the binding nature of God's covenant loyalty? What does this reveal about yours?
5. God's Character: God's Word is the Act of God, 2025 | What does it mean "and the Word became flesh?" What is the significance of this?
6. Man: Slave to Sin?, 2025 | What does the word "sin" mean? How are you a slave to it?
7. Man: What is Temptation?, 2025 | What does the word "temptation" mean? What is the relationship between sin and temptation? Why can God and Jesus cannot be tempted by evil? What does it mean when man tempts God? What does it mean when God tempts a Believer?