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.
Bible
- Hermeneutics
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
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
- Responsibilities toward God
Seeking Personal Virtues and Qualities
Transformation - Not Conformity
| YouTube (time 37:11): B. Kennel, 2019
| Abstract
Making Disciples / Discipleship
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
Towards Family
Towards Christians
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
Towards the World
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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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? (see lesson
| 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? (see lesson
| 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? (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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 (see lesson
| 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.
"As I gained a better understanding of how to read the Bible objectively, I began to use a few
Bible Dictionaries
to help me better understand biblical terms and Bible Manners and Customs
to gain a sense of ancient societies and civilizations. I discovered that terms I thought I understood did not
have the same meaning in the Bible! I also discovered that Bible dictionaries differ and are not the same.
Today the Internet makes a variety of resources easily available; however, many resources are copyright free,
because they are over 100 years old. For Bible dictionaries, I'd recommend that you consult ones no older than
15 years so that you can benefit from the most recent archaeological and epigraphical findings."
"As my Bible study skills developed, I became comfortable with the use of
concordances and Bible Language Helps.
For me, this was the line in the sand when one crosses from a casual reader to a nerd. This is about the time
when you stop telling your friends what you're doing with your free time..."
"Along the way, I used Bible Commentaries
for verse references, their hermeneutics and logic, and to consider other interpretative perspectives I may not
have considered. In some cases, no matter how many ways you approach something, some biblical passages are near
impossible to understand."
"Like most of you, I never went to seminary; but, with a disciplined approach, you can have a wonderful
experience in Bible study and become a considerably better person and have a desire that others may know Jesus
Christ as well."
Doug Mar, 2019
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