You’ve lived your whole life as Pharaoh’s slave. So have your parents and grandparents. But now the God of your fathers has delivered you by a string of miracles. Moses has led you out of Egypt. And after a month of freedom, you complain and say, “The water is bitter. The food is boring. I’d rather be in Egypt.”
Exodus 15:22-17:16
Can you recall the times in your life that you have felt most accepted by your family, peers or coworkers? They were most likely times of joy and fulfillment. We long for a sense of belonging because God built us to live in community. Today on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice will explain how Christ’s work on the cross gave us access to the greatest community that exists – His family!
Today, Christians are used to the idea of the body of Christ being made up of people from all different backgrounds and ethnicities. But we can't forget that in the days of the early church, there was still an important distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Dr. Boice explains why that distinction is a reminder of the great hope that we have in Christ.
Scripture is clear that we are certainly not saved by our own good works, but then the question always arises: where do good works come into play in the Christian's life and are they necessary at all? Dr. James Boice introduces a simple math equation, faith= justification + works, and explains how it can help us better understand this difficult concept.
For centuries, theologians have tried to formulate a concise, yet comprehensive definition for the word “grace.” While many helpful ones have been offered, our deepest understanding of this term often comes from stories that vividly depict acts of redemption.
If you had to sum up the entire concept of salvation in just one word, which word would you choose? In another message from his series through Ephesians, Dr. James Boice explains the deep truth of this theological doctrine by focusing on the word “unity.”
Scripture presents a bleak diagnosis for mankind - it tells us we are separated from God and spiritually dead. But with two small words, the entire story changes. Find out what these two words are how they hold the power to bring dead men to life!
Recently, we've witnessed an odd trend in entertainment: the rise of zombie books, movies, and TV shows. You may have found yourself wondering what all the fuss is over zombies, but have you ever contemplated what these morbid characters can teach us about our relationship with God?
Easter may just feel like an average Sunday - except of course for the better than average meal we get to enjoy on Easter afternoon! But Scripture tells us that it is a celebration of the most important day in human history and that our lives should be forever impacted by it.
If you grew up attending Sunday School, then chances are you know the dramatic story of Abraham nearly sacrificing Isaac on Mount Moriah. Today on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice will teach from this familiar story. And although the story’s still the same, we’ll gain a new perspective on the importance of obedience and the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
We may feel good about ourselves when we get a raise at work, get a good grade on a test at school or win a championship game out on the sports field. But how often do we remember that as believers, our true accomplishments and victories come through the very power of God in us? Let’s learn together to walk in resurrection power!
Consider your closest relationships. The people who we know and love most are the ones who we wish to please, hate to see suffer and love spending time with. Did you know that God desires to have a relationship with us that is just as personal? In this message from Dr. Boice, we’ll learn what it means to truly know God.
When you think about the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind? Do you think of a voice in your head that convicts you of sin? Maybe you picture the Biblical scene of the Day of Pentecost. In this message entitled, Salvation’s Seal, Dr. Boice provides sound Biblical teaching on this often misunderstood member of the Trinity.
Salvation is offered freely to us, but it cost God a great deal. That’s because all sin - yours and mine - must be paid for. And to those who’ve been saved, the price has been paid in full. Our redemption was secured through the death of Jesus Christ.
It’s a subject often avoided in church. It’s one of the most debated topics of Christian theology: it’s the doctrine of Election. When it comes to salvation, has God really chosen some and not others? Is God’s process arbitrary and should it discourage us from evangelism? In this message, Dr. Boice tackles the tough questions concerning election.
When we make a large purchase, we’re often asked to provide an initial deposit or downpayment. Did you know that when God bought and redeemed us out of our slavery to sin, he also made a sort of “downpayment” to guarantee our salvation? In this message from Dr. Boice, entitled, “All Good In Christ,” we’ll find out what Scripture says about that deposit and the hope that it gives us.
The culture around us seems to be increasingly materialistic, lustful and greedy. But we’re not far removed from the nature of the audience of many of Paul’s epistles. In every age, the church has been a beacon of light in a dark world. In this message on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. Boice discusses the purpose and uniqueness of the church as we begin a series on the book of Ephesians.
When someone first becomes a Christian, we often advise them to go to church, read the Bible, and, of course, to pray. Prayer is an important part of the Christian life, but when we consider that believers of other major religions also practice prayer, we must ask, “What is it that makes true prayer true?”
Christians have experienced suffering since the very first days of the early church. And for as long as believers have faced trials, we have also been asking: “How should we respond?” The world seems to praise those who pick themselves up by their own bootstraps and forge ahead. But does God? In this Bible Study Hour message, Dr. Boice offers us a biblical perspective on suffering.
Did you know that God cares about things like the protection of private property and the right to fair wages? If you thought that economic topics like these were reserved only for business people and politicians, then you might be surprised by how much the Bible has to say about money and possessions.
We plan for the future, work hard to earn money, seek greater success and save for retirement. God certainly created us with a drive to survive and succeed, but did you know that He also calls us to pursue something greater?
Pointing fingers is one of the oldest tricks in the book. In fact, ever since Adam and Eve first sinned in the garden, human beings have been looking for ways to pass the blame. In this message entitled “It’s His Fault,” Dr. James Boice explains that while we can’t escape the reality of temptation, we can control the way we respond.
Christians are often concerned that the commercialism of the holiday season diminishes the real reason we celebrate. I bet you’ve overheard parents explaining to their kids that Christmas isn’t all about the presents. But in this message, Dr. James Boice concludes the current series explaining how Christmas truly is all about the gifts- the four wonderful gifts of God to the world.
When you think of the life of Christ, which of his miracles stands out to you as the most significant? Perhaps you imagine him turning water into wine or healing the blind man. In this message, Dr. Boice builds a case for the very incarnation itself being the most significant event in human history. Each of the names ascribed to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 point to that ultimate miracle -that God would become man and choose to dwell among us.
“For unto us a child is born...” During the Christmas season, we often hear this verse in song lyrics or see it written on the front of greeting cards. But what does this famous prophecy really teach us about who Christ is and why he is worthy of our worship? Dr. Boice begins a new series, God’s Wonderful Gift, with a message that answers that question.
Did you know that the Bible recommends practicing mind control? Of course, we are not talking about manipulative, brainwashing tactics. Instead, Scripture tells us that our minds should be controlled by the Holy Spirit. In this message, Dr. Boice will help us understand how to better honor God in our thoughts and ultimately, in our speech.
Many have wondered if the book of James’ emphasis on good works is in contradiction to Paul’s teaching on faith through grace alone. In this message compellingly titled, “Sure I Believe, So What!?” Dr. Boice explains how James actually contributes to a fuller understanding of faith - one that includes the fruit of good works as evidence of a faith that is alive and active!
God’s redemptive plan included a humble stable, a little baby, a few common men and the death of the Savior himself. Indeed, God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong. But did you know that God expects us to also operate according to this same, seemingly contradictory method? This message from Dr. Boice will challenge us to change the way we view one another.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a fanatic? Perhaps you’re fanatical about cleanliness and your home is always in perfect condition. Or maybe you are a die-hard sports fan and wear all your team’s gear. Dr. Boice reminds us that God’s Word requires us to be fanatical when it comes to living a Godly life.
In this new series, Sure I Believe - So What?!, Dr. Boice begins by addressing one of the most practical aspects of the Christian life - the question of suffering. Thanks for tuning in to learn what the book of James has to say about the purpose of trials and the answer to that age-old question, “Why Did God Let This Happen?”
If we’re honest, we’d have to admit that we tend to give very little thought to the most important event that will ever occur in human history- the 2nd coming of Jesus. When Christ returns, it won’t matter where you live, how the economy is doing or where you’re going for lunch.
The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse: pick up the newspaper or turn on the TV and you’ll find evidence of their work in this world. Wars, bloodshed, famines and death. When our world feels like a chaotic mess of sin and injustice, we wonder “Has God been kicked off His throne?” In this message, Dr. Boice explains how these horsemen and the realities they symbolize relate to God’s ultimate plan.
What if you could get a glimpse into the future and know what the culmination of human history would look like? Would that insight help you better understand the purpose of your life today? If so, open to Revelation 5 and listen closely as Dr. James Boice walks us through a riveting passage from John’s prophetic vision concerning the end times and the mysterious “Lion Who Is The Lamb.”
Look at the sky on a clear night and you’ll see thousands of points of beautiful light- stars, planets, and far off galaxies give witness to God’s creative power. Have you ever caught yourself just standing in awe of God’s creation? In this message, Dr. Boice looks at Revelation 4, where the elders at God’s throne praise Him endlessly for the very same Creation that we enjoy each day.
Did you know that not everything that passes for worship is actually pleasing to God? But if God wants to be worshipped in a particular way, shouldn’t His people know about it?
7 lampstands... 7 stars... a majestic being with white hair, blazing eyes and a voice like rushing water. Is this a dramatic preview for an upcoming sci-fi thriller? No! These are all elements of John’s vision of Jesus, vividly described in the book of Revelation.
Do you ever feel burdened by the trials of this life? Have you wondered if there is a purpose for the suffering you’ve experienced or how it all fits into God’s bigger plan?
John’s letter set the stage for a powerful message to the Church concerning persecution, the end times and the central focus of it all - Jesus Christ
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Jesus. Jesus who? ... That may sound like a joke, but it’s not. Not for the church in Laodicea, or any church, that has to ask, “Jesus who?” The last letter in Revelation is to a church that had closed the door on Jesus and no longer recognized his voice.
How do you define success as a Christian? What measuring stick do you use? Do you listen to what a person says, watch what a person does, probe what a person thinks and feels? Listen next time as Dr. Boice examines the sixth letter in Revelation, to the church in Philadelphia. There he finds not one but two ways that Jesus defines the successful Christian life.
Looking at this church from the outside, you’d have to say it looked alive and well. It was active and busy, with a full calendar of events and projects. It had a good reputation in the community. But it had a problem. A big one. Jesus put it this way: “You are dead.”
Jesus has a way with words. He calls a spade a spade. And in the letter to Thyatira, he calls a Jezebel a Jezebel. This Jezebel is a false prophet in the church who’s telling everyone they can have their every material and sensual desire, and keep their Christian faith as well.
It was a good church in a bad place, and it was in danger. The third letter in Revelation is to the church in Pergamum - the hottest city for emperor worship in all of Asia. The believers had been true to their faith even under persecution, but they were in danger of blending into secular culture.
It’s short, sweet, and all about life and death. It’s the second letter in Revelation, to the church in Smyrna. It’s sympathetic and supportive, without a hint of criticism. But it faces the fact that some of the believers who read this letter will die for their faith. Dr. Boice talks about their suffering and about the crown of life they can look forward to.
Who wouldn’t like the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God? That’s what Jesus promises to the believers in Ephesus after they’ve overcome the challenges of this life. In fact, that promise is for all believers everywhere. Dr. James Boice looks at the first of the seven letters to the churches in the challenging and exciting book of Revelation.
Angels, trumpets, thrones, thunder, scrolls, seals, stars, crowns, plagues, dragons, lions, and a lamb. These are just some of the actors and props in the book of Revelation -- a book you’re either a bit crazy about, or think is a bit crazy. Listen next time to The Bible Study Hour, as Dr. James Boice introduces this important and sometimes mystifying book that completes the New Testament.
A poor, sick man lies on the ground in front of a rich man’s house, day after day, begging for food. The rich man comes and goes, ignoring him. The contrast between the two could hardly be greater. Eventually both men die. But death is not the great leveler. The contrast between them is even greater in death than it was in life.
Whenever Jesus tells a story about two different kinds of people, it’s always a little unnerving. The story seems simple enough, and you quickly see who the good guys and bad guys are. The unnerving part comes at the end, where he applies the story and says: “So, then...”!
When a parable ends with people having the kingdom of God taken away from them, and being crushed by rocks, you probably want to make sure the parable isn’t about you. The chief priests and Pharisees who heard this particular story suddenly realized it was about them, and they didn’t take it well.
There are nice stories, and there are not-so-nice stories. Some of Jesus’ stories leave us feeling thoughtful and calm. But others leave us feeling confused and upset. This story - about a man who won’t forgive a small debt, even after his own huge debt has been forgiven - is one of those stories we dread to hear.
It’s an intimate scene that might make you squirm. Jesus is reclining at the table, and a prostitute comes up. She’s crying. Her tears drop on his feet and she wipes them with her hair. Then she kisses his feet and perfumes them. But Jesus doesn’t squirm. Instead, he tells a parable about forgiveness and gratitude and love.
| 05/26/13 | The New Humanity |
| 05/26/13 | A Word for the Skeptical |