Embark on a Discipleship Study that delves into the heart of being a follower of Jesus—learning, imitating, and multiplying disciples. Uncover the richness of discipleship, exploring Hebrew concepts, and grasp the transformative power of the plan of redemption that weaves through the entire Bible. Gain a fresh perspective, rooted in Jewish thought, as you traverse an in-depth journey through the Scriptures, understanding their context and unlocking the timeless truths they hold for your life.

In biblical studies, encountering diverse interpretations is common. Before delving into the Bible, foundational principles are crucial. We will discuss twelve guidelines for tough conversations with an aim to enhance conversations and navigate disagreements respectfully.

Context matters! This is the first of a multi-part series of content on why context matters. We will explore multiple topics related to context and hopefully lay a foundation prior to getting into the content of the Bible.

The Old Testament is not just a bunch of writings that point to Jesus. It meant so much more to the first-century Jew. Let’s explore a bit of its significance.

When we read the Bible, we have to keep the author’s audience in mind. Further, the Bible is a Jewish book. It is about Jewish people. It is written by Jewish people. The Jewishness of the Bible cannot be ignored.

In this post, we explore the Jewish narrative within the Bible, emphasizing that the Scriptures form a coherent and connected story. The discussion highlights the continuity from Genesis to the events in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with a specific focus on the promises to Abraham. The overarching theme of redemption is discussed, tracing from the ideal in Genesis to the fall, corruption, and eventual restoration. The narrative involves setbacks, questions, and an ultimate climax, described as apocalyptic, with themes such as the day of the Lord, resurrection of the dead, eternal life, judgment, and the kingdom of God. The significance of understanding the first-century Jewish context when interpreting the life and words of Jesus is stressed. The post addresses the potential influence of Replacement Theology and the need to view Jesus' actions in the context of the larger biblical story. It concludes by encouraging readers to approach the Bible with an awareness of the Jewish narrative, recognizing their place within the grand story God has written. The importance of context in reading and interpreting the Scriptures is emphasized, encouraging a deeper understanding of the overarching narrative.

The lesson emphasizes seeking truth and understanding. The Holy Spirit's role in guiding believers into truth is highlighted, urging a comprehensive and historical approach to study. The focus is on seeking truth anchored in a first-century worldview. The resurrection is presented as evidence for the truth in Judeo-Christian Scriptures, distinguishing evangelicals from other beliefs. The commitment to seeking truth, understanding scripture in its historical context, and being astute learners is emphasized.

Delve into the intricate world of biblical interpretation and hermeneutics in this post. We explore the fundamental questions that arise when believers, equally committed to the authority of Scriptures, encounter varying interpretations of the same text. Whose interpretation holds the truth? How do we discern the intended meaning of the Bible?

Discover the essence of hermeneutics as the science of interpretation, shaping the outcome of our understanding of truth. Unravel the complexities of biblical interpretation in modern times, addressing questions about the author's intent, the original meaning of texts, and the application of ancient wisdom to our lives today.

Understanding the biblical writers' presuppositions requires recognizing their worldview, shaping interpretations. Despite flawed human authors, the Scriptures convey a divine worldview. Worldview components like metaphysics, protology, eschatology, and soteriology influence interpretations. Worldviews, akin to game rules and fields, explain ultimate reality, players (God, humans), and the game of life in time (history). Each religion has its own "controlling story" answering existential questions.

Biblical writers were Hebrew (Eastern), writing to Eastern audiences. Western (Greek) readers can miss nuances. Eastern and Western thinking differ. Hebrew thinking values word pictures, stories, and symbolism; Greek prefers words and outlines. Perspectives on numbers, eternal life, community, error, God's existence, and truth differ. Westerners may proof-text, emphasizing intellectual faith, while Hebrews emphasize relational faith and experiential truth. Western truth is static; Hebrew truth is dynamic. Adapting to new thinking requires humility, creating safe spaces for questions. A rabbinic lesson on "In the beginning, God" emphasizes God's foundational role, urging humility amid new worldviews.

This is the first post of a two-part post describing Extra-Biblical Literature. This study will utilize several extra-biblical sources to provide the framework to better understand Jewish thought and, specifically, Second Temple-era Judaism.

In this post, I will provide an overview of many different types of extra-biblical literature. Understanding extra-biblical literature will help us better understand the Bible.

As believers, you should know why your Bible is important. Why bother embarking on a discipleship study like this? In this post, we explore some reasons why you should read your Bible and take it seriously.

In this post, we look at some helpful tips to keep in mind when studying the Bible.

In the bustling marketplace of religious ideas, the Jewish perspective on the Bible often stands overlooked, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. As Christians, our faith is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition, yet many of us have strayed from these foundational roots. Exploring the Scriptures through a Jewish lens is not merely an academic exercise; it is a journey of rediscovery, a pilgrimage back to the origins of our faith. It challenges us to reassess our understanding of familiar passages. It invites us to see the Bible with fresh eyes, illuminated by the rich tapestry of Jewish history, culture, and tradition. This journey may sometimes be uncomfortable, as it confronts long-held beliefs and exposes the biases that have shaped our theology. However, it is a necessary journey that leads to a deeper, more authentic relationship with the Word of God and our Jewish brothers and sisters. So, let us embark on this adventure together with open hearts and minds, ready to be transformed by the timeless wisdom of the Jewish perspective on the Bible.

Jesus' life as a man demonstrates that he struggled and had human problems like us. Who cannot relate to that? He also showed what living for God looks like, and he is the primary example of how we should model our lives as disciples. When we take the life of the man Jesus seriously, we will thoughtfully consider our lives and his call to discipleship seriously. Seeing Jesus as only God and 'not of this world' only produces in our mind an infatuation with our supernatural origins as believers (being born again) and will define salvation in terms of our death (what happens when we die). Nothing is wrong with those things, but they are a small part of a bigger picture that tends to be overlooked or misinterpreted because we only see Jesus through that one lens.

In understanding Jesus and the apostles from a Jewish perspective, it's clear they didn't come to abolish the Torah but to affirm its validity. The Torah, received by the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, forms the foundation of all subsequent scriptures. Jesus, recognized as a prophet like Moses, carried forward the Torah's message. Even the Epistle to the Hebrews places Jesus' teachings in continuity with the Torah and prophets, urging us to pay close attention to his message. Far from canceling the Torah, Jesus and the apostles affirmed its enduring significance, calling us to understand and follow its teachings.

Was Paul indeed the figure of Christian tradition, a former Pharisee who converted to Christianity and abandoned his Jewish roots? A closer look at Paul's words and historical context reveals a more complex and nuanced understanding. Paul, a devout Jew from birth, retained his Jewish identity even as he embraced Jesus as the Messiah. His teachings, far from denouncing Judaism, were deeply rooted in his Jewish upbringing and understanding of the Torah. Join us as we delve into Paul's Jewishness and uncover the layers of his identity and teachings often overlooked in traditional Christian interpretations.

In the last section of this five-part study, we delve into the Jewish apocalyptic worldview and its profound impact on the New Testament scriptures. Exploring key phrases and concepts, we uncover the significance of terms like "the age to come" and "the Day of the Lord," shedding light on the apostles' anticipation of the coming kingdom of God. By understanding this worldview, we gain a deeper appreciation for the scriptures' context and the full gospel message they convey. Join us on this journey of discovery as we restore the Jewish apocalyptic worldview and its relevance to our understanding of the gospel message.