The following is adapted from the “Growing in the Grace of God” course, a free theology course taught by Pastor Bob Hoekstra available at the Blue Letter Bible Institute. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the […]

“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again…” (John 4:14) “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and […]

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6) The word “surely” in the Hebrew is אַךְ (’ak), and it is what is called an adverbial particle. Adverbial particles make a very strong positive assertion of truth—in contrast […]

Have you ever used Hitchcock’s Topical Analysis (HTA) of the Bible? It is one of the many Bible study tools available at the Blue Letter Bible. It is unique and comprehensive—a great tool for any student of God’s Word. Here’s how it works: In the HTA, the Old Testament and New Testament are arranged into […]

Balaam’s words about God’s people (Numbers 24:5-9, 17-19; Deuteronomy 33:29), illustrate seven things that God does for them. Consider: How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! Like palm groves that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. Water […]

[UPDATE: This contest is now closed. The winner will be notified by email.] We’re starting something new here at the Blue Letter Bible blog, and I think you’ll be excited about it. On the first Friday of every month, we will host a giveaway for one book. The books will be carefully chosen from our […]

Have you ever tried to view or copy multiple verses from different Bible passages all at once, but didn’t know how? Let me give you an example of when you would use this. In the “Atonement” chapter of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, there is a section that says: “…all the blessings of salvation, including faith, […]

“Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5) What this verse is saying, with regard to “fear” brought on by encountering the “valley of deep, emotional darkness,” is that even in the face of your “enemies,” God will […]

We will now consider the subject of God revealing Himself to humanity—the doctrine of revelation. Revelation can be defined as “God’s supernatural disclosure to human beings of truth they would not otherwise know and are incapable of discovering on their own.” This communication may be either oral or written. Revelation is usually understood as God’s […]

Turning water into wine is miracle. Transforming a few loaves of bread into a feast for thousands is miracle. But perhaps the greatest miracle of all is the miracle of conversion—God turning wretched enemies into sons and daughters. The following sevenfold contrast will demonstrate what happens at the miracle of conversion: You were once “dead […]