Look at the Book

How the Word of God Brings About Faith: 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16, Part 4

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To receive the gospel is not just to be ready to go to heaven by it, but to be ready to suffer for it.

What Is Saving Faith? 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16, Part 3

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Saving faith is not merely assenting to true facts about Christ; it’s a glad reception of all he is for us.

How the Word of Man Becomes the Word of God: 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16, Part 2

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you believe the Bible is the word of God and not the word of man? How can you tell if you do or not?

Tradition Is Not a Dirty Word: 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16, Part 1

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul did not think “tradition” was a dirty word. He wanted churches to receive and pass along a certain type of tradition.

The Greatest Crescendo of Life and History: 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12, Part 5

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The greatest crescendo we could possibly experience in life is to be called by God into his kingdom and enjoy his beauty forever.

The Ongoing Miracle of God’s Calling: 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12, Part 4

16 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to be called by God? And how should this reality impact my everyday life?

The Fatherly Way of Paul’s Exhortation: 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12, Part 3

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christian obedience means walking in proper response to the beauty and worth of God.

Whether Present or Absent, the Same Man: 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12, Part 2

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When fellow Christians watch your life, what do they see? Do they see growing holiness, righteousness, and love for Jesus?

Paul Used His Life to Lift Burdens: 1 Thessalonians 2:9–12, Part 1

09 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul’s finances had everything to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do yours?

The Miracle of Mutual Soul-Sharing: 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 7

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul wanted to share more than the gospel with people; he longed to share his own soul with them.

Ministry Like a Nursing Mother: 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 6

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul could be gentle like a nursing mother and firm like an exhorting father. Does our ministry share that balance?

Loving Praise Versus Lifting Burdens: 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 5

02 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The fear of man can become a subtle and relentless craving for praise. How much do you do to be seen by others?

Don’t Make Ministry a Pretext for Greed: 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 4

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ministers should not only keep their lives free from the love of money, but from the appearance that they love money.

Are Silvanus and Timothy Apostles? 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 3

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scripture uses the word “apostle” in two ways, a special way and a common one. Do you know what they are?

A Christ-Exalting Renunciation of Power: 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 2

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An apostle has more authority than an earthly king, so why did Paul make it a point to lay down his power so often?

Sex, Money, Praise, Power — No! 1 Thessalonians 2:5–8, Part 1

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pastors, we must not minister for popularity, for greed, for sex, for power. Shepherd from a love for people, for God, and for his glory.

Gospel Authenticity, Proven and Pure: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–4, Part 2

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know if your boldness in your faith is from yourself or from God?

Boldness in Conflict Comes from God: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–4, Part 1

18 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is the Spirit ever more evident than when a man keeps sharing the gospel despite all it has cost him?

Jesus Delivers Us from the Wrath to Come: 1 Thessalonians 1:7–10, Part 4

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No suffering is like eternal suffering under the righteous wrath of Christ. Flee to him for refuge from that coming disaster.

Christian Life as Waiting and Serving: 1 Thessalonians 1:7–10, Part 3

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jesus does not leave us to wait in passivity and inactivity. As he leaves, he says, “Engage in my business until I come.”

Dead Idols Don’t Give Living Joy: 1 Thessalonians 1:7–10, Part 2

11 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

False gods clamor for our embrace and affection, but only our God can deliver what he promises: life and joy everlasting.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Human Example: 1 Thessalonians 1:7–10, Part 1

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each of us has an opportunity to become an example for someone in a way that strengthens them to live for Christ.

What Kind of Conduct Validates the Gospel? 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7, Part 5

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can preachers today say to their people, “You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake”?

Joy in Affliction Validates Election: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7, Part 4

04 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A great way to know that you are a genuine Christian: you receive the word of God with joy, even when afflictions and setbacks come.

Invincible Joy Confirms Our Election: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7, Part 3

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joy in Christ that withers when tribulation comes had no real root to begin with. Real joy perseveres even through real trials.

Do Not Diminish God’s Love for You: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7, Part 2

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can we diminish God’s love for us? If so, it’s critical to know how we do.

Hope Will Put You to Work: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7, Part 1

28 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul often gives thanks to God for what other Christians do. Why does he do that?

What Does It Mean to Be in God? 1 Thessalonians 1:1, Part 2

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to be in God or in Christ? It means at least three great things.

The Setting of 1 Thessalonians: 1 Thessalonians 1:1, Part 1

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Pastor John for this first episode in his new teaching series through the book of 1 Thessalonians.

How Would You Summarize Ephesians? Ephesians 1–6

21 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How would you go about summarizing the whole book of Ephesians? Join Pastor John as he attempts to do just that.

Grace from Start to Finish: Ephesians 6:23–24, Part 2

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you love the Lord Jesus, you are showing that your life got its start in grace, and that you will experience more grace forever and ever.

A Closing Cry for Peace and Love: Ephesians 6:23–24, Part 1

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At the close of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he calls on God to give to the church two things: the peace and love which come from faith.

What Do the Lives of Teachers Tell Us? Ephesians 6:21–22

14 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pastors, your people need to see your lives so that they might pray for you, imitate you, and be encouraged by you.

The Camaraderie of Spiritual Conflict: Ephesians 6:16–20

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The armor of God is not just meant for us in our individual walk. It is meant to help us fight the good fight together.

The Helmet, the Sword, and the Seriousness of the War: Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 8

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Those who are eternally secure still need a helmet, a sword, and a shield. They still need to put on armor and fight the war.

How the Shield of Faith Blocks Satanic Arrows: Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 7

07 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a Christian, you have a supernatural enemy who every day aims his arrows at you. Do you know how to use your shield?

What Kind of Spiritual Armor Are Shoes? Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 6

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul commands us to wear the readiness of the gospel of peace on our feet. What is the readiness of the gospel and why our feet?

Run the Devil Out with Righteousness: Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 5

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul calls us to put on the breastplate of righteousness. What exactly is that and how do we put it on?

O Christians! Be People of Truth: Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 4

30 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christians are people of the truth. We speak the truth, believe the truth, love the truth.

New Identity and Armor Against the Devil: Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 3

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You do not put on the armor of God with your hands. You put it on with your mind and your heart and your reason and your will.

How Is the Armor of God Ordered? Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 2

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The armor of God must be worn in order for us to withstand the evil one. Do you know what the armor is?

Is Our Armor What God Wore? Ephesians 6:14–17, Part 1

23 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The armor in Ephesians 6 is not brand-new armor. It is ancient armor. It is tested armor. It is God’s armor.

The Aim: Stand in His Power for His Glory: Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 7

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To withstand a supernatural enemy, we must dress in supernatural armor — and this is just what Christ offers us.

Set Free from Cosmic Powers of Darkness: Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 6

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do we get free from the dark and demonic rule over this world? We repent of our sins and entrust ourselves wholly to the God who can free us.

How to Defeat the Defeated Forces of Evil: Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 5

16 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The demonic opposition that we face is a decisively defeated foe that has been disarmed of all his accusations against us.

Don’t We Still Wrestle with Flesh and Blood? Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 4

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our battles in life are not merely against human opposition. Behind any person is a greater enemy: the prince of the power of the air.

Christian Life as Supernatural Combat: Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 3

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The word of God is clear: we are at war, however peaceful our lives may otherwise feel. Are you prepared for battle?

How Are We Empowered with God’s Power? Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 2

09 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can we draw strength for everyday life from God’s almighty power?

From Supernatural Enemies to Triumphant Standing: Ephesians 6:10–13, Part 1

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you live with armor on? If you’re a Christian, you need to wear God’s armor, because you do not wrestle with mere flesh and blood.

What Is Slavery Like Without Threatening? Ephesians 6:5–9, Part 6

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean that masters are to stop their threatening? And how did that revolutionize the slave-master relationship?

Should We Be Motivated by Degrees of Reward? Ephesians 6:5–9, Part 5

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How could heaven be perfect and yet some people get more (or less) rewards? How could there be degrees in perfection?

Every Christian Serving with the Whole Soul: Ephesians 6:5–9, Part 4

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

True Christian love and service spring from within. People-pleasers may sometimes serve, but not from the heart.

Does the New Testament Legitimize Slavery? Ephesians 6:5–9, Part 3

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does the Bible condone slavery?

Can Slaves of Christ Have Another Master? Ephesians 6:5–9, Part 2

26 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle’s words to slaves commanding them to obey their earthly masters apply to all of us — but how?

Let All Earthly Obedience Be Obedience to Christ: Ephesians 6:5–9, Part 1

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What can we learn about the lordship of Jesus Christ when we consider the relationship between slaves and masters in the early church?

Fathers, Aim at Trusting, Obedient, Happy Children: Ephesians 6:1–4, Part 2

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fathers, have compassion on your children. Do not provoke them to anger. Be firm in discipline and instruction, but don’t break them.

Do Obedient Children Always Live Long? Ephesians 6:1–4, Part 1

19 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If a child professes faith in Christ and honors his mother and father, yet dies at a young age, has the promise of God failed?

Should Wives Fear Their Husbands? Ephesians 5:31–33, Part 3

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean when Paul writes, “Let the wife see that she fears her husband”?

How Great Is the Mystery of Marriage? Ephesians 5:31–33, Part 2

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a culture that downplays and undermines marriage, we need to know why marriage is worth protecting and cultivating.

What Does It Mean to Become One Flesh? Ephesians 5:31–33, Part 1

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean that a husband and wife are “one flesh”? Is it only a reference to sexual intimacy?

What Does a Husband’s Headship Mean? Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 8

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean for a husband to be a “head” of a household? At least eight things.

Is Christ Selfish to Die for His Own Joy? Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 7

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does it undermine love to have self-interest as a main motivation in caring for others?

First the Church, Then Marriage Follows: Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 6

05 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The model for the first marriage was modeled after Jesus and his bride; not vice versa. This is the meaning of marriage.

The Purpose of Election Is a Church Beautified: Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 5

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What did it mean for Christ to wash the church in water with the word?

How Paul Motivates Impossible Love in Marriage: Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 4

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The best way for a man to pursue more joy for himself in his marriage is to make it his business to give her all he can of Christ.

What Is Peculiar About Married Love? Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 3

26 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What makes marriage unique among all human relationships? God has made a husband and wife one flesh.

How Did the Divine Husband Love His Wife? Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 2

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How did Jesus, the divine Husband, love his wife? He gave himself for her.

Christ Loved Himself in Loving the Church: Ephesians 5:25–31, Part 1

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Husbands, don’t settle for imitating the best human husband you can find. Love your wife as the Lord Jesus loved his bride, the church.

Finite, Sinful Headship in Marriage: Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 7

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jesus is the perfect leader, the perfect supplier, the perfect protector. How could an imperfect husband possibly imitate him?

How Is Christ Head of the Church? Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 6

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why is the husband called the “head” of the wife? What does the word mean biblically?

Why Aren’t Pre-Fall Adam and Eve the Model for Marriage? Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 5

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If Adam and Eve were married and without sin before the fall, why are they not our primary model for Christian marriage today?

Submissively Not Following a Husband: Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 4

12 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean that the wife is called to submit to her husband “in everything”?

Wives, Submit ‘As to the Lord’: Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 3

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean for a Christian wife to submit to her husband “as to the Lord”?

Factors Feeding a Wife’s Submission: Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 2

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wives take their cues from the church as she submits to the Lord. Husbands take their cues from Christ as he loves the church.

The Most Glorious Relationship Among Humans: Ephesians 5:22–24, Part 1

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What makes marriage the most glorious relationship on earth? Because it is uniquely modeled on the relationship between Christ and his church.

The Sweet Experience of Fearing Christ: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 9

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our fear of Christ is not only a fear. We do fear him, but we also trust him and love him and delight in him.

Submit to One Another, Full of the Spirit: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 8

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do we count others better than ourselves, even when we might be more gifted than they are?

Give Thanks for Everything — Really? Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 7

29 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

God does not command us to give thanks for some things, or even most things, but for all things. How could we do that?

How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 6

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do we obey the passive command to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Sing! Sing! Sing! — To Each Other and the Lord: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 5

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When we gather together, we not only sing to God. We sing to one another in order to build one another up.

The Root Problem with Drunkenness: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 4

22 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Drunkenness is anti-living. It wastes time. It wastes wisdom. It wastes our ability to honor the Lord.

Don’t Let Evil Days Make You Stupid: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 3

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We live in evil days. Therefore, walk wisely, purchase time, and seek to understand the will of God.

Be Shrewd and Buy Up Time: Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 2

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you just let life happen to you, or do you pray, do you plan, do you act, do you consider how you spend your time?

How Does Gratitude Serve the Will of God? Ephesians 5:15–21, Part 1

15 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a thankful person? When we are truly filled by the Spirit, we increasingly give thanks for everything.

How to Speak to the Spiritually Dead: Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 8

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

God uses our voice to do the impossible. He sends us to open the eyes of the spiritually dead through our words.

What Kind of Speech Is Shameful? Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 7

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you confront and expose works of darkness without speaking in ways that dishonor Christ?

How Do We Expose Works of Darkness? Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 6

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To expose unfruitful works of darkness means the uncomfortable work of confronting them, rebuking them, and showing them to be wrong.

Can Imperfect Christians Please the Lord? Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 5

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it true that we are so sinful that nothing we can do could please the Lord?

The All-Nourishing Fruit of Light: Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 4

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The lifestyle of those who walk in light is full of fruit and goodness. The lifestyle of those who walk in darkness is barren and full of evil.

How Being Becomes Doing: Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 3

01 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All the effort of holiness flows from the new birth, the new heart. If you reverse the order, you don’t have Christianity; you have legalism.

What Makes Christianity Different as a Religion? Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 2

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Once we were lost in darkness as children of darkness. But now, we are light in the Lord. Therefore, walk as children of light.

A New Argument for How to Live: Ephesians 5:8–14, Part 1

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you think of yourself? If you are in Christ, do you consider that he already calls you “light” in the Lord?

How to Escape the Coming Wrath of God: Ephesians 5:3–7, Part 6

25 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No one is justified because they stayed sexually pure. But no one inherits the kingdom of God while living a sexually impure life.

How Does Thankfulness Clean Up the Mouth? Ephesians 5:3–7, Part 5

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Foolish talk, crude joking, and shameful speech have no place to grow when our communities are filled with explicit thankfulness to God.

How Is Something Not Proper for Saints? Ephesians 5:3–7, Part 4

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The apostle Paul rarely, if ever, calls believers “Christians,” but he often calls us “saints.” What does the name mean?

Sexual Immorality Is Not Even to Be Named: Ephesians 5:3–7, Part 3

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean that sexual immorality should not even be named among Christians?

How Is Covetousness the Root of Sexual Idolatry? Ephesians 5:3–7, Part 2

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If Christ is not the King of your heart on earth, he will not be the King that satisfies your heart for all eternity.

Should Saints Be Warned About Wrath? Ephesians 5:3–7, Part 1

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Those marked by sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness will not inherit the kingdom of God. Are such warnings aimed at Christians?

Was God Pleased with the One He Cursed? Ephesians 5:1–2, Part 3

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If the Father crushed the Son on our behalf, could he also be pleased with his Son while he died?

Christian Love Is Sacrificial Love: Ephesians 5:1–2, Part 2

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Loving others as Christ loved us is not a safe or convenient enterprise. It is a sacrificial love that bleeds.