The Bible speaks to numerous themes, as shown below. Studying the texts associated with a given issue will help you apply God’s Word to your life. To study a theme, refer to the articles listed under the entry for that theme. Within the articles you’ll also find references to additional helps, Bible texts, and related themes.
Personal Growth and Spiritual Development
Architecture
Four Types of Houses (Josh. 2:15)
The Palace Complex (1 Kin. 7:1)
A Place for God’s Presence (2 Chr. 6:18)
Public Works Projects in the Bible (Neh. 2:8)
Building the Temple (John 2:19, 20)
Artistic Works in the Tabernacle
A Worship Center in the Wilderness (Ex. 25:8)
The Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:16)
The Table of Showbread (Ex. 25:23–30)
The Altar of Burnt Offering (Ex. 27:1–8)
The Altar of Incense (Ex. 30:1–10)
The Bronze Laver (Ex. 30:17–21)
Artists in the Bible
Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain (Gen. 4:20–22)
Bezalel and Aholiab (Ex. 31:2–7)
Hannah’s Song: Praise for the Real King (1 Sam. 2:1–10)
The Sons of Asaph (1 Chr. 25:2)
Composers of the Psalms (introduction to Psalms)
Musicians in the Bible (Ps. 147:1)
Literature and Story
An Artist’s Responsibility (Ps. 45:1)
North and South Winds (Song 4:16)
The Parables of Jeremiah (Jer. 18:1–10)
Parables Performed (Ezek. 4:1)
Ezekiel’s Brick (Ezek. 4:2, 3)
The Parables of Ezekiel (Ezek. 15:1–8)
The Parables of Zechariah (Zech. 5:1–4)
Pictures of the Kingdom (Matt. 13:1)
The Parables of Jesus (Luke 8:4)
See also the introductions to Job and Song of Solomon.
Music
Hannah’s Song: Praise for the Real King (1 Sam. 2:1–10)
Songs of Praise and Faith (2 Sam. 22:2)
A Psalm of Psalms (1 Chr. 16:7)
David’s Psalms (introduction to Psalms)
The Psalms of Asaph (Ps. 73, heading)
Psalms for Many Occasions (Ps. 100:1)
Hope for the Heartbroken (Ps. 130:1)
Psalms for Children (Ps. 131:2)
Why Art?
Made in His Image (Gen. 1:27–30)
The Value of Ritual (Num. 7:1–3)
Sparing No Expense (1 Kin. 5:5)
Dangerous Relics (2 Kin. 18:4)
Native Talent and Supernatural Ability (Dan. 1:17)
Other
The Bronze Serpent (Num. 21:8, 9)
The Character of the Church
The Mark of Love (John 13:31–35)
Christians Suing Christians (1 Cor. 6:1–11)
Uphold the Weak (1 Thess. 5:14)
Qualifications for Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Playing Favorites (James 2:1–9)
Obedience Leads to Freedom (1 John 2:3–6)
The Church in the World
Faith Impacts the World (Mark 16:15, 16)
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
The Gates of Hell (Matt. 16:18)
Lord of the Sacred and the Secular (Luke 6:1–5)
Whose Job Is Evangelism? (John 16:8)
Called Out and Into the World (John 17:18)
Connecting Sunday to Monday (Acts 2:46, 47)
Paul’s Urban Strategy (Acts 16:4)
The Ephesus Approach: How the Gospel Transformed a Community (Acts 19:8–41)
Truth Triggers Opposition (Acts 24:1–26)
Adapting Our Approach (Acts 26:1–32)
God’s Heart for the Whole World (Rom. 9:1)
The Straightforward Gospel (1 Thess. 2:5)
The Church Scattered for Impact
Faith Impacts the World (Mark 16:15, 16)
Priority People (Mark 5:21–43)
A Surprising First Message (Luke 4:16–27)
The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Us (Luke 4:18)
Caring for the Underclass (Luke 7:20–23)
Discipleship Is a Process (Luke 9:1–62)
Whose Job Is Evangelism? (John 16:8)
Called Out and Into the World (John 17:18)
Connecting Sunday to Monday (Acts 2:46, 47)
The Ephesus Approach: How the Gospel Transformed a Community (Acts 19:8–41)
The Straightforward Gospel (1 Thess. 2:5)
The Right-Side-Up Church (1 Thess. 2:13, 14)
The Early Church
The Women Who Followed Jesus (Luke 8:1–3)
Welcoming Women into the Kingdom (Luke 23:49)
Families of the Early Church (Acts 16:31–34)
Not Many Mighty (Acts 18:7, 8)
The Church at the End of the First Century (Rev. 1:20)
The Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3:1)
Leaders
Unlikely Leaders (Matt. 26:35–74)
Discipleship Is a Process (Luke 9:1–62)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
I Have Not Coveted (Acts 20:33–38)
Professional Christian Workers (1 Cor. 9:1–23)
The Straightforward Gospel (1 Thess. 2:5)
The Right-Side-Up Church (1 Thess. 2:13, 14)
Qualifications for Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Kingdom-Style Mentoring (2 Tim. 2:2)
United by God’s Work (Titus 3:12–15)
Fleecing the Flock (1 Pet. 5:2)
Making Disciples of All the Nations
From Babel to Pentecost: Scattering and Gathering (Gen. 11:8, 9)
Isaiah’s Vision and Our Mission (Is. 66:18–21)
Pluralism at Pentecost (Acts 2:5)
Good News for All (Acts 10:34)
Ethnic Walls Break Down (Acts 10:44, 45)
The Antioch Model (Acts 13:1–3)
Diverse Opportunities for a Diverse Church (Acts 15:22–35)
Once an Enemy, Now a Friend (1 Cor. 16:9–20)
Breaking Down Walls (Eph. 2:14–18)
Connecting Sunday to Monday (Acts 2:46, 47)
Christ’s Community (Acts 4:32–35)
Barnabas: A Model of Mentoring (Acts 9:27)
Diverse Opportunities for a Diverse Church (Acts 15:22–35)
Women: Silent in the Church? (1 Cor. 14:34)
Work, Labor, and Patience (1 Thess. 1:3)
The Right-Side-Up Church (1 Thess. 2:13, 14)
Ways to Worship (1 Tim. 2:8–15)
Effective Care for the Needy (1 Tim. 5:3–16)
Kingdom-Style Mentoring (2 Tim. 2:2)
Hospitality and Discernment (2 John 7–11)
The Nature of the Church
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
The King Declares His Kingdom (Matt. 4:17)
Significant Everyday People (Mark 2:3–17)
Lord of the Sacred and the Secular (Luke 6:1–5)
Called Alongside (John 14:16–18)
A New Name for a New Way (Acts 11:26)
A Community Temple (Eph. 2:19–22)
The Right-Side-Up Church (1 Thess. 2:13, 14)
From Refugee to Royalty (1 Pet. 2:9–12)
Worship or Wrath (Rev. 6:1–17)
Sundays
Doing Good on the Sabbath (John 5:1–17)
Connecting Sunday to Monday (Acts 2:46, 47)
God and the Environment
God’s Concern for the Land (Lev. 26:34, 35)
The Lord’s Voice in Creation (Ps. 29:3)
God and the Environment (Ps. 104:14–23, 35)
An Earth Full of Glory (Is. 6:3)
The Peaceable Kingdom (Is. 11:1–10)
Liberating Creation (Rom. 8:21, 22)
Ecology as a Tool of God’s Judgment
The Toil of Work (Gen. 3:17–19)
An Ecological Disaster (Ex. 8:8–15)
A Spiritual Cause to a Natural Event (2 Sam. 21:1)
Seventy Years of Sabbaths (2 Chr. 36:21)
The Creation Mandate (Gen. 1:28—2:3)
The Birth of the City (Gen. 4:18)
The Sabbath Year (Lev. 25:2–8)
The Rules of War (Deut. 20:12–15)
Civic Responsibility (Deut. 22:23–29)
Sanitation and the Sacred (Deut. 23:12, 13)
Learning from Creation (Job 12:7–12)
God and the Environment (Ps. 104:14–23, 35)
The Wisdom That Built the World (Prov. 3:19, 20)
Wisdom at Work and Play (Prov. 8:30, 31)
Creation’s Quiet Wisdom (Prov. 30:24–28)
The Ruin of the Land (Is. 10:19)
Other
Faith and the Environment (Rev. 9:4)
Accountability
Accountability (2 Kin. 12:6–8)
Public Accountability (1 Chr. 28:8)
Defending Against Desire (Job 31:1)
Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes (Rom. 12:3)
The Ultimate Review (1 Cor. 3:13–15)
Advice and Counsel
Divine and Human Guidance (Num. 10:29–34)
Warnings Against Witchcraft (1 Sam. 28:7)
A Community of Wisdom (Prov. 24:6)
Watch Out for Bad Advice (Is. 8:16–22)
Behavior on the Job
See the articles in the “Work” section of this index.
Christlike Character
Excellence Works Anywhere (Gen. 39:20–23)
Giving God Our Best (Lev. 22:20–23)
Idolatry of the Heart (Ezek. 14:4–8)
Salvation by Proxy (Ezek. 14:14)
Holiness Is More Than a Place (Ezek. 45:1–5)
The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Us (Luke 4:18)
The Cost of Following Jesus (Luke 14:25–33)
Breaking Sinful Habits (1 John 3:6)
Decision-Making
A Promising Opportunity (Gen. 46:31–34)
Starting and Stopping (Num. 9:15–23)
Discovering God’s Will (Judg. 6:36–40)
Spirit-Filled Planning (1 Chr. 28:11–19)
Trick Questions (Matt. 22:23–33)
Double Standards (John 8:2–11)
Matters of Conscience (Rom. 14:1–23)
Judging All Things (1 Cor. 2:15)
Dealing with Stress (2 Cor. 6:3–10)
Work in the Real World (Gen. 41:42–46)
Eli, the Failed Leader of Shiloh (1 Sam. 2:12)
Results at Any Price (1 Sam. 13:8–14)
Scandal and Cover-Up (2 Sam. 11:4, 5)
Ignoring the Law (1 Kin. 10:28—11:3)
Why Marriage Matters (1 Kin. 11:1–3)
Starting Strong, Ending Weak (1 Kin. 15:16–22)
Half-Hearted Devotion (2 Chr. 25:2)
The Wise Woman of Proverbs 31 (Prov. 31:10)
God Humbles the Proud (Is. 22:15–23)
Bowing to God Alone (Dan. 3:7)
Integrity Incites Jealousy (Dan. 6:1–5)
Honesty
Twisting the Facts (Num. 16:13, 14)
Building a Circle of Trust (Prov. 29:12)
The Trouble with Lies (Jer. 28:15–17)
Stand for Truth (Ezek. 11:2, 3)
Humility
The Humblest Man on the Face of the Earth (Num. 12:3)
Pride Goes Before a Fall (2 Chr. 26:16–21)
God Humbles the Proud (Is. 22:15–23)
The Power of Humility (Matt. 3:11)
The Way Up Is Down (Matt. 5:3)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
Humility: The Scandalous Virtue (Phil. 2:3)
Integrity
Putting Words into Action (Lev. 7:37, 38)
A Good or Bad Example (Lev. 10:3)
Be Holy, For I Am Holy (Lev. 11:44, 45)
Hold to Your Word (Lev. 24:13, 14)
Your Word Is Your Bond (Deut. 23:21–23)
Keeping Promises (2 Sam. 9:1–13)
An Inventory of Integrity (Ps. 15:1)
Ethics and Character in Psalms (Ps. 37:27–29)
Models of Faith in Hostile Societies (Dan. 2:48, 49)
Integrity Incites Jealousy (Dan. 6:1–5)
Trick Questions (Matt. 22:23–33)
A Statement of Integrity (Luke 1:18, 19)
A Faith Like Abraham’s (Rom. 4:1, 16–25)
Matters of Conscience (Rom. 14:1–23)
Uncovering Sin (1 Cor. 5:1–13)
Integrity in the Face of Competition (2 Cor. 10:1)
New Creatures with New Character (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Codes of Conduct for the Christian Worker (Col. 3:22—4:1)
Finishing Well (2 Thess. 1:3–12)
Qualifications for Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Justice
Making Restitution (Lev. 6:1–7)
Stealing Hearts in the Gates of Justice (2 Sam. 15:1–6)
No Excuses Allowed (Lam. 3:39)
Justice in the Gate (Amos 5:14, 15)
A Nation Sells Its Soul (Mic. 3:11)
Empty Stomachs for an Empty Ritual (Zech. 7:4–10)
An Eye for an Eye (Matt. 5:38–42)
The Unpardonable Sin (Matt. 12:31, 32)
Seventy Times Seven (Matt. 18:21–35)
Wages and Grace (Matt. 20:1–16)
A Surprising First Message (Luke 4:16–27)
Caring for the Underclass (Luke 7:20–23)
The Older Brother (Luke 15:25–30)
Double Standards (John 8:2–11)
Boundless Forgiveness (John 21:15–23)
God Restrains Evil (Rev. 13:1–18)
Evil’s Final Reward (Rev. 20:1–5)
Leadership
Excellence Starts at the Top (Ex. 40:16)
When a Leader Sins (Lev. 4:22–26)
See also the articles under “Power and Authority” in the Ethics and Character section of this index.
Love
Love God, Love People (Deut. 5:6–21)
What Kind of Love? (Matt. 22:34–40)
Loving Our Enemies (Luke 6:27–31)
Love Every Neighbor (Luke 10:27–37)
The Mark of Love (John 13:31–35)
New Creatures with New Character (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Apostles of Love (1 John 5:1–3)
Money
You Shall Not Covet (Ex. 20:17)
No Amount of Money (Num. 24:10–13)
I Saw, I Wanted, I Took (Josh. 7:21)
Living Within Limits (Matt. 16:22, 23)
Wages and Grace (Matt. 20:1–16)
The Widow’s Mites (Mark 12:41–44)
Caring for the Underclass (Luke 7:20–23)
Guard Against Greed (Luke 12:15)
Startling Change (Luke 19:1–10)
Hold Lightly and Let Go (Acts 4:37—5:11)
Debt-Free Living (Rom. 13:7, 8)
Managing Commitments (1 Cor. 6:12)
Who Are the Poor? (2 Cor. 9:9, 10)
Finding Contentment (Phil. 4:10–13)
Uphold the Weak (1 Thess. 5:14)
Christians and Money (1 Tim. 6:6–19)
Fleecing the Flock (1 Pet. 5:2)
The Delusions of Luxury (Rev. 18:1–24)
Morality
Sin and Redemption (Gen. 3:6, 7)
Building According to the Blueprints (1 Kin. 6:12)
An Inventory of Integrity (Ps. 15:1)
Life With and Without God (Eccl. 1:13, 14)
The Morality of Christ (Matt. 5:17–48)
An Eye for an Eye (Matt. 5:38–42)
Jesus Confronts the Legalists (Luke 6:1–11)
The Letter and Spirit of the Law (Luke 14:1–6)
Double Standards (John 8:2–11)
Living with Original Sin (Rom. 7:21)
Matters of Conscience (Rom. 14:1–23)
New Creatures with New Character (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Qualifications for Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Ten Practical Commandments (James 2:8–13)
Obedience Leads to Freedom (1 John 2:3–6)
Politics
The Better Story (Num. 23:11, 12)
Peace at Any Price (Josh. 9:14, 15)
Security Comes from Honoring God (Is. 33:2–24)
Blowing the Whistle with Wisdom (Jer. 37:13, 14)
Power and Authority
Under Authority (Matt. 8:5–13)
The Power of Forgiveness (Matt. 9:4–8)
Servant-Leaders (Matt. 20:25–28)
A Humble Parade (Matt. 21:1–11)
Unlikely Leaders (Matt. 26:35–74)
Significant Everyday People (Mark 2:3–17)
Three Dangers of Power (Luke 3:14)
A Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–13)
Thriving Under Authority (John 12:49)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
Working Together (1 Cor. 3:5–8)
Qualifications for Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Kingdom-Style Mentoring (2 Tim. 2:2)
Lessons in Leadership (Heb. 5:1–14)
Fleecing the Flock (1 Pet. 5:2)
Public Ethics
Faith Impacts the World (Mark 16:15, 16)
God and the Environment (Ps. 104:14–23, 35)
Excellence at Work (Prov. 22:29)
Agents of Conscience (Amos 3:10)
Life for the Faithful Few (Mic. 5:3)
Crimes of an Evil Nation (Hab. 2:5–19)
Corrupt Commerce Has Catastrophic Consequences (Zeph. 1:10, 11)
Private Complacency, Public Sin (Mal. 1:6)
Salt and Light (Matt. 5:13–16)
Public Faith (Matt. 14:13, 14)
Jesus and Taxation (Matt. 17:24–27)
A Surprising First Message (Luke 4:16–27)
The Leper’s Burden (Luke 5:12–15)
Caring for the Underclass (Luke 7:20–23)
Startling Change (Luke 19:1–10)
Governmental Authority (Rom. 13:1–7)
Christians Suing Christians (1 Cor. 6:1–11)
A Code of Ethics for Christian Witness (2 Cor. 4:2)
Uphold the Weak (1 Thess. 5:14)
A Command to Work (2 Thess. 3:6–12)
Challenging Slavery (Philem. 16)
Right and Wrong
The Way of Godly Wisdom (Eccl. 12:13, 14)
The Morality of Christ (Matt. 5:17–48)
Jesus Confronts the Legalists (Luke 6:1–11)
The Letter and Spirit of the Law (Luke 14:1–6)
Living with Original Sin (Rom. 7:21)
Sexual Purity
Guard Your Passion (Gen. 34:2)
Success
Praying for Success (Gen. 24:12–14)
Success and Prosperity (Josh. 1:8)
Survival, Success, and Salvation (Josh. 1:10)
Unsatisfied with Success (2 Chr. 1:1)
The Dangers of Success (Is. 5:8–10)
Quality, Not Quantity (Matt. 25:14–30)
A Kingdom Perspective (Mark 13:33)
Working Together (1 Cor. 3:5–8)
Temptation
Taking Sin Seriously (Lev. 1:3–5)
A Temptation to Trust in Numbers (2 Sam. 24:1)
Overcoming Obstacles (1 Chr. 28:20, 21)
Obeying Begins with Listening (2 Chr. 30:11, 12)
Running Away from Sin (Prov. 14:16)
Deadly Desires (Prov. 21:25, 26)
Wealth’s Temptation (Matt. 4:8–10)
The Risk Outweighs the Reward (Luke 4:5–8)
Guard Against Greed (Luke 12:15)
Living with Original Sin (Rom. 7:21)
Escaping Temptation (1 Cor. 10:12, 13)
The Delusions of Luxury (Rev. 18:1–24)
Trustworthiness and Responsibility
Singleness of Heart (2 Chr. 30:12)
Shared Responsibility (Prov. 16:9)
Evaluating Our Self-Indulgence (Amos 6:3–7)
Your Reputation and Legacy
Making Promises to God (Num. 30:2)
How We Will Be Remembered (2 Sam. 8:13, 14)
The Strength of Scripture (Ps. 119:23)
Skeletons in the Closet (Ezek. 16:3)
Faithful Witnesses (Ezek. 20:9)
Other
Breaking the Cycle of Sin (Gen. 27:41)
Sin Passed Through Generations (Gen. 37:11)
The Tongue: A Powerful Weapon (Prov. 10:18–21)
Letting Go of Laziness (Prov. 24:30–34)
Instant Gratification (Eccl. 2:17)
Partners with God (Eccl. 3:14)
An Empty Gesture (Jer. 34:8–11)
Grieving the Loss of a Child (Matt. 2:16–18)
The Value of a Disabled Woman (Luke 13:10–17)
Holy Interruptions (Luke 18:35–43)
The Road Less Traveled (John 4:4–42)
Resolving Conflict (Acts 11:2–18)
Strength Through Weakness (2 Cor. 12:7–10)
Even Spiritual Giants Fall Short (Gal. 1:11–24)
The Wisdom of Experience (1 Tim. 4:1–16)
Knowing About God (Heb. 6:1–20)
Family Backgrounds
The Purpose of Genealogies (Gen. 5:1)
Breaking the Cycle of Sin (Gen. 27:41)
Sin Passed Through Generations (Gen. 37:11)
The Fate of Jacob’s Sons (Gen. 49:3–27)
Genealogies: Records of God’s Grace (1 Chr. 1:29)
Jesus’ Family Tree (Matt. 1:1–16)
The Women in Jesus’ Genealogy (Matt. 1:3–6)
Jesus’ Family Line (Luke 3:23–38)
A Painful Inheritance (Luke 3:36–38)
Researching Your Religious Roots (Heb. 13:24)
The Family as an Institution
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
Family Expectations (Gen. 42:36)
Family Responsibilities (Num. 27:4)
A Web of Technicalities (Ruth 2:1)
Wisdom Through Relationships (Prov. 13:20)
Respecting Your Parents (Prov. 15:20)
The Value of Teamwork (Eccl. 4:9–12)
The High Calling of Marriage (Is. 62:1–5)
Family Life in Bible Times
Marriage Within Family (Gen. 24:3, 4)
The Bride-Price (Ex. 22:16, 17)
The Redeeming Relative (Lev. 25:25)
Family Crisis, Leadership Crisis (Num. 12:2, 3)
Juvenile Delinquents (Deut. 21:18–21)
Four Types of Houses (Josh. 2:15)
The Tragedy of Jephthah’s Daughter (Judg. 11:30–40)
Political Marriages (2 Sam. 3:13, 14)
Interreligious Marriage (Ezra 9:2)
The Deed of Purchase (Jer. 32:7, 14, 15)
The Value of Children (Matt. 19:14)
Jewish Homemaking (Mark 1:29–31)
A Lowly Sacrifice for the Highest (Luke 2:22–24)
Family Life Today
Protect the Widows and Orphans (Ex. 22:22–24)
Marriage and Divorce (Deut. 24:1–4)
Overcoming a Rough Start (Judg. 11:2, 3)
Praying for Family (Job 10:18–22)
Fixing Broken Families (Ps. 38:11)
Estranged from Friend and Family (Ps. 88:18)
Interracial Marriage (Song 5:10)
Strength for the Weary (Is. 40:30, 31)
Honor Your Parents (Mark 7:9–13)
Burned Meals and Bad Smells (Mark 10:2–12)
Questions About Marriage (1 Cor. 7:1)
A New Perspective on Marriage (Eph. 5:21–29)
Effective Care for the Needy (1 Tim. 5:3–16)
Help for Families (Heb. 12:3–13)
Apostles of Love (1 John 5:1–3)
Families of the New Testament
The Gifts of the Magi (Matt. 2:11)
Families of the Gospels (Luke 20:34)
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1)
Families of the Early Church (Acts 16:31–34)
See also the Person Profiles index.
Families of the Old Testament
The Family of Adam and Eve (Gen. 5:3)
The Family of Noah (Gen. 5:32)
The Families of the Old Testament (Gen. 12:3)
The Family of Abraham (Gen. 15:4–6)
The Death of a Son (Gen. 22:2)
The Family of Jacob (Gen. 35:22–26)
The Family of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Ex. 6:20–25)
The Family of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:13–22)
Giving Birth to Trouble (2 Sam. 3:1–5)
The Family of David (2 Sam. 3:2–5)
The Family of Solomon (2 Chr. 9:31)
Family Stories (Job 42:11, 12)
A Tale of Two Brothers (Obad. 10)
See also the Person Profiles index.
Family and Society
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
New Laws for a New World (Num. 27:1–11)
Family and Community (Deut. 22:13–21)
Jesus’ Family
Jesus’ Family Tree (Matt. 1:1–16)
The Women in Jesus’ Genealogy (Matt. 1:3–6)
Jesus the Refugee (Matt. 2:13–15)
Jesus and Family (Mark 3:31–35)
Jesus the Carpenter (Mark 6:3)
A Lowly Sacrifice for the Highest (Luke 2:22–24)
Jesus’ Family Line (Luke 3:23–38)
A Painful Inheritance (Luke 3:36–38)
Marriage
Growing Together in Marriage (Eccl. 4:11)
Love Is as Strong as Death (Song 8:6)
Portrait of a Husband (Is. 54:5)
Prodigal Wife, Prodigal People (Hos. 2:2)
Divorce and Spirituality (Mal. 2:14–16)
Parenting
A Mother’s Influence (Ex. 2:8–10)
Remembering God’s Grace (Ex. 12:26, 27)
Advice Without Assurance (Lev. 10:1–3)
Finding Women in the Bible’s Family Trees (Num. 1:2)
The Faith of Our Children (Deut. 6:7–9)
At Home with the Faith (Deut. 11:19–21)
Eli, the Failed Leader of Shiloh (1 Sam. 2:12)
The Risks of Raising Children (1 Sam. 8:2)
Fathers and Sons in Conflict (2 Sam. 14:24)
A Father’s Anguish (2 Sam. 18:33)
The Final Charge (1 Kin. 2:1–9)
Passing On the Blessing (Ps. 67:1, 2)
The Creator’s Craftsmanship (Ps. 139:13)
Wisdom for Men, Wisdom for Women (Prov. 1:8)
Learning at Home (Prov. 4:3, 4)
Rearing Children with the Rod (Prov. 19:18)
Clean Up Your Own Mess (Is. 39:8)
Prodigal Children (Jer. 31:20)
Godly Fathers with Troubled Sons (Jer. 37:1, 2)
A Secular Education (Dan. 1:4)
Native Talent and Supernatural Ability (Dan. 1:17)
Old Age
Protect the Widows and Orphans (Ex. 22:22–24)
The Art of Growing Old (Ps. 92:14)
The Young Will Grow Old (Eccl. 12:1–8)
Sexuality
Respecting the Gift of Human Sexuality (Lev. 18:6–30)
Other
Four Types of Houses (Josh. 2:15)
Psalms for Children (Ps. 131:2)
The Wise Woman of Proverbs 31 (Prov. 31:10)
The Gifts of the Magi (Matt. 2:11)
Grieving the Loss of a Child (Matt. 2:16–18)
Jewish Homemaking (Mark 1:29–31)
A Woman in Labor (John 16:21, 22)
Once an Enemy, Now a Friend (1 Cor. 16:9–20)
A Perfect Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)
From Refugee to Royalty (1 Pet. 2:9–12)
Hope for the Family (Rev. 19:6–10)
Censuses
A Temptation to Trust in Numbers (2 Sam. 24:1)
Solomon’s Census (2 Chr. 2:17, 18)
Government and God
Many Nations Under God (Gen. 10:32)
The Legacy of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:29)
God Rescues the Oppressed (Ex. 3:7)
National Renewal (2 Chr. 7:14)
Benchmarks for Evil Kings (2 Chr. 33:2)
Even Rulers Are Subjects (Ps. 2:1)
No Authority Except from God (Ps. 2:4–6)
Human Kings and the Heavenly King (Ps. 2:7)
God Is Our Strength (Ps. 33:16–22)
An Anthem for the King (Ps. 72:1)
Bowing to God Alone (Dan. 3:7)
God at Work for His People (Dan. 4:27)
Why Nineveh Repented (Jon. 3:7)
Shaking the Nations (Hag. 2:6, 7)
Great Among the Nations (Mal. 1:11)
Government and God’s People
Faith Impacts the World (Mark 16:15, 16)
Civil Disobedience (Ex. 1:15–21)
Obeying God Above Men (Acts 5:22–32)
Stephen’s Trial and Murder (Acts 6:12)
Not Many Mighty (Acts 18:7, 8)
The Ephesus Approach: How the Gospel Transformed a Community (Acts 19:8–41)
Government Officials and Employees of the New Testament
Political Parties of Jesus’ Day (Matt. 16:1)
New Testament Rulers (Luke 3:1)
First-Century Roman Politics (Luke 22:25)
The Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8:27–39)
Sosthenes the Attorney (Acts 18:17)
City Government
The Value of Community (Deut. 4:41)
Family and Community (Deut. 22:13–21)
Civic Responsibility (Deut. 22:23–29)
The Levitical Cities (Josh. 21:1–3)
Government Officials and Employees of the Old Testament
Work in the Real World (Gen. 41:42–46)
A Shrewd Politician (Judg. 8:2)
The Man Who Would Be King (Judg. 9:2)
Eli, the Failed Leader of Shiloh (1 Sam. 2:12)
Faithful Service (1 Sam. 3:21)
David’s Cabinet (2 Sam. 8:16–18)
Solomon’s Cabinet (1 Kin. 4:1–6)
The Divided Kingdom: The North (1 Kin. 12:19)
The Divided Kingdom: The South (1 Kin. 14:30)
God’s People in Government (Ezra 7:1)
Daniel: Advisor to Kings (Dan. 1:19)
Models of Faith in Hostile Societies (Dan. 2:48, 49)
Government Employees in the Bible (Dan. 5:11, 12)
The Nature and Value of Government
The Creation Mandate (Gen. 1:28—2:3)
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
The Birth of the City (Gen. 4:18)
The Birth of the Nations (Gen. 10:1)
Nimrod’s Legacy (Gen. 10:8–12)
The Basis of Government (Prov. 8:15, 16)
Two Branches, One Tree (Zech. 4:11–14)
Thriving Under Authority (John 12:49)
Governmental Authority (Rom. 13:1–7)
The Church at the End of the First Century (Rev. 1:20)
Babylon: A Symbol of Evil (Rev. 14:8)
Public Policy
When a Leader Sins (Lev. 4:22–26)
Making Restitution (Lev. 6:1–7)
Theology for the Marketplace (Lev. 19:35, 36)
A Law for Criminals—and Their Victims (Num. 5:7)
Leadership Changes (Num. 20:22–29)
National Prosperity (Deut. 11:13–17)
Criteria for a King (Deut. 17:14–20)
Sanitation and the Sacred (Deut. 23:12, 13)
The Stranger, the Fatherless, and the Widow (Deut. 24:19–22)
The Value of Symbols (Deut. 27:1–4)
Peace at Any Price (Josh. 9:14, 15)
The Outcome of Infighting (1 Kin. 1:5)
Prosperity and Tragedy (1 Kin. 4:21, 24)
Using Religion for Political Gain (1 Kin. 12:25–31)
Community Begins with Worship (Ezra 3:1–11)
Public Works Projects in the Bible (Neh. 2:8)
Start with the Wall (Neh. 2:18)
Institutionalized Injustice (Is. 10:1–4)
The Boiling City (Ezek. 24:3–5)
Leaders Who Care (Ezek. 34:1, 2)
Some Major Governments in the Bible
The Assyrians (2 Kin. 17:5, 6)
Solomon’s Empire (2 Chr. 9:26)
Taxation
A Ten Percent Tax (Deut. 26:12–15)
A Tax Revolt Divides the Kingdom (1 Kin. 12:18, 19)
The Ten Percent Solution (Neh. 11:1, 2)
Other
Feeding the World (Gen. 41:57)
The Value of Listening (Josh. 22:11, 12)
Willing and Able to Lead (Judg. 5:2)
Corporate Solidarity (1 Sam. 17:8–10)
Civil War Between North and South (2 Sam. 2:9–20)
Political Marriages (2 Sam. 3:13, 14)
The Twelve Districts (1 Kin. 4:7–19)
Inconsistent Obedience (2 Kin. 14:7–10)
Palace Intrigue (2 Kin. 15:30)
Government in Psalms (Ps. 2:10–12)
Corporate Confession (Lam. 1:18)
A Nation Sells Its Soul (Mic. 3:11)
Life for the Faithful Few (Mic. 5:3)
Private Complacency, Public Sin (Mal. 1:6)
The Chosen People
God’s Plan Moves Forward (Gen. 11:10)
The Family of Abraham (Gen. 15:4–6)
Seeking Guidance Through the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30)
God’s Chosen People (Ex. 34:11, 12)
Be Holy, For I Am Holy (Lev. 11:44, 45)
An Example of God’s Kindness (Ps. 117:1)
Cursing God’s People (Is. 37:23)
The New Covenant (1 Cor. 11:25)
Two Covenants Compared (Heb. 9:1–28)
See also the introduction to Jeremiah.
Customs, Traditions, and Life in Ancient Israel
Remembering God’s Grace (Ex. 12:26, 27)
Set Apart to the Lord (Ex. 13:11–16)
The Bride-Price (Ex. 22:16, 17)
The Year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:8–17)
The Redeeming Relative (Lev. 25:25)
The Hebrew Calendar (Num. 1:18)
The Mixed Multitude (Num. 11:4)
Family Responsibilities (Num. 27:4)
The Jubilee Factor (Num. 36:4)
Four Types of Houses (Josh. 2:15)
A Web of Technicalities (Ruth 2:1)
Telling Time in the Ancient World (Matt. 14:25)
The Feast of Dedication (John 10:22)
Travel in the Ancient World (Acts 13:3, 4)
Ancient Burial Practices (1 Cor. 15:42)
Early History
The World of Abraham (Gen. 12:4)
Abraham’s Kindness (Gen. 14:16)
The Fate of Jacob’s Sons (Gen. 49:3–27)
Famous Offspring of Israel (Gen. 49:8–12)
Crossing the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22)
The Hebrew Encampment (Num. 2:1–3)
The Bronze Serpent (Num. 21:8, 9)
Sustaining Life in the Wilderness (Num. 21:11)
The Journeys of Israel (Num. 33:1)
See also the introductions to Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Exile, Return, and Dispersion
The Three Campaigns of the Assyrians (2 Kin. 15:29)
The Origin of the Samaritans (2 Kin. 17:24)
The Captivities of the Israelites (2 Chr. 36:20)
Seventy Years of Sabbaths (2 Chr. 36:21)
The Journey Back to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:1)
Jerusalem at the Time of Nehemiah (Neh. 2:11)
The Three Empires of Isaiah (Is. 45:1)
Scattered Among the Gentiles (Jer. 9:16)
The Three Campaigns of the Babylonians (Jer. 52:4–7)
The Dispersion of the Jews (Jer. 52:28–30)
Measuring the Exile (Ezek. 4:6)
A Little Sanctuary (Ezek. 11:16)
A Gift of the Exile (Ezek. 14:1)
What Happened Between the Old and New Testaments
The First Century A.D.
Political Parties of Jesus’ Day (Matt. 16:1)
New Testament Rulers (Luke 3:1)
Jerusalem Surrounded (Luke 21:20)
First-Century Roman Politics (Luke 22:25)
Jews and Samaritans (John 4:9)
Stephen’s Trial and Murder (Acts 6:12)
From the Conquest Through the Monarchy
The Capture and Return of the Ark (1 Sam. 5:11)
Civil War Between North and South (2 Sam. 2:9–20)
The Divided Kingdom: The North (1 Kin. 12:19)
The Divided Kingdom: The South (1 Kin. 14:30)
The Lord Is God (1 Kin. 18:37—19:14)
The Ark’s Journey from Sinai to Jerusalem (1 Chr. 16:1)
Solomon’s Empire (2 Chr. 9:26)
The Divided Kingdom (2 Chr. 10:19)
Hezekiah’s Waterworks (2 Chr. 32:30)
An Age of Prosperity (Is. 2:7)
See also the introductions to 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings.
The Promised Land
A Name for the Land (Num. 34:2)
The Promised Land (Josh. 1:11)
The Levitical Cities (Josh. 21:1–3)
The Twelve Districts (1 Kin. 4:7–19)
Judah’s Prominence (1 Chr. 2:3)
See also the introduction to Joshua.
Religion and Worship
Atonement Money (Ex. 30:12–16)
Old Testament Sacrifices (Lev. 3:1)
Clean vs. Unclean (Lev. 11:29)
The Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:1–34)
Attracted to Israel’s God (2 Chr. 6:32, 33)
Three Worshipers (Ps. 118:2–4)
See also the introduction to Leviticus.
See also the articles under “Artistic Works in the Tabernacle” in the “Art” section of this index.
Other
The Edomites: Perpetual Enemies of Israel (Gen. 36:9)
God Rescues the Oppressed (Ex. 3:7)
Pharaoh’s Submission (Ex. 12:29)
The Palace Complex (1 Kin. 7:1)
Three Leaders of Israel (1 Chr. 1:28)
The Queen of Sheba and International Trade (2 Chr. 9:1)
The Prophets of Judah (2 Chr. 12:15)
The Prophets of Israel (2 Chr. 18:7)
Swallowed by Pride (Is. 9:8–10)
The Servant of the Lord (Is. 42:1–4)
A Tale of Two Brothers (Obad. 10)
A World Without Walls (Zech. 2:4)
Hope for Jerusalem (Zech. 14:10, 11)
Jews, Gentiles, and Jesus (Matt. 15:24)
God’s Heart for the Whole World (Rom. 9:1)
The Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:1–40)
The New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1, 2)
Jesus’ Nature and Character
The Names of Jesus (Matt. 17:5)
Jesus and Family (Mark 3:31–35)
You Are the Christ (Mark 8:27–33)
Lord of the Sacred and the Secular (Luke 6:1–5)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
The Cosmic Christ (Col. 1:15–18)
Christ Is Supreme (Heb. 1:5–14)
Jesus in the Old Testament
God’s Plan Moves Forward (Gen. 11:10)
Anticipating Christ (Ps. 22:1)
Jesus in the Old Testament (Ps. 24:7–10)
Prophecies of a Coming Messiah (Ps. 40:6–8)
A Month-Long Journey Awaiting the Messiah (Ps. 118:22)
Jesus the Son of David (Is. 9:7)
The Servant of the Lord (Is. 42:1–4)
Bethlehem’s Everlasting King (Mic. 5:2)
Zechariah’s Messianic Prophecies (Zech. 11:16, 17)
Jesus Our Example
Christ Cares About Communities (Neh. 2:20)
Jesus’ Urban Ministry (Matt. 9:35)
Jesus and Taxation (Matt. 17:24–27)
Wages and Grace (Matt. 20:1–16)
Trick Questions (Matt. 22:23–33)
Jesus the Carpenter (Mark 6:3)
The Gospel Is for Everyone (Luke 1:1–4)
Jesus the Student (Luke 2:46, 47)
A Painful Inheritance (Luke 3:36–38)
A Surprising First Message (Luke 4:16–27)
Jesus’ Last Words (Luke 24:45–49)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
Christ Became Poor (2 Cor. 8:8, 9)
Humility: The Scandalous Virtue (Phil. 2:3)
Jesus and People
Jesus’ Family Tree (Matt. 1:1–16)
A Savior for the Whole World (Matt. 8:10)
Jews, Gentiles, and Jesus (Matt. 15:24)
The Great Physician (Mark 1:32–34)
Jesus and Ethnicity (Mark 7:24–30)
The Miracles of Jesus (Mark 8:11, 12)
The Name of Jesus (Acts 3:1–9)
Stand Together in Grace (Eph. 2:1)
The Life and Work of Jesus
The Suffering Servant (Is. 52:13—53:12)
Death by Crucifixion (Is. 53:7)
Old Testament Prophets Mentioned by Jesus (Jon. 2:1)
Jesus and the Minor Prophets (Zech. 13:7)
A Month-Long Journey with Jesus (Matt. 1:18—2:23)
Jesus’ Family Tree (Matt. 1:1–16)
Jesus the Refugee (Matt. 2:13–15)
Jesus’ Galilean Ministry (Matt. 4:25)
Jesus’ Urban Ministry (Matt. 9:35)
Jesus the Carpenter (Mark 6:3)
The Miracles of Jesus (Mark 8:11, 12)
Jesus the Student (Luke 2:46, 47)
Jesus’ Family Line (Luke 3:23–38)
A Painful Inheritance (Luke 3:36–38)
A Surprising First Message (Luke 4:16–27)
Welcoming Women into the Kingdom (Luke 23:49)
Parables
The Parables of Jesus (Luke 8:4)
The Activity of God
God Limits Evil (Gen. 3:22–24)
God’s Plan Moves Forward (Gen. 11:10)
The God Who Gives Wealth and Treasures the Poor (Deut. 8:18)
By Many or By Few (1 Sam. 14:6)
Protecting the Poor (Ps. 35:10)
God Rules All Nations (Ps. 47:7–9)
The Covenant-Keeping God (Ps. 89:3, 4)
God and the Environment (Ps. 104:14–23, 35)
The Creator’s Craftsmanship (Ps. 139:13)
Powerful Creator, Compassionate Savior (Ps. 146:2)
The Peaceable Kingdom (Is. 11:1–10)
The Arm of God (Is. 40:10, 11)
A Little Sanctuary (Ezek. 11:16)
Great Among the Nations (Mal. 1:11)
God: The Original Worker (John 5:17)
Creation and Redemption (Rev. 4:11; 5:9, 10)
God Restrains Evil (Rev. 13:1–18)
God’s Nature and Character
God in Relationship (Gen. 1:26)
The Curse and God’s Care (Gen. 3:14–19)
What Is God Like? (Ex. 15:6–13)
Encounters with God (Ex. 33:20)
Merciful and Just (Ex. 34:6, 7)
Be Holy, For I Am Holy (Lev. 11:44, 45)
God’s Concern for the Land (Lev. 26:34, 35)
How God Deals with Disobedience (Lev. 26:40–46)
God Responds to Worship (2 Chr. 5:13, 14)
The Glory of the Lord (2 Chr. 7:1)
Job’s Patience and God’s Kindness (Job 1:22)
Where Does God Live? (Ps. 11:4)
God Looks Down from Heaven (Ps. 53:2)
An Earth Full of Glory (Is. 6:3)
Never Forsaken, Never Alone (Lam. 3:22–24)
God’s Throne Remains Forever (Lam. 5:19)
You Shall Know That I Am the Lord (Ezek. 6:7)
Slow to Anger, Great in Power (Nah. 1:3)
The Divine Partnership (John 1:1–3)
He Dwelt Among Us (John 1:1–14)
Boundless Forgiveness (John 21:15–23)
God’s Heart for the Whole World (Rom. 9:1)
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13–17)
Idolatry
Pharaoh’s Submission (Ex. 12:29)
The Abominations of the Canaanites (Lev. 18:24–30)
Do-It-Yourself Religion (Deut. 12:8–14)
The Seduction of Spirits (Deut. 18:9–14)
The Price of a Dog (Deut. 23:18)
The Gods of the Canaanites (Deut. 32:39)
The Valley of Hinnom (Josh. 18:16)
Ashtoreth the Fertility Goddess (Judg. 10:6)
Prostitutes in the Ancient World (Judg. 16:1)
A Battle of the Gods (1 Sam. 17:40–54)
The Lord Is God (1 Kin. 18:37—19:14)
Dangerous Relics (2 Kin. 18:4)
God Above All Gods (1 Chr. 16:23–30)
Modern-Day Idols (Is. 46:5–10)
A God for Every City (Jer. 2:28)
The Worship of Work (Jer. 18:15)
Idolatry of the Heart (Ezek. 14:4–8)
A Competition of Gods (Dan. 5:23)
Magic and Sorcery (Rev. 18:23)
Miracles
Miracles Do Not Happen Every Day (Ex. 14:21)
Dangerous Disobedience (Is. 37:36, 37)
Miracles and Creation (Is. 38:1–9)
The Miracles of Jesus (Mark 8:11, 12)
Prayer
Praying for Success (Gen. 24:12–14)
Learning to Pray with Moses (Num. 27:15–17)
Confessions That Bring Healing (1 Sam. 15:24)
Turning Pain into Prayer (1 Chr. 4:9, 10)
Forgiveness Follows Repentance (2 Chr. 7:13–15)
Prayer Is More Than a Last Resort (2 Chr. 14:11)
Work and Prayer (2 Chr. 32:6–9)
Models for Prayer in the Bible (2 Chr. 33:13)
Nehemiah’s Prayer (Neh. 1:4–11)
Praying for Family (Job 10:18–22)
Daniel: A Model of Prayer (Dan. 9:24, 25)
Leaning on the Lord (Mic. 7:2–7)
Where Is God? Who Is God? (Mic. 7:18)
The Prophet’s Complaints (Hab. 1:2–4; 1:12—2:1)
Persistent Prayer (Luke 11:5–13)
Pray Against Temptation (Luke 22:39–46)
Putting Life in God’s Perspective (Eph. 3:14–21)
Relating and Responding to God
Trusting God’s Promises (Gen. 31:1–20)
The Power of God’s Plans (Gen. 37:18–20)
Discovering God’s Purpose for You (Gen. 45:5–8)
The Leading of the Lord (Ex. 13:21)
Seeking Guidance Through the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30)
What It Takes to Serve God (Lev. 8:2, 3)
Be Holy, For I Am Holy (Lev. 11:44, 45)
Playing with Fire (Num. 31:15, 16)
Love God, Love People (Deut. 5:6–21)
Discovering God’s Will (Judg. 6:36–40)
Life With and Without God (Eccl. 1:13, 14)
Knowing About God (Heb. 6:1–20)
Worshiping the Lord
A Place to Meet God (Lev. 9:5)
Physical Limitations (Lev. 21:16–23)
Giving God Our Best (Lev. 22:20–23)
Attracted to Israel’s God (2 Chr. 6:32, 33)
Sacred Places Everywhere (John 1:51)
Other
Seeing vs. Believing (Ex. 32:1–4)
God’s Word Is Not a Mystery (Deut. 30:11–14)
God’s Gifts Without God’s Blessing (Judg. 13:25)
Following God and Getting Nothing in Return (Job 1:9–11)
Knowing the Unknown (Job 42:1–6)
The Prisoner King (Eccl. 4:14)
Cursing God’s People (Is. 37:23)
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (Is. 42:1–9)
God’s Great Declaration (Is. 45:21, 22)
How Far Will God Go? (Lam. 2:6–9)
Faithful Witnesses (Ezek. 20:9)
Angelic Mysteries (Dan. 10:13)
Skeptics Welcome (John 20:24–31)
Callings and Careers
What It Takes to Serve God (Lev. 8:2, 3)
God’s Gifts Without God’s Blessing (Judg. 13:25)
Who Is Called? (1 Sam. 3:1–21)
The Creator’s Craftsmanship (Ps. 139:13)
Finding Direction (Is. 6:8, 9)
Different Callings, Same Purpose (Ezek. 2:1–5)
Called Out and Into the World (John 17:18)
Working for God (1 Cor. 7:17–24)
The Gift of Loving Well (1 Cor. 12:28–31)
The Christian’s Calling (Heb. 3:1)
Laypeople and the Church
Connecting Sunday to Monday (Acts 2:46, 47)
Kingdom Mentoring (Acts 9:26–30)
Spiritual Authority (2 Cor. 13:10)
The Right-Side-Up Church (1 Thess. 2:13, 14)
Laypeople and the Community
Faith Impacts the World (Mark 16:15, 16)
God Rescues the Oppressed (Ex. 3:7)
A Good or Bad Example (Lev. 10:3)
Willing and Able to Lead (Judg. 5:2)
Let the Light Shine (Is. 49:6, 7)
Not One Righteous Person (Jer. 5:1)
God at Work for His People (Dan. 4:27)
The Ephesus Approach: How the Gospel Transformed a Community (Acts 19:8–41)
Praying for Leaders (1 Tim. 2:1–7)
Laypeople and Work
The Toil of Work (Gen. 3:17–19)
The Spirit of God in the Workplace (Ex. 35:31—36:1)
Theology for the Marketplace (Lev. 19:35, 36)
Bringing Plans into Action (2 Chr. 2:13, 14)
Native Talent and Supernatural Ability (Dan. 1:17)
Government Employees in the Bible (Dan. 5:11, 12)
Pictures of the Kingdom (Matt. 13:1)
Witnessing at Work (Eph. 6:5–9)
A Command to Work (2 Thess. 3:6–12)
Ten Practical Commandments (James 2:8–13)
Models and Heroes
Work in the Real World (Gen. 41:42–46)
God’s Simple Requirements (2 Kin. 5:13)
God’s People in Government (Ezra 7:1)
Baruch Behind the Scenes (Jer. 36:4–8)
Daniel: Advisor to Kings (Dan. 1:19)
Models of Faith in Hostile Societies (Dan. 2:48, 49)
Unlikely Leaders (Matt. 26:35–74)
Wealthy People in the New Testament (Matt. 27:57)
Significant Everyday People (Mark 2:3–17)
Barnabas: A Model of Mentoring (Acts 9:27)
Even Spiritual Giants Fall Short (Gal. 1:11–24)
See also the introduction to Joshua.
Other
Clean vs. Unclean (Lev. 11:29)
Seeing Beyond the Hurdles (Num. 13:27–33)
Cursing God’s People (Is. 37:23)
Misplacing the Messiah (Is. 52:7)
Written on Their Hearts (Jer. 31:31–34)
A Kingdom Perspective (Mark 13:33)
Discipleship Is a Process (Luke 9:1–62)
Delegation and Affirmation (Luke 10:1)
Even Spiritual Giants Fall Short (Gal. 1:11–24)
Kingdom-Style Mentoring (2 Tim. 2:2)
The Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:1–40)
From Refugee to Royalty (1 Pet. 2:9–12)
A Man’s Character
The Power of Anger (Gen. 49:6, 7)
Crises of Confidence (Ex. 3:11—4:17)
A Good or Bad Example (Lev. 10:3)
Success and Prosperity (Josh. 1:8)
Attention and Respect (1 Sam. 25:32–35)
How We Will Be Remembered (2 Sam. 8:13, 14)
Keeping Promises (2 Sam. 9:1–13)
Scandal and Cover-Up (2 Sam. 11:4, 5)
Building According to the Blueprints (1 Kin. 6:12)
Defending Against Desire (Job 31:1)
An Inventory of Integrity (Ps. 15:1)
The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse (Prov. 23:29–35)
Private Complacency, Public Sin (Mal. 1:6)
See also the articles in the “Ethics and Character” section of this index.
A Man and His Family
Marriage and Divorce (Deut. 24:1–4)
Fathers and Sons in Conflict (2 Sam. 14:24)
Praying for Family (Job 10:18–22)
Rearing Children with the Rod (Prov. 19:18)
Clean Up Your Own Mess (Is. 39:8)
Portrait of a Husband (Is. 54:5)
See also the articles in the “Family” section of this index.
A Man and His Work
Lessons on Authority (Num. 12:13)
The Outcome of Infighting (1 Kin. 1:5)
Work and Prayer (2 Chr. 32:6–9)
The Art of Planning (Ps. 33:10, 11)
The Creator’s Craftsmanship (Ps. 139:13)
Honoring God with Your Whole Paycheck (Prov. 3:9, 10)
Letting Go of Laziness (Prov. 24:30–34)
Possessed by Possessions (Eccl. 2:26)
Partners with God (Eccl. 3:14)
The Worship of Work (Jer. 18:15)
The Worthlessness of Wealth (Hag. 1:6)
See also the articles in the “Work” section of this index.
Friendship and Mentoring
Faithful Friends (1 Sam. 18:1)
The Final Charge (1 Kin. 2:1–9)
Estranged from Friend and Family (Ps. 88:18)
Wisdom for Men, Wisdom for Women (Prov. 1:8)
Wisdom Through Relationships (Prov. 13:20)
The Value of Teamwork (Eccl. 4:9–12)
Barnabas: A Model of Mentoring (Acts 9:27)
See also the articles under “Mentoring” in the “Personal Growth and Spiritual Development” section of this index.
Jesus the Man
Jesus’ Family Tree (Matt. 1:1–16)
Jesus the Carpenter (Mark 6:3)
Jesus and Ethnicity (Mark 7:24–30)
Lord of the Sacred and the Secular (Luke 6:1–5)
Welcoming Women into the Kingdom (Luke 23:49)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
The Measure of All Things (Heb. 2:6–8)
Men in the New Testament
Elijah in the New Testament (Mal. 4:5, 6)
The Religious Power Broker (Matt. 26:3–5)
Judas’s Betrayal (Matt. 26:14–16)
A Voice in the Wilderness (Mark 1:4)
The First Disciple (Mark 1:16–18)
Significant Everyday People (Mark 2:3–17)
Jesus the Carpenter (Mark 6:3)
The Man Who Almost Had It All (Mark 10:17–27)
Love Every Neighbor (Luke 10:27–37)
The Older Brother (Luke 15:25–30)
Families of the Gospels (Luke 20:34)
Andrew the Connector (John 1:35–42)
Skeptics Welcome (John 20:24–31)
Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36, 37)
Stephen’s Trial and Murder (Acts 6:12)
Four Glimpses of Philip (Acts 8:5–13)
The Fruits of Obedience (Acts 9:10–18)
A Second Chance (Acts 15:37–39)
Families of the Early Church (Acts 16:31–34)
Once an Enemy, Now a Friend (1 Cor. 16:9–20)
A Man to Count On (2 Cor. 7:6, 7)
Even Spiritual Giants Fall Short (Gal. 1:11–24)
An Extremist Transformed (Gal. 1:13–17)
The Gift of an Ethnic Heritage (Col. 4:10, 11)
The Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:1–40)
Contrasts of Faith (3 John 1–11)
See also the introductions to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.
Men in the Old Testament
Nimrod’s Legacy (Gen. 10:8–12)
Abraham’s Kindness (Gen. 14:16)
Work in the Real World (Gen. 41:42–46)
A Workaholic Intervention (Ex. 18:18)
Mapping the Life of Moses (Ex. 19:3)
The Humblest Man on the Face of the Earth (Num. 12:3)
Kadesh: Backdrop to Death and Disaster (Num. 20:1)
Overcoming Impulses (Num. 20:10–13)
The Unscrupulous Prophet (Num. 22:6, 7)
Learning to Pray with Moses (Num. 27:15–17)
Caleb’s Mountain (Josh. 14:12)
Joshua and Paul: Profiles in Leadership (Josh. 23:2)
A Shrewd Politician (Judg. 8:2)
The Man Who Would Be King (Judg. 9:2)
Overcoming a Rough Start (Judg. 11:2, 3)
God’s Gifts Without God’s Blessing (Judg. 13:25)
Eli, the Failed Leader of Shiloh (1 Sam. 2:12)
Faithful Service (1 Sam. 3:21)
Samuel’s Wise Planning (1 Sam. 7:5–7)
Mapping the Life of Samuel (1 Sam. 7:15)
The Risks of Raising Children (1 Sam. 8:2)
Results at Any Price (1 Sam. 13:8–14)
The Cost of Tyranny (1 Sam. 14:24–26)
A Man After God’s Own Heart (1 Sam. 16:13)
King Saul’s Decline and Fall (1 Sam. 31:4)
David: Praiseworthy but Not Perfect (2 Sam. 7:18–22)
A Man Born to War (2 Sam. 10:7)
Stealing Hearts in the Gates of Justice (2 Sam. 15:1–6)
A Wasted Opportunity (1 Kin. 11:31–39)
Starting Strong, Ending Weak (1 Kin. 15:16–22)
Mapping the Life of Elijah (1 Kin. 18:1)
The Troubler and the Savior (1 Kin. 18:17, 18)
Moses and Elijah (1 Kin. 19:11)
Self-Seeking Servants (2 Kin. 5:20–27)
Mapping the Life of Elisha (2 Kin. 8:4)
Three Leaders of Israel (1 Chr. 1:28)
David’s Mighty Men (1 Chr. 11:10)
Mapping the Life of David (1 Chr. 17:1)
David’s Foolish Conquest (1 Chr. 20:1–3)
David’s Foolish Census (1 Chr. 21:2–8)
Unsatisfied with Success (2 Chr. 1:1)
Half-Hearted Devotion (2 Chr. 25:2)
Josiah’s Military Blunder (2 Chr. 35:22)
God’s People in Government (Ezra 7:1)
Leadership Principles from Nehemiah (Neh. 1:1)
Nehemiah’s Prayer (Neh. 1:4–11)
The Life and Times of Isaiah (Is. 1:1)
King Hezekiah Heeds Isaiah (Is. 14:28–32)
God Humbles the Proud (Is. 22:15–23)
The Fall of King Josiah (Jer. 22:10–15)
The Life and Times of Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:1)
Daniel: Advisor to Kings (Dan. 1:19)
Models of Faith in Hostile Societies (Dan. 2:48, 49)
The Reign of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:1)
Jonah and the Sailors (Jon. 1:5–16)
Other
Prisoners for God (2 Chr. 16:10)
Singleness of Heart (2 Chr. 30:12)
Models for Prayer in the Bible (2 Chr. 33:13)
Too Little, Too Late (2 Chr. 33:14–17)
Following God and Getting Nothing in Return (Job 1:9–11)
Personal Growth and Spiritual Development
Case Studies in Personal and Spiritual Development
A Workaholic Intervention (Ex. 18:18)
God’s Gifts Without God’s Blessing (Judg. 13:25)
God Humbles the Proud (Is. 22:15–23)
Jonah and the Sailors (Jon. 1:5–16)
Holiness
Set Apart to the Lord (Ex. 13:11–16)
Keeping the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8–11)
Clean vs. Unclean (Lev. 11:29)
Be Holy, For I Am Holy (Lev. 11:44, 45)
Miracles
Miracles Do Not Happen Every Day (Ex. 14:21)
Miracles and Creation (Is. 38:1–9)
Mentoring
The Value of Preparation (Ex. 2:11)
Faithful Friends (1 Sam. 18:1)
The Final Charge (1 Kin. 2:1–9)
Old Testament Mentors (2 Kin. 2:13)
Indispensable Role Models (2 Chr. 24:17–20)
Passing On the Blessing (Ps. 67:1, 2)
Estranged from Friend and Family (Ps. 88:18)
Wisdom for Men, Wisdom for Women (Prov. 1:8)
Famous Teachers in Scripture (Prov. 4:11–13)
Wisdom Through Relationships (Prov. 13:20)
A Community of Wisdom (Prov. 24:6)
The Value of Teamwork (Eccl. 4:9–12)
Prayer Partners (Dan. 2:17, 18)
Barnabas: A Model of Mentoring (Acts 9:27)
Accountability (2 Cor. 2:5–11)
Kingdom-Style Mentoring (2 Tim. 2:2)
The Spiritual Dimension in Human Nature
Made in His Image (Gen. 1:27–30)
Seeing Beyond the Hurdles (Num. 13:27–33)
Overcoming Impulses (Num. 20:10–13)
Knowing About God (Heb. 6:1–20)
Spirituality in Everyday Life
The Creation Mandate (Gen. 1:28—2:3)
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
You Shall Not Covet (Ex. 20:17)
Putting Words into Action (Lev. 7:37, 38)
What It Takes to Serve God (Lev. 8:2, 3)
Giving God Our Best (Lev. 22:20–23)
Love God, Love People (Deut. 5:6–21)
Singleness of Heart (2 Chr. 30:12)
Work and Prayer (2 Chr. 32:6–9)
Three-Dimensional Spirituality (Mic. 6:8–12)
Private Complacency, Public Sin (Mal. 1:6)
The Morality of Christ (Matt. 5:17–48)
The Challenge to Commit (Matt. 19:1–15)
The Cost of Following Jesus (Luke 14:25–33)
Let Us Give Thanks (Ps. 136:1)
New Creatures with New Character (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Staying on God’s Path (Prov. 4:25–27)
Humility: The Scandalous Virtue (Phil. 2:3)
Finding Contentment (Phil. 4:10–13)
Taking Time for God
A Habit of Worship (Num. 28:2)
Making Promises to God (Num. 30:2)
The Blessing of the Sabbath (Deut. 5:12)
God Responds to Worship (2 Chr. 5:13, 14)
Walking According to Wisdom
An Understanding Heart (1 Kin. 3:6–14)
Building According to the Blueprints (1 Kin. 6:12)
Understanding the Times (1 Chr. 12:32)
The Benefits of Obedience (Ps. 119:2)
The Value of Wisdom (Prov. 8:10, 11)
Wisdom Through Relationships (Prov. 13:20)
The Way of Godly Wisdom (Eccl. 12:13, 14)
Reaching Forward (Jer. 7:23, 24)
Worship
See the articles under “Music” in the “Art” section of this index, and under “Worshiping the Lord” in the “Knowing and Serving God” section of this index.
Other
Blessings and Benedictions (Num. 6:24–26)
The Tragedy of Jephthah’s Daughter (Judg. 11:30–40)
Creeds and Confessions (2 Chr. 15:14, 15)
An Inventory of Integrity (Ps. 15:1)
Three Worshipers (Ps. 118:2–4)
Making Merry Instead of Mourning (Is. 22:12–14)
Written on Their Hearts (Jer. 31:31–34)
Idolatry of the Heart (Ezek. 14:4–8)
Faith in Context (Ezek. 22:15)
Native Talent and Supernatural Ability (Dan. 1:17)
The Promise of the Spirit (Joel 2:28, 29)
The Serenity of Trust (Mic. 4:1–7)
The New Covenant (1 Cor. 11:25)
Responding to God (Eph. 5:1–18)
A Spiritual Checkup (Heb. 12:14–29)
Accountability
Accepting Authority (Ex. 32:7, 8)
When a Leader Sins (Lev. 4:22–26)
Exercising Authority (Lev. 26:3, 4)
Accountability (2 Kin. 12:6–8)
Public Accountability (1 Chr. 28:8)
Defending Against Desire (Job 31:1)
Judging All Things (1 Cor. 2:15)
Case Studies in Power
Nimrod’s Legacy (Gen. 10:8–12)
Work in the Real World (Gen. 41:42–46)
Priests as Physicians (Lev. 13:2)
Family Crisis, Leadership Crisis (Num. 12:2, 3)
Kadesh: Backdrop to Death and Disaster (Num. 20:1)
Overcoming Impulses (Num. 20:10–13)
The Unscrupulous Prophet (Num. 22:6, 7)
Caleb’s Mountain (Josh. 14:12)
A Shrewd Politician (Judg. 8:2)
The Man Who Would Be King (Judg. 9:2)
Eli, the Failed Leader of Shiloh (1 Sam. 2:12)
Stealing Hearts in the Gates of Justice (2 Sam. 15:1–6)
A Tax Revolt Divides the Kingdom (1 Kin. 12:18, 19)
Using Religion for Political Gain (1 Kin. 12:25–31)
The Troubler and the Savior (1 Kin. 18:17, 18)
Three Leaders of Israel (1 Chr. 1:28)
Unsatisfied with Success (2 Chr. 1:1)
God-Fearing Judges (2 Chr. 19:5–11)
A Lack of Leadership Leads to Public Crisis (Is. 3:1–15)
Integrity Incites Jealousy (Dan. 6:1–5)
See also the introductions to 1 and 2 Samuel.
The Exercise of Power
A Promising Opportunity (Gen. 46:31–34)
The Power of Anger (Gen. 49:6, 7)
Civil Disobedience (Ex. 1:15–21)
God Rescues the Oppressed (Ex. 3:7)
Lessons on Authority (Num. 12:13)
Empower, Not Overpower (Deut. 4:5, 6)
Criteria for a King (Deut. 17:14–20)
The Power of Humility (Matt. 3:11)
The Power of Forgiveness (Matt. 9:4–8)
Three Dangers of Power (Luke 3:14)
Seeing Behind Power (John 19:10, 11)
Foolishness to the Perishing (1 Cor. 1:18)
Working Together (1 Cor. 3:5–8)
God’s Power
God Limits Evil (Gen. 3:22–24)
Giving Change a Chance (Ex. 11:1)
Pharaoh’s Submission (Ex. 12:29)
Merciful and Just (Ex. 34:6, 7)
A Battle of the Gods (1 Sam. 17:40–54)
God Above All Gods (1 Chr. 16:23–30)
Goodness in a Global World (Job 2:6)
No Authority Except from God (Ps. 2:4–6)
Human Kings and the Heavenly King (Ps. 2:7)
Protecting the Poor (Ps. 35:10)
The Peaceable Kingdom (Is. 11:1–10)
Leadership
Leadership Challenges (Ex. 17:2)
Practical Principles for Leadership (Ex. 18:13–23)
Accepting Authority (Ex. 32:7, 8)
Excellence Starts at the Top (Ex. 40:16)
A Good or Bad Example (Lev. 10:3)
Joshua and Paul: Profiles in Leadership (Josh. 23:2)
Willing and Able to Lead (Judg. 5:2)
Faithful Service (1 Sam. 3:21)
Pledging Allegiance (1 Sam. 24:5, 6)
Attention and Respect (1 Sam. 25:32–35)
Starting Strong, Ending Weak (1 Kin. 15:16–22)
Who Do We Trust? (2 Kin. 18:19)
Spirit-Filled Planning (1 Chr. 28:11–19)
Leadership Principles from Nehemiah (Neh. 1:1)
The Art of Planning (Ps. 33:10, 11)
Government Office, Spiritual Leadership (Ps. 101:1)
Leaders Who Care (Ezek. 34:1, 2)
Daniel: Advisor to Kings (Dan. 1:19)
Under Authority (Matt. 8:5–13)
Servant-Leaders (Matt. 20:25–28)
A Humble Parade (Matt. 21:1–11)
Significant Everyday People (Mark 2:3–17)
A Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–13)
Leading to Serve (John 13:1–20)
Qualifications for Leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Fleecing the Flock (1 Pet. 5:2)
Managing People
Project Management (Num. 4:15)
The Better Story (Num. 23:11, 12)
Keeping Promises (2 Sam. 9:1–13)
Bringing Plans into Action (2 Chr. 2:13, 14)
Community Begins with Worship (Ezra 3:1–11)
Spiritual Power
Seeing Beyond the Hurdles (Num. 13:27–33)
God’s Gifts Without God’s Blessing (Judg. 13:25)
Prayer Is More Than a Last Resort (2 Chr. 14:11)
Not One Righteous Person (Jer. 5:1)
Angels and Demons (Matt. 8:29)
You Shall Receive Power (Acts 1:8)
The Illusion of Power (Acts 8:18, 19)
Systems and Symbols of Power
Inseparable Institutions: Family, State, and Church (Gen. 2:23)
The Responsibility of Authority (Ex. 39:14)
Leadership Changes (Num. 20:22–29)
The Value of Symbols (Deut. 27:1–4)
Signing Off on the Covenant (Deut. 27:11–13)
Political Marriages (2 Sam. 3:13, 14)
A Sign of Strength (2 Sam. 14:26)
Institutionalized Injustice (Is. 10:1–4)
Full Pockets, Empty Hearts (Mic. 2:2)
Other
Results at Any Price (1 Sam. 13:8–14)
The Outcome of Infighting (1 Kin. 1:5)
Palace Intrigue (2 Kin. 15:30)
Even Rulers Are Subjects (Ps. 2:1)
Managing Commitments (1 Cor. 6:12)
Strength Through Weakness (2 Cor. 12:7–10)
See also the introduction to Judges.
The Early Church Confronts Ethnic Barriers
The Spread of the Gospel (Acts 1:4)
Pluralism at Pentecost (Acts 2:5)
The Nations of Pentecost (Acts 2:8–11)
Ethnic Prejudice Confronted (Acts 6:2–6)
A New View of History (Acts 7:1–53)
Converting Samaritans and Apostles (Acts 8:4–25)
Good News for All (Acts 10:34)
Ethnic Walls Break Down (Acts 10:44, 45)
The Gospel Spreads Beyond Palestine (Acts 11:19–26)
A New Name for a New Way (Acts 11:26)
Controversy in the Early Church (Acts 15:1–21)
Diverse Opportunities for a Diverse Church (Acts 15:22–35)
The Ephesus Approach: How the Gospel Transformed a Community (Acts 19:8–41)
Roads to Rome—and Beyond (Acts 28:28)
Ethnic Relationships in the Old Testament
Abraham’s Kindness (Gen. 14:16)
Feeding the World (Gen. 41:57)
God Rescues the Oppressed (Ex. 3:7)
Cultural Assimilation (Esth. 9:26–28)
A Dark and Lovely Bride (Song 1:5, 6)
Interracial Marriage (Song 5:10)
Ethnic Tensions in the Old Testament
The Edomites: Perpetual Enemies of Israel (Gen. 36:9)
The Mixed Multitude (Num. 11:4)
Family Crisis, Leadership Crisis (Num. 12:2, 3)
Pain That Leads to Prejudice (Num. 20:14–21)
How We Will Be Remembered (2 Sam. 8:13, 14)
Solomon’s Census (2 Chr. 2:17, 18)
Interreligious Marriage (Ezra 9:2)
Combatting Resistance (Neh. 4:7)
New Acquaintances, Old Enemies (Esth. 3:2–6)
A Tale of Two Brothers (Obad. 10)
God’s Love for All Peoples
Many Nations Under God (Gen. 10:32)
God’s Plan Moves Forward (Gen. 11:10)
A Promise and a Purpose (Gen. 15:16)
An International House of Prayer (1 Kin. 8:41–43)
Attracted to Israel’s God (2 Chr. 6:32, 33)
Followers After the Flood (Job 22:21)
God Rules All Nations (Ps. 47:7–9)
A Promise to Africa (Ps. 68:31)
Three Worshipers (Ps. 118:2–4)
An Earth Full of Glory (Is. 6:3)
A Light to the Gentiles (Is. 9:2)
Gentiles Called by God’s Name (Amos 9:12)
Great Among the Nations (Mal. 1:11)
Israel the Chosen People
God’s Chosen People (Ex. 34:11, 12)
Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated (Mal. 1:2, 3)
See also the articles under “The Chosen People” in the “Israel” section of this index.
Jesus and Ethnicity
Jesus’ Family Tree (Matt. 1:1–16)
Jesus the Refugee (Matt. 2:13–15)
A Savior for the Whole World (Matt. 8:10)
Jews, Gentiles, and Jesus (Matt. 15:24)
Jesus the Galilean (Mark 1:14)
Jesus and Ethnicity (Mark 7:24–30)
The Gospel Is for Everyone (Luke 1:1–4)
Jesus’ Family Line (Luke 3:23–38)
Jews and Samaritans (John 4:9)
Jesus and the Pharisees (John 8:48)
Living in the Minority
Scattered Among the Gentiles (Jer. 9:16)
Models of Faith in Hostile Societies (Dan. 2:48, 49)
God at Work for His People (Dan. 4:27)
Life for the Faithful Few (Mic. 5:3)
Rebukes Against Racism
No Better Than Gentiles (Mark 10:32–37)
Bypassing Samaria (Luke 9:51–56)
Love Every Neighbor (Luke 10:27–37)
Where Are the Others? (Luke 17:11–19)
An Extremist Transformed (Gal. 1:13–17)
Challenging Slavery (Philem. 16)
The Unbounded Gospel
The Gospel in a Divided World (John 3:21)
Called Out and Into the World (John 17:18)
The Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8:27–39)
God’s Heart for the Whole World (Rom. 9:1)
Breaking Down Walls (Eph. 2:14–18)
No Place for Prejudice (Col. 3:11)
From Refugee to Royalty (1 Pet. 2:9–12)
Equality at Last (Rev. 5:9, 10)
See also the introductions to Luke and Acts.
Valuing Diversity
The Gift of an Ethnic Heritage (Col. 4:10, 11)
Teacher of the Gentiles (2 Tim. 1:3)
The Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:1–40)
Researching Your Religious Roots (Heb. 13:24)
Other
The Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:10–14)
From Individuals to Community to the World (Ps. 102:20–22)
Cyrus: The Anointed Shepherd (Is. 44:28—45:1)
Isaiah’s Vision and Our Mission (Is. 66:18–21)
Africans in the Bible (Jer. 38:7)
No Excuses Allowed (Lam. 3:39)
Jonah and the Sailors (Jon. 1:5–16)
Shaking the Nations (Hag. 2:6, 7)
People Changed
Children were valued in a culture that devalued them. See …
• The Value of Children (Matt. 19:14)
• Hope for the Family (Rev. 19:6–10)
Humble people took center stage in importance and focus. See …
• Significant Everyday People (Mark 2:3–17)
• Mary of Bethany (John 11:1, 2)
• The Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:1–40)
Rich and poor connected in new ways. See …
• A Burial Fit for a King (Mark 15:42—16:1)
• The Women Who Followed Jesus (Luke 8:1–3)
• Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36, 37)
• Not Many Mighty (Acts 18:7, 8)
Women were affirmed in a culture that devalued them. See …
• Welcoming Women into the Kingdom (Luke 23:49)
• Welcoming All to Pray (Acts 1:14)
• Priscilla and Aquila (Rom. 16:3–5)
• Women in the Early Church (Rom. 16:12)
Systems Changed
Competing religions and worldviews were challenged and displaced. See …
• Answering the Intellectuals (Acts 17:15–34)
• The Ephesus Approach: How the Gospel Transformed a Community (Acts 19:8–41)
• Syncretism: A Dangerous Mix (Col. 2:1–23)
• The Danger of Gnosticism (1 John 5:20)
Government was called to be more honorable. See …
• Governmental Authority (Rom. 13:1–7)
Opponents, outcasts, and criminals were rehabilitated and became leaders. See …
• Simon the Magician (Acts 8:9)
• Saul Becomes Paul (Acts 13:9)
• See also the introduction to Matthew.
People from different ethnic backgrounds were reconnected. See …
• Ethnic Prejudice Confronted (Acts 6:2–6)
• The Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8:27–39)
• Ethnic Walls Break Down (Acts 10:44, 45)
• Diverse Opportunities for a Diverse Church (Acts 15:22–35)
• An Extremist Transformed (Gal. 1:13–17)
Rights were restructured. See …
• Challenging Slavery (Philem. 16)
Slavery was quietly but effectively challenged at its roots. See …
• Codes of Conduct for the Christian Worker (Col. 3:22—4:1)
• Challenging Slavery (Philem. 16)
Submissiveness and humility were urged in place of oppression and injustice. See …
• The Way Up Is Down (Matt. 5:3)
• Humility: The Scandalous Virtue (Phil. 2:3)
• Codes of Conduct for the Christian Worker (Col. 3:22—4:1)
Values Changed
Morality was redefined. See …
• New Creatures with New Character (Gal. 5:22, 23)
• Your Workstyle (Titus 2:9–11)
• Ten Practical Commandments (James 2:8–13)
People were given new value. See …
• Caring for the Underclass (Luke 7:20–23)
• Kingdom-Style Mentoring (2 Tim. 2:2)
Possessions were seen as a call to stewardship. See …
• Finding Contentment (Phil. 4:10–13)
• Uphold the Weak (1 Thess. 5:14)
Wealth was reevaluated. See …
• The Man Who Almost Had It All (Mark 10:17–27)
• Hold Lightly and Let Go (Acts 4:37—5:11)