The Berea Page
The Berea Page is an e-zine named from the example of the Jews in Berea who examined Paul's preaching about Jesus as the Christ to see if what he said was so (Acts 17:11) and written with the assumption that other New Testament texts that commend the examination habit should be taken seriously, namely that God's people should:
Each issue (15 annually) will include a feature article (about 600 words), mainly focused on matters related to why we believe in Jesus, enduring trials and suffering with faith, and the relationship between faith and truth.
Also included will be a sidebar column with quotations, pointers, and/or references to materials designed to
- test and confirm what we hear (e.g., 1 Thess 5:21; 1 John 4:1);
- follow the example of the earliest Jesus followers who invited their hearers to examine their claims (cf. Acts 26:26);
- prepare to make a defense of the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).
Each issue (15 annually) will include a feature article (about 600 words), mainly focused on matters related to why we believe in Jesus, enduring trials and suffering with faith, and the relationship between faith and truth.
Also included will be a sidebar column with quotations, pointers, and/or references to materials designed to
- encourage better Bible study
- increase awareness of cultural trends that raise questions for our faith
- give updates on my writing and teaching projects.
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Opening the Scriptures
Expositions of the Biblical Text
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what
was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.…
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us
on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” …
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ~ Luke 24.27, 31-32, 45 NIV
was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.…
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us
on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” …
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ~ Luke 24.27, 31-32, 45 NIV
“Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, and literary study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through him to his hearers.” ~ Haddon W. Robinson, Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (Baker Book House, 1980), 20
I once heard a preacher addressing an assembly of 6th-12th graders refer to the meals his mother prepared for him from birth until he left home to illustrate the benefit of hearing so many Bible lessons. Although he could remember only a few specific meals out of the thousands she prepared, all were important for his growth.
Although not the only way to study the Bible, exposition of the Scriptures is especially helpful in providing a comparable long-term spiritual benefit. As we work consecutively through a Bible book or section of text, allowing the themes of our study to be dictated by the text, we think about, and at times are convicted by, ideas we might not otherwise consider. And as we explore more of the biblical documents over time, the benefits accumulate to add to our spiritual nourishment.
Because the expositions are presented in written form, the format and length of such studies are different from oral presentations. But, because they are written, these expositions can potentially have a cumulative and lasting effect that differs from oral proclamations.
My hope for Opening the Scriptures is that over time these smaller portions will become a helpful accumulation of background and explanations that lead to better understanding and practice of the biblical text
.
I project 22 articles per year—twice a month from January-October and once a month in November & December. Most will be around 1,000-1,200 words (based on average reading times, around 5-6 minutes); to avoid breaks that would leave a thought incomplete, some may extend to as many as 1,500 words (around 6-7 minutes).
To receive each new issue in your inbox, click here.
(Subscriptions are free, but occasional support for this work will be appreciated; click the button below)
Although not the only way to study the Bible, exposition of the Scriptures is especially helpful in providing a comparable long-term spiritual benefit. As we work consecutively through a Bible book or section of text, allowing the themes of our study to be dictated by the text, we think about, and at times are convicted by, ideas we might not otherwise consider. And as we explore more of the biblical documents over time, the benefits accumulate to add to our spiritual nourishment.
Because the expositions are presented in written form, the format and length of such studies are different from oral presentations. But, because they are written, these expositions can potentially have a cumulative and lasting effect that differs from oral proclamations.
My hope for Opening the Scriptures is that over time these smaller portions will become a helpful accumulation of background and explanations that lead to better understanding and practice of the biblical text
.
I project 22 articles per year—twice a month from January-October and once a month in November & December. Most will be around 1,000-1,200 words (based on average reading times, around 5-6 minutes); to avoid breaks that would leave a thought incomplete, some may extend to as many as 1,500 words (around 6-7 minutes).
To receive each new issue in your inbox, click here.
(Subscriptions are free, but occasional support for this work will be appreciated; click the button below)