Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 3

Bible Study for Children: 6 Guidelines to Help

The Bible isn’t just for adults. You can help your children study the Bible too. God’s Word is also for every person no matter our culture, time in history, or age. The truths are just as meaningful for children as they are for adults. But it’s our responsibility to help our children and grandchildren learn how to properly read and study the Bible. (If you aren’t confident in studying the Bible see “4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.”)

The following guidelines will help lay a solid foundation for any new student of the Bible, whether child or adult. Read through them for yourself and then talk through them with your child. These principles apply to any passage in Scripture.

Bible Study for Children: 6 GuidelinesGod is the Hero of every story 

The people in the Bible were sinners just like us. The stories in the Bible tell us what they did, not necessarily what they should have done. Rather than considering the people to be heroes, use their stories to help your child learn more about God’s character, nature, and ways. Even in stories that don’t specifically mention God, He is the main character. For instance, God is never explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther. But His handiwork is clearly evident.

Every little story is part of God’s big story 

It’s easy to see the Bible as a collection of unrelated stories. But, all the individual stories and books of the Bible join together to tell one big story. The big, fancy word for this is the “meta-narrative” of Scripture. The “big story” of the Bible is all about God’s kingdom rule and His redemptive purposes for people. As you and your children read and work to understand individual stories or passages in the Bible, ask them questions like: “How does God’s big story help us understand this one?” or “Where does this story fit in God’s Big story?” (Also see “What is the Metanarrative of the Bible?“)

Every verse needs the rest

If your child has ever started watching a show or movie in the middle they probably had trouble understanding what was going on. The same thing happens when we read a Bible verse without reading what came before or after. It’s very easy to misunderstand or be confused. We need the whole context. Every verse needs the larger passage and every passage needs the whole book. Always pull back to make sure you get the whole story. (For a good example, see “Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13?” and “How Literary Context Aids Our Understanding.”)

Good Bible students act like investigators 

Every Bible passage has just one meaning – the one God originally gave it. But, we have to know what a passage “says” before we can understand what it “means.” We discover what it “says” by investigating or “observing” the passage. Look for things like truths about God, important facts, word pictures, commands, repeated (key) words, and lists. (See “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study.”)

The Bible teaches truths for all people of all time

Since the stories in the Bible happened thousands of years ago, there’s a lot about the way they lived that is different from the way we live today. And things happened to people in the Bible that wouldn’t happened exactly the same way today. But everything in God’s Word teaches eternal spiritual truths and principles that we need just as much today. When you read a Bible story or passage, look for truth or principle that always applies. Think about Noah and the ark. When we read his story, we don’t run out and build a big boat. But, there are powerful lessons in Noah’s story. For instance, Noah obeyed God even when God’s commands didn’t make sense to him. That’s a good principle to follow!

The Bible has the power to change our lives 

God wants us to do more than just read and study His Word. He wants to use it to make us more like Jesus. For instance, God wants us to think like He does. We can do this by believing the things the Bible teaches. The Bible also teaches us what actions and attitudes please God and which ones displease Him. And God uses His Word to get us ready to serve Him. (Also see “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.”) 

The Bible is different from every other book ever written. It’s the only book written by the Creator and given to people so we can know Him. The Bible is the only book that impacts us for eternity. And it’s the only book we will never finish reading. We can spend our lives exploring God’s Word, but we will never reach its full depths.

What’s your favorite tip for helping the children in your life understand and love God’s Word?

Bible Study for Children: 6 Guidelines to Help by Kathy Howard.

Year-End Special: Deep Rooted Book Bundle

Regular time in God’s Word is necessary for our spiritual growth. But consistent Bible reading and study won’t happen without a plan. I’d like to help. Keep reading for several opportunities to keep you growing in 2025.

Deep Rooted Devotionals

Feel like you need a little help to read and study God’s Word? The Deep Rooted devotionals provide structure and guidance to help you get in, delight in, and apply God’s Word. Built around a simple, inductive Bible study method, the devotions will show you how to interact with and respond to Scripture, not simply read it. Each volume walks you through an entire book of the Bible in daily, doable-sized chunks. (Also see “What is Inductive Bible Study?“)

You will get the big picture of the Bible book in daily, doable chunks. Depending on how much you engage with the daily passage, each devotion will take you 15-20 minutes. In addition to a key verse and brief commentary or illustration, each devotion guides you to read, record, reflect, and respond. (See this post for more on the 4 R Inductive Bible Study Method.)

By the time we get to the end of the devotional, you’ll have a working knowledge of the book’s content and understand its key spiritual truths. You will also be equipped with solid Bible study tools and principles for a lifetime of enjoying and understanding God’s Word. There are five volumes in the Deep Rooted series to choose from – Mark, John, Acts, Romans, and Hebrews.

New Year Special: 5-Book Deep Rooted Book Bundle

I’d love to help you prepare in advance for your discipleship in 2025. That’s why I’m offering a special deal. If you get all five of the Deep Rooted devotionals, you’ll have the resources you need for 220 guided days in God’s Word. Assuming five days a week of Bible reading, that’s 44 weeks in God’s Word! (Note: Three of the volumes are 40 days long and the other two are 50 days long.)

On Amazon, these 5 books would cost a total of $80. But, for a limited time, you can get all 5 from me for just $60! That’s a $20 savings. PLUS, the media mail shipping is free if mailed within the 48 contiguous states.

BUT, you can only get this bundle deal from me. And the offer is only available until DECEMBER 31st.

Take advantage of this offer now by emailing me at kathy@kathyhoward.org and saying “I want the book bundle deal!” Be sure to include your physical mailing address in your email. I will send you a PayPal invoice. I will ship your books as soon as I receive your payment.

A Special Book Bundle Add-On

If you order the 5-Book Bundle for $60, you are eligible to get the Deep Rooted Journal for just $10 more. I usually sell this spiral-bound journal for $15 from my book table. So, for just $70 total, you can get the 5 Deep Rooted devotionals AND the Deep Rooted Journal. That’s a $95 value all for just $70. If you want to include the journal in your purchase please let me know when you email at kathy@kathyhoward.org

Another opportunity to get into God’s Word in 2025

Need a little encouragement and accountability to stay in the Bible regularly? “Reading the Bible Together” might be just what you need. This closed Facebook group is an encouraging, active community that includes women of all ages and walks of life who want to be in God’s Word. The members pray for one another and welcome all.

We read through one Bible book at a time, maintaining a pace that allows us to go a little deeper each day. The group fits any schedule, you can stop in anytime. We have women from all over the world so everyone reads and comments when it works best for them.

We will be introduce the Gospel of Matthew on Saturday, December 28th and begin the study on Monday, December 30th.

How the group works:

Readings & discussion questions for Monday through FridayDaily posts scheduled for 5am Central timeAverages 20-30 verses a dayFormatted to help you get into the Word for yourselfThis group is FREENew Bible books begin immediately after one endsYou can start and stop at any time

TO JOIN, follow this link to “Reading the Bible Together,” request to join, and answer the 3 questions. 

Merry Christmas

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this week, may God fill you with the joy and peace Jesus has provided for us through the cross. We truly have so much to celebrate!

Year-End Special: Deep Rooted Book Bundle by Kathy Howard.

Is Jesus the promised Messiah?

Was Jesus really the promised Messiah of the Old Testament? Christians observe Christmas to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But why? Why is the birth of one baby so significant?

Christians recognize that the babe born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago was the Annointed One of God. The long-awaited Savior God had promised to provide redemption for the sins of all people.

The Messiah of the New Covenant permeates the Old Testament. (See also “Look for Jesus in the Old Testament.” and “4 Tips to Help you Understand the Prophets.”) It includes hundreds – if not thousands – of shadows, allusions, hints, and specific prophecies. I could never cover it all here, but below are thirty-nine specific Old Testament prophecies about the Savior and how they were fulfilled in Jesus.For a little more see “How many prophecies did Jesus Fulfill?” at Got Questions.

39 Prophecies fulfilled by the Promised Messiah

If each of these prophecies is given a 50/50 probability of occurring in the life of one individual, the odds of fulfilling all 39 prophecies below would be 1 in 549,755,813,900. Jesus is the only person whose life fulfills each and every one of the messianic prophecies. Thank God that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah!

1. The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.  Micah 5:2   Matthew 2:1

2. The Messiah will be a descendant of Judah. Genesis 49:10  Luke 3:23-38; Matt 1:1-17

3. Great kings will pay homage and tribute to the Messiah. Ps 72:10-11    Matt 2:1-2, 11

4. The Messiah will be a descendant of David. Ps 132:11; Jer 23:5-6; 33:15   Luke 1:32-33

5. The Messiah will be born of a virgin. Is 7:14    Matt 1:18-21

6. Children will be killed in effort to kill the Messiah. Jer 31:15     Matt 2:16-17

7. The Messiah will be taken to Egypt. Hosea 11:1    Matt 2:14-15

8. The Messiah will be the Son of God. Ps 2:7-8       Matt 3:17

9. The Messiah will be heralded by the messenger of the Lord. Is 40:3-4   Matt 3:1-3

10. The Messiah will be anointed by the Holy Spirit. Is 11:2    Matt 3:16-17

11. The Messiah will bring light to Galilee. Is 9:1-2   Matt 4:12-16

12. The Messiah will preach good news to the poor, comfort the broken hearted, and announce the year of the Lord’s favor. Is 61:1-2 Luke 4:16-21

13. The Messiah will be hated without cause. Ps 35:19   John 15:23-25

14. The Messiah will make the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the mute speak. Is 35:5-6    Matt 11:2-6

15. The Messiah will enter Jerusalem riding a donkey. Zech 9:9     Matt 21:1-4, 6-11

16. The Messiah will arrive in Jerusalem at a specified time. Dan 9:25     Gal 4:4

17. The Messiah will enter the Temple with authority. Mal 3:1    Matt 21:12-13

18. The Messiah will be rejected. Is 53:3    John 19:14-15

19. The Messiah will be silent in front of his accusers. Is 53:7   Matt 26:62-63

20. The Messiah will be rejected by the Jews. Ps 118:22   Peter 2:7

21. The Messiah will be betrayed by a friend. Ps 41:9   John 13:18-19, 26-27

2. The Messiah will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. Zec 11:12    Matt 26:14-15

23. The 30 pieces of silver will be thrown in the potter’s field. Zech 11:13   Matt 27:3-8

24. The Messiah will be accused by false witnesses. Ps 35:11    Mark 14:56

25. The Messiah will be beaten, mocked, and spit upon.   Is 50:6    Matt 26:67

26. The Messiah will be beaten, bloodied, and disfigured. Is 52:13-14    John 19:1-3

27. The Messiah will be mocked and told to save himself. Ps 22:7-8  Matt 27:41-44

28. The Messiah’s enemies will pierce his hands and feet. Ps 22:16   John 19:17-18

29. The Messiah will be given vinegar and gall to drink. Ps 69:21  Mark 15:23

30. The Messiah’s enemies will divide his clothes among themselves and cast dice for his garments.  Ps 22:17-18   John 19:23-24

31. The Messiah’s bones will not be broken. Ps 34:19-20      John 19:31-33

32. The Messiah’s life will be poured out like water. Ps 22:14     John 19:34

33. The Messiah will be struck down & disciples will be scattered. Zech 13:7  Matt 26:31, 56

34. The Messiah will be buried in a rich man’s grave. Is 53:9  Matt 27:59-60

35. The Messiah will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing. Dan 9:26  Acts 2:22-24. Historical fulfillment: destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD

36. The Messiah will be raised from the dead (resurrected). Ps 16:10, 49:15   Matt 28:5-7

37. The Messiah will bear the sins of many and intercede for sinners. Is 53:4-12    Rom 3:23-26

38. The Messiah will ascend to heaven. Ps 68:18   Luke 24:51

39. The Messiah will be served by future generations. Ps 22:30   Evidenced still today!

How do these fulfilled prophecies build your faith in Jesus as your Savior?

Is Jesus the promised Messiah? by Kathy Howard.

Free Christmas Devotional Resources for You

What comes to mind when you first hear “Christmas?” You may feel overwhelmed by the busyness of shopping, cooking, and cleaning that often fills this time of year. Or, you may happily anticipate the decorating, parties, cookie exchanges, and plethora of Hallmark Christmas movies. Whether we welcome or limit the extra activities of the season, let’s take time to reflect on the reason we celebrate.

In case you need a little bit of encouragement or direction, I’ve collected a few of the Christmas devotional resources I’ve put together over the years and listed them below:

The Light of Christmas – This FREE 8-day devotional guide focuses on the theme of light. I love that light is such an integral part of Christmas. The lights on our trees, our homes, and more all remind us of the “True light” (John 1:9). Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) who offers life to all people. This dark world certainly needs the light and life of Jesus right now. Check out the printable download! – This is perfect for the family. It focuses on three things from the Christmas story that we also often see as ornaments on our trees – angel, star, and crown. Depending on the age of your children, you can use it as one devotional or break it up into three shorter ones. Use Christmas ornaments or decorations as visuals. Pass the ornament around during the times of reflection, thanksgiving, and worship and ask each family member to share. Six Ways to Help Your Kids Focus on the Real Meaning of Christmas – Although you can probably come up with a longer list, here are six practical things you can do with your family to impact them with the truth of Christmas. We used them all with our own children! Christmas Trivia Quiz – How well do you know the biblical Christmas story? Can you separate tradition from Scriptural fact? Take it yourself or download it and use it with a group!

I’d love to know if you make use of any of these Christmas devotional resources! May your Christmas season be joyful and filled with the joy of Christ and His salvation.

Free Christmas Devotional Resources for You by Kathy Howard.

25-Day Thanksgiving Guide

Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s that time of year when we put greater emphasis on being grateful, when we contemplate all God has done and provided. But often we struggle with expressing our gratitude to God. Sometimes we allow the busyness of the season to derail us from slowing down long enough to recognize God’s gifts. And sadly other times we fail to thank God for His many gifts because we take too many things for granted.

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to thank Him for all He has done and all He has given. He deserves our constant praise and gratitude. Even in times of trial and difficulty. Although you may agree, you may also have trouble thinking of more than just a few things for which to thank God. I’ve been there too!

So, I designed this post to be practical and helpful. I spent some time searching God’s Word for specific ways we can express gratitude to God. After I lay a little bit of a biblical foundation for gratitude I share a 25-Day Thanksgiving guide. It’s FREE to download, print, and use. So keep reading!

Thanking God in Hard Times

Perhaps this year has been hard for you and gratitude is the last thing on your mind. The apostle Paul knew about thanking God in hard times. Trials, difficulty, and persecution filled his life. Yet he not only purposefully practiced thanksgiving he also called the church to a constant attitude of gratitude even in times of difficulty. For instance, when the church in Thessalonica suffered persecution, Paul wrote:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

And from prison in Rome, Paul encouraged the Philippians:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

Paul knew that even when our physical circumstances are dire, God is present and God is working for our good and His glory. Purposefully focusing on giving Him thanks opens the door to joy and peace even in the midst of heartache and struggle. (See “Thankful Even Now.”)

Why Should We be Thankful?

Several Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “thank,” “thanks,” and “thanksgiving” in the Bible. However, they all reflect the truth that our good God deserves the gratitude and praise of His people. Thankfulness is the right response to God and His grace in our lives. (If you’d like to create a reminder for yourself to thank God often see “The Gratitude Whistle Stop.“)

God wants our thanksgiving and commands us to be thankful. He doesn’t need anything from us but He does expect us to respond to who He is and what He does with gratitude.

I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice; I don’t need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:13-15, NLT

We don’t deserve anything, yet God provides. We don’t deserve forgiveness or salvation, yet God extends it. Every good thing in our lives is an act of grace from our loving and merciful heavenly Father. Even strength and endurance in times of difficulty are grace gifts from God.

Giving thanks to God for His mercy and kindness is a blessing and a privilege. It shifts our attitude and makes us more aware of God’s activity in our lives. It humbles us and allows us to see just how truly great our God is! (See also “Gratitude is Essential to Peace” and “God is Good Even in Loss.”)

A Thanksgiving Guide

We may all feel a little rusty when it comes to thanking and praising God. So, I’ve put together a 25-day Thanksgiving Guide. It will take you from today through Thanksgiving Day. (Of course you can start and end it anytime you want!) Use the Scriptures and prompts to thank God for what He provides and how He works in your life and the world. The day’s Scripture passage can be read before you pray or as part of your prayer. Pray quietly by yourself, with your family, or both!

DOWNLOAD THE 25-DAY THANKSGIVING GUIDE

Let’s give each other some prompts for thanksgiving now! Share something to praise or thank God for in the comments!

25-Day Thanksgiving Guide by Kathy Howard.

3 Steps to Foster a Hunger for God’s Word

Do you hunger for God’s Word? If you didn’t own a Bible, would you stand in line for hours to possess one? Many years ago, I witnessed a desperation for God’s Word from some spiritually hungry people.

The people on the street crowded in tight around us. They stretched out their arms desperately wanting to snag a copy for themselves. They displayed a hunger for God’s Word I’d never seen before. In just a few hectic days, our short-term mission team gave away 10,000 Bibles to the citizens of Moscow.

That was September 1991, roughly two weeks after an attempted coup in the USSR. Bible distribution in the Soviet Union had been limited and closely monitored for nearly a century. Only a relative few enjoyed the privilege of owning a Bible. But countless others longed for one.

Whether or not we acknowledge the source of our hunger, we humans long to connect with our Creator, to intimately know the God of the universe. God satisfies this spiritual hunger of our souls through His inspired Word. He reveals Himself, His character, and His ways in the Bible. Sadly, only a small percentage of Christians today spend regular time in God’s Word.

We Crave What We Eat

When we limit our intake of Scripture, our desire diminishes. But the more we feed on God’s Word, the more our appetite will increase. God Himself will grow our hunger if we step out in obedience to foster it. At first, this may mean more discipline than desire. But if we faithfully pursue a regular time in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will bless our obedience with a passion for Scripture. Soon desire will blossom and we will anticipate time with God through His Word.

My love affair with chocolate helps me understand this phenomenon. The more I indulge in its dark, creamy sweetness, the more of it I want. But the opposite is also true. The more I deprive myself of enjoying this special treat, the less I think about it.

What about you? Maybe your hunger for God keeps you in His Word. Or perhaps like many Christians, you realize you’ve been trying to feed your spiritual hunger with the empty things of this world. The good news is, it’s never too late to change your “diet!” You can start today.

3 Steps to Foster Our Hunger for God’s Word

These three steps will get you started in the right direction on an ongoing journey to deepen your desire for feasting on God’s Word and experiencing the glorious benefits.

Make a Commitment – Yes, making a commitment to be in the Bible regularly and sticking to it will be hard, especially at first. It requires discipline and sacrifice. You may have to adjust your schedule or give up something, but the benefits are eternally great. (Quiet Time Tips) Also, give yourself some grace. If you miss a day or two – or more – start again.Develop a Plan – A haphazard approach to Bible intake will yield haphazard results. Time in the Bible should be planned and purposeful. Choose a reading plan that will not be too overwhelming. If you don’t already read your Bible several times a week, don’t try to tackle the “Read the Whole Bible in a Year” plan. Evaluate where you are now and select a plan that is a step beyond that. Many plans schedule five days of reading a week, which gives you two days to “catch up.” I occasionally have days when I let life take over and miss my time with God. You will too.Savor & Soak – Like a slow, steady rain on parched ground, taking our time as we read God’s Word can give its truths time to penetrate the hard crust of our hearts. “Slow” does not mean “less frequently.” Slow refers to our approach. Instead of continuing our often fast-paced, surface reading of God’s Word, let’s take the time to seriously contemplate what God is saying to us through His Word. Pick a reading plan that will work for the amount of time you have each day. In addition to reading God’s Word, we can also meditate on it, allow it to prompt prayer, pray it back to God, and memorize it.A Few Suggestions for the Rest of 2024

You may have started the year in God’s Word, but as time passed life got in the way. It’s not too late to finish the year strong. With about two months left in 2024, you even have time to make regular Bible reading a habit you take into 2025!

Use one of the “meaty” Deep Rooted devotionals – Each volume of this series takes the reader through one book of the Bible at a doable pace. Each reading includes background commentary and guidance to study the day’s passage. The Mark, Romans, and Hebrews volumes are 40 days. The  Acts  and  John  volumes are each 50 days.Pick a book of the Bible – Choose a book you want to read so it’s easier to both start and finish. But pick one that is not too long to complete before the end of the year. Here’s a list of all the books with the number of chapters and verses in each to help you choose. Divide the number of verses by the number of days left in the year to set your pace. You could also choose to read several shorter books. In fact, finishing more than one may yield a greater feeling of success. Tip: Before you begin to read a book, watch the book introduction video on the Bible Project ! Also, if you want a simple, but solid way to study what you read, check out the “ 4 R Inductive Bible Study Method for Everyday Use .” The Deep Rooted Journal is a great resource that will help you dig deep into any Bible book and you can record what you learn right in the journal.Paul’s Life & Writings – This 10-week Bible reading plan chronologically melds Paul’s life and ministry with his letters. The plan includes 5 days of reading per week, each roughly about 30-40 verses. I developed this free plan and it’s available HERE.

Do you long to long for God’s Word? Give God the opportunity to create that hunger in you. Make a commitment. Develop a plan. Savor and Soak!

Where are you in your journey with a love affair with God’s Word? Does it still feel like discipline? Can you just not get enough? Or are you somewhere in between?

3 Steps to Foster a Hunger for God’s Word by Kathy Howard.

The Trinity in the Gospel of John

I thought a lot about the Trinity during my recent study of the Gospel of John. In his account, John emphasized that there is only One true God. But John also showed that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all God. One God, three divine Persons. 

The word “Trinity,” which means “tri-unity” or “three-in-oneness,” is not found in the Bible. Scholars coined it to describe the nature of God as they saw taught in both the Old and New Testaments.

Scripture does not give us analogies to help us understand God’s trinitarian nature because none are adequate. God does not try to explain it us. We could not understand it anyway. His Word simply tells us that the Father is God, the Son is God, the Spirit is God, and that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). 

In his book Systematic Theology, theologian Wayne Grudem offers this brief definition:

“The doctrine that God eternally exists as three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and each Person is fully God, and there is one God.”   

What the Trinity is NOT

Many people – including Christians – struggle with the doctrine of the Trinity. We want to understand. We think we need to understand. So, we try to explain the unexplainable. We attempt to stuff our infinite God in neat little doctrinal boxes then wrap it up in cute analogies. But all we manage to do is fashion a God of our own making. We’ve seen the results of this throughout the history of the church.

For instance, in the third century AD, a teacher named Sabellius fell into the heresy of “modalism” when he tried to understand and explain the Trinity. He taught that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not three distinct persons or realities, but merely “modes” through which God expresses Himself.

Like citing the different forms of water – liquid, ice, steam – many analogies we commonly use fall into the heresy of modalism. Another often used analogy that reflects modalism is the example of one person who is a wife, daughter, and mother. Yet, like all analogies that reflect different modes of the same essence it denies three distinct persons and a relationship between those persons.

The Trinity is not three different ways God expresses Himself or three different ways of looking at God. Scripture teaches that God is three distinct Persons.

The egg analogy also fails to reflect the true nature of God. While the yolk, white, and shell combine to make one egg, the individual pieces by themselves are not a whole egg. God is not divided into three parts. That would mean each person – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – is each less than fully God, that they are each only a piece of God. But Scripture teaches that each Person of the Trinity is fully God. 

Jesus is Fully God

A “Christian cult” is a religion that claims to be Christian yet denies one or more essential truths of Christianity. Two of the most common distortions by Christian cults involve the nature of Jesus and the nature of salvation. For instance, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons both deny the full divinity of Jesus and teach that faith alone is insufficient for salvation. (Also see “How to Know Jesus.”)

Denial of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished on our behalf is nothing new. It began when Jesus physically walked the earth. Jesus repeatedly claimed full equality with the Father but the Jewish leaders refused to accept the truth. They accepted the Father, but rejected the Son. 

In his Gospel, he apostle John strongly emphasized the full divinity of Jesus. One example is the seven “I am” statements of Jesus. The boldest is found in John 8:58. “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (Also see “7 Ways John is Different from the Synoptic Gospels.”)

Without a predicate, grammatically this statement echoes the Greek translation of the divine name God revealed to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). The Greek word, which implies “continuous existence,” describes the eternality of God and His complete independence from anything or anyone for His existence. Jesus declared Himself to be pre-existent and self-existent. He claimed to be God. 

The Jews surrounding Jesus that day fully understood His claim. But they declared it to be false and blasphemous. They said Jesus deserved the death penalty (Leviticus 24:16). So, they picked up stones to carry out the sentence, but Jesus slipped away (John 8:59).

Note: If you want help studying the Gospel of John check out my newly released “meaty” 50-day devotional “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John.” If you’d like to learn a simple, but solid inductive Bible study method, check out my video teaching on the 4 R Inductive Bible Study Method.”

Other Examples from the Gospel of John

While many passages throughout both Testaments support the divinity of the Son and His equality with the Father, let’s consider a few more from the Gospel of John. The “disciple Jesus loved” intentionally and repeatedly demonstrated that Jesus the Son is God. Part of his stated purpose for his Gospel was that his readers would believe in who Jesus is (John 20:31). 

Here are a few examples of John’s emphasis on Jesus’ divinity:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 ESV)

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. (John 1:18 NLT)

Jesus: “I and the Father are one…”  Jewish leaders: “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” (John 10:30, 33.)

Thomas to Jesus after His resurrection: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

If Jesus the Son is not God we are still lost in our sins, for only God can save. If you have not accepted this vital truth, will you do that today?

The Holy Spirit is Fully God

The Holy Spirit is probably the most misunderstood person of the Godhead. In a 2021 survey conducted by George Barna for the Cultural Research Center, 62% of Americans who self-identify as “born again Christians” do not believe the Holy Spirit is a real being. Instead, they believe He is merely a symbol of God’s power. Yet that belief directly contradicts what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit. (Also see “How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study.”)

Scripture consistently uses masculine pronouns to refer to the Holy Spirit. For instance, in just one short passage in John, the Gospel writer used “he” for the Holy Spirit twelve times. (See John 16:5-15.) The Bible also ascribes personal activities to the Holy Spirit and grammatically describes Him in the same way it does the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is a person, not an “it” or some ambiguous force. (Also see “7 Common Bible Study Mistakes that are Easy to Fix.”)

But the Holy Spirit is not just any person. He is God. Scripture both ascribes Him with divine characteristics (Psalm 139:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11) and calls Him God (Acts 5:1-4). The Holy Spirit is a full member of the triune God-head. 

On the night He was arrested, Jesus provided a clear example of the relationship between all three members of the Trinity.  He told His disciples that He (the Son) would ask the Father to send the Spirit to be their Helper and remain with them forever (John 14:16-17). This is just one example from the New Testament that gives clear Trinitarian expressions of God. (See also Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, 1 Peter 1:2, and Jude 20-21.)

Handle the Trinity with Caution

In her book “The Joy of the Trinity,” author Tara-Leigh Cobble lays out three foundational truths of the Trinity:

1. There is only one true God.

2. There are three divine Persons of the one true God.

3. The three Persons are co-equal, co-eternal, and co-relational.

The full nature of God is beyond our human understanding because God is incomprehensible. Yes, He has chosen to reveal Himself to us, but that revelation is still limited because we have limited capacity to understand. Perhaps limited in ways we can’t even comprehend. 

So, what do we do with that? First, let’s always approach this topic with humility. We will work to understand the Trinity as much as possible but also accept that we will not be able to fully grasp it. We can accept what God teaches about Himself in Scripture without needing to reconcile those truths in our minds.

Second, let’s shy away from analogies. None are adequate to explain the Trinitarian nature of God. And third, let’s embrace this truth as a mystery and not reject it as a contradiction. 

I don’t want to worship a God that’s small enough for me to understand. Instead, I want to serve a God that is far beyond my ability to grasp. For He is indeed worthy of worship.

Have you unknowingly minimized God by trying to explain the Trinity? What if any changes will you make to the way you talk about or relate to our Triune God?

The Trinity in the Gospel of John by Kathy Howard.

7 Differences between the Gospel of John and the “Synoptic Gospels”

One day in a grocery store parking lot, I shared the first five verses of the Gospel of John with the young man who helped me with the bags. I don’t remember how the conversation about spiritual things began, but he questioned the divinity of Jesus. I had memorized the passage when I was an elementary age girl, but not reviewed it in years. On that day however, these verses, which declare that Jesus is God, flowed freely from my tongue. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

What is a “Gospel?”

John is one of four books in the New Testament known as a “Gospel.” These books – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – are accounts of Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. The Greek noun translated “gospel” is euangelion. The word refers to an announcement of good news or “glad tidings.” The word was in common use in the Roman world when Mark connected it to his account of Jesus. However, Mark claimed it and redefined it, declaring the ultimate good news to be Jesus Christ and His message of salvation. (For more about the Gospels as a literary genre see “4 Tips for Understanding the Gospels.”)

Each of the Gospels shares a unique eyewitness account of Jesus. All four are divinely inspired and share truth about Jesus and His work. But each also reflects the author’s experience, personality, and specific purpose in writing.

What was John’s Purpose in Writing?

John left no doubt about why he wrote his account of Jesus’ life and work. He clearly stated it near the end of the book: 

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”   John 20:30-31

Here’s a recap of John’s two-fold purpose:

To declare the truth about the identity of Jesus – John presented evidence in his account to prove that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah.To encourage saving faith – John wanted unsaved readers to believe in Jesus to receive eternal life and he wanted to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith in Jesus. 

John carefully selected and organized the content of his Gospel to accomplish his purposes. The fourth Gospel is heavy in theology to relate the deep truths about Jesus’ divine nature. Jesus is our God, only Savior, and one true hope for eternity. John also gives overwhelming evidence that we can rest secure in Jesus’ eternal promises.

7 Ways the Gospel of John is different from the “Synoptics”

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are commonly referred to as the “Synoptic Gospels” because of their similarity in both form and material. But John’s Gospel does not carry that description. In fact, over 90% of the material in John is unique, not included in the other Gospels. (Also see “What are the Synoptic Gospels?“)

Although the following list is not comprehensive, here are a few of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel:

The only Gospel that begins with the beginning – The other Gospels open in the first century. They start with the circumstances of Jesus’ birth or the beginning of His ministry. But John did not record Jesus’ birth or baptism. He backed up to the beginning and highlighted the eternality and divinity of Jesus. In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1).Includes just seven miraculous signs – John chose the miracles he used to further his purpose. Even more interesting is the fact that five of these seven are not found included in the Synoptics. For instance, only John records Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Canaan (John 2) and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11). John refers to these miracles as “signs” because they are proof that Jesus is indeed the divine Son of God.Favors personal interactions over the crowds – John highlights one-on-one deep conversation between Jesus and individuals. Only John recorded Jesus’ encounters with the Pharisee Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus did not just engage with the multitudes. He sought out the individual and met their personal needs.Shares seven “I am” statements – I am the bread of life… I am the good Shepherd … I AM. The grammatical structure of these seven declarations implies Jesus’ divinity. The Jewish leaders clearly understood Jesus claimed to be God.Jesus’ teaching primarily in lengthy discourses – While Mark’s Gospel is action-packed, John’s Gospel weighs heavy with teaching. John does not include any parables. Instead, John favors long, deep discourses. John is the only Gospel that includes Jesus’ teaching on the bread of life (John 6) and the lengthy teaching of His disciples on the night He was arrested (John 14-16).Washing of the disciples’ feet – Only John records the amazing act of service Jesus performed during the last supper in the upper room. Jesus set an example for His disciples by kneeling down and washing the dust off their feet (John 13).Emphasis on the Holy Spirit – John includes Jesus’ lengthy explanation to His disciples of the coming Holy Spirit and His role in their lives (John 14-16). Two opportunities to study the Gospel of John Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John – The newest volume of the Deep Rooted devotional series has just been released! This series uses the 4 R method to guide you through a book of the Bible. Every volume shows you how to interact with and respond to Scripture, not simply read it. This new volume breaks down the Gospel of John in 50 doable-sized chunks. By the time we get to the end of John, you’ll have a working knowledge of the book’s content and understand its key spiritual truths. You also may fall in love with Jesus all over again!Reading the Bible Together Facebook Group – In this ongoing group for women we work through one Bible book at a time. We will begin the Gospel of John with an introduction to the book on Saturday, September 21st. (Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of John” is an optional resources.) To join, follow the link and answer the three easy questions.

7 Differences between the Gospel of John and the “Synoptic Gospels” by Kathy Howard.

When should I use Bible Study Resources to Aid My Study?

An incredible abundance of Bible study resources is available to us today. Between websites, apps, and good old-fashioned books, we have access to a wide range of resources and information. But resources can also be overwhelming and distracting, and we don’t need them as much as you might think.

Christians have constant access to the best Bible study teacher in the world, the Holy Spirit. If you have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus, the Spirit of God lives in you. He helps us understand spiritual truths, reminds us of what we already know of God and His Word, and gives us wisdom to apply it all. (See “How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study.”)

We don’t need to run to resources every time we read our Bibles. In fact, I encourage people to work through the study process first, without referring to anything other than the Bible. Observe the text to see what it says. Use the proper interpretation tools to discover God’s original meaning, eternal truths, and spiritual principles. Ask the Holy Spirit how to apply those truths and principles to your life. We can do all that without referring to outside resources. (See “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Every Day Use.”)

5 Times to Use Bible Study Resources

Don’t get me wrong. I use resources often. But I want to give God the opportunity to teach me and speak to me through His Word before referring to resources

So, when should we use resources? The following list is not a comprehensive, but the following are situations when you almost always want to turn to outside resources for help.

Before you start reading or studying a new Bible book – Perhaps you’re going to be going through an entire book of the Bible using a reading or study plan. Background information like the author, date of writing, audience, and historical and cultural situation helps us establish the proper context for the book. And the right context is vital for full and correct understanding of the book itself. For more on the need for this knowledge and where to find it, see “First Steps to Study a Bible Book.”To get information on the historical and cultural context – The general background for a book is not the only time we will need help understanding the context. Every book of the Bible was written during a very different time, place, and culture. Every book mentions situations and circumstances we can’t properly understand without knowing more about that time and culture. The original audience didn’t need any explanation. They were living in it. But we often need help. Study Bibles, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries can help with this kind of information. My favorite resource for historical and cultural information is the two volumes of the IVP Bible Background Commentaries. (See the New Testament and Old Testament volumes on Amazon.)For definitions and explanations of the original language –Your English Bible is a translation of the original. If you want to find out more about a key word in a passage, try looking up the definition of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Looking deeper into the meaning and broader usage of the original words God chose to use can broaden our understanding of His Word. The good news is, these tools are available to everyone. And many of them are free! For a list of resources and how to use them, see “Resources to Study the Original Languages.”To make the best use of your time – Sometimes the passage we’re reading mentions a person, thing, or topic we aren’t familiar with. Rather than searching the whole Bible for information, which would derail us from our current passage, we can quickly look it up in an outside resource. For instance, if your passage mentions the “Feast of Tabernacle” and you haven’t a clue that that is, rather than scouring the Old Testament look it up in a Bible dictionary.When you’re stuck or confused – Sometimes, no matter how much we work through the passage using good study techniques, there’s something we just don’t understand. It happens. Thankfully we have easy access to the wisdom of biblical scholars. When you do refer to a trustworthy commentary, keep in mind that these resources are not divinely inspired or free from error. (See “4 Tips for Handling Difficult Bible Passages. “)Suggested Resources

You don’t have to have a big home library for successful Bible study. A combination of reliable online sources and a handful of printed resources will cover most needs for the lay Bible student. Check out the following for my recommendations:

Five Bible Study Resources for Your Home Library Ten Online Bible Study Resources Resources to Study the Bible’s Greek and Hebrew Words

What are your favorite Bible Study Resources?

When should I use Bible Study Resources to Aid My Study? by Kathy Howard.

How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study

Many people think the Bible is hard to understand and even harder to apply. But Christians are not alone in Bible study. The Holy Spirit helps us as we read and study God’s Word.

If you have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit is fully present in your life. In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul taught that all Christians have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-10). To emphasize this truth he also declared the opposite. Those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all (Romans 8:9 NLT). (If you aren’t sure about your salvation, see “How to Know Jesus.” If you want a better understanding of the Trinitarian nature of God and the role of the Holy Spirit check out “The Joy of the Trinity” by Tara-Leigh Cobble.)

Jesus called the Holy Spirit our “Helper.” The Greek word translated “Helper” in the ESV (See John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7) indicates that the Holy Spirit is our counselor, advocate, and intercessor. He is One who comes to our aid. The Holy Spirit’s role in our lives is especially important when it comes to reading, studying, and understanding God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. (Also see “Are You Deep Rooted in God’s Word?” and “4 Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.“)

5 Specific Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible StudyGives Understanding of God’s Truths (1 Corinthians 2:13-14) – The truths of God sound foolish to non-Christians because they don’t have the Holy Spirit.  Only the Spirit of God can give understanding of spiritual truth. Since the Spirit indwells all Christians, we have the spiritual capacity to understand what we read in the Bible.Reminds Us of the Truths We Know (John 14:26) – On the night Jesus was betrayed, He assured His disciples that He would not leave them alone when He left. He would send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would not only be their Teacher, He would help them remember everything Jesus had already taught them. I experience this when I read my Bible. Often, when I encounter a fact, principle, or truth, the Spirit brings to mind something from another passage I’ve read that correlates, reflects, or enhances. Convicts of Sin (John 16:8) – The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts the non-Christian of their sin and need for a Savior. He is also the one who convicts the Christian of specific sins and the need for repentance in our ongoing walk with Jesus. The Spirit uses God’s Word to do this. We may be actively reading when the Spirit uses God’s Word to point out sin in our lives. Or He may bring God’s truth to our minds at another time. But His conviction is always based on the righteous standard of God revealed in His Word.Gives Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:13) – The dictionary defines “wisdom” as “the knowledge of what is right or true and the judgment needed to rightly apply it.” Knowing God’s truth is not enough. We also need to apply His truth to our lives. The Holy Spirit provides the judgment we need to make that right application. (See also “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.“)Uses God’s Word to Refine Us (2 Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 4:12) – The Holy Spirit wields the Word of God like a sword to cut away sin any and everything that doesn’t look like Jesus. He uses God’s truth like a smelter’s fire to burn away impurities and fleshly desires. Every time we open the Bible is another opportunity for the Holy Spirit to make us a little more like Jesus.Recognize the Holy Spirit’s Work

The Holy Spirit is probably the least recognized member of the Trinity. We believe He indwells us, but we rarely think about or consider Him when we read and study God’s Word. Let’s change that. For instance, the next time we open the Bible, let’s ask Him to give us understanding, to teach us, to show us how we should apply God’s truths to our lives.

The Spirit is our advocate, our Helper. Let’s lean on Him today.

Have you ever thought about the Holy Spirit’s role in helping you read and study the Bible? Which of these ways surprised you the most?

How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Bible Study by Kathy Howard.