Disciplemaking Bible Lessons

All of the Bible lessons on this site are targeted toward one goal: to make disciples.

I wrote a book years ago with the title, Disciplemaking Teachers. In it, I said,

I have an increasing conviction of the vital role that the teacher plays in the task of teaching. Teachers who teach well never lack for an audience. Teachers who teach well change lives. Teachers who teach well make disciples.

That is the goal of teaching: not to cover the material but to make disciples.

These lessons target the goal of making disciples in three ways:

1. They teach for application. The goal is not to make smarter sinners. The goal is to make disciples. We want to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. It is all about application.
2. They continually remind people that there is more to Christian living than trying hard to be good. People who merely try hard to be good are called Pharisees. Jesus reserved His harshest rebuke for this crowd. We make two mistakes in our teaching. One is to fail to teach for application. The other is to  simply to tell people to try really hard to be good.
3. These lessons lead people to speak the truth and be changed by the truth they speak. Paul said, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow. “Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) People who speak words of gratitude become more grateful. We are changed more by what we say than by what we hear.

There are free samples available. Check them out and see if they will work for you. 

Josh Hunt
Author, Disciplemaking Teachers,
Teach Like Jesus,
Good Questions Have Groups Talking

We desperately need to relearn evangelism in our country.

Jim Davis has a shocking analysis:

IN THE UNITED STATES, WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE largest and fastest religious shift in the history of our country, as tens of millions of formerly regular Christian worshipers nationwide have decided they no longer desire to attend church at all. These are what we now call the dechurched. About 40 million adults in America today used to go to church but no longer do, which accounts for around 16 percent of our adult population. For the first time in the eight decades that Gallup has tracked American religious membership, more adults in the United States do not attend church than attend church. This is not a gradual shift; it is a jolting one. — Jim Davis et al., The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2023).

What will take to bring them back? What will it take to reach new people in a new era where many are hostile to the church and its message?

Nothing less than a complete rethinking of the way we do evangelism.

Amid this dire news, there are some bright spots. There are some churches that are growing and growing rapidly. They are not doing evangelism the way our parents’ churches did evangelism. They have found a way to make lifestyle evangelism intentional evangelism.

I believe we need to learn from these churches and bring this message to primetime: to our main small group time. (In traditional churches, this is the Sunday School hour.) We can’t relegate this to an optional class off prime-time.

I have just updated my study of the book, BLESS: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson 

Click here to find out more about this updated study.

Are you satisfied with the level of discipleship in your church?

If you’ve ever looked at your church and felt that something was missing, you’re not alone. Many of us long for a deeper sense of transformation within our communities but feel stuck in a cycle of programs, good intentions, and limited results. Paul David Tripp’s How People Change offers a fresh and gospel-centered vision for discipleship that goes far beyond surface-level solutions. It’s not just about improving attendance or implementing a new curriculum; it’s about equipping people to live out their faith in real, everyday life.

In How People Change, Tripp and co-author Timothy S. Lane address a question we’ve all asked at one time or another: Why do Christians who know the gospel still struggle to live transformed lives? The answer lies in how we view change itself. Too often, we approach discipleship as behavior management or knowledge transfer. While those things have their place, true change doesn’t happen from the outside in—it happens from the inside out.

Tripp and Lane introduce a framework rooted in Scripture that helps believers understand the heart dynamics behind lasting transformation. They explore how the gospel reshapes our identity, motivations, and habits, and they provide practical tools to connect these truths to the everyday challenges we face. Whether it’s dealing with anger, navigating relationships, or battling fear and insecurity, this book helps readers see how the gospel speaks to all of life.

But How People Change isn’t just for personal growth; it’s a guide for shaping a culture of discipleship in your church. If you’re a pastor, small group leader, or mentor, this book equips you to disciple others in a way that goes beyond quick fixes and shallow advice. It invites your church to move from surface-level engagement to a deep, heart-level connection with Christ and one another.

Through real-life stories, practical examples, and a clear connection to God’s Word, Tripp makes it clear that transformation is not only possible—it’s what the gospel promises. This book doesn’t offer a magic formula, but it does provide a roadmap for understanding how God works through His Word and His people to bring about real change. The process can be messy, but it’s worth it.

So, are you satisfied with the level of discipleship in your church? Or are you ready to take a step toward deeper transformation—for yourself, your small group, and your entire church community? How People Change will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to experience the gospel in a way that changes everything. Transformation is possible. Let the journey begin.

My church recently transitioned to using books as curriculum in our Sunday School. The reason is simple. My life has been profoundly influenced by the reading of books. I don’t think my life has ever been changed by any curriculum piece I have ever read. Ever.

I have actually surveyed a number of groups I have taught over the years, asking: Has your life ever been changed by any curriculum? The most common response is for people to laugh out loud.

Our first study was the Bless book by Dave and Jon Ferguson. It is a great study on relational lifestyle evangelism. About half-way through the the study, we did a survey to help determine what we would study next. No one wanted to go back to the curriculum. Not. One. Person.

The #1 choice for what to study next was a tie:

• John Ortberg’s The Me I Want to Be
• My recently released book, The 21 Laws of Discipleship

We will be studying these two books over the next year and a half or so. Here is what Amazon says about Ortberg’s book:

The Me I Want to Be will help you discover spiritual vitality like never before as you learn to "live in the flow of the spirit."

Why does spiritual growth seem so difficult?

God's vision for your life is not just that you are saved by grace, but that you also learn to live by grace, flourishing with the Spirit flowing through you. And this book will show how God's perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise: All those who trust in God "will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

Pastor and best-selling author John Ortberg first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides detailed tasks and exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit, circumventing real-world barriers - pain and sorrow, temptations, self-doubt, sin - to flourish even in a dark and broken world.

As you start living in the flow, you will feel:

• ·       A deeper connection with God
• ·       A growing sense of joy
• ·       An honest recognition of your brokenness
• ·       Less fear and more trust
• ·       A growing sense of being "rooted in love"
• ·       And a deeper sense of purpose.

God invites you to join him in crafting an abundant and joy-filled life. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept his invitation.

I have just completed a new, 22-week study of John Ortberg’s book, The Me I Want to Be that we will be using in my church. (I had previously done a 7-week study.)

I have always thought that using books as a curriculum would be a good idea, and I have written a lot of book studies over the years. One of the things that actually using books as curriculum caused me to realize has to do with cost. By writing a study on every chapter of this book, instead of my previous study that had a lesson for every section, the cost drops to below what we were paying for curriculum. Better curriculum. Cheaper cost. Win. Win.

Josh Hunt
writer, Good Questions Have Groups Talking

21 Laws of Discipleship--the book--now available on Amazon

While the Bible Study has been available for sometime, we have just released the book The 21 Laws of Discipleship.

Following Jesus isn’t hard—Jesus said it would be easy (Matthew 11.30)—but it is a bit complicated. For example…

We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12.2).
We are transformed by beholding Him (2 Corinthians 3.18)
We are transformed by training ourselves to be godly (1 Timothy 4.7).
We are transformed by faith (Romans 1.17).
We are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5.18).
We are transformed in community.
You can’t get there alone (Hebrews 10.24)

And, you can’t get there without understanding all of these The 21 Laws of Discipleship.

Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health

The doctor always evaluates my bodily health by two means: questions and tests.

The English Puritans of 1550 to 1700 sometimes referred to ministers as “physicians of the soul.” In our day as in theirs, the timeless process of discerning one’s spiritual health likewise involves questions and tests. My purpose in these pages is to act as a physician of the soul, asking questions and suggesting spiritual tests which can, by the help of the Holy Spirit, enable you to self-diagnose your spiritual health

Donald S. Whitney, Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health (NavPress; Tyndale House Publishers, 2021), vi–1.

Dark Clouds; Deep Mercy

Although I had been a student of the Bible for many years, biblical lament was new for me. I didn’t even know what to call it at the time. I was merely trying to voice my fears and struggles while at the same time pointing my heart toward God. My quest for spiritual survival opened my heart to this historic and biblical form of prayer.

Sorrow tuned my heart to hear the song of lament.

The gut-level honesty expressed in lament was refreshing and helpful. You see, I knew the assurances of God’s love in passages like Romans 8 and others. I believed somehow God would work out everything for his good purposes. I never doubted that.

Yet my grief was not tame.

It was vicious.

I battled fears, disappointments, and sorrow. And in my journey, I discovered the grace of lament, a song I never wanted to sing. However, once I was in the crucible, I was deeply thankful for this uninvited dimension of the Christian life.

Looking back, I can see how lament became my guide, my teacher, and my solace.

The years that followed Sylvia’s death were a roller coaster of emotions and challenges. We suffered multiple miscarriages and a false-positive pregnancy. However, our painful yet honest prayers helped turn our agony into a platform for worship.

Lament helped us navigate the wilderness of our grief.

Uncomfortable with Lament

However, in that journey we also learned that many Christians, like us, were unfamiliar—even uncomfortable—with lament. When occasionally I candidly shared a few of the struggles of my soul, some people reacted with visible discomfort. Others quickly moved to a desperate desire to “find the bright side,” a quick change of the subject, an awkward silence, or even physically excusing themselves to escape the tension.

When people stayed in the conversation, they often responded in unhelpful ways. In moments of attempted comfort, people said things like “I’m sure the Lord will give you another baby,” “Maybe more people will come to faith because of the death of your daughter,” or “The Lord must know he can trust you with this.”

Every person meant well. I appreciated their attempts to address our pain. But it became clear that most people did not know how to join us in our grief.

Lament was just not familiar terrain.

Mark Vroegop, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 17–19.

The Good and Beautiful Life

The great preacher and founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley (1703–1791), was once approached by a man who came to him in the grip of unbelief. “All is dark; my thoughts are lost,” the man said to Wesley, “but I hear that you preach to a great number of people every night and morning. Pray, what would you do with them? Whither would you lead them? What religion do you preach? What is it good for?” Wesley gave this answer to those questions:

You ask, what would I do with them? I would make them virtuous and happy, easy in themselves, and useful to others. Whither would I lead them? To heaven, to God the judge, the lover of all, and to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant. What religion do I preach? The religion of love. The law of kindness brought to light by the gospel. What is this good for? To make all who receive it enjoy God and themselves, to make them like God, lovers of all, contented in their lives, and crying out at their death, in calm assurance, “O grave where is thy victory! Thanks be to God, who giveth me victory, through my Lord Jesus Christ.”

His answer is a beautiful and succinct description of the good and beautiful life.

James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ, The Apprentice Series (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2009), 9–10.

The Good and Beautiful God

The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows by James Bryan Smith is a profound exploration of the character of God, inviting readers to rediscover and deepen their understanding of who God truly is. Through a unique blend of personal stories, theological insights, and practical spiritual exercises, Smith aims to help readers transform their perceptions of God and their relationship with Him.

The book is divided into three parts: "Narratives," "Soul Training," and "The Good and Beautiful God." Each section builds upon the other, guiding readers through a process of spiritual formation that is both enlightening and transformative.

Narratives: Smith begins by addressing the false narratives many Christians hold about God. These misconceptions often stem from cultural influences or personal experiences that distort the true nature of God. Smith argues that to truly know and love God, we must first identify and discard these false narratives. He introduces the concept of "soul training exercises," which are practical activities designed to help readers internalize the true narratives about God.

Soul Training: The second part of the book focuses on these soul training exercises. Each chapter includes a specific practice aimed at reshaping the reader's understanding of God and cultivating a deeper relationship with Him. These practices range from simple activities like sleep and silence to more involved exercises like lectio divina (sacred reading) and practicing Sabbath rest. By engaging in these practices, readers are encouraged to slow down, reflect, and experience God's presence in their daily lives.

The Good and Beautiful God: In the final section, Smith delves into the attributes of God as revealed through Jesus Christ. He explores aspects of God's character such as His goodness, trustworthiness, generosity, love, and holiness. Smith emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's nature, and by studying Jesus' life and teachings, we can gain a clearer and more accurate picture of who God is.

One of the central themes of the book is the importance of living in the kingdom of God here and now. Smith contends that understanding and embracing the true nature of God leads to a transformed life characterized by love, joy, peace, and purpose. This transformation is not about following a set of religious rules but about entering into a vibrant, personal relationship with God.

"The Good and Beautiful God" is not just a book to read; it's a journey to embark on. It's an invitation to experience the God that Jesus knows, to let go of misconceptions, and to embrace a life of spiritual growth and transformation. 

I consider this the Evangelism Explosion (EE) of the 21st century.

-- Josh Hunt

This book is a manual for how to intentionally and sacrificially make time to love your neighbors.

--Dave and Jon Ferguson

Each of us spends our lives on a journey toward God. Yet often our most deeply felt longings—for meaning, for love, for significance—end up leading us away from, instead of toward, our Creator and the person he made us to be.
 
Finding Your Way Back to God shows you how to understand and listen to your longings in a whole new way. It’s about waking up to who you really are, and daring to believe that God wants to be found even more than you want to find him. It’s about making the biggest wager of your life as you ask God to make himself known to you. And it’s about watching what happens next.

OUR LIVES ARE ALWAYS MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF OUR strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are.

So you might read that and think I’m being an overly dramatic preacher using hyperbole to get your attention. But this is no exaggeration. Our lives do follow the direction of our thoughts. The better we grasp that truth, the better equipped we’ll be to change the trajectory of our lives. But don’t take my word for it. Both the Bible and modern science provide evidence that this is true. So throughout this book, we’ll unpack both Scripture and what we’ve learned from scientific research. Here’s a brief example of both:

In Philippians 4:8–9, the apostle Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

This Bible Study will help you and your group to change your thinking and thus change your life. 

There are few things in life more frustrating than knowing you need to change, wanting to change, and trying to change, but not actually changing.

How do I know?

Because I have tried so hard so many times to change, only to hit the same brick wall of failure time and time again.

Before I started learning to master the habits I’m sharing with you in this book, that was my life.

One example: Knowing my eating patterns weren’t healthy and wanting to do better, I repeatedly tried to change my diet. I made commitments to eat only healthy food. I would succeed all day, but by evening my motivation withered and my willpower weakened.

I would end my successful day of eating right with a little bedtime reward snack of brownies. And something salty. Maybe chips and salsa. And a little ice cream.

The next morning, I’d wake up feeling guilty and do the walk of shame to the kitchen to see the evidence in the sink and in the trash.

Determined to do better, I would eat a healthy breakfast, followed by a nutritious lunch and dinner. But then a bedtime snack of cookies. And chips. And cheesecake.

Finally, I would feel defeated and quit trying. It seemed I had the desire to change, but not the power to change.

You’ve been there, right?

You’ve tried to change too. It hasn’t worked for you either.

But why?

Groeschel, Craig. 2023. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Bible Study Lessons on The Power to Change.

Somewhere along the way, amid varying cultural tides and popular church trends, it seems that we have minimized Jesus’ summons to total abandonment. Churches are filled with supposed Christians who seem content to have casual association with Christ while giving nominal adherence to Christianity. Scores of men, women, and children have been told that becoming a follower of Jesus simply involves acknowledging certain facts or saying certain words. But this is not true. Disciples like Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Ayan show us that the call to follow Jesus is not simply an invitation to pray a prayer; it’s a summons to lose our lives.

Why, then, would we think that becoming a Christian means anything less for us? And why would we not want to die to ourselves in order to live in Christ? Yes, there is a cost that accompanies stepping out of casual, comfortable, cultural Christianity, but it is worth it. More aptly put, he is worth it. Jesus is worthy of far more than intellectual belief, and there is so much more to following him than monotonous spirituality. There is indescribable joy to be found, deep satisfaction to be felt, and an eternal purpose to be fulfilled in dying to ourselves and living for him.

That’s why I’ve written this book. In a previous book, Radical, I sought to expose values and ideas that are common in our culture (and in the church) yet antithetical to the gospel. My aim was to consider the thoughts and things of this world that we must let go of in order to follow Jesus. The purpose of this book, then, is to take the next step. I want to move from what we let go of to whom we hold on to. I want to explore not only the gravity of what we must forsake in this world, but also the greatness of the one we follow in this world. I want to expose what it means to die to ourselves and to live in Christ.

Platt, David, and Francis Chan. 2013. Follow Me: A Call to Die. a Call to Live. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale.

The Spiritual Disciplines are those personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth. They are the habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by the people of God since biblical times.

This book examines the Spiritual Disciplines of Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, service, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning. This is by no means, however, an exhaustive list of the Disciplines of Christian living. A survey of other literature on this subject would reveal that confession, accountability, simplicity, submission, spiritual direction, celebration, affirmation, sacrifice, “watching,” and more also qualify as Spiritual Disciplines.

Whatever the Discipline, its most important feature is its purpose. Just as there is little value in practicing the scales on a guitar or piano apart from the purpose of playing music, there is little value in practicing Spiritual Disciplines apart from the single purpose that unites them (Colossians 2:20–23, 1 Timothy 4:8). That purpose is godliness. Thus we are told in 1 Timothy 4:7 to discipline ourselves “for the purpose of godliness” (emphasis added).

The Spiritual Disciplines are the God-given means we are to use in the Spirit-filled pursuit of Godliness.

Godly people are disciplined people. It has always been so.

Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1991), 17.

People say it a thousand different ways, but it can be summarized in just a few words. For some, it’s spiritual fatigue. Their faith has stalled. They’re stuck, not growing, and out of energy. For others, it’s spiritual frustration. They are frustrated with their inability to overcome some private sin or maintain some spiritual discipline. They feel like a failure with no hope in sight. Still others are spiritually and emotionally exhausted from trying to measure up by praying more, reading the Bible more, giving more, serving more, and being at church more.

All these people have tried or are still trying to be really good Christians. They are sincere and are genuinely born again. But they are tired, frustrated, and wondering where the joy of their salvation is, where that promised “abundant life” is hiding. The pattern that follows is very predictable:

Try hard, do good, … fail.

Try harder, do good, … fail.

Try even harder, do good, … fail.

And finally, try hard, do good, … fake it.

These sincere followers of Jesus do not necessarily doubt their salvation or want to abandon their faith, but it’s clearly not working. After some initial transformation and the cleaning up of some external, visible sins, they find themselves in bondage to private thoughts that human willpower can’t change.

Ingram, Chip. 2021. Yes! You Really Can Change: What to Do When You’re Spiritually Stuck. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.

Books instead of curriculum

Has your life ever been changed by reading any Sunday School curriculum?

I have asked this question to many groups over the years. The most common response has been laughter. People generally think it is funny that a curriculum piece would have changed their lives.

Occasionally, people can come up with a positive answer. For example, a lot of our lives were changed by reading Experiencing God.

This is why I recommend you use books in your Sunday School class or small group instead of curriculum.

Of course, if you are teaching rightly, you a not studying either books or curriculum. You are studying the Bible. I am talking about what you use to inform your understanding of the Bible. I’d argue that books are better than curriculum.

In contrast to curriculum, my life has been changed many times by reading books. In fact, I would say that the #1 influence in moving me up the mountain of discipleship is the reading of books. Paul emphasized the importance of books when he wrote to young Timothy, “Don’t forget the books.” (2 Timothy 4:13)

Walk into the home of any godly person you know and you will more than likely find shelves of great Christian books. If you would make disciples, teach people to read great Christian books.

If you would make disciples, lead them to read books like…

• Knowing God, by J. I. Packer
• The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul
• Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby
• The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges
• Desiring God, by John Piper

On this site, you will find studies of nearly every book of the Bible and every topic imaginable. In addition, you will find many studies based on great Christian books.

Don’t forget the books. Books are better than curriculum. 

Discover the transformative power of grace and redemption in Tim Keller's book, "Prodigal God." In this article, we will provide a concise summary of Keller's insightful work, emphasizing the universal need for God's love and forgiveness.

Unveiling God's Extravagant Love

Keller brings to light the parable's central theme of God's prodigal love. Through the father's unconditional forgiveness towards his wayward son, readers are reminded of the extravagant nature of God's boundless love for humanity. This challenges the misconception that God's acceptance is based on merit, highlighting His grace freely available to all.

Two Faces of Lostness

Keller explores the characters of the prodigal son and the elder brother, representing those who wander from God's path and those trapped in self-righteousness. By urging readers to reflect on their own lives, Keller reveals the universal need for redemption, regardless of the form our lostness takes.

The Costly Embrace of Grace

At the heart of Keller's message lies the sacrificial embrace of the father. By running towards his wayward son, the father willingly endures shame and criticism. This parallels God's embrace of humanity through Jesus Christ, at the ultimate cost of His Son's crucifixion. Keller underscores the profound impact of this costly embrace, exemplifying the depth of God's love and the transformative power of grace.

The Journey of Repentance

Keller emphasizes the importance of repentance as a catalyst for embracing God's grace. By acknowledging our own waywardness or self-righteousness, we are called to turn away from our flawed ways and seek reconciliation with God. Repentance opens the door to experiencing the profound and redemptive love of the prodigal God.

In "Prodigal God," Tim Keller offers a compelling exploration of grace and redemption. By embracing God's unconditional love, recognizing our need for repentance, and accepting His transformative embrace, we can embark on a journey of redemption that leads to a profound experience of God's prodigal love.

Bible Study Lessons on Prodigal God HERE

What if the happiness we are running ourselves into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion for is inferior to the happiness we’ve been made to experience?

WHAT IF THE HAPPINESS WE ARE HUSTLING AFTER CAN NEVER BE CAUGHT?

What if created things were never meant to make us happy in the way we desire to experience happiness?

I believe the ancient Jewish people knew the secret to happiness. Marinate on the words to these two songs they would sing to God and to each other as a reminder of where happiness is found:

Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; LORD, they walk in the light from your face. They rejoice in your name all day long, and they are exalted by your righteousness. (Ps. 89:15–16)

You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. (Ps. 16:11)

What if happiness is found by gazing into the face of God in Jesus Christ, and walking in his path of light, life, and righteousness?

The Happiest Man That Ever Lived

Jesus of Nazareth was the happiest person who ever lived. He is the ultimate portrait of the good life. He is the prototype of what humanity was meant to be. The first Adam cursed humanity by his disobedience in the garden of Eden; Jesus, the last Adam, reversed the curse through his obedience. The first Adam brought us death; the last Adam brought us back to life.

No matter the situation, whether feeding five thousand men or driving corrupt people out of the temple or hanging in agony on a Roman cross, Jesus had transcendent happiness that gave him confidence and purpose. His happiness rooted him in something deeper, better, and more beautiful than his circumstances. Jesus’ circumstances were not the cause of his happiness, nor did they add or subtract from his happiness; they were the window through which he expressed his happiness. His happiness was a different kind of joy that seemed to come from a realm beyond ours. Here’s how the author of Hebrews described it:

For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2)

The word translated joy is the Greek word chará, and it means a state of gladness or happiness. How can a person be happy after being stripped naked in public, tied over a wooden beam, and flogged with a flagrum? The flagrum was comprised of leather straps with sharp pieces of bone and metal embedded at the end of the leather straps. It would grip into the victim’s body and rip the flesh. How could Jesus be in a state of gladness as a hurricane of torture engulfed him at every level of his being?

Jesus is able to have this happiness because he is the true version of humanity. Salvation is the restoration of our humanity, and along with our humanness being reestablished in Christ, we gain the capacity to experience real happiness, the God-kind-of-happiness that is reserved for citizens of his kingdom.

The happiness of Jesus is available to us.

Gray, Derwin. 2020. The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. Nashville, TN: B&H Books.

Bible Study Lessons on this book here. 

I want to pray bigger, and better. I want you to, too.

Our prayers tell us a great deal about ourselves, and about our faith. The great nineteenth-century Scottish preacher Robert Murray M’Cheyne put it memorably:

What a man is on his knees before God, that he is, and nothing more.

Our conversation with others declares what is on our minds. But our conversation with God in private reveals what is in our hearts. Listen to someone pray—or listen to yourself pray—and you gain a window into the very center of the being.

To put it another way: the way we use our money and spend our time reveals a great deal about what are our real priorities and what are our real beliefs. And so do our prayers—whether we pray, for whom we pray, and what we pray.

So how about you, as you read this introduction and decide whether to read on (or whether to buy the book in the first place)? How big are your prayers? Do you ask God for anything? And when you do, are you asking him for big things?

So many of us struggle with prayer. Many books have been written on the subject (and now we can add this one to that long list)—and the a reason for that is that prayer doesn’t come easy to most of us, in most seasons. And when we do pray, our prayers often seek to do a deal with God; or they are tentative in their requests because we’re not sure God will come through; or they are, frankly, so self-centered that they bring little pleasure to the Creator and Savior of the world, as he listens to us present our shopping list of worldly requests to him. I want to pray bigger, and better.

I want you to enjoy praying like that too.

--Alistair Begg, Pray Big

God’s Devil: The Incredible Story of How Satan's Rebellion Serves God's Purposes 

It has been said that those who are “born again” take the devil seriously.2 We who believe in the trustworthiness of the Bible are not guilty of disbelieving in his objective existence. We, above all, should take the devil seriously. Very seriously.

But our sincerity does not guarantee that our conception of the devil is accurate, even with the aid of evangelical books and messages that explore the reality of spiritual warfare. Yes, I believe that we are much better equipped to stand against our enemy because of the writings of those who have warned us of his schemes and reminded us of our resources to fight against him. As a young pastor, I was introduced to spiritual warfare by those who knew more about our enemy than I.

However, along with much helpful advice, some distortions have crept into our thinking that could play into the devil’s hands. Though they do not expressly state it, some writers imply that Satan can act independently of God; they speak as if God becomes involved in what the devil does only when we ask Him to. Because Satan is the “god of this world,” they think this means that he can be free to make his own decisions, inflicting havoc wherever and whenever he wishes.

I respectfully disagree.  Continued...