Bible Study Lessons
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God … Read more
The Shroud of Turin is the most studied archaeological artifact in the world. It is a remarkable piece of linen, measuring 14 ft 3 in. long by 3 ft 7 in. wide, because of the image it contains. (For high definition photos, click here.) Some think it is the actual burial cloth of Christ; others … Read more
I have wrestled with many theological challenges, but one that has been especially perplexing is this: How can God seemingly support so much violence in the Old Testament while Christ—the perfect representation of God—taught and practiced nonviolence in the New Testament? To put the matter simply: Is God violent or nonviolent? I know some may … Read more
Violence is universally condemned. Parents around the world teach their children not to punch, kick, and bite. Countries have laws against battery and abuse. And international organizations promote peace between nations. So what do we do with all the violence in Scripture? I find it helpful to step back and look at the whole biblical … Read more
One of the most influential Christian books of all time is The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, written in 1522-1524. The author, Ignatius of Loyola, was a Spanish soldier who was injured in battle by a cannonball. While recovering, Ignatius was deeply impressed by a couple of books—one on the lives of the saints and … Read more