Come Home just released and we’re celebrating with a GIVEAWAY!

In this 7-session study, Caroline Saunders follows the theme of home through the Bible. From humanity’s first home to our eternal one, we’ll see God drawing near to abide with us. We’ll find that even the best aspects of home here are just a glimmer of what God is building for us through Christ. This study will affirm that our longing for home is good and purposeful, pointing us to our truest home which is found in Him.

We’re giving 10 winners a copy of Come Home. Just fill out the form below to enter:

By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resources’ official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends on May 9, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winners will be selected at random. Only participants who live in the United States or Canada are eligible to win. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Erin Franklin via email here or write to her at 200 Powell Place, Suite 100, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027-7707.

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To recognize 2024’s National Day of Prayer, we’re sharing an excerpt by Jackie Hill Perry about Hannah’s prayer of petition from the When You Pray Bible study.

Everybody has problems. Everybody. We live in a messy world surrounded by messy people while living with messy hearts. It’s all just a mess. Everyone moves about the world looking for ways to fix the mess. Some folks just work harder to deal with or distract from whatever problems they have. Others default to apathy, self-pity, and sloth-like behavior. Feeling inadequate to do anything, they resort to doing nothing. Hannah had a problem for sure. A problem she wanted to fix. The method she employed may feel counterintuitive, but in fact, she used the strongest weapon one has—prayer.  

Hannah refused to eat and thus celebrate restored communion with God. She was sad. On this particular trip, Hannah wept, and then what did she do? She went to the temple to meet with God (1 Sam. 1:9). 

Barrenness was a “problem” Hannah was technically unable to fix on her own, seeing as the Lord is the One who closed her womb. However, Hannah could have responded in many ways other than a prayer of petition. There’s a barren woman who preceded Hannah in Old Testament history who attempted to get the child she wanted not by petitioning but by scheming. 

Sarai took matters into her own hands to “obtain children” (Gen. 16:2). Her action (which she would quickly come to regret) stands in stark contrast to Hannah, who walked right by Eli the priest seated in his place of authority and into the temple of the Lord to meet with God. Surely if God caused her circumstances, He could change them too. 

Let’s look at Hannah’s prayer of petition and focus on three aspects of it—her emotions, her Lord, and her identity. 

Hannah’s Emotions  

Read 1 Samuel 1:9-18, printed below, and note every word or description regarding Hannah’s emotions (for example: deeply distressed ). 

On one occasion, Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. The priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s temple. Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, “LORD of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.” While she continued praying in the LORD’s presence, Eli watched her mouth. Hannah was praying silently, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the LORD. Don’t think of me as a wicked woman; I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.” Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request you’ve made of him.” “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent. 

Emotions are God-given. They’re a part of what it means to be human. We’d be robotic without them. We sometimes feel all over the place because of them, but at the end of the day, we need them. Dan Allender calls emotions “the language of the soul.”¹ Just a glance at the psalms, and it’s evident that emotions are highlighted as a vital part of prayer. 

Our problems are too big and our feelings are too strong for us to enter God’s presence with pretense. The psalmists and Hannah model for us how to bring our entire selves to the feet of God. 

Hannah’s Lord 

How we begin our prayers says a lot about us. We can either begin with a problem or with a Person. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He told them to begin, “Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy” (Matt. 6:9). When Jesus spoke with God on the cross, His first words were “My God, My God” (Mark 15:34). Hannah’s petition opens with “LORD of Armies” (1 Sam. 1:11) Beginning with God’s personal name immediately affects our posture in prayer, humbling us, and our power in prayer, encouraging us. 

1 Samuel 1:3 is the first use of the name LOR D of Armies in Scripture. The meaning of it “expresses the infinite resources and power which are at the disposal of God as he works on behalf of his people.”² 

The name of God we employ in prayer inspires reverence, and it functions as a reminder. If God is indeed the LORD of Armies, then He is sovereign. He is powerful. He is in control. And if that is the case, then there is no circumstance I can bring to His feet that He doesn’t have the ability to change. 

Hannah’s Identity 

The term Hannah used 1 Samuel 1:11 that is translated as servant typically describes a female “slave” or “handmaid.” It refers to a subjugated position, one of submission to a higher authority.³ 

To think that Hannah, a barren and grieving woman, would petition God for a son and then in the same breath vow to give this son back to God is shocking. Usually, when we want something badly, we make no promises to return it to sender. (Which is a part of the problem.) If the gift was received, then the gift has a source. 

Everything we have is a gift from God, the LORD of Armies. 

Whether it be children, money, marriage, friendships, health, the ability to speak and walk and dance and laugh or preach, sing, or whatever, EVERYTHING is a gift from the Father of lights. Here, Hannah recognized something we are quick to forget: Whenever God answers our prayers, giving us what we’ve asked for, figuratively and literally speaking, we must give it all right back to God, for our good and His glory. Nothing we have is ultimately ours anyway. 

Whatever it is that you’ve been petitioning God for, are you willing to surrender it right back to God? Why or why not? Be honest with yourself as you think about this question. 

Your Prayer of Petition

When you pray today, set aside some time right now or later today to sit with God. 

1. Be emotionally honest with God. 
2. Look through the Scriptures and find an attribute or name of God that applies to your circumstances.
3. Ask God to change your heart, giving you the humility needed to be content with how God answers your prayer, as well as the humility needed to give Him back everything you’ve received.

ABOUT THE WHEN YOU PRAY BIBLE STUDY BOOK

Do you have trouble thinking of words to say to God when you pray? Are you afraid some emotions are too intense to express to God? Do you reach the end of a day only to realize you haven’t prayed at all? You’re not alone. Prayer is the way we relate to God, but sometimes it’s a struggle. Throughout God’s Word, we encounter many voices who teach us how to pray.

In this 7-session study, join with six beloved Bible teachers who will help you study prayers in the Bible that can inspire your own. You’ll learn that God welcomes your praise and lament, your thanksgiving and intercession. You’ll see examples of how to pray when you’re alone and when you’re gathered with others. Above all, you’ll notice there’s no one right way to pray. As you draw near to God through prayer, you’ll find your faith strengthened and your heart united to Christ.

Works Cited

1. Dan Allender, The Cry of the Soul (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1994).
2. Joyce G. Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary, 56.
3. “H519 – ‘āmâ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon,” Blue Letter Bible, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h519/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

 

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Erin Franklin, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

When I think of the first woman I discipled, I cringe at our horrible beginning. I approached discipling as a teacher might teach algebra or biology. I used lots of words, I assigned her reading passages to study that I thought were relevant to her life, and I had a plan of how I would lead her to a deeper understanding of God and her faith. Basically, it was a disaster! A couple of weeks in, God graciously led me to a beautiful truth. This was not math class, and she was not my student. She was a child of God with whom the Lord had entrusted me. I was there to come alongside her as she navigated her growing faith and newfound relationship with her Lord and Savior.

Although my intentions were good, I had failed to start with her and her walk with the Lord. I was leading without taking the time to see where God was taking her. Through prayer, I repented to God and asked Him to lead me in His way of discipleship. Here are a few practical tips I have learned along the way in discipling a new believer.  

1. Give her the Word.

This may seem overly simple, but often it is the simple things we miss. Make sure the woman you are discipling has a Bible. Yes, she can access the Bible on her phone, but there is something to be said for holding the Word of God in your hands that creates a deeper connection. If she has the means to purchase a Bible, make a plan to go Bible shopping together or take the time to look for one together online. If she does not have the means to purchase one, check with your church because many churches have Bibles they give out. Either way, ensure she has a physical copy of the Bible in a translation that is accurate and easy to understand. I love the CSB version for this.  

2. Meet her where she is.

If we look at the relationship of Paul and Timothy in the Bible, we see evidence of them doing life together. They had strong bonds and knew each other on a deep level. As leaders, we have to take the time to ask questions and truly listen. As we engage on a personal level and lean into the Lord to show us how to disciple, a solid and personal discipleship connection can grow. Learning about her season of life, her time constraints, and her testimony of faith will help you find a starting place in your walk together. Knowing her story can help in choosing a study to start with.

Three great types of study to start with are a topical study on a specific area she may be struggling in, a metanarrative study that gives the grand picture of the Bible like Seamless by Angie Smith, or studies that dig deeper into our identity in Christ like Alive by Lifeway Women or TruthFilled by Ruth Chou Simons. 

3. Lead with authenticity and transparency.

One of my favorite parts of discipleship is unpacking sanctification. Sanctification is the beautiful refining process that is taking place in each and every one of us as believers. Without help in understanding that process, it can be uncomfortable and leave a new believer feeling overwhelmed. When we walk with someone and are open and honest about how the Lord is working in our own lives, we provide hope and encouragement for the new believer in her personal journey. Be open about your struggles, pointing back to the goodness of God and how you are seeing Him at work in your life.

I can remember as a new believer, my sweet friend Kelly sat down to study with me. She asked me to pray for her as she was struggling with feeling bitter about a certain situation. She pointed me to verses in Scripture she was leaning into and how she saw God helping her to release the bitterness. I was shocked that this strong woman of God was struggling with something like bitterness. Her transparency with me gave me space to embrace the ways God was working in me rather than berating myself with shame for not having the answers. 

4. Show her the Word.

If you did not grow up with the Bible, it can be an incredibly daunting book. It is long, and many of the books of the Bible are hard to pronounce. Let’s be real—it is intimidating! So, help her confront that and find ways to take hold of her time in the Word. Show her how to get into the Word. This can look like highlighting the verse of the day from a Bible app or highlighting a verse that stuck out to her from your study that week and making a note about it. Show her how you dig into the Word in your own Bible.

I recently met with a young woman who has the most precious relationship with her Bible. She can pull Scripture into conversation like no other. She showed me how she studies her Bible using highlighters and a highlighting guide she found online. I have incorporated it into my own study time, and it has been such a gift.  

5. Show her how to pray.

Prayer is such a beautiful and integral part of our faith. It is open conversation with our Savior. Prayer is so vital that the apostles took the time to ask Jesus how to do it. Take the time to walk through prayer with her. Help her see that prayer is not so much about the words that are spoken but the heart behind the words. Prayer does not need to be eloquent; in reality many of our deepest prayers have very few words. Prayer should be intentional and relational. I like sharing what prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, intercession, and lament can look like.  

Above all else, show her Jesus. Show her the love of Christ that has been poured out for her. Remind her that you don’t have all the answers, but God does. Through time in the Word and through prayer, He will be faithful in leading her. Help her see that the one true God has chosen her and adopted her as His child. He will grow her, refine her, and lead her as she leans into her relationship with Him. You need to show her what it looks like to love Jesus and trust Him. In every joyous moment, in every hardship, we turn to Jesus through prayer, having faith that He is with us.

About the Alive Bible Study

As a new believer in Jesus, you may be wondering, What now? How do I continue growing in my faith? In a world full of confusing beliefs and persuasive voices, it’s vital to understand and embrace your full identity in Christ as you begin your journey of faith.

In Alive: Growing in Your Relationship with Jesus, you’ll spend five weeks walking through the basic, fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. You’ll gain understanding of the change that has taken place in your heart and life as a new believer and learn what it means to walk out your faith as an individual and as part of the body of Christ—the community known as the Church. Understand the meaning and importance of historic Christian practices like baptism, prayer, worship, the Lord’s Supper, tithing, missions, and more. And hear and respond to the calling and encouragement to take the long view of the Christian life, being challenged to endure and leave a legacy of faith behind.

ABOUT SALINA KELLEY

Salina Kelley is the administrative assistant for Lifeway Women. Within the church, she has served as an executive assistant to the head pastor, church planting leader, women’s ministry leader, and led support groups for single moms and foster families. She is a former foster parent and is a passionate advocate for the restoration of families through trauma-informed intervention and walking hand-in-hand with biological families to show them the love of Christ. Salina and her husband, David, have six awesome children ranging from toddler all the way to adult. In addition to her role as a mom and her work with Lifeway, she is currently pursuing a degree in Christian Leadership & Management: Business Management through Liberty University.

 

 

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Today we’re sharing an excerpt from Lifeway Women’s new Bible study Come Home by Caroline Saunders. Learn more about this impactful new Bible study here!

The word home evokes feelings of deep comfort, intimacy, and belonging. So, sometimes when we speak about God’s story of home, His invitation to us to “come home,” and the new home where we will be with Him, there’s a dissonance. After all, God is holy and perfect—how could sinners like us ever actually be home with Him? How can a holy God be comfortable with people like us? And how can people like us be comfortable with a holy God? Won’t we feel unwanted on some level? Won’t we suspect that He’s a little grossed out by our sinfulness? Won’t He be disappointed in us?  

Even if you’re a seasoned Christian, I suspect some part of this resonates with you or at least with someone you know.  

Here’s the tension for the Christian: We are not home yet, BUT we have been given a down payment of home. We often feel far away from God, BUT we walk in the double-layered promise of “in Christ” and “Christ in.” We battle against our sin, BUT we know Jesus has conquered it.  

In this tension, an accusation rises in our souls: God does not really want to be with us. Often the hardest thing to accept is the truth kids find so easy to sing: Jesus loves me, this I know. Do we? 

Yes, the promises sound good. But are we truly loved by the Promise Keeper? Is God someone who does “good stuff ” or is God good? And if God is good, will God be good to me?  

We can all imagine what it’s like to live with someone who is nice to you but would prefer that you aren’t there. Maybe we’re afraid God is like that. After all, He alone knows how we really are. 

I recently confessed in my journal that I am “selfish, but in a spiritually clever way.” Ouch. The “spiritually clever” is what God alone knows. I know how to trick you—and myself—into thinking I’m a good girl while secretly harboring pride and envy and contempt. I know God knows this too, so I’m sometimes suspicious of Him. Does He actually want me? Does He actually want to live with me? Does He actually love me and like me? It can feel hard to imagine.  

This is why the promises of home are so very powerful—because they run deeper than God doing a thing. They are about God offering His very self. 

Luke 15:11-32 is the parable of the prodigal son. Verses 15-16 tell us the young man ended up tending pigs, longing to eat pig food because no one would give him anything. Seeing as how Jews consider pigs unclean animals, this was about as low as a Jewish person could go! But verse 17 is a huge turning point in the story. It says about the young man, “When he came to his senses” (CSB) or “But when he came to himself ” (ESV). 

It seems evident in verses 21-24 that the son’s perceived “unworthiness” did not matter to the father. He did not relegate the son to a servant role; instead, He honored him and reestablished the younger son as part of the family. 

The father’s love defies our imagination: a son deserving shame dared to hope for dutiful acceptance as a servant but was received with joyful celebration as a son! 

Revelation 22:14 talks about those who’ve washed their robes and therefore can enter God’s home and live with Him forever. And Revelation 7:14 tells us how robes are washed and made white: “They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Those who have looked to Jesus in repentance and come to Him, no matter what pigsty they’ve been sitting in, are dressed gloriously and warmly welcomed to this new home. 

In Dane Ortlund’s massively influential book Gentle and Lowly, he shows how the Bible reveals Christ’s very nature is to go toward sinners, toward the unclean, toward the ones that anyone else would look at and say “ick!” He says, “It is impossible for the affectionate heart of Christ to be overcelebrated, made too much of, exaggerated.”¹ 

Despite our heads knowing God is good, our hearts sometimes won’t dare to believe that He is good to us. Perhaps we lose sight of God’s goodness when we are distracted by the world, by our stuff, by our own perceived “goodness,” by the shame of our own sinfulness, by our social status, by our circumstances. When our attention from Him is diverted, our trust in Him deteriorates. We are unable to see Him as He actually is, and it gives the enemy an opportunity to whisper doubt in our ears. Whatever the case, too often I find myself hungry to know that He would actually run toward me, embrace me, and welcome me home!  

God’s love is not merely theological; it’s personal. His promises of home are not merely intellectually ours; they’re intimately ours. When the loud voice cries out from the throne in Revelation 21:3-4, it is a collective word for God’s people, but it has an individual application for each of God’s children!  

³ Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. ⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.  

Sister, you specifically are loved and welcomed by God. His invitation to “come home” has your very name inscribed on it. He does not invite you for the sake of looking like a good God helping out a poor girl with nowhere to go. The invitation is the natural and beautiful extension of His goodness toward you, His longing to be with you, and His delight in you. Why? Because He loves you. Because through Christ, you are His. And so, He runs toward you with arms wide open. 

1. Dane Ortland, Gentle and Lowly, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2020), 29. 

Want to learn more about the Come Home Bible study? Watch the short video below or view a free sample and teaching video clips at lifeway.com/comehome.

And here are some fun wallpapers for your desktop and phone! Click the text below to download.

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This summer we’re studying Come Home as our online Bible study—starting on Thursday, June 13. You’ll be able to watch the weekly teaching videos for free until August 8, 2024! All you’ll need is a copy of the Bible study book to follow along with the discussion. So join us!

Register for the Come Home Online Bible Study!

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Erin Franklin, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Each Wednesday in April, we’re sharing an article from a special miniseries about how to talk to and answer common questions a new believer might ask you. Each article, written by a contributor to the Alive Bible study, will include helpful tips about how to talk to a new believer in a way that feels welcoming. Now up in the series: “Is Changing My Sinful Behavior Possible?”

“I just don’t know if I can trust myself.” 

When my friend said those words, I knew exactly what she meant—and how she felt. In the early days and years of my walk with the Lord, I struggled with similar feelings of shame and defeat. There were so many gaps between how I was living and how Scripture invited me to live. And even though my heart desired to love the Lord with all my heart and follow His commands fully, my heart’s desire wasn’t always enough to close the gap. I fell short often. 

After so many years of living one way, how could I possibly live anew? 

Is change really possible? 

It’s possible that you’ve asked or are currently asking this question. You look at your life and then at your Bible, only to look back at your life to see all the gaps that need filling. You feel stuck and even, at times, like a hypocrite because you just can’t seem to get it together. If you would raise your hand to any of these questions, thoughts, or feelings, I want to share with you two truths the Bible invites you to embrace. 

Change Takes Time 

In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul urged believers to live a life of obedient worship to God in light of the mercy they have received through Christ. He then explained the work that needed to take place in their lives to make lives of obedient worship possible. He wrote, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2, CSB).” 

With these words, Paul revealed two helpful truths to believers asking if change is possible: 

1. You Once Lived Conformed to the Ways of the World. 

Before you placed your faith in Jesus and decided to follow Him, you lived a life conformed to the ways of the world. You thought and acted like the world thinks and acts. Many of your decisions and opinions about relationships, money, and success were patterned after the world. 

2. You Now Need to be Transformed to the Ways of Christ. 

Given your former way of life, you need to undergo a process of transformation to live a life of obedient worship to God. Though you have been made new in Christ, you are still actively being made new (Heb. 10:14). And this transformation will not happen passively. It happens intentionally as you faithful effort to bring your past thoughts, actions, decisions, and opinions into alignment with God’s Word. 

This faithful effort of untethering your life from the world’s ways and tethering it to Christ takes time. After years of living a life opposed to Christ, living a life of obedient worship to Him will take time. 

And guess what? God knows this. 

In Titus 2:11-13, commenting more on the process of transformation every Christian is to undertake, Paul wrote: 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Here, Paul revealed that God’s grace has appeared to save us and change us. The word instructing could also be translated as “training,” and its -ing verb tense lets us know that the change this training brings about is both active and progressive, not passive and immediate. 

However, many of us think that when we come to faith in Christ, life change will be immediate and require little effort. We believe that sanctification is the one-time work of a magic wand, not the daily work of our partnership with Spirit. But God knows our transformation will take time. He supplies us the grace we need to grow into the people He has called us to be. He is daily, as an outpouring of His grace, helping us to close the gap between where we are in our walks with Him and where He is calling us to be. He doesn’t demand our perfection. Instead, He invites us to lean into His grace to change and grow. 

Change Takes Faith 

As believers, we need faith not only for salvation but also faith for change. In Romans 6:1-11, Paul instructed believers to no longer live as slaves to sin because of their newfound union with Christ. He reminds them that they were baptized into Christ’s death and, therefore, dead to the power of sin. He puts before them the truth that they were raised with Christ in His resurrection and, therefore, possess the power to live the Christ life. Then, after rehearsing these truths, Paul offered this command: 

So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:11 

Transforming by receiving God’s grace

Before calling them to exhibit faith-filled behavior, Paul commanded them to embody a faith-filled posture. Paul knew faith is the starting point to living a life of obedient worship to Christ. 

Paul’s starting point is instructive. Many of us, when we find ourselves stuck in a pattern of sin, merely seek to change our sinful behaviors. Though this is a worthy pursuit, it only addresses our sins on a surface level. But what about the sinful posture of our hearts? What about all the ways our minds need to be renewed to discern God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will? And what about the places in our lives where the transforming truths of the gospel have yet to take root? So, yes, seek to change your sinful behavior. But also, be sure to look under the hood of your heart to consider what sinful motives led you there and to apply your new dead-and-raised-to-live identity in Christ to the places you need to change and grow. But do so by receiving the grace God gives you to transform into the image of His Son—emphasis on receiving. 

Receiving God’s grace

In our culture, we talk a lot about “giving ourselves grace.” While I understand the sentiment, especially as someone who is often too hard on themselves, I have recently come to trade the mantra for another one. Instead of seeking to give myself grace, I am learning to receive the grace God so generously provides. And with this trade, I am finding it easier to embrace the truth that change takes time and faith. In receiving God’s grace, my feelings of shame and defeat with my gaps find patience and hope, and my worries of whether or not I can trust myself are absolved. For I know that I can’t trust myself for change. Only God’s grace and His alone. 

ABOUT YANA CONNER

Yana Conner is a follower of Jesus Christ who seeks to help others live before the face of God in a broken world as they await His return (Titus 2:11-13). She is a writer and Bible teacher who currently serves as adult ministry director at Vertical Church, where she creates discipleship communities and develops leaders. You can learn more about her at yanajenay.com or follow her on IG @yanajenay. 

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Erin Franklin, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Have you ever watched a movie without actually watching the movie? I have. You may know what I mean. It is when you’ve watched several different scenes of the movie in short reels embedded in your internet scrolling. Even though you haven’t watched the entire movie in one sitting, you can still piece together the bits you’ve seen and get a general idea of the storyline. 

It is much like this when archaeologists try to understand how past cultures lived and functioned.  A complete picture of an ancient setting is rarely uncovered, so archaeologists have the daunting task of meticulously excavating. This process involves painstakingly removing layers of soil, taking numerous snippets of information, and understanding how all the data fits together to develop a more complete picture of the ancient site’s history.     

The quest to understand ancient people and their setting is why many people love archaeology.   Behind every discovery of an artifact, coin, text, and ruins, there is a connection to an ancient person. This connection to the past is what fuels my love for archaeology. Connected to every ancient person is a culture and setting, and when multiplied, it produces civilizations. Archaeology is about connecting the discoveries to a broader setting to gain knowledge about the historical context of a given people or event. In a nutshell, archaeology is the study of ancient man by modern man.  

What is biblical archaeology? 

As we study the times of the Bible, we depend on biblical archaeology to refine our understanding of the cultures and people recorded in our Bible. To best understand the definition of biblical archaeology, let’s look at the two words separately. As already stated, archaeology is the science of studying ancient mankind through excavations. By adding a filter of biblical settings to archaeology, we limit the focus to only include the Bible’s land, people, and time periods. Also, biblical archaeologists include the information in the Bible as a primary resource. The field of biblical archaeology focuses on the settings and periods depicted in the Bible. The geographical area of study called the Holy Land encompasses significant portions of the Ancient Near East and spans the time period of both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Overall, the insights discovered from biblical archaeology are invaluable as a tool for reinforcing the Bible’s validity and enhancing our understanding of its historical context. 

Does biblical archaeology prove the Bible is true? 

Archaeologists excavate the land to uncover specific data. The material unearthed cannot be manipulated; the type of pottery found in the ground is what it is. A good archaeologist seeks to discover the truth revealed in the soil. Biblical archaeologists apply these principles to excavation sites in the Holy Land.   

A major benefit of biblical archaeologists is their insight into biblical knowledge and literacy. A trained biblical archaeologist recognizes biblical names of locations, people, and artifacts to better understand the truth of what is being uncovered. Ultimately, archaeologists are looking for truth, but they usually find more questions.   

Because archaeology often lacks definitive answers, we should therefore not look to biblical archaeology to prove if the Bible is true or not.  As Christians, our faith is in the Word of God as the source of truth. 2 Timothy 3:16a reminds us that “All Scripture is inspired by God …”  The Bible is truth, and the discipline of archaeology enables us to understand that truth better. 

Take, for example, the artifact known as the Tel Dan Stele (a stele is a type of stone plaque).  Before its discovery, there was no physical evidence outside of the Bible of the existence of King David. Biblical critics questioned how a key figure in Israel’s history would not be mentioned in any of the surrounding people groups’s ancient texts. The Tel Dan stele “proved that King David from the Bible was a genuine historical figure and not simply the fantastic literary creation of later Biblical writers and editors.”¹ 

Biblical archaeology is a tool that helps validate the Bible, but it is not needed to prove the truth of God’s Word. There may be instances where the findings of archaeology and the Bible differ. In those instances, we choose to believe the Bible and trust God to reveal how the data should be best understood. Ultimately, the Bible stands alone as true. 

Why does historical context matter? 

Biblical archaeology is a crucial tool for enhancing our understanding of the historical context or setting. This understanding is necessary because we may misinterpret the Bible by projecting our setting and time period onto the text. Biblical archaeology corrects this by allowing us to see the Bible through the eyes of its original audience rather than our modern eyes. Take, for example, the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Jesus tells of ten women with lamps, but only five women brought extra oil to refill their lamps. The lamp and oil are key features in the parable. Being a woman of the 21st century, the idea of needing a lamp for light and extra oil to keep it burning is so foreign to how we live today. If we were to imagine an oil lamp needing to last all night, we might think about the kerosene lanterns used for camping. We would mistakenly attach a lamp from our context to the parable.  

According to the archaeological excavations from the setting and time of Jesus’s ministry, the lamp He described would be a small lamp that would fit in a person’s hand. The original audience would all know what lamp Jesus was referring to, and they would all understand how foolish the five women who forgot extra oil were because, of course, the small lamp would not last all night.   Through biblical archaeology, we can understand the lamp’s size and even the vessel used for bringing extra oil, which then helps the modern reader better grasp the message of Jesus’s teaching. Something as simple as seeing a visual image of the lamp and container for oil helps the reader understand the parable in a clearer way. 

Biblical archaeology illuminates the parable by providing modern context with an ancient oil lamp. Thousands of examples of material objects have been excavated, which gives perspective to the biblical text. Biblical archaeology becomes an object lesson! 

Biblical archaeology sifts through the lands of ancient times in search of objects that reveal the setting and activity of people in biblical times. The process of putting pieces together through biblical archaeology helps the audience to gain perspective of historical context and reinforces the Bible’s validity.  

Where can you learn more about biblical archaeology? 

Thankfully, today, more biblical archaeology resources are available beyond the academic setting.  

One of my favorite resources for reading about excavations in the Holy Land is the Biblical Archaeology Review. This is a quarterly magazine that educates the public about important excavations happening in the lands of the Bible.   

Another resource is the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, which produces a free magazine, Let The Stones Speak. 

If you would like to experience an archaeological excavation for yourself, both of the above publications offer a list of digs with which to volunteer.   

For formal training in archaeology, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers a Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology.  

NOBTS also needs volunteers for their summer dig season at Tel Hadid, Israel. 

Visit the Museum of the Bible and Archaeology in New Orleans at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary campus for a direct experience viewing the text and artifacts that bring our Bible to life. 

To hear Amy teach, check out the Lifeway Women Academy course: The World of the Bible: Historical and Cultural Context 101.

Work Cited

1. “Ten Top Discoveries,” Biblical Archaeology Review 35.4 (2009): https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/the-tel-dan-inscription-the-first-historical-evidence-of-the-king-david-bible-story/.

ABOUT AMY WILLIAMS

Amy Williams is the Director of the Museum of the Bible and Archaeology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and an Adjunct Instructor for the Thrive Program at Leavell College. She loves to speak about the history of the Bible and the context and background of the Biblical world so women can more deeply experience the joy of God’s Word. She serves alongside her husband, Dr. Tim Williams, at Williams Boulevard Baptist Church. They have served in ministry for over two decades in Canada, South Africa, and Louisiana.  

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Free monthly downloads from our friends at HomeLife Magazine. Just click the links or images below to download and print!

May 2024 HomeLife Family Time Calendar

Psalm 63:1

Proverbs 12:20

Philippians 2:14-15

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Each Wednesday in April, we’re sharing an article from a special miniseries about how to talk to and answer common questions a new believer might ask you. Each article, written by a contributor to the Alive Bible study, will include helpful tips about how to talk to a new believer in a way that feels welcoming. Now up in the series is “Why Is It Important to Read the Bible?”

When I think about why I read the Bible, I am reminded about the many different relationships I am in. The people I interact with have vastly different relationships with God, and it has been interesting to see how this precious collection of ancient writings is practical enough to provide daily help regardless of where we are. Because the Bible is God’s main way of communicating His thoughts to His people, it makes sense to me to turn to it for answers to questions that may arise as I go through life interacting with my community. 

I have a friend who questions whether he can trust the Bible to be relevant for today’s society and all of its needs, pressures, and concerns. My response to him is God’s Word is culturally significant. The Bible is one of the most influential and widely read books in human history. It is consistently a best seller for a reason. The stories and teachings found in it have had a huge impact on the literature, art, music, and the culture we enjoy now. Hebrews 4:12 says that it is living and active. This means the Bible will continue to be relevant even when many of our cultural icons are long forgotten. 

The Bible is intellectual. This truth has been helpful for the students who I worked with on campus. They learned that exploring the Bible could expand their knowledge about topics and concerns that confound those who don’t. This is because it is made up of a wide range of genres, including poetry, history, prophecy, and philosophy, which can challenge their thinking and broaden their perspective. Even if you are not an academic, the Bible also offers us real historical insights. The Bible on your shelf has a wealth of historical information about ancient civilizations and their cultures, laws, and values. Reading it can deepen your understanding of the context of many significant events that have taken place around the world. 

For the people in my own home who are growing their own faith in Jesus, I often remind them that God’s words provide guidance on issues that we encounter every day. The wisdom you can find in the Bible on topics like compassion, forgiveness, justice, and love offer valuable lessons for navigating our life challenges. When open to it, reading the Bible has deepened their faith, continued to provide comfort in really hard times, and taught them how to live what they believe.  

I have been a Christian since I was a little girl. I recognized that God wanted to be connected with me early on. But after being in this relationship for so long, it can be easy to take things for granted. Sometimes I forget that in healthy relationships, learning about each other is supposed to be happening the entire time. As I grow in my relationship with Jesus, I am aware I need to be constantly learning more about who He is.  

As a Christian who has walked with Jesus for a few decades, I have been strengthened by reading God’s thoughts and having them impact my own. In James 3, I am learning how important it is to watch what I say, and even before that, Philippians 4:8-9 is teaching me how to manage the way I think. When I become a complainer, forget my humility, or am acting selfishly, I know there is an anecdote for my messy behavior: God’s Word! That is truly a relief.  

As I evaluate how the Bible impacts the relationships in my life, I have come to the realization that it is practical for real life in real time. Through the Bible, God speaks to our confusion, pressures, hopelessness, loneliness, and fatigue. It equips us for living with pain or sickness, and for addressing our anger, depression, and anxiety. Jesus Himself could relate to being different than everyone else, facing scary situations, being rejected by people who are supposed to love you, and loving people who do not love you back.  

In the Bible, God addresses your fears for your future and the shame and regrets of your past. People who feel lost can find themselves there. Those who feel invisible, unimportant, or unwanted are meet with encouragement, purpose, value, and hope. The Bible has answers for how to manage our broken relationships and our best friends. It can make sisters out of enemies and family out of strangers. 

The Bible, often God’s love letter, is full of promises for us. Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. God gives His people a new identity, and the Bible helps us understand and live it. It equips us to live with confidence, to lean on God’s strength, to grow our courage, to extend and receive grace, to enjoy His peace, and to show His compassion. Clearly being a learner of the Bible is wise and necessary for Christians to mature. 

There is no perfect formula on how much or how little to include the Bible in your reading diet. But what I do know, unlike with food, is that we do not get healthier by having less. Each of us need to spend time every day connecting with God through prayer and His Word—meditating, memorizing, and letting it prompt us to action. In addition to this, we should dedicate time to studying the themes, words, books, languages, or people found in it. This is a great way to grow deeper in your own relationship with the Lord and to help others grow deeper in theirs.  

ABOUT MISSIE BRANCH

Missie Branch serves as VP of Community Engagement at Stand For Life. She is married to Duce Branch and together they have four children. Missie is a contributing author to The Whole Woman: Ministering to Her Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength and Women & Work: Bearing God’s Image and Joining in His Mission Through Our Work. She is also the co-host of the Women & Work Podcast. 

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The Christmas season is often busy, filled with last-minute gift shopping and large family gatherings. But we want to encourage you to take time to stop and truly make room in your heart for the true meaning of the season.

We’re excited to announce this year’s Prepare Him Room Virtual Event with Jennifer Rothschild. This event is an invitation to intentionally seek Jesus amid the holiday rush. Throughout the event, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere of worship, encouragement, and teaching that will inspire you to create room in your heart, home, and community for the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Whether you join on your own, with your small group, or host at your church, everyone will be encouraged to celebrate the birth of our Savior, embrace the true meaning of Christmas, and prepare Him room.

Streaming on December 1, 2024, with access until December 31, 2024.

Starting as low as $15. 

Learn more!

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Join us in a special episode that features behind-the-scenes audio captured with Kristi McLelland in Israel during the Luke in the Land Bible study taping. We laugh, cry, and remember together as we listen to audio clips from our time in Israel that range from funny lunch conversations with the team to the memorable Coca-Cola toast Kristi gave when we wrapped filming. Kristi shares how filming in Israel in September of 2023 greatly “marked” her since she has not been able to return to the Land since then.

Don’t miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes episode about the making of the Luke in the Land Bible study!

LINKS:

Pre-order Luke in the Land

Jesus and Women

The Gospel on the Ground

When You Pray

MARKED is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Elizabeth Hyndman and produced by Erin Franklin.

RECOMMENDED:

Listen to this fun episode featuring Kristi McLelland and Jada Edwards in our special series about prayer.

Connect with us!

Follow Kristi and Lifeway Women on Instagram.

To learn more about the Alive Bible study, visit lifeway.com/alive.

To order your copy of The Joy of the Trinity, go to lifeway.com.

ABOUT KRISTI MCLELLAND

Kristi McLelland is a speaker, teacher, and college professor. Since completing her Masters of Arts in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary, she has dedicated her life to discipleship, to teaching people how to study the Bible for themselves, and to writing about how God is better than we ever knew by explaining the Bible through a Middle Eastern lens. Her great desire for people to truly experience the love of God birthed a ministry in which she leads biblical study trips to Israel, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

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Studying the lives of people in the Bible offers an enriching journey through the depths of human experience and divine interaction. Each figure, from Elijah to Esther, presents valuable lessons that resonate across time and culture, helping us grow in our relationships with Jesus. Through their triumphs and trials, we glean insights into the nature and unwavering presence of God in our own lives, inspiring deeper faith within our personal journeys.

We have a selection of Bible studies created to help you dive into the lives of people in the Bible, and we’re giving ten winners a study of their choice. Just fill out the form below to enter:

By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resources’ official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends on April 25, 2024, at 11:59 a.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winners will be selected at random. Only participants who live in the United States or Canada are eligible to win. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Erin Franklin via email here or write to her at 200 Powell Place, Suite 100, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027-7707.

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Pick a day and spend it with friends.

Do you recall my friend, Tamara? To jog your memory, she had the brilliant idea to invite neighboring women to her home for a small getting-to-know-you dinner gathering. At the time, we were all strangers not knowing what to expect, but it turned out to be a very rewarding evening. The following month, someone else took the lead and opened their home — and the trend was set. We would each select a month to host on the third Thursday. April belongs to me.

I’ll share a little secret with you. I didn’t blindly choose April. I had something in mind when I raised my hand once March was spoken for. Something special always occurs at our home in mid-April. Picture if you will, two 15-foot blooming redbud trees bursting in purple glory, the branches creating a stunning canopy over our courtyard. From there you can glimpse midnight tulips appearing against a backdrop of yellow forsythia. It’s simply stunning. Add in longer days and warmer evenings, and you have the makings of a picturesque outdoor setting.

Over the past year, those who have hosted have done so with everything from sit-down dinners on her best dishes to finger foods on paper plates. Anything goes, and the variety is welcomed. Since I don’t have a lot of space in my courtyard for a sit-down dinner, I decided to serve a meal that could easily be enjoyed while sitting or standing. And because we’re all about our conversations, I wanted everyone to remain socially mobile.

Knowing the evening temps could be a little cool, I wanted to serve something hot and thought what better way than mini-kabobs straight off the grill. Kabobs are a non-utensil, grab-and-go, light fare, magic on a stick. And the prep can be handled ahead of time.

In hopes of elevating the experience, I’m serving a variety of kabobs — shrimp, chicken, and tenderloin — stacked with veggies and three scrumptious sauces for dipping. And because I’m dying to get lost in conversation, I’ve tagged my husband, Thom, for the grill work and extended an invite to all the hubbies to join us — a fantastic way to broaden friendships via the spouses.

I see the takeaway from our third Thursdays as a reminder that God created us for relationship. And even if I’m in a season where I feel fulfilled, I ponder who then could need me? Shout out to Tamara who already knew we truly needed one another.

Spicy Glazed Shrimp with Green Goddess Dipping Sauce

Makes 6 servings

Kabob Ingredients

24 oz large shrimp (16/20 count, peeled with tail on)

2 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard

1 Tbsp. Jerk seasoning

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. salt and pepper

3 yellow squash (cut into 1-inch pieces)

2 zucchini squash (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Sauce Ingredients

3/4 c. sour cream

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1 scallion (chopped)

1/2 c. fresh parsley

1 Tbsp. fresh dill

1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. lemon zest

1 clove garlic

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions

For the sauce, place all ingredients in an electric food processor and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth. Cover and chill for one hour. In a small bowl, stir together honey, mustard, and Jerk seasoning. Skewer tri-color vegetables onto eight skewers, interchanging colors. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Thread shrimp onto remaining eight skewers and grill for two minutes on each side. Baste shrimp with honey mixture and serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Tip from Laura — With all of the recipes, it’s always best to soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes. This will keep them from burning.

Grilled Beef and Vegetable Kabobs with Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce

Makes 6 servings

Kabob Ingredients

2 lbs. filet beef tenderloin (cut into 1-inch pieces)

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1/3 c. olive oil

2 red onions (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 large sweet red pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 large yellow pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 large green pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Sauce Ingredients

6 Tbsp. butter (melted)

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. lemon zest

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. paprika

4 cloves garlic (minced)

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley (minced)

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme (minced)

1 Tbsp. fresh chives (minced)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pour into a gallon resealable bag, then add beef. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least five hours or overnight. Discard marinade and thread beef and alternating vegetables onto 16 skewers. Grill for eight minutes or until desired doneness. For the sauce, in a small pan, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, place the remaining ingredients in the pan and whisk gently until well combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with grilled steak and vegetables.

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs with Smoky Pecan Relish Dipping Sauce

Makes 6 servings

Kabob Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1/2 c. olive oil (divided)

1/4 c. soy sauce

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp. basil

Black pepper

2 zucchini squash (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 yellow pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 purple onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Sauce Ingredients

1/2 cup pecan halves

12 oz. jar roasted red peppers (drained and patted dry)
3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on a sheet pan and bake for eight to 10 minutes. Allow pecans to cool. In a food processor, add pecans, peppers, oil, red wine, garlic, and seasonings. Pulse until finely chopped but not smooth. Cover and chill for two hours. For the kabob, place 1/4 cup of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, basil, and black pepper in a bag and squish until blended. Add chicken, reseal the bag, and turn contents to coat the chicken. Place in the refrigerator for up to four hours to marinate. Place the cut vegetables into a bowl with the remaining olive oil. Stir around to coat and salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken and vegetables on the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Grill over medium heat for 12–18 minutes, or the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees.

Tip from Laura — If available, use a smoky paprika for that extra smoky flavor to the pecan dipping sauce.

These recipes originally appeared in the April 2024 issue of HomeLife Magazine.

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