Books
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While there are many books written about Christian discipleship, there are not nearly enough books on discipleship that primarily expound the Bible itself. The Apostle John wrote three letters, however, with the main purpose of helping disciples to grow.
That You May Know: A Primer on Christian Discipleship is an enriching study that will lead you through John’s teaching on following Jesus as a disciple.
This book is more than a commentary and more than a topical book on the subject of Christian discipleship. Instead, this is a primer on Christian discipleship written as a careful reading of God’s word in 1, 2 & 3 John. It’s ideal for your own individual devotional reading or as a helpful resource for your group Bible study.
Download the First Two Chapters of That You May Know for Free
Bible Studies: Paul's Letter to the Philippians
Studies from my forthcoming pastoral commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Have This Mind: A Primer on the Cruciform Life.
Access the complete set of Bible studies from Philippians here.
Bible Studies: The Gospel of John
Access the complete set of Bible studies from the Gospel of John here.
John 10:1–21: The Shepherding of Jesus
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who feeds us by his word and appoints undershepherds to restore us to communion with God. (Exposition of John 10:1–21)
John 9:1–41: The Sight of Jesus
Neither the firsthand knowledge of sight nor the secondhand knowledge of education can solve ignorance of the heart. (Exposition of John 9:1–41)
John 8:30–59: The Sonship of Jesus
Jesus gives a new argument to support his claims as the Messiah and to undercut his enemies: we are slaves to whomever we are sons. (Exposition of John 8:30–59)
John 7:53–8:29: The Light of Jesus
Jesus bears witness concerning his identity and mission, but ultimately, God’s light gives life and indicts darkness most clearly at the cross. (Exposition of John 7:53–8:29)
John 7:25–52: The Living Water of Jesus
As Jesus approaches the cross, his mission comes into clearer focus: the Father has sent the Son to give the Spirit to believers. (Exposition of John 7:25–52)
John 7:1–24: The Judgment of Jesus
In a world that urges, “Get yours!” Jesus reminds us that human glory-seeking is wicked and willful, but ultimately weak. (Exposition of John 7:1–24)
Bible Studies: The Book of Genesis
Access the complete set of Bible studies from Genesis here.
Genesis 31:1–21: The Flight of Jacob
The flight of Jacob from Laban foreshadows God’s call to his church: God calls his church out of this world into his holiness. (Exposition of Genesis 31:1–21)
Genesis 30:25–43: The Increase of Jacob
Our oppressors falsely believe that they control us. Instead, God plunders the oppressors of his people. (Exposition of Genesis 30:25–43)
Genesis 29:31–30:24: The Offspring of Jacob
The story of Jacob’s household vividly portrays the free grace of God, for God remains faithful to his faithless people. (Exposition of Genesis 29:31–30:24)
Genesis 29:1–30: The Deception of Jacob
God is not deceived; we reap what we sow. Even so, God fulfills his promises through discipline. (Exposition of Genesis 29:1–30)
Genesis 28:1–22: The Giving of Jacob
Through Jacob’s Ladder, we learn that God generously blesses his people to make us into a generous blessing. (Exposition of Genesis 28:1–22)
Genesis 26:34–27:46: The Blessing of Jacob
Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob all far short, but God blesses his people according to his purposes, nor ours. (Exposition of Genesis 26:34–27:46)
Bible Studies: Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Access the current set of Bible studies from 1 Corinthians here.
Bible Studies: The Letters of John
Access the complete set of Bible studies from the Letters of John here.
Bible Studies: The Gospel of Luke
Access a handful of Bible studies from the Gospel of Luke here. These were studies written during the Advent season of 2018. At the moment, I do not have plans to continue working through the Gospel of Luke; however, I wanted to make these few studies available online for whomever may benefit from them.
Bible Studies: The Book of Ecclesiastes
Access the complete set of Bible studies from the Book of Ecclesiastes here.
Bible Studies: The Gospel of Matthew
Access the complete set of Bible studies from the Gospel of Matthew here.
Matthew 21:1–9: “Behold, Your King is Coming to You”
When Jesus enters triumphantly into Jerusalem, he defies all expectations. King Jesus came to save his people in unexpected ways. (Exposition of Matthew 21:1–9)
Matthew 20:29–34: “Lord, Have Mercy on Us, Son of David”
As Jesus heals two beggars, he reminds us of the call and promise from Psalm 131:3: “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” (Exposition of Matthew 20:29–34)
Matthew 20:20–28: A Ransom for Many
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he prepares to come into his kingdom. Those around him must prepare also to share in Christ’s sufferings. (Exposition of Matthew 20:20–28)
Matthew 20:17–19: Discipleship in Death and Resurrection
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he must address the ambitious, reward-seeking desires of his disciples. Seek Jesus’ resurrection reward. (Exposition of Matthew 20:17–19)
Matthew 20:1–16: The Last Will be First
In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches further about how he reverses positions. Not only does Jesus make the first last, but Jesus makes the last first. (Exposition of Matthew 20:1–16).
Matthew 19:23–30: With God All Things are Possible
How can we break free from the seemingly impossible temptation of measuring our security by our wealth? With God all things are possible. (Exposition of Matthew 19:23–30)