Books
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. This series is in progress.
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 16:24–28: The Cross and the Kingdom
Not only must Jesus suffer, but his disciples must take up crosses to follow him. We enter Jesus’ kingdom through Jesus’ cross. (Exposition of Matthew 16:24–28)
Matthew 16:21–23: The Cross and the Things of God
While Peter rightly confessed Jesus’ identity, he fully misunderstand’s Jesus’ mission. Christ crucified is the wisdom of God. (Exposition of Matthew 16:21–23)
Matthew 16:13–20: “Who Do You Say that I Am?”
Our relationship with God requires more than words, but not less than words. Confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. (Exposition of Matthew 16:13–20)
Matthew 16:5–12: Beware the Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
As Jesus warns his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, they begin arguing about bread. Don’t miss the signs about Jesus! (Exposition of Matthew 16:5–12)
Matthew 16:1–4: Seeking for a Sign
When the Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven, Jesus tells them to seek Christ in the signs that he has provided. (Exposition of Matthew 16:1–4)
Matthew 15:29–39: Crumbs to Feed Four Thousand
In the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus extends covenant blessings to Gentiles because the Son of David will fully bless the nations. (Exposition of Matthew 15:29–39)