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 6:60–71: The Preservation of Jesus
Jesus preserves his people through a variety of applications of his word: promises, assurances, and warnings. (Exposition of John 6:60–71)
John 6:22–59: The Food of Jesus
Rather than living by feeding on bread, hungry sinners may feed on life by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. (Exposition John 6:22–59)
John 6:1–21: The Presence of Jesus
Although the world likes to divide winners from losers along the lines of pleasure and suffering, Jesus unfolds a different criteria for success in life. (Exposition of John 6:1–21)
John 5:19–47: The Authority of Jesus
Jesus heals on the Sabbath not to pick a fight, nor to develop a theology of the Sabbath, but to reveal the greater works that his Father has sent him to do. (Exposition of John 5:19–47)
John 5:1–18: The Sabbath Rest of Jesus
Jesus keeps the Sabbath by restoring restful work to those carrying the burden of inactivity and fruitlessness. (Exposition of John 5:1–18)
John 4:43–54: The Word of Jesus
When a royal official asks Jesus to heal his sick child, Jesus challenges the inadequacy of this father’s faith—and ours. (Exposition John 4:43–54)
Bible Studies: The Book of Genesis
Access the complete set of Bible studies from Genesis here.
Genesis 26:12–33: The Blessings for Isaac
God works all things together for good, but he does not eliminate pain. Rather, God blesses his people by promoting his kingdom. (Exposition of Genesis 26:12–33)
Genesis 26:1–11: The Covenant of Isaac
Isaac must choose between God’s promises and the forbidden fruit of Egypt. In order to be saved, God requires us to abide in Christ. (Exposition of Genesis 26:1–11)
Genesis 25:19–34: The Birthright of Jacob
The earthly-mindedness of Esau loses everything, while the heavenly-mindedness of Jacob gains everything. (Exposition of Genesis 25:19–34)
Genesis 25:1–18: The Completion of Abraham
Abraham’s death teaches that in order to fulfill his promises completely, God does not fulfill his promises immediately. (Exposition of Genesis 25:1–18)
Genesis 24:1–67: The Commissioning of Abraham
Abraham seeks a bride for Isaac on the basis of faith. God provides what he promises through promises and prayers. (Exposition of Genesis 24:1–67)
Genesis 23:1–20: The Commerce of Abraham
Sarah dies before the fulfillment of God’s promises, but death is not the end. Genesis 23 anticipates the resurrection. (Exposition of Genesis 23:1–20)
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 15:21–28: Crumbs from the Table of the Son of David
When a Canaanite woman confronts Jesus in the region of Tyre and Sidon, it signals the beginning of a new era, where the Son of David will reign over the nations. (Exposition of Matthew 15:21–28)
Matthew 15:10–20: The Defilement of Sin
Jesus teaches that we do not enter his kingdom through mechanical ceremonies, but by repentance and faith. Sin defiles the soul, not ceremony. (Exposition of Matthew 15:10–20)
Matthew 15:1–9: The Anatomy of Legalism
Jesus gives a devastating critique of legalism, showing that legalism looks for loopholes and creates counterfeit commandments. (Exposition of Matthew 15:1–9)
Matthew 14:22–36: Salvation from the Son of God
While we may sometimes feel that Jesus has left us alone, he is praying for us. Even more, Jesus saves us from storms. (Exposition of Matthew 14:22–36)
Matthew 14:13–21: Compassion for our Needs
While Jesus cares for his own needs to grieve the death of John the Baptist, Jesus has compassion for our needs. (Exposition of Matthew 14:13–21)
Matthew 14:1–12: Seeking a Good Conscience
In the contrast between Herod’s evil and John the Baptist’s faithfulness, we see an important principle: get and keep a good conscience. (Exposition of Matthew 14:1–12)