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 1:35–51: The Call of Jesus
After John the Baptist’s proclamation (John 1:29), Jesus’ first priority is to gather a core group of disciples. (Exposition of John 1:35–51)
John 1:19–34: The Revealing of Jesus
The subservient, ministerial mission of John the Baptist heralds the coming of the one who baptizes with the Spirit (John 1:33). (Exposition of John 1:19–34)
John 1:1–18: The Identity of Jesus
The Prologue of the Gospel of John reveals the identity of Jesus as the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Mediator. (Exposition of John 1:1–18)
Bible Studies: The Book of Genesis
Access the complete set of Bible studies from Genesis here.
Genesis 17:15–18:15: The Company of Abraham
Abraham and Sarah struggle to believe God’s promises to give them a child. So, God eats and drinks with us to overcome the limitations of our faith. (Exposition of Genesis 17:15–18:15)
Genesis 17:1–14: The Circumcision of Abraham
In Genesis 17, we discover the significant of covenant signs: God gives covenant signs to ratify our claim to his covenant promises. (Exposition of Genesis 17:1–14)
Genesis 16:1–16: The Concubine of Abram
When our faith is stretched, we start to believe that God has forsaken us. But even when God seems silent, God sees, and God hears. (Exposition of Genesis 16:1–16)
Genesis 15:1–21: The Covenant of Abram
What do we do when the honeymoon is over in our relationship with God? God’s covenant assures us in suffering that God will keep his promises. (Exposition of Genesis 15:1–21)
Genesis 14:17–24: The Coffers of Abram
Abram’s interaction with Melchizedek illustrates that faith may lead us to empty our hands, but faithlessness will leave us empty-handed. (Exposition of Genesis 14:17–24)
Genesis 14:1–16: The Custodianship of Abram
Worldly consumers believe that the world exists for their benefit. God’s custodians believe that the world exists for the benefit of Christ and his kingdom. (Exposition of Genesis 14:1–16)
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 12:46–50: The Family of Jesus
In the midst of intense spiritual warfare, Jesus will continue to gather his “forever family” to himself. Seek first the family of God. (Exposition of Matthew 12:46–50)
Matthew 12:43–45: The Danger of Neutrality
In Jesus’ story about the restless demon, he insists that there is no real spiritual neutrality. Whoever is not with Jesus is against him. (Exposition of Matthew 12:43–45)
Matthew 12:38–42: Seeking for a Sign
The scribes and Pharisees demand from Jesus “a sign to see.” Jesus will not give what they demand; however, Jesus was vindicated by his resurrection. (Exposition of Matthew 12:38–42)
Matthew 12:33–37: Speaking from the Heart
While we so often make excuses for the words that come out of our mouths, Jesus insists upon a hard truth: you are what you say. (Exposition of Matthew 12:33–37)
Matthew 12:22–32: Binding the Strong Man
Jesus does not depend on Satan for power; rather, he is the Son of God through whom the Holy Spirit of God advances the Kingdom of God. Jesus is plundering Satan’s house. (Exposition of Matthew 12:22–32)
Matthew 12:15–21: Until He Brings Justice to Victory
Although Jesus must withdraw from the Pharisees, Matthew quotes Isaiah 42 to show how this all fits in with Jesus’ mission. Jesus is still bringing his justice to victory. (Exposition of Matthew 12:15–21)