Articles
Three Steps to Understanding Prophecy
Three Keys to Unlock ProphecyHow to Unpack Difficult Scripture PassagesBy Todd Wethall — Study Content Specialist I have a confession – I have struggled to read through the Old Testament prophets. Maybe you can relate. As a long-, long-, long-time BSFer, I did my...
“God Knew My Heart”
"God Knew My Heart"Vera Abandoned God, but He Never Forgot HerBy Bethany Lockett — Editorial Assistant Vera Xu looked back on her past with amazement. For so long she pursued a lifestyle forsaking the God she knew as a child. But in that brokenness, God had a plan to...
A Simple Invitation
A Simple InvitationSeeds Planted in Emmy's Life Grew into a Life TransformedBy Bennett Rolan — Editorial ManagerOn her wedding day, Emmy Josefson was given a Bible. Two months later, when she moved with her husband from Texas to Qatar, Emmy left her Bible behind. “It...
Moving Beyond I’m Sorry
Moving Beyond "I'm Sorry"Embracing Repentance that Leads to Spiritual GrowthBy Debbie Young — Study Content Specialist As a young Christian, I constantly strived for perfection. My Sunday school perfect attendance pins and avoiding “the big sins” shaped my definition...
How to Test Your Decisions
How to Test Your DecisionsThree Questions to Ask Yourself When Facing Hard ChoicesBy Bethany Lockett — Editorial AssistantDan Lister faced an impossible situation. His decision might even cost him his job. Because of a mistake made by the global business unit he...
A Story of Faith in Action
A Story of Faith in ActionAs prison guards searched her belongings, fear and doubt threatened Ana Machado's resolve. God had called her to share His Word. He had opened too many doors at the Miami, Fla. correctional facility for her to turn back. What would she find...
Is God the Same in the New and Old Testament?
New vs. Old Testament: Is God the Same?By Hollie Roberts - BSF Executive DirectorFrom an early age, I asked a lot of questions. “Why do beans sprout? Where does rubber go when it comes off your tires? What makes the sky so many colors? Where does the devil live? How...
Why Does God Judge?
Why Does God Judge the People He Loves?By Dr. David Talley, Guest ContributorAs a professor of the Old Testament, I begin my classes by asking for students’ views of God. Without fail, the intensity of God’s judgment surfaces. Someone always asks, “If He is loving,...
Did God Choose Israel and Not the Other Nations?
Did God Choose Israel and Not the Other Nations? By Dr. Mark Bailey - BSF Board Member October 20, 2022One of my greatest joys during the past 35 years has been leading Bible study tours to Israel. Each group is unique. Some are students, others are professors, many...
How God Brings Unity Through Prayer
How God Brings Unity Through PrayerThe Power of PrayerBy Karen McNary - BSF Director of Global Cultural Engagement and CommunityPolitical unrest. COVID. Natural disasters. Economic uncertainty. Church splits. Divisive issues are limitless. While the specifics may...
3 Reasons Not to Skip the Kings and Prophets
3 Reasons Not to Skip the Kings and Prophets How to Read Unfamiliar Books of the Bible By Bennett Rolan - BSF Editorial Manager A year ago, I could confidently say that I had read the books of Amos and Obadiah. But beyond being checked off my Bible reading plan, I...
“Thy Will” vs. “My Will” – Praying Like Jesus
"Thy Will" vs. "My Will"Praying Like JesusBy Sherry Thomas and Bethany LockettIn the early years of my marriage, conflict was frequent. Something as inconsequential as which direction the forks were placed in the dishwasher would result in a serious argument.I would...
Sharing the Easter Story
Sharing the Easter StoryThe Easter story is troubling and thrilling. Jesus willingly submitted himself to betrayal and beatings, accusations and arrest, contempt and crucifixion and ultimately death. He could have stopped it, but He did not. Why? Because God himself,...
Grief, Guilt, and God’s Goodness
Grief, Guilt and God's GoodnessDiscovering God's comfort through a lifetime of griefBy Bethany Lockett - BSF Editorial AssistantAfter decades of grief and pain, Sandy Stubbs finally felt ready to share her story. During last year’s BSF Share Day, Sandy walked to the...
The Power of Humility
The Power of HumilityHow Jesus transforms our view of status in Matthew 18 By Karen McNary - BSF Director of Global Cultural Engagement and Community I was about 10 years old when I had my eyes examined for the first time. I was able to function in school and sports...
Pray for Christians in Nigeria
Bearing Persecution with JoyHow to Pray for Christians in NigeriaBy Bennett Rolan - BSF Editorial ManagerHalfway through his morning commute, Luka’s senses are on alert. As he walks through the streets of Jos, Nigeria, Luka scans his surroundings for subtle changes....
What is your greatest work?
Our Greatest WorkExploring Jesus' Mission in Matthew 14By Joy Dahl - Guest ContributorAs we emerge from a long season of uncertainty and isolation, many of us still struggle with ongoing challenges and lingering questions: How do you feel about the future? How do we...
Do you notice when God interrupts?
Are you busy when God interrupts?Exploring Jesus' Miracles in Matthew 9By Bennett Rolan - BSF Editorial ManagerBefore my alarm clock could ring, I was already awake. Lying in bed and staring at the ceiling, I mentally worked through my to-do list. I had school...
Sharing the Gospel With Family
Sharing Faith with FamilyBy Bennett Rolan - BSF Editorial ManagerErin Levine’s heart broke for her husband, Tony. Raised in a Jewish home, Tony believed in God and prayed during important events, but exploring Christianity wasn’t a priority. As a successful college...
Why the Sermon on the Mount Matters
Why the Sermon on the Mount MattersBy Dr. Darrell Bock- Dallas Theological SeminaryImagine the pressure of walking into church knowing you must follow hundreds of rules perfectly. During Jesus’ time, God’s people lived according to a collection of 613 mandates...