LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM EXILE & RETURNBSF Guest ContributorWhether we lead in our homes, at the office, or elsewhere, God has placed each of us in a position of influence. After decades in business, I’ve read countless books about leadership. But one book, more...
LEAVING BABYLON BEHINDJanuary 5, 2026BSF Guest ContributorAs we look ahead to a new year, a fresh start, we long to leave the old behind. We embrace the new and step forward in confidence, but old patterns can still get in our way. As Christians, we often expect to...
Three helpful reminders when sharing the gospelFrom the Editorial TeamWe all know people who seem to have a natural gift for evangelism. They appear to weave Jesus and the gospel into every conversation, and they make it look effortless. You can often find them...
HOW TO FIND CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S CALL TODAYFrom the Editorial teamHow can we know we are following God’s plan day by day? And when we sense His calling, how should we respond? Throughout Scripture, we read about men and women who answered God’s call with courage and...
3 Steps to Pray with PurposeOctober 28, 2025BSF Guest ContributorWhen my church participated in a global prayer week, a few friends signed up for the “prayer room” at my home. That evening, we were scheduled to pray for the different states in our country. Yet, after...
October 27, 2025From the Editorial TeamFor the past few years, BSF’s creative team has developed illustrations for each lesson of a study. The aim is to give insight into key aspects of a person, story, or theme for that section of the study. As we were developing the...
Lessons on Faith from the Fiery Furnace BSF Guest ContributorHave you ever felt stuck in the midst of suffering? Or faced a circumstance and wondered, “How can I ever move forward?” I certainly have. During seasons like this, my husband and I find comfort in Daniel 3....
A Story of Faith and RebuildingFrom the Editorial TeamWhen Aina heard the gospel for the first time, he felt betrayed. At a Christian camp outside his hometown of Antananarivo, Madagascar, he was suddenly confronted with years of buried pain. “The man who preached...
God's Message of Hope in EzekielBSF Guest ContributorHow do you act when life makes no sense? When the things that you depend on have crumbled? Where do you look? What do you think? Maybe you lost the job that you thought you would have forever. Maybe the unthinkable...
three questions to move your gospel conversation forwardFrom the Editorial TeamYou’ve just shared the gospel with a friend. Your voice was shaky, and your heart is still pounding, but you did it! God gave you courage and words to share the beautiful truth that Jesus...
What Exile & Return Teaches About Living for Christ BSF Guest ContributorI’m sure this is not news to you: we are in the midst of a very tumultuous cultural moment. How do we live in today’s culture for Christ? How do we avoid a Christianity that is...
Finding Courage through Exile & Return BSF Communications Manager Daniel in the lion’s den. Ezra leading a nation. Nehemiah’s men with a sword in one hand while building with the other. Extraordinary moments. Unforgettable courage. We love studying the heroes...
truths to remember for sharing the gospelFrom the Editorial TeamSharing the gospel can be intimidating. What should we say? How should we say it? Throughout Christian history, evangelists have unlocked time-tested techniques for sharing the gospel. Whether you decide...
3 Reasons to Study BSF's Exile & ReturnBSF Media DirectorBack when I still had a full head of hair, I wrote skits for youth ministry. One of my favorites was called It’s Malachi! In it, the character Kevin—a recently departed snowboarder—arrived in heaven to be...
Encouraging deep and meaningful Bible study discussionsIn a small group Bible study, the goal is always to create a healthy, secure space where open and honest conversations flow and everyone feels equally free to contribute. Some groups find their groove from the...
Why Context MattersFrom The Editorial TeamHave you ever read a passage in Scripture and felt like you were missing something? You understood the words but sensed there was more meaning to discover. When we understand the historical context behind our Bible study, we...
We believe certain aspects of spiritual growth happen in community! When we share openly with our groups, we discover support, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from one another. But being vulnerable in a small group can be difficult. It may not always feel...
Getting the most out of your daily devotionsFrom the Editorial TeamWhether we are new to the Bible or have studied for years, reading Scripture can be challenging. When we feel limited by our lack of knowledge or are confused by difficult chapters, it helps to...
From the Editorial Team“This is a lifeline.” What is so vital to your heart and soul that you couldn’t go a week without it? What gives you the nourishment, strength, and consistent hope you could not bear to miss? Like a rope thrown from a boat in stormy waters,...
How Exile & Return Teaches Us To Build Lives of FaithBSF Executive DirectorEvery year, we read headlines promoting lists of the world’s “most influential people”—celebrating CEOs, celebrities, and cultural icons. But it always makes me wonder: If God made a list,...