Interpretation Bible Studies

The book of Revelation is filled with extravagant images that some believe forecast gloom and doom. On the contrary, Revelation intends to encourage its readers, using a type of literature that was common at the time it was written. The true message of the book is one of hope, looking ahead toward God's ultimate victory over evil. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

Weaving together the stories of Moses, the nation of Israel, and the God who rescues and liberates, Exodus becomes a story for our time, a story about seeking and finding a redeeming God in times of separation and sin, hopelessness and oppression. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, Interpretation Bible Studies can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In this Gospel, Matthew tells the story of Jesus, who is the presence of God and has come to call the faithful to a new level of righteousness. He challenges his disciples to live each day as participants in God's kingdom-be poor in spirit and pure in heart, turn the other cheek and love one's enemies. Through his teachings and healings, Jesus breaks the bonds of evil and sin and frees each one for a life rich in celebration and service. By his resurrection, Jesus continues to be present, even until the end of the age. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

Many of the verses of Isaiah are familiar to us as beloved passages we read and sing each Christmas and Easter season. But Isaiah is more than just a holiday reading. Isaiah speaks of God's relationship to the prophet, the people, the kings, and the servant. Isaiah's message invites us to explore God's personal character and develop a deeper understanding of the living God, the Holy One of Israel. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In this study, noted Old Testament scholar and Christian educator David Hester focuses on the difficult questions raised in Job: where is God in the worst moments of our emptiness? What are we to do when experience casts doubt on what we have always believed? Where in the world is justice? The author brings to this writing his own experience of suffering. His touching honesty provides a moving connection between the ancient text and the world of today, inviting us to join in Job's search for hope and healing. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

Mark challenges the reader to believe in the mystery of God-that even through difficult times, God reigns. Mark's Gospel carries the reader from the desert wilderness to Jerusalem, and from the crisis of the cross to the victory of the empty tomb. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In this book, Robert Laha leads a ten-session study into the stories of suffering, blame, and, ultimately, hope found in the book of Jeremiah. In an attempt to bring some clarity to this at times confusing book, Laha discusses Jeremiah's world and God's judgement, prophetic signs and false prophets, unfaithfulness and lament, and consolation and hope. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In First Corinthians, Paul writes to a troubled church at Corinth, urging its members to live a life distinct from the ways of others, governed by the law of love, and affirming of the tenets of the faith. His direct responses to their shortcomings provide us a window into daily church life in the first century. But this letter also paints a vivid picture of what any church can become by the grace of God. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, Interpretation Bible Studies can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

The Bible's first book contains many well-known stories, some familiar since childhood: creation and the garden of Eden, an ark full of animals adrift in a flood, Abraham and Isaac, the conniving Jacob, and the dreams of Joseph. Now hear these stories again in a new way, and in hearing, discover the knowledge that God created everything in goodness and love. Whether in the heights of paradise or the depths of exile, the human journey is never far from the presence of God. From Eden to Egypt, Genesis affirms God's love for us all. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large-group presentations, or in personal study.

While others might tell stories claiming the world is without promise, Luke presents the narrative of Jesus Christ as good news, challenge, and hope. For Luke, this is the only story that makes sense of the past, offers guidance for the present, and secures hope for the future. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In classic Interpretation Bible Studies style, Patricia Tull leads the reader through a ten-session study of the entire Old Testament books of Esther, with its stories of faithfulness, courage, and survival, and the ethical questions posed by its ending, and Ruth, with its themes of community, loyalty, and friendship. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, Interpretation Bible Studies can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In this ten-session study, Mark Matson presents the Fourth Gospel. The Gospel of John is a very different book than the other three-there is no Sermon on the Mount or parables and there is no teaching of the Lord's Prayer. But what is important about John is the undertone of conflict between those who accepted Jesus as Messiah and those who did not. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

The letter to the Romans is the pinnacle of Paul's writing and thinking. Paul instructs his readers, both then and now, to be transformed from this world into living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, following the example of Jesus Christ. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

The Psalms speak to the depths of human experience, provoking words and images to express anger, sorrow, lament, thanksgiving, joy, and worshipful praise. They are as relevant today as they were to the ancient peoples who first composed them. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

This accessible Bible study will help to explain some of the more challenging aspects of Second Corinthians, especially by focusing on what is delightful and inspiring about the biblical book. In Second Corinthians, we find promises of a glorious life after death, interesting and thought-provoking figures of speech describing followers of Christ, powerful stewardship messages, an amazing example of humility and proper respect, and much more. By the end of this study it will be easy to see why the folk at Corinth so loved and revered Paul that they collected this letter and others to save for future generations. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

The letters to the Philippian and Galatian congregations illustrate well the passion and intensity of Paul's writing. Together these letters provide a compelling portrait of a complex original thinker who probably was the most significant missionary of his day, a theologian and social critic of rare power and insight whose legacy continues today to spark heated debate. Yet if we can catch even a little of Paul's vision, we are likely to be transformed. We may find ourselves called, like Paul himself, to a fresh vision of what God is doing in the world and to participation in the crucified body of Christ. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

In this volume pastor and scholar Earl Johnson, Jr., discusses how the book of Hebrews encouraged people to remain faithful through its claims that Jesus was the true and final revelation of God, God's eternal priest who was superior to the prophets of the Old Testament, and the way to our salvation-three truths that still exist for Christians today. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, IBS can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are not the end of the good news, but only the beginning. In Acts, Luke tells the story of the workings of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles and in the early church. Though titled "The Acts of the Apostles," the book is just as much about the acts of the Holy Spirit. The resurrection and ascension of Jesus became the beginnings of the life of the believer, who is empowered by the Spirit to go to every extreme to make known the message of God's saving acts in Christ. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, Interpretation Bible Studies can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.

During the reigns of Saul and David as recorded in First and Second Samuel, the people of Israel experience fear, disappointment, heartache, and betrayal. The compelling theme that weaves its way through these two books and into our lives is the need to balance both the gift of life from God and the promise of God's steadfast love with the ever-present human temptation to take control and usurp God's authority. Interpretation Bible Studies (IBS) offers solid biblical content in a creative study format. Forged in the tradition of the celebrated Interpretation> commentary series, IBS makes the same depth of biblical insight available in a dynamic, flexible, and user-friendly resource. Designed for adults and older youth, Interpretation Bible Studies can be used in small groups, in church school classes, in large group presentations, or in personal study.