Category The T’s of the New Testament

Various Scriptures Background: From about the 6th century BC until the 4th century AD, the cross was an instrument of execution that resulted in death by the most torturous and painful of ways. In crucifixion a person was either tied…Continue Reading →

Titus 3 Background: Chapter 3 concludes Paul's general statements about church structure and behavior. The Cretan church had become distracted from its witness by getting wrapped up in disputes and fights over divisive and non-essential matters. Paul speaks as a…Continue Reading →

Titus 1–2 Background: The book of Titus is a letter written by Paul, addressed specifically to Titus, whom we know Paul considers his “true son in the faith.” In this letter, Paul gives Titus carte-blanche authority to establish church leadership…Continue Reading →

2 Timothy 3:10–4:22 Background: Paul’s final words to Timothy are filled with instruction, wisdom, encouragement, and urgency. Paul knows that his days are coming to an end, and it is time to pass the torch of leadership. He urges Timothy…Continue Reading →

2 Timothy 2:14–3:9 Background: Paul will share the knowledge he gained from many years of experience so that Timothy may avoid pitfalls in his ministry. Paul will instruct Timothy on how to recognize and deal with false teaching and how…Continue Reading →

2 Timothy 1–2:13 Background: Imagine that you are sitting down to compose a letter to a dear loved one. You know time is short and your future uncertain. Your desire is to see him, but this is not guaranteed. In…Continue Reading →

1 Timothy 5–6 Background: As Paul wraps up this epistle to Timothy, we see many ways he wants to love and protect the faith and actions of not just Timothy but all believers. The Gnostic teaching was being spread prevalently…Continue Reading →

1 Timothy 3–4 Background: God’s household continues to be Paul’s immediate concern knowing how turbulent the city of Ephesus was. He understood how important leadership was in the church to advance the Good News in the world and promote the…Continue Reading →

1 Timothy 1–2 Background: In Paul’s letter to Timothy, we see a mentor encouraging and instructing his younger ministry partner in the day-to-day problems that surface in Ephesus. Paul writes Chapters 1 and 2 in the letter to warn Timothy…Continue Reading →

Melissa Renner introduces the second part of this year's Women's Bible Study. We will study the letters of First and Second Timothy as well as his letter to Titus. Melissa challenges us to place ourselves in Timothy's shoes as we…Continue Reading →

Various Scripture Background: Satan has deceived the world about Heaven. He has convinced people that Hell is a party and Heaven is nothing more than floating on clouds and playing harps. As Christians, the hope of Heaven should be a…Continue Reading →

2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:18 Background: Paul’s love for the Thessalonians is evident in both of his letters. He calls them his pride and joy and says they live in a way that pleases God. Oh, to have Christ say that about…Continue Reading →

2 Thessalonians 1–2:12 Background: The Thessalonian believers continue to face persecution and false teaching as they grow stronger in their faith. They had been receiving letters saying that the day of the Lord had already come, so Paul wrote his…Continue Reading →

1 Thessalonians 5 Background: Both letters written to the Thessalonians—as well as to all future believers—are letters of preparation and anticipation. Our Savior’s return is emphasized in both letters. As we wait in anticipation of Christ’s return, Paul provides in…Continue Reading →

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Background: Few biblical topics can start heated debates as quickly as this short passage of Scripture. Many who agree on the details of the event will hotly argue the timing. This lesson was prepared based on the…Continue Reading →

1 Thessalonians 3–4:12 Background: In the previous chapters we saw how Paul longed to be with the new believers in Thessalonica. He traveled by himself to Berea and then later to Athens due to persecution in Berea so had only…Continue Reading →

1 Thessalonians 1-2 Background: This book, written by Paul, is filled with both encouragement and instruction for the new believers that had recently formed the church in Thessalonica. Notice as you read this book how Paul instructs them as a…Continue Reading →

Melissa Renner answers some of the questions she has received over the last few weeks about what Women's Bible Study will look like this semester. Study Guide Available For the corresponding study guide, please contact Melissa Renner at melissar@stonebriar.org.Continue Reading →