The oldest, and still the most powerful, teaching tactic for fostering critical thinking is Socratic teaching. Jesus often used this method. In Socratic teaching, the focus is on asking students questions, not giving them answers. This forces the student to think critically, something sorely missing in our society today. In Mark 8:14-21 Jesus uses this…

Philippians 3:4-8 (NIV) If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based…

In our “Young Adult” class on Sunday mornings we have started a study on the book of 2nd Peter. Here is a brief survey of the book. Book Type: One of the New Testament’s General Epistles; the twenty-second book of the New Testament; the sixty-first book of the Bible. Divinely Inspired Author (2nd Timothy 3:16):…

The first recorded occurrence of a drink offering was that given by Jacob in Genesis 35:14, right after God changed his name to Israel. Drink offerings were also included with burnt and grain offerings in God-ordained sacrifices, including the morning and evening sacrifices of Exodus 29:40. One-quarter hin, about one quart of wine was poured…

Numbers have a deeper meaning in ancient Israelite culture than they do today. Although not every number has a deeper meaning in Scripture, frequently used numbers such as three, seven, twelve, and forty often have historical, philosophical, and prophetic underpinnings throughout Scripture. Often, we see the number seven in reference to holy works of God….

Matthew 7:6 (NIV) Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Here again is a phrase from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) which most people, even non-Christians, have heard. The…

Our neighbors in the Ruidoso area have been severely impacted by recent wildfires. The Mountain View Church of Christ in Alto, NM is on the front line. They have set up a donation page for those wishing to help the victims of the fires. You can click on the link below if you wish to…

(NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Solomon points out the value of a true friend and a brother. He says a true friend is always loving, and a brother helps in trying times. A true friend and genuine brother exhibit true love in unfavorable circumstances…

“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, This was David’s charge to his son Solomon shortly before David passed from this life. And they have been preserved for us for a reason. The Bible is full of areas telling us to be…

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… Will you dare to trust God? Last week we began a look at 1 Kings 17 and how the prophet Elijah dared to trust God. Review: 1 Kings 17:1-16. The very first words of chapter 17 are…