Deuteronomy: The Book of Remembrance
“And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone” (Deuteronomy 4:12-13). […]
The Man Told Me I Could Come
Two angels unlocked a door to an enclosed check-in counter ready to begin a new merciful morning. As they walked in together they noticed on their desk stacks of files and folders. These two angels were tasked with admitting people into Heaven. To the left of the two angels’ check in counter stood the Gates […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Ezra 7-10
Eighty years after Zerubbabel had led the first remnant of Jews to Jerusalem, Ezra led an additional 1,500 Jewish men and their families to Jerusalem. Ezra was the son of a priest born in Babylon. Not only was Ezra a priest, but he was also a scribe. A scribe, such as Ezra, studied and taught […]
Daily Readings in the Bible 2 Kings 22-25
Josiah was eight years old when he became Judah’s king (2 Kings 22:1). His reign as Judah’s king was prophesied some 350 years prior. The man of God who prophesied against Jeroboam’s altar, precisely named the king who would burn the bones of evil men upon that wretched altar (1 Kings 13:2). That’s exactly what […]
Daily Readings in the Bible 1 Kings 1-2
Before David’s death, he proclaimed that Solomon would be Israel’s next king. Of course, that didn’t come about without some family turmoil (1 Kings 1). David wanted to insure Israel’s future with Solomon at the helm. The security of the kingdom was bound up in Solomon’s obedience to the Law of Moses (1 Kings 2:1-4). […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Deuteronomy 1-3
The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Pentateuch. The original name given to this book was “These are the words” which was taken from the first verse (Deut. 1:1). The name Deuteronomy is made up of two Greek words “deuteros” and “nomos” mean “Second Law” when put together. The reasoning […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Numbers 28-30
Now that the previous generation had died, it was time to start instructing the new generation. The Lord, through Moses, began to teach the new generation concerning the daily, monthly, and yearly offerings (Num. 28-29). The Hebrew calendar centered around the worship of Jehovah. A new generation needed a new commitment, and it was going […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Genesis 22-24
Abraham never allowed his calloused feet, or dusty sandals to be rooted in any certain place. Abraham’s longest stay would be in a tomb in the desert. Abraham moved constantly to the place God wanted him to go. From Ur of Chaldees to Haran to Canaan to Egypt to Gerar to Mamre to Beer-Sheba. He […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Genesis 16-18
Sandra Richter in her book The Epic of Eden wrote “In its native context a covenant was an agreement enacted between two parties in which one or both make promises under an oath to perform or refrain from certain actions stipulated in advance. In other words, a covenant was much like a contract.” God initiated […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Genesis 11-15
Noah’s sons and their families began to repopulate the earth after the flood. In Genesis chapter eleven records that the the whole earth was one language, and one speech. After the flood the Lord had told Noah to be fruitful and multiply (8:16), which was also a mandate for Adam and Eve (1:28). As God […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Genesis 7-10
Sin increased to the point that it grieved God’s heart. Scripture says that God regretted that He made man in the first place. It got so bad that God decided to rain down judgment. God was going to clear the earth of every living thing. It is a fearful thing to think of God’s long-suffering […]
Daily Readings in the Bible Genesis 4-6
Once Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, life unexpectedly continued for them. The two of them survived despite the fact that God had told them they would die if they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Again, God’s grace is on display. Sinful man didn’t get […]
Recommended Reading for Young Ministers
I often get asked about what books I recommend. Most of the time it’s young ministers looking to begin reading. I’ve shared the same list for several years, adding and subtracting over time. I want to share that reading list with you, dear readers. I have said it before, but it bears repeating: A book […]
Jesus is King
In the last week Kanye West released a new album entitled Jesus is King. Kanye’s conversion to Christianity, and subsequent release of a gospel album, have caused no little controversy. Jesus is King has been the number one album on iTunes. The phrase “Jesus is King” was the number one trending topic on Twitter for […]
Things Most Surely Believed
In his online article for Huffpost, Brandan Robertson wrote, “Run to God, Not to the Bible.” Throughout his article he insists that Christians do not need the Bible to hear God’s voice. He quotes liberal theologian Peter Enns who claims, “We need to be training our children to cultivate a relationship with God, not a […]
The Practice of Study
I want to give you a few options for studying the Bible. You don’t just have to read through the Bible from cover to cover to get something out of it. I’ve given you the tools to help you properly interpret Scripture, but I want to see there are several different ways we can glean […]
The Principles of Study
Eighteenth Century preacher, J.C. Ryle, said, “We must read our Bibles like men digging for hidden treasure.” The late pastor of Westminster Chapel, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, said, “Every time we consider or study the Bible we are, of necessity, worshipping.” Someone once said, “God feeds the birds, but He doesn’t throw the food into their nests.” […]
The Purpose of Study
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) Biblical Illiteracy “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast […]
Knowing The Will of God
One of the most common questions pastors and ministers get asked is, “What is the will of God for my life?” Those who want to please God want to take into consideration God’s will. A lot of bad decisions could be avoided if the will of God was taken into consideration. Most trouble, much heart […]
Theology of Scripture
I believe the Bible, which consists of both the Old Testament and New Testament, is the divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God. Holy men of God were moved upon by the Holy Spirit to communicate to us God’s direct commands (2 Peter 1:19-21). Being that Scripture is the Word of God it is profitable […]
Top Ten Books of 2018
I’m not exactly sure where 2018 has gone. The year ended faster than a Kardashian relationship. I set out to read fifty books in 2018 and reached my goal. Many of the books that I read weren’t written in 2018, it’s just that I read them this year. There were several standouts and a few […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: The Spiritual Disciplines of the Man of God – Bible Reading
The Spiritual Disciplines of the Man of God Part One The Discipline of Bible Reading “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13 Dust Off Your Bibles The Sword of the Lord Bible Reading and Holiness Bible Study Meditation Practical Advice for Bible Reading Be sure to subscribe to […]
The Gospel According to David
Much has been written about the life of King David. He was an extraordinary man. His rise from shepherding his father’s flock in the pasturelands to defeating a giant foe to give Israel victory. From running for his life from an jealous king to ruling over the nation of Israel. King David’s life is worthy […]
The Gospel According to Abraham
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man […]
Cut it Straight: Interview with JH Osborne
Special Edition Episode: Interview with Pastor JH Osborne. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines on Amazon N.S. Whitley- The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines Podcast: […]
Strange Things
I have written to him the great things of my law, But they were counted as a strange thing (Hosea 8:12) Introduction The theme of Hosea’s prophetic book is spiritual adultery (Hos. 2:1-23). The context of this portion in Hosea is in the midst of God’s accusation against Israel. God’s people had broken their covenant […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: The Qualifications for Ministry Part Four
Qualifications for Ministry Part Four 1 Timothy 3:1-2 Able to Preach Preach the Word (2 Tim. 3:14-17) Scripture is profitable for teaching. Scripture is profitable for reproof. Scripture is profitable for correction. Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Follow […]
Endangered Languages
In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. – Nehemiah 13:23-24 Introduction A few months ago a book was recommended […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: The Qualifications for Ministry Part Three
Qualifications for Ministry Part Three 1 Timothy 3:4-7 Manage His Household Well Parent Well Not Recently Converted Well Thought of by Outsiders Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art […]
The Tabernacle of God
It had been an interesting few days for the Israelites. Jehovah had just liberated them from Egypt’s fetters as His might and power were on display in the plagues and parting of the Red Sea. They traveled to Mount Sinai where Moses, who had led them out of Egypt, would meet with God face to […]
The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes was penned at the hand of Israel’s King Solomon, the son of David (1:1). In the Hebrew, he calls himself “Qoheleth” which means “preacher” or “teacher.” The name Ecclesiastes comes from the Greek (not the Hebrew) and is a form of ekklesia which is the Greek word for “church” in the NT. Therefore, on […]
Five Tips to Engage with Scripture
Venturing to read and study Scripture can be intimidating for some Christians. Each may have their own stumbling blocks as to why they aren’t able to consistently engage with the Bible. However, God desires for each Christian to spend time with His Word. It is through the truth of God’s Word that we are sanctified […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: The Discipline of Resolve
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Check out the Bible Exposition Podcast and listen to our series God’s Plan for Redemption! Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines on Amazon Jonathan Edwards’ […]
Apostolics Need to Apologize
The following post was contributed from the able pen of Reverend John Carroll. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15) […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Case Studies in Humility
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Check out the Bible Exposition Podcast and listen to our series God’s Plan for Redemption! Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines on Amazon Podcast: Play […]
Two Gates and Two Paths
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13–14). Towards the end of His […]
Dependent Sheep, Wise Serpents and Harmless Doves
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Jesus never shied away from telling His disciples of the dangers they were going to face as His ambassadors. Such realities would happen after Christ’s resurrection and ascension. They faced devils […]
The Fool
Proverbs was written to give wisdom and instruction (Pro. 1:1-7). The proverbs that were compiled into this amazing book were written so that its readers would become wise, and skillful in living. To reject the teaching of wisdom and instruction in this book is to be a fool: “fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pro. 1:7). […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Guarding Yourself and the Doctrine
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines on Amazon Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS
The Sluggard
The man who will not work is not wise. Laziness is a plague that ruins lives, and societies. The book of Proverbs uses the word “sluggard” for the man who will not work or give any effort. The antithesis of the diligent man is the sluggard. The Hebrew word for “sluggard” is defined as a […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Preaching Lab (Session Four)
In this final session of the Preaching Lab we look at the delivery of the sermon and post-sermon. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines on […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Preaching Lab (Session Three)
In this episode we look at the use of illustrations, finalizing our notes, and application of the sermon. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information go to my website nswhitley.com Follow me on Twitter: @nswhitley Like and share my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nswhitley/ Download my eBook The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines on […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Preaching Lab (Session Two)
In this episode we continue the Preaching Lab series. Step One: Pray. Seek the Lord for guidance for the best topic on which to preach about. Saturate your study and preparation with prayer. Without the anointing we might as well not even attempt to preach. Step Two: Select a Text. Our assignment was to preach […]
The Attributes of God: Divine Foreknowledge and Predestination
The Bible tells us much about God and His characteristics. One can study the Bible and see many of the attributes of God explained and defined. Scripture reveals that God is a Spirit (John 4:24); that He is sovereign (Psalm 103:19); He is unchanging (Malachi 3:6); He is self-existent (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 93:2); and He […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Twelve Marks of the Man of God Part Three
In today’s session, we will conclude our series by looking at the final four marks of the man of God which are: 9. A biblical ministry (4:13) 10. Doesn’t neglect his calling (4:14) 11. Consumed with his calling (4:15a) 12. Progressing in spiritual growth (4:15b) Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! For more information […]
Cut it Straight Podcast: Twelve Marks of the Man of God Part One
In this episode we begin a series on the 12 Marks of the Man of God. In 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Paul gives 12 marks of a man of God. We cover the first four marks in this first part of this series. A watchman (4:6a) A good servant (4:6b) A student of Scripture (4:6c) Avoids […]
The Attributes of God
AW Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” It has been said that a high view of God leads to a high and holy lifestyle. On the other hand a low view of God leads to low living. Right thinking about God leads […]
The Authority of Scripture in the Life of the Christian
I. Introduction Oxford Dictionaries has decided that the word of the year in 2016 was post-truth. According to journalist Amy Wang (2016) Oxford Dictionary defines post-truth as “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” Truth is now subjective. Fact […]
Justification in Romans and Galatians Pt. 1
There is nothing quite like getting a gift, especially a gift that you do not deserve. This is how the Apostle Paul describes being saved from sin and death by Jesus Christ. Sinful humanity has been given a gift, the gift of salvation and they only have to believe to receive it (Rom. 5:13-21). In […]
Salvation in John, Acts, and Paul’s Epistles
I want to look at the perspectives of salvation from the Gospel of John, the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul’s writings. John’s gospel was written that we might believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and by believing on Him we might attain eternal life (John 20:31). John’s gospel repeatedly teaches that one must believe […]
True to the Text
Biblical interpretation should strike fear into our heart with the realization that we are handling the very Words of the Eternal God. A God whose thoughts are not like our thoughts and whose ways are not like our ways (Isa. 55:8); a God who speaks (Matt. 4:4); The God who created the Heavens and the […]
Choosing a Bible Translation
If one is looking to buy a Bible walking into a bookstore can be overwhelming. This is especially true in Christian bookstores. Shelves and aisles are full of different Bible translations, not to mention the specialty Bibles that range from students to hunters. Picking a Bible translation is comparable to finding a needle in the […]