When it comes to selecting a book of the Bible to study or teach, Revelation is a book that is often avoided. We’re a bit intimidated by it—afraid we won’t be able to understand it, afraid of the controversy that surrounds it, and afraid of the realities it presents in its graphic strangeness. We also know it is a book some people have an unhealthy obsession with. The book of Revelation actually begins and ends with a promise—a promise of blessing for those who hear what is revealed in it and allow that revelation to shape their perspective about what is real, what will last, and who is worthy of worship. In this workshop, recorded live at The Gospel Coalition's 2022 Women’s Conference, Nancy Guthrie addresses fears many have in regard to the book of Revelation—the fears of not understanding it, fears of controversy, persecution, and its depictions of God’s judgments— offering reasons to invest ourselves in understanding this challenging book as well as keys that will

We all know that some teachers are easier to listen to and learn from than others. And we want to be teachers who are clear and engaging. In this workshop recorded live at The Gospel Coalition's 2022 Women’s Conference, Nancy Guthrie defines what she means and doesn’t mean by “passion” and “personality” and then works through twelve ways to put personality and passion into your teaching without making it all about you. Topics include the use of story, voice variation, drama, humor, eye contact, and getting to the passion of Christ himself.

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sat down with Colleen McFadden and Lisa Helm. McFadden is director of women’s workshops for The Charles Simeon Trust, and Helm, wife of Simeon Trust executive director David Helm, is an instructor for the trust’s women’s workshops. We talked about their own development as Bible teachers and about the convictions every Bible teacher must hold. McFadden and Helm discuss how to use tools such as context, structure, traveling through the cross, and melodic line to get to the intende

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Ligon Duncan—chancellor, CEO, and professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—about the book of Numbers. In the two-part conversation, Duncan helps teachers to see God’s kindness toward women in a couple of passages, the beauty embedded in the long lists of hard-to-pronounce names, and how to point to Christ in well-known stories such as Moses striking the rock, the serpent mounted on a pole, and Balaam’s talking donkey.Recommended ResourcesNumbers(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by Gordon J. Wenham<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Numbers-Gods-Presence-Wilderness-Preaching/dp/1581343639/ref=s

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Ligon Duncan—Chancellor, CEO, and professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—about the book of Numbers. In our two-part conversation, Duncan helps teachers to see God’s kindness toward women in a couple of passages, the beauty embedded in the long lists of hard-to-pronounce names, and how to point to Christ in well-known stories such as Moses striking the rock, the serpent mounted on a pole, and Balaam’s talking donkey.Recommended ResourcesNumbers(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by Gordon J. Wenham<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Numbers-Gods-Presence-Wilderness-Preaching/dp/1581343639/ref=s

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sat down with Jen Wilkin to talk about organizing a Bible study. Wilkin is a minister in the Institute at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, where she oversees curriculum and teaches women’s classes. She is the author of Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Mindsand None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing). She has also published group studies on 1 Peter on the <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/n/Produc

In this second of a two-part conversation on how to teach the Book of Romans, Michael J. Kruger, president and professor of New Testament and early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS), Charlotte, shares some of what he’s learned over the past two years through teaching Romans to a women’s Bible study. Kruger works his way from Romans 8–16, explaining how to do justice to the majestic themes in chapter 8, why Paul presents election not as a problem but as the solution to a greater problem, and how Paul guides us through the complexities of the Christian life in chapters 12–15.In addition to his duties at RTS, Kruger served (at the time of recording) as an associate pastor of Uptown Church in Charlotte. He blogs at Canon Fodder on the origins of the New Testament canon and other biblical and theolo

In part one of this two-part conversation on how to teach the book of Romans, Michael J. Kruger, president and professor of New Testament and early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS), Charlotte, shares some of what he’s learned over the past two years through teaching Romans to a women’s Bible study. Working his way through Romans 1 to 7, Kruger explains how and why he creates handouts for his students, and how to respond to those offended by what Paul writes in the book on homosexuality and the wrath of God.In addition to his duties at RTS, Kruger served (at the time of recording) as an associate pastor at Uptown Church in Charlotte. He blogs at Canon Fodder on the origins of the New Testament canon and other biblical and theological issues. Kruger is editor and contributor to <a href="https://

In this episode, Nancy talked with Paul House in Birmingham, Alabama, where he teaches Old Testament theology and Hebrew at Beeson Divinity School. House is the author of several books, including The Unity of the Twelve, Old Testament Survey, Old Testament Theology, Lamentations in the Word Biblical Commentary series, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bonhoeffers-Seminary-Vision-Discipleship-Together/dp/1433545446/tag=thegospcoal-20"

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Phillip Jensen at his Two Ways Ministries office in the heart of Sydney, Australia. Over a lifetime, Jensen’s ministry has centered around the exposition of the Scriptures. He served as chaplain for the University of New South Wales, offered leadership to the Katoomba Christian Convention, founded Matthias Media, and most recently served as dean of St. Andrews Cathedral in Sydney.To teach 1 Timothy, Jensen suggests we begin not at the outset of the letter but at the center, where Paul’s purpose for writing is stated clearly (1 Tim. 3:15) and should, therefore, inform our teaching throughout. Jensen challenges our preconceived understandings of “the mystery

In her new podcast, Blessed, Nancy Guthrie sits down with Bible scholars, theologians, pastors, and other church leaders to explore the message of the book of Revelation, and why it's more relevant to our lives than we often think. Today, we're excited to share the first episode from Nancy's new show right here on the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast.Subscribe to Blessed: Conversations on the Book of Revelation with Nancy Guthrie on Apple Podcasts. 

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sat down with Graeme Goldsworthy in his home in Brisbane, Australia, to talk about biblical theology and how it affects our understanding and teaching of the Bible. Goldsworthy has written many books, including the popularAccording to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible, one of the best and most accessible overviews of the Bible’s basic plot. Over the course of our conversation, we discussed how this approach to the Bible was lost and found, how his approach to biblical theology differs from that of Geerhardus Vos and Edmund Clowney, and how to trace themes throughout the Scriptures as he demonstrates in his newest book, The Son of God an

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Michael Horton of Westminster Seminary in California about his book and biblical teaching campaign Core Christianity. In addition to being the author of many popular and academic books, Horton is the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformationmagazine, one of the hosts of the White Horse Innradio broadcast, and a minister in the United Reformed Churches.In their conversation on his book Core Christianity: Finding Yours

In this conversation, O’Donnell provides helpful ideas and key insights for teaching through Matthew, including how to find the melodic line of Matthew, Matthew’s emphasis on pattern fulfillment, and what he calls “Doug O’s Amazing Ten Steps” to interpreting parables.Books by Douglas O’Donnell:Matthew: All Authority in Heaven and on EarthThe Beginning and End of WisdomGod’s Lyrics: Rediscovering Worship through Old Testament Songs<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Song-Solomon-Invitation-Intimacy/dp/1433523388/tag=thegospcoal-20" target="_b

For this two-part conversation on 2 Samuel, Nancy sat down with John Woodhouse in his home office in Sydney, Australia.In part one, Woodhouse helps relate the story of God’s kingdom in David’s day to the context of God’s kingdom in our day. He gives us handles on how to teach 2 Samuel 7, one of the most important chapters in the Bible, in which God makes a covenant with David and promises that his throne will last forever. In part two, Woodhouse discuss the difficult-to-read—and even more challenging to teach—section on Amnon’s sin with Tamar and Absalom’s rebellion.Books on 2 Samuel:2 Samuel: Your Kingdom Come (Preaching the Word commentary series) by John WoodhouseSermons on 2 Samuel by John Calvin<a href="https://w

For this two-part conversation on 2 Samuel, Nancy sat down with John Woodhouse in his home office in Sydney, Australia.In part one, Woodhouse helps relate the story of God’s kingdom in David’s day to the context of God’s kingdom in our day. He gives us handles on how to teach 2 Samuel 7, one of the most important chapters in the Bible, in which God makes a covenant with David and promises that his throne will last forever. In part two, Woodhouse discuss the difficult-to-read—and even more challenging to teach—section on Amnon’s sin with Tamar and Absalom’s rebellion.Books on 2 Samuel:2 Samuel: Your Kingdom Come (Preaching the Word commentary series) by John WoodhouseSermons on 2 Samuel by John Calvin<a href="https://w

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sat down with two good friends who have spent many years identifying, recruiting, training, and overseeing teachers in the church. She asked them what they look for in a teacher, red flags that may indicate one shouldn’t be tapped to teach, and how they recommend people improve at teaching the Bible.Resources recommended in this episode:Simeon Trust WorkshopsOne to One Bible Reading by David HelmLiving By the Bookby Howard HendricksGetting the Message by Dan Doriani<a href="https://www.amazon.com/

In this episode, Nancy sat down with Rosaria Butterfield, formerly a tenured professor of English at Syracuse University and now a pastor’s wife, homeschool mother of four, author, and a good neighbor. She tells about her experience and provides wisdom for those teaching the Bible to people like she once was—angry and skeptical, yet wanting to discover if the Bible is credible, what has to say, and what it demands.Both of Butterfield’s books are excellent resources for thinking about how to discuss the Bible with a confirmed yet curious skeptic:The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert [review]<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Openness-Unhindered-Thoughts-Unlikely-Identity-ebook/d

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sat down with Trevin Wax—writer, TGC blogger, Religion New Service contributor, and (at the time) managing editor of The Gospel Project, a gospel-centered small group curriculum for all ages published by LifeWay Christian Resources. Wax presents the three questions every teacher needs to ask when preparing to teach as well as what makes teaching genuinely gospel-centered according to his book, Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ in All the Scripture.Resources mentioned by Trevin Wax:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Interactive-Bible-Storybook-Hardcover/dp/

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, sat down with Carrie Sandom from TheProclamation Trust in the UK and Jenny Salt from Sydney Missionary and Bible College in Australia to talk about how they approach a passage they are preparing to teach.They discuss their first opportunities and how they found the confidence to teach, as well as how they would each like to continue to improve their teaching.Audio resources:Jenny Salt’s series on RuthTalks by Salt in TGC’s resource databaseCarrie Sandom’s messages at the

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, recorded live in front of an audience at The Gospel Coalition’s 2016 Women’s Conference in Indianapolis, Nancy talked to John Piper about the book of 1 Peter. Piper is the founder of Desiring God and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary.While most of us may be familiar with John Piper’s preaching, he makes a case for teaching using the Socratic method by writing good questions for Bible study participants to work through, first on their own and then as a group.Audio/Video Resources on 1 PeterPlenary Sessions on 1 Peter from The Gospel Coalition’s 2016 Women’s ConferenceSermons on 1 Pete

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie talked with Ray Ortlund Jr. about the book of Proverbs. Ortlund was the founding pastor of Immanuel Nashville and is president of Renewal Ministries and a Council member for TGC. Among many other books, he’s the author of Proverbs: Wisdom that Works in Crossway’s Preaching the Word Commentary series. Ray presents Proverbs as an opportunity to sit down with Jesus and have him as our counselor.Recommended resources:Ancient Wisdom: Mentoring from the Book of Proverbs, a

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie talked with Justin Taylor and Dane Ortlund about how Bible teachers can build a library of useful resources.Taylor and Ortlund discuss books they believe are essential for the Bible teacher, publishing projects they’re most pleased to have been a part of, as well as what they’re working on now. They also talk about what makes an effective Bible teacher and how to become a better one.Resources suggested by Taylor and Ortlund:How to Read a Book by Mortimer AdlerKnowing the Bible study guide seriesIntroductions to Bible sections and other ESV Study Bible re

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie sat down with Colin Smith, pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and preacher at Unlocking the Bible. They discussed how to teach the story of Joseph with Christ at the center, as demonstrated in Smith’s “Snapshots of a Godly Life” sermon series.Joseph’s is the story of the loved and favored son who is hated by his brothers. Yet he is the one to whom they must come for salvation, the one to whom they must be reconciled.Mentioned in the discussion:Gleanings in Genesis</i

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sits down with George Guthrie (no relation), professor of Bible at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, to talk through how to teach Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth.Guthrie provides clarity on the “triumphal procession,” our transformation “from one degree of glory to another,” as well as how to teach on financial giving in a way that captures the beauty of the passage. Guthrie has participated in numerous Bible translation projects and wrote Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God’s Word as well as the volume on 2 Corinthians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testa

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talks to Scott Redd, campus president and associate professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Redd is the author of the chapter on Deuteronomy in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised, edited by Miles Van Pelt.He describes Deuteronomy as “the hub around which the entire Old Testament revolves.” In this discussion, Redd describes how the Ten Commandments serve as a table of contents for much of the book of Deuteronomy. He also helps with handling hard issues in the book, such as its discussion of slavery and the stoning of a rebellious son.Resources on Deuteronomy:<a href="http://resources.theg

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie talks with Lee Gatiss about the final book in the Old Testament, the book of Malachi. Gatiss  is the director of Church Society and is an adjunct lecturer in church history at Union School of Theology in Wales. Gatiss is the senior editor of The NIV Proclamation Bible and is the author of numerous books including his recent book, The Forgotten Cross.Resources for teaching the book of Malachi:Lee Gatiss’s leaders notes <a href="https:/

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie talks with Dick Lucas in London’s Proclamation Trust offices about what makes an excellent Bible teacher. We talked about how a teacher studies and prepares to teach, dealing with discouragement as a teacher, as well as the temptation to pride.Lucas was rector of St. Helen’s Bishopsgate from 1961 to 1998. In 1986, he founded the Proclamation Trust to train men and women to correctly handle Scripture through prayerful study of the text in light of its context in both the biblical book and the Bible as a whole. Now in his early 90s, Lucas was a key fig

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie speaks to Iain Duguid about the book of Judges. Duguid has been a professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary since 2014, having taught previously at Grove City College, Westminster Seminary California, and RTS Jackson.Duguid is the author of numerous commentaries and books, including volumes on Daniel and Esther and Ruth in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Song-Songs-Introduction-Commentary-Commentaries/dp/0

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy Guthrie talks with David Garner of Westminster Theological Seminary. They discuss what it takes to be clear as a teacher, how to lead in situations where participants want to take the discussion in a direction away from the text, and how our sense of the authority of Scripture impacts what and how we teach.Garner is the editor of Did God Really Say? Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture. His lectures on the authority of Scripture  from Westminster’s Full Confidence conference are available online. Additionally, his article “High Stakes: Insider Movement H

You’ve been asked to give a Bible talk. So where do you begin? And how do you make sure you’re understanding and applying the passage of scripture rightly? How will you get to the gospel?In this workshop session, recorded live at The 2021 Gospel Coalition National Conference, Nancy Guthrie takes listeners through the process of preparing to teach the Bible including prayer, looking at the context, determining the structure of the passage, composing and aim, creating an outline, getting to the gospel, developing applications, and coming up with an introduction and conclusions. She then applies each of these tasks to putting together a talk on Numbers 6:22-27.Mentioned in this episode: Putting Together a Bible Talk worksheet

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sat down with Christopher Ash at his home in Cambridge, England, to get help for teaching the book of Job, which was perhaps the first book of the Bible written.  Their conversation covers ways Job is often taught inadequately and the many ways to preach Christ through this ancient book.Ash is a pastor and writer in residence at Tyndale House in Cambridge. He recently retired as director of the Cornhill Training Course, where he served from 2004 to 2015. He is the author of Job: The Wisdom of the Cross in Crossway’s Preaching the Word commentary series.Resources by Christopher Ash:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Job-Wisdom-Cross-Preachi

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Greg Beale, who was at the time professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, about the book of Revelation—the book of the Bible surveys say people most want to be taught to them and teachers least want to teach. We work our way through key statements from Beale’s Revelation: A Shorter Commentary to cover questions on:symbolism;recapitulation;the nature of the renewal of all things; andcentral pastoral and theological themes in Revelation.Books by Greg Beale:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Testament-Biblical-Theology-Unfolding/dp

Even in churches in which men and women are getting a regular diet of biblical theology and redemptive history in what is being preached from the pulpit, often what is being offered in small-group Bible study is driven by felt needs, has little biblical or theological rigor, or is oriented around self-improvement. But when biblical theology infiltrates Bible study, it puts the emphasis on what Christ has done rather than on what we must do. It helps participants put the various parts of the Bible together so they begin to make sense. And it makes being united to Christ by faith urgent and necessary.In this workshop recorded live at The Gospel Coalition 2021 National Conference, Nancy Guthrie works through seven ways biblical theology transforms Bible study as well as ways teachers can develop a deeper grasp of biblical theology.Registration opens on July 1 for 12 Biblical Theology

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Robert Smith Jr., professor of preaching at Beeson Divinity School. They discussed Psalm 42–43 and what it has to teach about moving from sorrow to joy, from mourning to morning. Smith was previously associate professor of Christian preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Among other writing projects, he is the author of Doctrine That Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life, which was named Preaching magazine’s 2008 Preaching Book of the Year and Preaching.com’s 2009 Preaching Book of the Year.Recommended resources:“<a href="htt

In this second of a two-part episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked to Liam Goligher, senior minister at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he has been preaching through the book of Isaiah. Part 2 of this conversation covers Isaiah 40–66. In it, Goligher discusses:key terms in Isaiah, including “Behold!,” “The Holy One of Israel,” “Mount Zion,” and “My Servant”the prophecies not yet fulfilledreading Isaiah 53 in the context of the bookglory revealedthe hope of justice being doneRecommended audio resources:The Gospel According to Isaiah, a sermon series by Liam GoligherRecommended print resources:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Isaiah-Redesign-Saves-Sinners-Preaching/dp/1433535475www.amazon.com/Isai

In this first of a two-part episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked to Liam Goligher, senior minister at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he has been preaching through the book of Isaiah. In Part 1 covering Isaiah 1–39, Goligher discusses:the significance of King Ahaz and King Hezekiahapplying Isaiah’s preaching to todaythe holy seed and righteous branchthe human and yet divine baby to be bornthe fundamental problem of God’s peoplethe significance of Egypt throughout the BibleIsaiah’s credibility based on short-term propheciesRecommended audio resources on Isaiah:The Gospel According to Isaiah, a sermon series by Liam Goligher<a

In this the second of a two-part episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked to Gary Millar, principal of Queensland Theological College in Brisbane, Australia, and author of Saving Eutychus. Millar is currently working on a commentary on 1 and 2 Kings, which will be published by Crossway. The Book of 1 Kings opens with a weakened King David who can’t seem to keep warm in bed, and subsequently works its way through:the glorious and yet ultimately failed kingship of Solomonthe building and dedication of the templethe division of the kingdom with its good and bad kingsthe prophetic ministry of ElijahRecommended audio resources on 1 Kings:<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/po

In this two-part episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked to Gary Millar, principal of Queensland Theological College in Brisbane, Australia, and author of Saving Eutychus. Millar is currently working on a commentary on 1 and 2 Kings, which will be published by Crossway. The Book of 1 Kings opens with a weakened King David who can’t seem to keep warm in bed, and subsequently works its way through:the glorious and yet ultimately failed kingship of Solomonthe building and dedication of the templethe division of the kingdom with its good and bad kingsthe prophetic ministry of ElijahRecommended audio resources on 1 Kings:<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/queensland

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible Nancy went to Columbia, South Carolina, to sit down with Derek Thomas and ask his help for teaching through the book of Mark. Over the course of the conversation they discussed:the miracle stories and how to apply themthe kingdom of Godtrue repentancewhat it means to be a discipleRecommended audio resources:Sermons on the book of Mark by Derek ThomasSermons on the book of Mark by Kevin DeYoungSermon series on the book of Mark from Holy Trinity Church<a href="http://resources.t

In this, the second of two episodes, Nancy talked with Ryan Kelly, pastor for preaching at Desert Springs Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he taught through the book of 1 Samuel. Kelly calls 1 Samuel a “hinge book” between the time of the judges and the establishment of the kingship in Israel. Topics include:The prayer of Hannah that extends beyond what has been revealed and provides a table of contents for the bookThe problem with Israel’s desire for a kingDavid’s speeches in the David and Goliath storyWhat Jonathan reveals about true conversionThree decapitationsWarnings for us in the sin of SaulAdditional audio resources 1 Samuel:Sermons on 1 Samuel by Ryan Kelly<a href="http://resourc

In this two-part episode, Nancy talked with Ryan Kelly, pastor for preaching at Desert Springs Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he taught through the book of 1 Samuel. Kelly calls 1 Samuel a “hinge book” between the time of the judges and the establishment of the kingship in Israel. Topics include:The prayer of Hannah that extends beyond what has been revealed and provides a table of contents for the bookThe problem with Israel’s desire for a kingDavid’s speeches in the David and Goliath storyWhat Jonathan reveals about true conversionThree decapitationsWarnings for us in the sin of SaulAdditional audio resources 1 Samuel:Sermons on 1 Samuel by Ryan Kelly<a href="http://resources.thegospe

On this episode, Nancy Guthrie talked with Mike Bullmore about what may be one of the least-studied books in the Bible. The book of 2 Chronicles is rich in story and encouragement to trust God to be faithful to his promises. Bullmore is senior pastor of CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin, and author of The Gospel and Scripture: How to Read the Bible (Crossway, 2011).Topics include:Why study 2 Chronicles?How do we prepare people to understand the two histories of 2 Chronicles?What is the purpose of 2 Chronicles?What is the difference between 1–2 Kings and 1–2 Chronicles?What is the divine promise 1–2 Chronicles is arguing God will be faithful to?What is the angst of the situation in Judah?How does the chronicler’s record of Solomon reveal his purpose in writing?

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked about the book of Hebrews with Sam Storms, lead pastor for preaching and vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, and founder of Enjoying God Ministries. They discussed the many challenging aspects of teaching this book so steeped in the Old Testament, as well as the deep encouragement that comes from it. Topics include:the aim of the writer of Hebrewsthe wealth of the first four versesthe humanity of Jesusthe Sabbath theme in Hebrewswarnings in Hebrewswhy we need a priestthe reason we should not anticipate a rebuilt physical temple and reinstated sacrificesthe challenge and intimidation of teaching Hebrews 6teaching Hebrews 11 rightlyHere are some additional audio resources

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with one of her favorite Scottish preachers, Colin Smith, about how the book of Jonah reveals the steadfast love and mercy of God. Smith is senior pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and teacher on Unlocking the Bible. Topics in this episode include:ways the book of Jonah is taught inadequatelyreasons Jonah would not have wanted to go to Ninevehthe pagan sailors’ response to the offer of a sacrifice that savesJonah in the fish—a picture of being in Christthe heart of the book: “Salvation belongs to the Lord”Jonah's fearless message of judgment and gracewhat to do with “God relented”how grace either makes a perso

To teach us how to teach the book of James, Nancy Guthrie talked with Dan Doriani, vice president of strategic academic initiatives and professor of theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Doriani is the author of Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible, a book that is essential reading for every Bible teacher, as well as numerous commentaries. He also wrote the introduction and notes on the book of James in the Gospel Transformation Bible. Topics in this discussion include:the way Jesus is presented differently in James compared to other epistlesthe tree tests of

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talks with David Helm, pastor of the Hyde Park Congregation of Holy Trinity Church  and chairman of  The Charles Simeon Trust. The book of Daniel is often mined for the stories in its first half while the apocalyptic visions of the second half are avoided. David is the author of a new book Daniel for You (The Good Book Company, 2015) and is also author of the acclaimed  Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God’s Word Today,  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Reading-simple-guide-Chris

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talks with Michael Lawrence, senior pastor of Hinson Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon, or “the ends of the earth” as Lawrence calls it in context of the book of Acts. In this episode you'll not only hear the sounds of a church office building under construction, you'll also hear about how God is going about building his church as recorded in the book of Acts. Topics include:epic moments in redemptive history in ActsActs as part two of Luke's Gospelthe main character of the book of Actsthe structure of the book of Actsthe cinematic sweep of Actsthe Spirit falls on unexpected peoplequestions about tonguessermons in the book of Actsimplications and applications of the crucifixion and resurrectionwhether

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy sits down with Dale Ralph Davis at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where, in his “retirement” he serves as minister in residence or, as senior pastor Derek Thomas calls him, “the preacher of the night.” Davis is a long-time pastor and former professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Davis's book, No Falling Words, has long been a must-have commentary on Joshua.We sat down with him as he was reworking his messages on Joshua for an upcoming conference to talk about “the strange God” of Joshua as well as:old promises fulfilled in Joshua;the meaning of the land;God’s command to destroy the Canaanites;the unlikely recipient of mercy;<

On this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, I spoke with Bryan Chapell, senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois, and the former president of Covenant Theological Seminary about how to teach through the book of Ephesians. Chapell’s books include Holiness by Grace: Delighting in the Joy That Is Our Strength and Christ-Centered Preaching. In Ephesians, Paul presents us with so much essential teaching for understanding what Christ has done and how we are to live as those who belong to him.Topics in the discussion include:the cosmic scope of Ephesians;God’s plan that includes the persecution of the church;the mea

In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, I talked with Mark Futato, the Robert L. Maclellan professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, where he teaches core classes on Hebrew and Old Testament books. Futato has written a number of books on Psalms that flow out not only from his study but also his love for and his living with the Psalms.Topics in the discussion include:whether or not we should make the Psalms “about me”;allowing the organization of Psalms to inform our teaching;common mistakes made in teaching Psalms;the big three kinds of Psalms;how Psalms speaks to our emotions; andsinging the Psalms about Jesus, to Jesus, with Jesus.Recommended audio resources on the Psalms:Mark Futato on Psalm 1, 23<a href="http://thirdmill.org/sermons/series.asp/au/

Recommended Audio ResourcesHans Bayer on context, outline, and thought flow in PhilippiansDick Lucas sermons on PhilippiansJohn Piper sermons on PhilippiansRecommended Print Resources:Philippians: A 12-Week Study by Ryan

In this inaugural episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, I talked with John Piper, founder and teacher of Desiring God and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary, where he taught through the book of Philippians. He called this teaching a “dream come true.” Topics in this interview include:allowing those you teach to discover what the book is about;Paul's love expressed in this personal letter;connecting propositions in Paul's arguments; andthe better by far of being with Christ at death vs. the resurrection of the body.Recommended Audio ResourcesHans Bayer on context, outline, and thought flow in Philippians<l

When I began recording interviews for Help Me Teach the Bible in the fall of 2014, I didn’t have a grand plan. At that point I wouldn't have said that I had the goal of recording an episode on every book of the Bible because that would have seemed like an overwhelming task and too much of a commitment. But I just kept doing interviews, and people kept finding the podcast and listening. I kept being stretched and informed and inspired by getting to have these conversations with a lot of people I admired who have helped me in my own teaching. And I have loved it.The podcast now has an episode or two on every book of the Bible as well as over 60 topical episodes on various aspects of getting better at teaching the Bible. For this final* episode I asked my husband to turn the tables and interview me about the podcast itself, and I asked listeners to send in questions they wanted me to answer. We ta

It’s the shortest book in the Old Testament—only twenty-one verses—and I don’t think I’ve heard it preached or taught. According to my guest, Jonathan Gibson, associate professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, the message of this short book is “the realization of the Lord’s sovereignty and the role reversal of Edom and Judah on the day of the Lord.”Essential to understanding and teaching the book is its connection to the narrative of Jacob and Esau as Obadiah applies events in the individual biographies of Esau and Jacob to Edom and Judah. Rather than teaching Obadiah as a warning against human pride, Gibson suggests that the book should be presented as as the outworking of God’s covenant promise to Abraham to bless those who blessed him and curse those who dishonored him.Books by Jonathan GibsonFro

Leviticus is the place where the best of intentions to read through the Bible often stall out. But it is a book that Jay Sklar, professor of Old Testament and vice president of academics at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, MO, has studied and written about prolifically. Sklar's doctoral studies focused on the theology of sin, impurity, sacrifice, and atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system. He contributed to the study notes of Leviticus for the ESV Study Bible, the introduction and notes for Leviticus for The Gospel Transformation Bible, and he wrote a commentary on Leviticus for the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary Series (InterVarsity Press).In this conversation, Dr. Sklar delineates five reasons Leviticus is a challenging book to read and understand, as well as to teach:It is mostly law, which is unappealing to most of us.It is culturally strange.It emphasizes ritual which we tend to assume is meaningless.Its la

In the years I’ve spent in the church listening to sermons and teaching, I can think of very few times that I have heard direct applications from the text made to the sin of racism or the sin of apathy toward injustice. Maybe I just didn’t have the ears to hear it. In my own teaching, I may have mentioned racism in a list of sins, or mentioned it as one of the things that will be “no more” in the new heaven and new earth, but I don’t think I’ve ever used an opportunity teaching in a passage to challenge these sins. I want to do better, and I imagine there are a lot of others who do too.That is why I asked two excellent Bible teachers who bring a great deal of experience and credibility to this topic to have a conversation with me about how to rightly and helpfully apply the Bible to the sin of racism. Irwyn Ince is a pastor at Grace DC Presbyterian Church and director of the Grace DC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission

Few teachers are rushing to teach the book of 1 Chronicles. Perhaps that's because they have already taught through 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings and so much from these earlier books is repeated in 1–2 Chronicles. But according to Richard Pratt, president and co-founder of Third Millennium Ministries and author of the volume on 1–2 Chronicles in the Mentor Commentary series, to not study these books because of repeated material would be similar to a person not studying Mark or Luke because they’ve already studied Matthew. The Chronicler intentionally diverged from the records of Samuel and Kings to reveal his theological perspectives, and, according to Pratt, this perspective does not take away from the credibility of the book. Rather it serves the purpose of the book, which is to direct his audience to reconsider what they believed about the people of God, about the king and the temple, and about God’s blessings and curses.Rath

There are two statements that I could immediately identify as being from Amos, even though I haven't spent much time in the book. One is the rhetorical question, “Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has done it?” (3:6), a question that is really a statement about the sovereignty of God over all things. And then there is Amos's call to, “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream “ (5:24). Then there is that portrait of rich, indulgent women who are called “cows of Bashan” (4:1), which I’ve always found to be a humorous image. But what is the book’s message?According to Michael McKelvey, associate professor of Old Testament at RTS Jackson, and author of the commentary on the book of Amos in the ESV Expository Commentary Volume 7, the thesis for the book of Amos is found in Amos 3:2, where God says to Israel: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Israel

What are the essentials to good Bible study materials? And what makes a small group Bible study work well? Are we going to take prayer requests? Will there be homework or no homework? What makes the difference between good questions in curriculum and questions that frustrate the group?These are the kinds of questions I talked through with Lydia Brownback who has just embarked on creating a new series of Bible study resources called the Flourish Bible Study series for which she plans to create three new studies a year for ten years. We talked about the importance of defining terms, studying a book of the Bible in the larger context of the Bible’s story and message, and the best way to go about making personal application. Because Brownback is a senior editor at Crossway books, I also asked her about the advice she gives when people ask her about how they c

All of us who dare to stand up and teach the Bible are teachers in progress. We all have ways we can get better.Recently I got to sit down with Mark Meynell who, in his role as director of Europe and the Caribbean for Langham Preaching, spends most of his time traveling to different parts of the world to help teachers and preachers get better at handing the Bible. According to Meynell, Bible teachers all over the world lament the same thing—a lack of time to do the kind of study they want to do on the text. His word to teachers is: "You make time for what you think is important.” Meynell says that the marks of really good Bible teaching include faithfulness to the set, relevance to the audience, and clarity in delivery. Our discussion included tips on how to discover the tics we all have as teachers that make it hard for our audience to listen to us, how to and how not to bring in passages outside

The book of Ecclesiastes raises so many questions. Who is Qoheleth? Who wrote the book? Is life really meaningless? Are we supposed to just eat, drink and be merry?After putting it off for forty years as many fine preachers and teachers have done before him, Harry Reeder, senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, finally preached through Ecclesiastes. In our conversation, we talked about the things that make the book challenging to teach and how to organize teaching through the book. According to Reeder, Ecclesiastes has a lot to teach us about how to approach life and death, as well as the promise of life beyond death.Recommended resources:Preacher’s Toolkit: How Should I Preach Ecclesiastes<a href="https://store.thegospelcoali

In these days of COVID-19, plenty of people are asking if the virus is a judgment from God, if he is sending a message to us.I recorded this conversation on the book of Joel with Paul House, professor of Old Testament at Beeson Divinity School, prior to the spread of the virus, but his points about God’s message in disaster to call out to the Lord has proved to be timely. Disasters, he says, should cause us to ask, “What have we as a people and a nation been doing? It certainly hasn’t been looking to the Lord. So without going into direct causation, these are meant to get people to repent."House presents the book as Joel preaching on Deuteronomy 28 and Exodus 34, using vivid imagery to warn of the awful reality of God’s judgments. Joel calls the people of God to turn toward God, assuring them that "even now, if they return to the Lord with all their heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning, he wi

I spoke to Brian Tabb, academic dean and associate professor of biblical studies at Bethlehem College and Seminary, general editor for Themelios, and author of 1-2 Timothy and Titus: A 12 Week Study in the Knowing the Bible study guide series from Crossway. In our conversation, Tabb answers the question, “What is the book of Titus about?” in several ways including, “Titus is about the gospel at work,” “It’s about being saved for good,” and “Titus is about the organic connection between what is taught and caught.”Over the course of our conversation Tabb helps Bible teachers understand the unique setting of the ministry of Titus—the island of Crete and Cretans who have been saved by grace—as well as the role of good works in the life of a Christian. We also talk about what it looks like to “adorn

Colin Smith is senior pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, a thriving, multi-campus church located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and a TGC Council member. He's also president of Unlocking the Bible, a ministry that seeks to root people in the Word of God through their website, publishing, podcast and radio program.When Smith asked me to read his newest book, For All Who Grieve: Navigating the Valley of Sorrow and Loss in view of offering an endorsement, not only was I glad to endorse it, I discovered that the book is really an exposition through the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is a book that, I think it is safe to say, very few preachers and teachers teach all the way through. Written by Jeremiah, who endured one manifestation of the divine judgment the Bible consiste

We have four gospels. Each of the gospels tell the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in different ways, targeting different audiences, and with different purposes.In this conversation, I asked Benjamin Gladd, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and author of the new book, The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament, to walk listeners through the book of Luke looking for the particular larger biblical themes Luke seems to be most concerned with impressing upon his readers. The kingdom of God is a focus of each of the gospels, but Gladd suggests that Luke is most concerned with how a person gets into the kingdom, which is through faith in Christ. In addition, Gladd highlights the themes of the nations and Gentiles, Jesus as

If you’ve heard a sermon on Zephaniah that you can remember, likely it was on Zephaniah 3, where we are told that the Lord will “rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” We like that part. But we don’t get to this kind of hopeful assurance in the book of Zephaniah until chapter 3. So what do we do with all of the judgment in Zephaniah when we’re teaching through this book?William Wood, assistant professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary Atlanta, who is currently finalizing his doctoral dissertation on the use of the Old Testament in the book of Zephaniah, tells us in this conversation. Wood says that the book of Zephaniah is summarized by the line: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled; those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Wood also demonstrates how to connect the promises in the book of Zephaniah to the clothing of the priests, the story of Dagon, Pentecost, and the ultimate Day

Oftentimes Nehemiah is the book that gets preached through when a church building campaign comes around. Or Nehemiah is used as an example of a prayerful, strategic, and effective leader for a series on leadership. But is seeing and teaching the book of Nehemiah through the lens of wall-builder or inspiring leader the best way to approach the book?Aaron Messner, senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, suggests there is more. The building language of the book of Nehemiah is showing us something about the building up of God's covenant people, the church, which is being built with living stones led by one greater than Nehemiah.Recommended Audio ResourcesSermon series on Ezra, Haggai and Nehemiah by Aaron Messner<a href="https://resources.thegospelcoalition.org/library?f%5Bbook%5D%5B%5D=Nehemiah&f%5Bcontributors%5D%5B%5

Habakkuk had some significant questions for God. And God’s answers were hard to hear. But God told Habakkuk to write down what God was showing him because future generations would need to hear it. We need to hear it. Those we teach need to hear it.In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, David Helm, lead pastor of the Hyde Park congregation of Holy Trinity Church in Chicago and chairman of the board of the Charles Simeon Trust, walks listeners through the short three-chapter book of Habakkuk, helping us to trace its argument, feel its poetic pathos, and sing its song. We spend time on how to handle Habakkuk’s important statement “the righteous will live by faith.” We also talk about Habakkuk's faith-filled determination to trust God in the disaster that is about to come down on his people as God determines to use the Babylonians to deliver his judgment.<stron

The book of 2 Kings begins with the prophet Elijah being taken up into heaven in a chariot of fire, and it ends with Jerusalem being destroyed by fire with plenty of action and intrigue in between. So how do we make the most of teaching this book, clearly presenting its message and getting to the greater Elisha and the greater king it points toward?Andrew Sach, pastor of Grace Church Greenwich in greater London, has been teaching (and, interestingly enough, rapping) through the books of 1 and 2 Kings. He is also working on a book on 1 and 2 Kings for his Dig Deeper series. Having listened to some of his messages in person and others online, I noted nine things Andrew did as a teacher that make his teaching clear and compelling, which we worked through in our conversation. Andrew  demonstrates how Elijah and Elisha relate to John the Baptist and Jesus at numerous points in their stories. He also talks about how the story of the northern tribes of Israel presents an opportunity

Hosea is a book that tells a heart-breaking story—for some a perplexing story—about a prophet told to marry a prostitute. It’s a book that is filled with cycle after cycle of promises of judgment. But, according to David Murray, professor of Old Testament and practical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Hosea is a book that gives teachers the opportunity to present people with vivid pictures of God as a faithful husband intent on loving his unfaithful wife, a parent whose heart is twisted up inside him over the impact of his child’s sin, and so much more. In context of all of God’s uncomfortable promises to judge his people in heart-breaking ways, Murray points out God’s repeated promises throughout the book to live, to save, to redeem, and to restore his people to himself after they’ve wandered away from him. Mentioned in this episode<a href="http://headhearthand.org/blog/2019/10/17/sermon-preparati

Nancy Guthrie interviews Nicholas Reid

Nancy Guthrie interviews Greg Lanier on the second half of 1 Corinthians

Nancy Guthrie interviews Greg Lanier about 1 Corinthians

Nancy Guthrie interviews David Helm

Nancy Guthrie interviews Christopher Ash

Nancy Guthrie interviews Melissa Kruger

Nancy Guthrie interviews Aaron Messner

Nancy Guthrie interviews John Currie

Nancy Guthrie interviews Stephen Um

Nancy Guthrie interviews Rebecca McLaughlin

Nancy Guthrie interviews Richard Phillips

Nancy Guthrie interviews Andrew Sach

Nancy Guthrie talks with 5 women from the Middle East

Nancy Guthrie interviews

A live interview by Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie interviews Christopher Ash

Nancy Guthrie interviews Jonathan Carswell

Nancy Guthrie interviews T. Desmond Alexander

A talk by Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie interviews Anthony Petterson

Nancy Guthrie interviews Ligon Duncan on Covenant Theology

Nancy Guthrie interviews Leigh Swanson

Nancy Guthrie interviews Joe Novenson

Nancy Guthrie interviews Jared Wilson

Nancy Guthrie interviews David and Sally Michael

Nancy Guthrie interviews Michael Stead

Nancy Guthrie interviews Jim Hamilton

Nancy Guthrie interviews Jackie Hill Perry

Nancy Guthrie interviews David Robertson

Nancy Guthrie interviews John Neufeld

A talk on how the Bible's story changes your story

Nancy Guthrie Interviews Matt Smethurst

Nancy Guthrie Interviews Matt Smethurst

Nancy Guthrie interviews Philip Ryken

Nancy Guthrie interviews Sam Allberry

Nancy Guthrie interviews Don Carson

Nancy Guthrie interviews Greg Beale about teaching Colossians

Nancy Guthrie interviews Elizabeth Groves

Nancy Guthrie interviews Iain Duguid

Nancy Guthrie interviews Jennifer Marshall

Nancy Guthrie with Scott Redd

Nancy Guthrie interviews Kay Arthur and David Arthur

Nancy Guthrie interviews Howard Griffith

Nancy Guthrie interviews Mark Futato on the Psalms

An Interview with Colleen McFadden

Nancy Guthrie interviews Paul Tripp

Nancy Guthrie interviews Nate Shurden

Nancy Guthrie interviews David Filson and Nathan Finn

Practical help for Bible teachers

Nancy Guthrie with Dennis Johnson

Nancy Guthrie with J. V. Fesko

Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie talks with Simon Manchester about how to engage listeners

Nancy Guthrie, Peter Orr

Nancy Guthrie talks with David Murray about how to teach biblical typology

Nancy Guthrie talks to Scott Swain about how to teach the doctrine of the Trinity

Nancy Guthrie talks with Peter Adam about how to keep Bible teaching interesting.

Nancy Guthrie, Andy Davis

Nancy Guthrie, Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung on teaching the book of Exodus

Nancy Guthrie, Miguel Núñez

Nancy Guthrie, Tony Reinke

Nancy Guthrie, H. B. Charles

Nancy Guthrie talks with David Helm about how to teach the books 1, 2, and 3 John

Nancy Guthrie, Tim Keller

Nancy Guthrie, Vern Poythress

Nancy Guthrie, Carlton Wynne

Nancy Guthrie, Ed Welch

Nancy Guthrie talks with Jonathan Gibson about how to teach the book of 2 Peter

Nancy Guthrie talks with Marty Machowski about teaching the Bible to children.

Nancy Guthrie talks with Colleen McFadden and Lisa Helm

Nancy Guthrie, Ligon Duncan

Nancy Guthrie, Ligon Duncan

Nancy Guthrie, Jen Wilkin

Nancy Guthrie, Michael Kruger

Nancy Guthrie, Michael Kruger

Nancy Guthrie, Paul House

Nancy Guthrie talks with Phillip Jensen about how to teach the book of 1 Timothy

Nancy Guthrie, Graeme Goldsworthy

Nancy Guthrie, Michael Horton

Nancy Guthrie, John Woodhouse

Nancy Guthrie, John Woodhouse

Nancy Guthrie, Donna Dobbs, Kari Stainback

Nancy Guthrie, Rosaria Butterfield

Nancy Guthrie talks with Trevin Wax about how to center Bible teaching on the gospel

Nancy Guthrie talks with Bible teachers Jenny Salt and Carrie Sandom about how to prepare a Bible talk

In a live session recorded at The Gospel Coalition's 2016 Women's Conference, Nancy Guthrie talks with John Piper about how to teach the book of 1 Peter.

Nancy Guthrie talks with Ray Ortlund about how to teach the book of Proverbs.

Nancy Guthrie talks with Justin Taylor and Dane Ortlund about how Bible teachers can build a library of useful resources.

Nancy Guthrie talks to Colin Smith about teaching the story of Joseph

Nancy Guthrie talks with George Guthrie about how to teach the book of 2 Corinthians

Nancy Guthrie talks with Scott Redd about how to teach the book of Deuteronomy

Nancy Guthrie talks with Lee Gatiss about how to teach the book of Malachi

Nancy Guthrie talks with Dick Lucas on how to improve as a Bible teacher

Nancy Guthrie talks with Ian Duguid about how to teach the difficult book of Judges

Nancy Guthrie interviews David Garner

Nancy Guthrie talks with Christopher Ash about how to teach the book of Job