Posts with the category “bible-study”
Don't Skip That Part: Jesus' Teaching on Conflict and Resolution
by Patrick Swayne on May 8th, 2026
Jesus' words regarding intrapersonal conflict are some of the most ignored words in all the Bible. What did Jesus say, and why is it important for us not to skip over His words? Read More
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When Blood Flowed on Two Mountains
by Patrick Swayne on May 2nd, 2026
The Bible tells two stories of sacrifice that both occurred on mountains. In these two stories, we see the love of God contrasted with the futility of manmade religion. Read More
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Properly Placing Our Power: A Deep Dive into Jesus' Claim to Have “All Authority” in Matthew 28:18
by Patrick Swayne on April 24th, 2026
Jesus says that He has "all authority in heaven and on earth." If that's true, why does the Bible describe individual people, governments, and even Satan as having authority? Let's open our Bibles and find out. Read More
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Is Keeping Our Word More Important Than Keeping God’s Word? (A Closer Look at Joshua’s Vow with the Gibeonites)
by Patrick Swayne on April 18th, 2026
Israel made a covenant with a people they were called by God to drive out and destroy. So why did God expect them to keep it, and what can we learn? Read More
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When Right Isn't Enough
by Patrick Swayne on April 3rd, 2026
As powerful as truth is, knowing it does not always or even often keep people from poor choices. What else is needed? Read More
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Why Should I Study the Old Testament?
by Patrick Swayne on March 30th, 2026
As Christians, we live under the Law of Liberty, not the Law of Moses. Should we just ignore the Old Testament though? Read More
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What the Future Holds for Godly Women
by Patrick Swayne on March 20th, 2026
Widowhood is a reality which implies a tragedy. However, when viewed through the lens of Scripture, it is transformed into a tremendous opportunity. Read More
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The Danger of Judging Outcomes
by Patrick Swayne on March 12th, 2026
Have you ever dismissed an effort or a ministry based purely on past results? Here's why that might not best approach. Read More
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Loving All of Jesus
by Patrick Swayne on February 27th, 2026
The church is Jesus' body. What should this illustration teach us about loving Jesus? Read More
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Unity and the Christian Walk
by Patrick Swayne on February 20th, 2026
Freedom in Christ demands a worthy walk. Why does Paul describe pursuing unity as the first step in this journey, and what should unity mean to us? Read More
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It Is Easier to Subtract When You Add
by Patrick Swayne on February 16th, 2026
Are you trying to live your life in the negative? Paul shows us a better way. Read More
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Looking for the Blessed Hope
by Patrick Swayne on February 6th, 2026
What emotions does the Second Coming of Jesus inspire in you? Read More
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Receiving God's Word as a Child
by Patrick Swayne on January 23rd, 2026
Jesus wants us to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child" (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17). How does this relate to the way we read the Bible? Read More
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Reasons to Believe from the Book of John
by Patrick Swayne on January 9th, 2026
John's account of Jesus life was written "that you may believe." What reasons does John give for us to believe in Jesus? Read More
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The Chains of Forgiveness
by Patrick Swayne on January 2nd, 2026
Did you know that the word translated "forgiveness" is also translated as "liberty"? What does this reveal about forgiving others? Read More
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Who Are You Reading the Bible for?
by Patrick Swayne on December 22nd, 2025
How do you read your Bible? Let's consider together what we can learn about Bible study from Romans 1-3. Read More
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What Can We Learn About the Second Coming of Jesus from 1 & 2 Thessalonians?
by Patrick Swayne on December 12th, 2025
One of the major focuses of 1 & 2 Thessalonians is Jesus' Second Coming. What can we learn from these epistles about this event that is so central to our faith? Read More
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The Devil's Workshop
by Patrick Swayne on December 6th, 2025
"_____ _____ are the devils workshop." Can you fill in the blanks? Or, better yet, is there only one way to fill them in? Read More
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Why It's Good to Be Grateful
by Patrick Swayne on November 27th, 2025
Gratitude is absolutely essential for believers in God. Let's explore Luke 17:11-19 and see why. Read More
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How to Choose an English Translation of the Bible
by Patrick Swayne on November 7th, 2025
There are so many translations of the Bible in English today. What goes into a translation, and what things should I keep in mind when picking one? Read More
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Trials & the Will of God
by Patrick Swayne on November 1st, 2025
1 Peter frequently discusses trials and, surprisingly, connects them with the will of God. Why, and what can we learn? Read More
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Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
by Patrick Swayne on October 20th, 2025
What does the Bible mean when it describes love as covering a multitude of sins? Read More
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What Does Ephesians Teach Me About the Church?
by Patrick Swayne on October 10th, 2025
For something a little different, this post reflects on the value of meditating on the Word of God before sharing the fruit of a meditation exercise on the Book of Ephesians. I hope it inspires you as you strive to make God's Word your daily meditation. Read More
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Did Paul Provide Further Grounds for Divorce and Remarriage?
by Patrick Swayne on October 3rd, 2025
What does the Bible say about marriage, divorce, and remarriage? Did Paul provide and exception for divorce and remarriage that Jesus didn't? Read More
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Is Following Jesus Really Easy?
by Patrick Swayne on September 25th, 2025
Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Is it really? Let's find the harmony between this statement and many others that speak of the high cost of discipleship. Read More
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Am I My Brother's Keeper?
by Patrick Swayne on September 20th, 2025
When God confronted Cain, questioning him about the brother he had recently murdered, Cain callously asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Interestingly, it's a question every follower of God should consider. Read More
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Paul's Prescription for Fear and Anxiety
by Patrick Swayne on September 13th, 2025
Never has there been a time when it was so easy to feed our fears and anxieties. When we are inundated with stories of sin and sorrow, it's so easy to let go of our anchor in Jesus. Let's listen to Paul as he helps us "stand fast in the Lord." Read More
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How Can I Know When God Says No?
by Patrick Swayne on September 4th, 2025
Have you ever been afraid that you are asking for something against God's will when you pray? Let's see what the Bible says about the times God says, "No." Read More
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Becoming a Friend of Sinners
by Patrick SwayneThough it was intended as a slight against Him, one of the more significant ways Jesus on August 25th, 2025
Jesus was and is a friend of sinners. While we could learn much from Him, perhaps there's something we could learn from the story of another man who had many friends who helped him get to Jesus. Read More
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Couldn’t God Have Created Us Without the Ability to Sin?
by Patrick Swayne on August 7th, 2025
My boys recently asked me a question that I imagine pretty much everyone has asked at one point or another: Couldn’t God have created us without the ability to sin? Read More
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When Calling Isn't Just Speaking
by -Patrick Swayne on July 31st, 2025
Should we draw the conclusion from Romans 10 that calling on the name of the Lord is as simple as belief and confession? Read More
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The Difference Between the Sinner's Prayer and a Sinner's Prayer
by Patrick Swayne on July 28th, 2025
What does the Bible teach about prayer and those who are lost, and what bearing does this have on the common evangelical custom known as the Sinner's Prayer? Read More
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Some Things You Should Know About Earthen Vessels
by Patrick Swayne on July 17th, 2025
2 Corinthians calls us to dwell on the often misunderstood role that earthen vessels play in conveying God's message. Let's explore this important text. Read More
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Loving Liberty Enough to Give It Up
by Patrick Swayne on July 10th, 2025
Patrick Henry said, "Give me liberty or give me death." Sadly, many who love freedom as he did seek it in things that bring death. Let's explore what the Bible says about liberty. Read More
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Some Truths About Leaving the Church
by Patrick Swayne on June 26th, 2025
I've heard Christians say about those who have fallen away, "He/she is doing really well." What does the Bible say about leaving the church? Read More
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Jesus: Our Example
by Patrick Swayne on June 16th, 2025
Peter says that Jesus is our example (1 Peter 2:21). There's a powerful word picture at play here that's worth exploring. Read More
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Silence in the Scriptures
by Patrick Swayne on June 2nd, 2025
Members of the church of Christ are often committed to something called the principle of silence. Are they alone in this commitment? Let's open our Bibles and see. Read More
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Was Jesus a Drunkard?
by Patrick Swayne on May 22nd, 2025
Long ago, people said of Jesus, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard." More recently, some have tried to establish that there is some truth to these claims. Is there? Read More
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Faith Is Reasonable (Psalm 2)
by Patrick SwayneFaith Is Reasonable (Psalm 2) “Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has.” Is that t on May 2nd, 2025
Faith is often portrayed as unreasonable. In fact, it's the only reasonable position we can hold. Let's explore Psalm 2. Read More
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Are You a Peacemaker or a Peacemonger?
by Patrick Swayne on April 25th, 2025
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." But what is peace, and when/how is it made? The Bible's answer is very different from the world's answer. Read More
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