Articles

Keep Going in Your Bible Study
Four tips when motivation is lowBSF Content Development DirectorWe speak of our great God as absolutely sovereign, the Lord of heaven and earth. But that raises some perplexing questions. For example, does God choose us? Or do we choose to follow God? Some of the most...

Does God Choose Me or Do I Choose God?
The mystery of God's election and our faith in salvationGuest ContributorWe speak of our great God as absolutely sovereign, the Lord of heaven and earth. But that raises some perplexing questions. For example, does God choose us? Or do we choose to follow God? Some of...

Personal Quiet Time: The Basics
Getting the most out of your daily devotionsFrom the Editorial TeamWhether we are new to the Bible or have studied for years, reading Scripture can be challenging. When we feel limited by our lack of knowledge or are confused by difficult chapters, it helps to...

Where Is My Miracle?
What to do when God doesn't answer the way we expectGuest ContributorNothing can describe the horror when you hear doctors say, “You will never walk again or use your hands.” I spent many sleepless nights in the hospital, praying, “Oh God, may it not be so!” Visitors...

How to View Miracles Like Jesus
What Feeding the 5,000 reveals about Jesus's prioritiesGuest ContributorThe fame of Jesus was spreading like wildfire. No one had performed wondrous miracles like this man (John 6:2), and no one had spoken with authority like this teacher (Mark 1:22). People...

What I Learned Praying For a Miracle
What to pray when you are waiting for a miracleBSF Editorial ManagerPaul Wambi needed a miracle. Hospital monitors beeped in the background while his infant son, Matthew, fought for survival. As a husband and father, Paul stood helpless. “I stood at the hospital...

How to Respond When Your Faith Is Questioned
Answering challenges during gospel conversationsGuest ContributorHas the prospect of sharing your faith ever intimidated or scared you? I think if we’re honest with ourselves, all who have tried to be faithful in the realm of evangelism would answer with a resounding...

Relational Evangelism: Does It Work?
How to reach the people you love with gospel truthBSF Editorial AssistantEight-year-old Lakhvir Kaur listened to her friend Stephanie talk about Jesus like He was her best friend. He sounded so amazing that Lakhvir wondered if she could meet Him too. She kept her...

Sharing the Gospel: The Basics
A model for sharing truth through john's gospelFrom the Editorial TeamThe following verses come from our Bible study John's Gospel:The Truth. Sharing the gospel can be intimidating. What should we say? How should we say it? Throughout Christian history, evangelists...

Are You Believing These Lies About Evangelism?
Three beliefs that hold you back from sharing your faithBSF Administrative AssistantIf I’m being completely honest, I have never liked evangelism. Just the idea makes my palms sweat and my stomach knot. The pressure and vulnerability of sharing my faith makes me wish...

Knowing Jesus to Make Jesus Known
I love studying John’s Gospel. It was BSF’s John study that helped me see both truth and grace on display. I find it incredible how Jesus never shrinks back from truth for the sake of grace. Nor does He offer grace at the expense of truth. As one who grew up with an...

4 Strategies for Preventing Group Conflict
Managing potential conflict can build stronger communityBe honest—is there someone in your Bible study group you just don’t like? Or two people who always disagree? Do you leave without feeling heard and understood by others? As you share vulnerably and openly, you...

5 Tips for Better Group Conversations
Encouraging deep and meaningful Bible study discussionsIn a small group Bible study, the goal is always to create a healthy, secure space where open and honest conversations flow and everyone feels equally free to contribute. Some groups find their groove from the...

Jesus Invited the Unlikely; Will You?
An invitation to BSF can change a life for eternityI was the last person you would expect to say “yes” to a BSF invitation. In my early 20s, I had little Bible knowledge and had never done a Bible study. I did not believe in Jesus, and I was working long hours in a...

Lessons from the Disciples on Community
Joining a Bible study group can be intimidating. You may be wondering: Will we have anything in common? Is this a safe place to share openly? How are we going to get along? These are great and natural questions. To begin, remember that our sovereign, all-knowing, and...

The Secret to John’s Faith
How did this disciple persevere in a lifetime of adversity?If you could go back in time, what would you do differently? How have you matured? How have you changed? For each of us, time offers the benefit of hindsight. We learn from our mistakes, we strive to be...

How to Read the Bible Like a Scholar
What is the “right way” to read the Bible? We all want to interpret Scripture correctly, but it can be difficult to know where to start. It seems everyone has their own opinion of what matters most. While some emphasize the historical context, others rely on church...

3 Reasons to Study John
There is always something new to learnHow well do you know the book of John? For many of us, this Gospel account feels familiar. We may remember John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” his account of the woman at the well, or the moment when Peter stepped out of...

The Prophets Remained Faithful, and We Can Too
And We Can TooGod’s call to be a Teaching Leader was so clear. Yet just three weeks into the new role, I was questioning my abilities with a trusted friend. I hoped she would say, “Hollie, you are doing just fine.” Instead she said, “That is not yours to judge. You...

Turn Your Sorrow To Praise
Learn the Language of LamentThe Bible commands believers to rejoice in all circumstances. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus for you.Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever...