Bible Teaching

Are commentaries cheating? Marlin emphasizes first hand direct engagement with the text of scripture. If used carefully, commentaries can actually help this process. Marlin also discusses free study resources and biblical language tools. This conversation continues themes from Marlin’s essay “The Inside-Out Sandwich.”

Read Marlin’s essay The Inside-out Sandwich: An Approach to Studying and Teaching the Bible | Anabaptist Perspectives

Listen to Marlin’s essay here

See detailed tips for Bible study from Frank Reed's article Studying the Word of God | Anabaptist Perspectives

This is the 156th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.

Listen to our episodes on our podcast: https://www.anabaptist-perspectives.captivate.fm/listen

Read essays on our blog: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/blog

Listen to the essays as a podcast: https://essays-for-king-jesus.captivate.fm/listen

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anabaptistperspectives

Support us: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/donate

About Us: https://www.anabaptistperspectives.org/about

The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

Years ago John taught the book of Luke in a high school classroom. This launched his journey of faith into what he terms “voluntary poverty,” or non-accumulation of wealth. In this episode he shares some practical parts of this journey and comments on when the rubber meets the road in his later years. 

What are the basic ideas for understanding how Christians should value and relate to money? John D. Martin points us to the Old Testament year of Jubilee and Jesus’s teachings about laying up treasures. He challenges us to embrace Jesus’s values and ensure we are worshiping him, not money.

Recommended Resources:

· Through the Eye of a Needle by Roger Hertzler: https://scrollpublishing.com/products/through-the-eye-of-a-needle/

· Various works by James M. Stayer: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/82831.James_M_Stayer

What is it like to live closely with Christians from a different culture? Daniel shares stories of his interaction with the Chinese church. His faith was challenged and he saw the need to accept the simple interpretation of the Bible.

Does being human require tradition? What are examples of tradition in Scripture? Kyle Stoltzfus explains the necessity of tradition in Christianity.
“This is about benefiting from, appreciating, and participating in a cultural legacy larger than oneself. The central burden is that we are recipients of spiritual and moral wealth. We can respond in a variety of ways to this: indulgently, critically, or constructively.”
This is the second part of a three-part series with Kyle. Consider listening to episode 127 if you have not already.
Music: "The Basket" by Blue Dot Sessions

Daniel felt God’s call to serve in China. While planting churches in China, he started applying parts of the Bible that are frequently associated with Anabaptism. Listen to Daniel’s encouraging journey of being sold out to Christ and his work.
In an upcoming episode Daniel shares more stories of the Chinese church.

How can we study the Bible with those who do not have a Christian background? Which parts of the scriptures do these people find the hardest to understand? Ernest Eby, from State College Pennsylvania, shares his experience helping others understand the Bible.
"If people can tell that you care, they are going to be more open to Bible studies and they are going to be more likely to become part of the church. If people sense that you view them as a project, and all you want to do is convert them, they will quickly lose interest."

Why are the early church beliefs important today? How can studying early church writings help to clarify scripture for us? In this episode, David Bercot shares the most important lessons that he has learned through studying church history. David encourages us to not view the early church writings as scripture, but as insight into how the authors understood scripture.