Special Event – Summer Series; More Than a Slave: A Study of Philemon: Dr. Todd D. Still, 06/28/26

Special Event – Summer Series; Psalm 46:10: Dr. David Capes, 07/05/26

We’ve all seen “Be still and know that I am God” on mugs, tattoos, and wall art — but do we actually know what it means? In this message, Dr. David Capes digs into Psalm 46 and reveals this isn’t a quiet self-care verse about slowing down. It’s a war psalm, spoken into collapsing mountains, roaring nations, and terrified people gripping their weapons. Through the Hebrew word raphah (to release, to let your hands fall open), David explores what it really means to surrender control in the middle of chaos — and how that stillness isn’t the destination, but the prerequisite for watching God be exalted. Along the way: a childhood near-drowning story, a look at merch culture built around this famous verse, reflections on natural disasters and war, and a live debut performance of an original worship song based on Psalm 46. The post Special Event – Summer Series; Psalm 46:10: Dr. David Capes, 07/05/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-summer-series-psalm-4610-dr-david-capes-07-05-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Special Event – Summer Series; More Than a Slave: A Study of Philemon: Dr. Todd D. Still, 06/28/26

In this first session of the Summer Series, guest teacher Dr. Todd Still dives deep into Paul’s shortest preserved letter — Philemon. Explore the historical context of Colossae, the identity of Onesimus (whose name means “useful”), and Paul’s masterful appeal for reconciliation between a slave owner and his slave-turned-brother in Christ. Discover how this 335-word letter speaks to human dignity, the transformative power of the gospel, and the ministry of hospitality, themes as relevant today as they were in the first century. Topics covered: • Historical background of Colossae and the Lycus River Valley • Authorship and dating of Philemon among Paul’s prison epistles • Word study: Onesimus (“useful”) and splagchna (metaphorical term for your inner most being) • Paul’s rhetorical strategy of appeal over command • Martin Luther’s reflection on Philemon as a picture of the gospel • Application: dignity, hospitality, and reconciliation today The post Special Event – Summer Series; More Than a Slave: A Study of Philemon: Dr. Todd D. Still, 06/28/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-summer-series-more-than-a-slave-a-study-of-philemon-dr-todd-d-still-06-28-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 36 – Romans; Romans 8:35-37: Mark Lanier, 06/21/26

In Mark’s final lesson from Romans 8, he explores one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture — Paul’s triumphant declaration that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Mark begins with the moving Civil War letter of Union soldier Sullivan Ballou, who reached for a love that death could not silence. Paul doesn’t reach; he announces it. In this lesson, Mark covers: • Paul’s great question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” — and what the Greek word xorìso (to separate) really means • The real-world list: Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, the sword — Paul names every crushing pressure of life and says none of them can break Christ’s love for you • The lament Psalm turned inside out: Paul quotes Psalm 44:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeFeqmyLNfk&t=2662s], one of the most gut-wrenching national laments in the Bible — and then flips it into a declaration of victory • Hypernikōmen: Paul may have invented this word — more than conquerors — because ordinary language couldn’t contain the idea • The cosmic catalog: A merism spanning death, life, angels, rulers, things present, things to come — everything that exists — and none of it can drive a wedge between you and God’s love. Key takeaway: You are held by Christ’s love, not by your good works. The storms of this life are real, but we are hyper-victors through Him who loved us. The post Session 36 – Romans; Romans 8:35-37: Mark Lanier, 06/21/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-36-romans-romans-835-37-mark-lanier-06-21-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 35 – Romans; Romans:33-34: Mark Lanier, 06/14/26

In today’s class, Mark walks through Romans 8:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WMilBPojZU&t=513s]-34 using a compelling courtroom metaphor drawn from his own experience trying a landmark social media addiction case. With a verdict in hand, he explores what Paul means when he asks, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?” Mark covers these key topics: • The meaning of the Greek word kategoreo — a legal charge filed in court — and how Paul uses it to describe humanity’s final judgment • How the Roman patronus-client system illuminates what it means to be “God’s elect”, and why no accuser can touch you when God himself is your defender • Paul’s four-part answer to “Who is to condemn?” , Christ died, Christ was raised, Christ is enthroned at God’s right hand, and Christ intercedes for you • The two voices that try to condemn us anyway: Satan the accuser (and what Martin Luther said to him) and our own inner critic • Why the case is already closed, the penalty paid, the payment accepted, the divine amen pronounced The post Session 35 – Romans; Romans:33-34: Mark Lanier, 06/14/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-35-romans-romans33-34-mark-lanier-06-14-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Special Event – Doctrine of Salvation: Dr. David Fleming, 06/07/26

In this class, Dr. David Fleming explores the foundational doctrine of salvation (soteriology); what it means to be saved, why we need it, and how we can be sure of it. Topics covered: The problem: Sin separates us from a holy God (Romans 3:23, 6:23) The solution: Jesus Christ — His death, burial, and resurrection as the only basis for salvation The right response: Repentance, faith, and confession Results of salvation: Forgiveness, justification, righteousness, sealing by the Holy Spirit, and union with Christ 5 Common Questions Answered: Can a person really know they’re saved? ✅ Yes, 1 John 5:13 Can a person lose their salvation? ❌ No, salvation is based on Christ’s finished work, not ours Can a person walk away from their salvation? Explores Reformed vs. Arminian perspectives What about the saved person who sins? Addresses false assurance vs. faith assurance, and the role of discipline What about good works? Works follow salvation, they don’t earn or maintain it (Ephesians 2:8-10) Key takeaway: Are you saved? If yes — rest in it, show it, and share it.Dr Key Scriptures: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 8:29-30, 10:9-10 | Ephesians 2:8-10 | John 10:28-29 | 1 John 5:13*       The post Special Event – Doctrine of Salvation: Dr. David Fleming, 06/07/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-doctrine-of-salvation-dr-david-fleming-06-07-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].