The Writing on the Ground

The Writing on the Ground

Did Jesus write names in the dirt? Sins? A passage of Scripture? For centuries, Christians have asked the same question: What did Jesus write on the ground? In this episode, we slow down and carefully examine one of the most mysterious moments in the Gospels, not by claiming to know what Jesus wrote, but by observing what the text actually says. Along the way, we'll uncover details about the Law, the accusers, the trial, and the surprising way Jesus turned the spotlight away from a guilty woman and onto the hearts of those condemning her. More importantly, we'll learn a powerful method for studying Scripture: slowing down, noticing details, asking questions, and allowing the text to speak for itself. Works Cited D. A. Hagner, “Scribes,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–1988), 359. Bradley T. Johnson, “Pharisees,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016). Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 4, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 198. Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg, Exalting Jesus in John (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), 184. Gerald L. Borchert, John 1–11, vol. 25A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 374–375.

The Sin That Does Not Separate II: When Sin Becomes Separation

You asked a difficult question in Part I: Are there sins believers commit that do not sever our relationship with God? But John’s words in 1 John 5 raise another question—and perhaps an even more sobering one: What is the sin that does lead to death? In this episode, we explore what John means by “death,” whether he is referring to physical death or spiritual separation, and how the New Testament consistently frames life and death through our relationship with Christ. Along the way, we examine apostasy, falling away, the spirit of antichrist in 1 John, and the terrifying possibility of rejecting the very One who is life itself. Bring your Bible and come study with us. Works Cited Colin G. Kruse, The Letters of John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2000), 192, 194. Daniel L. Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, vol. 38, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 208–209. John R. W. Stott, The Letters of John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 19, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 188-189. Ian W. K. Koiter, “Apostasy,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016). Daniel L. Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, vol. 38, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 210.

Sin That Doesn't Separate

In this episode of Solid Food, we explore a truth that challenges a common assumption: not all sin leads to separation from God. Drawing from First Epistle of John 5:16–17, we examine what Scripture means by “sin not leading to death” and how it functions within the life of a believer. By looking at the fall in Eden, the life of David, and the restoring work of Christ, we see that sin can wound fellowship without ultimately ending relationship. This is not a license to sin, but a call to understand both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s grace. We also consider our responsibility to pray for and restore one another with gentleness and humility. Join us as we begin this two-part study on sin, restoration, and the nature of true separation. Works Cited Daniel L. Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, vol. 38, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 208. Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1,2,3 John (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014), 143.

Born of Water and Spirt

In one of the most well-known yet often misunderstood passages in Scripture, Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are “born again.” But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we take a deep dive into John 3:1–11, exploring the meaning of being “born from above,” the role of water and the Spirit, and why Nicodemus—an expert in the law—struggled to understand it. We examine four major interpretations of “born of water” and evaluate them through careful study of the text and its Old Testament background. Ultimately, this passage is not about what we do, but about what God does—revealing that salvation comes from Him alone. If you’ve ever wrestled with this passage, this study will bring clarity, depth, and renewed appreciation for God’s grace. Works Cited Joseph Henry Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Being Grimm’s Wilke's Clavis Novi Testamenti (New York: Harper & Brothers., 1889), 649. Gerald L. Borchert, John 1–11, vol. 25A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 169. Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000). James Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 13. Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 4, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 109.

Strange Fire

In this episode of Solid Food, Dr. Lee Lewis examines the sobering account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 and the offering of “strange fire.” What made their worship unacceptable—and why was God’s response so severe? By exploring the broader context of Leviticus and the holiness of God, this study reveals that worship is not self-defined but regulated by divine instruction. What happens when those closest to God treat Him as common? Join us as we wrestle with the weight of God’s holiness and what it means to truly honor Him. Works Cited Mark F. Rooker, Leviticus, vol. 3A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 158. R. K. Harrison, Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 115. Allan Moseley, Exalting Jesus in Leviticus, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 110.