Biblical Literacy with Mark Lanier

Special Event – Don’t Pass Over the Passover: Pastor Brent Johnson, 05/03/26

Why did Jesus eagerly desire to celebrate the Passover with His disciples before He suffered? In this in-depth Bible class, Pastor Brent Johnson explores the profound connection between the original Passover in Egypt, the Last Supper, and the Lord’s Supper we celebrate today. Brent covers: God’s covenant with Abraham and the 400-year promise (Genesis 12 & 15) The 10 plagues and why all 10 had to happen The meaning behind the Seder meal – the unleavened bread, the lamb, the four cups How Jesus transformed 1,500 years of Passover symbolism into the new covenant Why the Lord’s Supper matters for every Christian today Brent concludes the class with a communion celebration and a reading of Psalm 118. Whether you’re new to studying the Jewish feasts or looking to go deeper, this lesson will help you see how the entire Old Testament points to Jesus – the spotless Lamb of God. The post Special Event – Don’t Pass Over the Passover: Pastor Brent Johnson, 05/03/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-dont-pass-over-the-passover-pastor-brent-johnson-05-03-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 30 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued; Dr. David Capes, 04/26/26

Have you ever felt a deep, unexplainable longing — like something is just not yet right with the world or even with yourself? According to Romans 8, that groaning isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It’s actually a sign of the Holy Spirit working within you. In this message, Dr. David Capes explores three powerful realities Paul lays out for believers: We Groan — because the Spirit within us creates a longing for what is not yet fully here We Hope — not with vague optimism, but with confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Jesus We Wait — with steadfast endurance, leaning into God’s promised future We are living in the gap between what is and what will be — between our current broken bodies and the glorious, redeemed bodies God has promised. Like earnest money on a house, the Spirit is God’s down payment on a future that is absolutely guaranteed. If you’re hurting, longing, or searching for something more — this message is for you. Join us Sundays at 11:00am CST! Links below: YouTube: / @biblicalliteracy CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/worshi… The post Session 30 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued; Dr. David Capes, 04/26/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-30-romans-romans-8-continued-dr-david-capes-04-26-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Special Event – Conversation with Dr. Ben Witherington and Dr. Steve Walton: Mark Lanier, 04/19/26

What does it really take to understand the New Testament? Two of the world’s leading biblical scholars join Mark for a wide-ranging conversation that will deepen your faith and sharpen your reading of Scripture. In this episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Ben Witherington III (Asbury Seminary) — America’s most prolific New Testament scholar — and Dr. Steve Walton, one of the world’s foremost experts on the Book of Acts. Together, they pull back the curtain on what New Testament scholarship actually involves, why the manuscripts matter, and how to read the Bible with greater understanding and confidence. Topics covered: How each scholar came to faith and found their calling What most Christians don’t know about how the New Testament was copied and preserved Is the Book of Acts a model for the church today — or just history? The overlooked verse in Acts 2 that reveals a sky-high view of Jesus from the very beginning Why “Son of Man” is one of Jesus’ boldest claims The real meaning of Sola Scriptura — and how it’s been misunderstood Why context changes everything (featuring Tim Tebow and Philippians 4) Their final word to Christians in a contentious age Whether you’re a lifelong Bible reader or just beginning to explore the New Testament, this conversation will leave you wanting to dig deeper. Join us Sundays at 11:00am CST! Links below: YouTube: / @biblicalliteracy CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/worshi… The post Special Event – Conversation with Dr. Ben Witherington and Dr. Steve Walton: Mark Lanier, 04/19/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/special-event-conversation-with-dr-ben-witherington-and-dr-steve-walton-mark-lanier-04-19-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 29 – Romans; Romans 8:18-22: Mark Lanier, 04/12/26

In this lesson from Romans 8:18–22, Mark steps into one of Paul’s most powerful claims: that the sufferings of this present time are not even worth comparing to the glory that is on the way. This isn’t wishful thinking or emotional optimism—Paul says he has thought it through and reached a settled conclusion. But the message goes even deeper. This passage reminds us that salvation is not just about getting to heaven. God is doing something far bigger. All creation is groaning, waiting, and longing for restoration, and we are part of that story. The world is not falling apart—it is in labor, and something new is being born. If we can reframe our struggles—not as meaningless decline, but as part of God’s unfolding redemption—it changes everything. Mark explores: • Why Paul says suffering can be endured • What it means that creation itself is “groaning” • The difference between despair and hope grounded in reason • How to live faithfully in the tension of the “now” and the “not yet” This is a message about endurance, perspective, and the kind of hope that holds—even when life doesn’t make sense. Join us Sundays at 11:00am CST! Links below: YouTube: / @biblicalliteracy CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/worshi… #Romans8 #BibleStudy #BiblicalLiteracy #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualGrowth The post Session 29 – Romans; Romans 8:18-22: Mark Lanier, 04/12/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-29-romans-romans-818-22-mark-lanier-04-12-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].

Session 28 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued: Mark Lanier, 03/29/26

In this rich and deeply encouraging lesson from Romans 8, Mark Lanier unpacks Paul’s use of Roman adoption law to reveal the believer’s identity in Christ. Drawing on the legal world of the Roman Empire, he explains how adoption meant far more than sentiment—it meant cancelled debts, a completely new identity, and full inheritance rights. Against that backdrop, Paul’s words come alive: believers are no longer bound to the flesh, no longer defined by fear, and no longer called to live by self-reliance. Instead, we are welcomed into the family of God as full heirs, led by the Spirit and able to cry out, “Abba, Father.” This lesson also offers a needed reminder for everyday Christian life: the walk of faith is not about trying harder in our own strength, but about yielding to the Spirit of God. Mark shows how Romans 8 speaks directly to fear, suffering, identity, and assurance, reminding us that even hardship is not outside the Christian story. As co-heirs with Christ, we are invited to trust that suffering is not the end of the road, but often part of the path to glory. This is a timely, practical, and deeply theological message about what it means to live not as spiritual slaves, but as beloved children of God. The post Session 28 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued: Mark Lanier, 03/29/26 [https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/session-28-romans-romans-8-continued-mark-lanier-03-29-26/] appeared first on Biblical Literacy [https://biblical-literacy.org].