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Addressing Hard Topics with Children
Children are unpredictable, so we can expect some difficult questions during this year’s Genesis study. In this week’s blog post, Curriculum Development Director Dana Wilkerson offers a helpful framework for addressing those topics that are difficult to discuss. From little ones to teens, these tips can open meaningful conversations for all ages.
Resisting Temptation When Willpower Won’t Work
Sin. Repent. Repeat. Too often as Christians we are drawn into this cycle, but what if we could silence temptation before sin takes root? In this week’s blog post Resisting Temptation When Willpower Won’t Work, BSF staff member Bennett Rolan explores this question, offering Biblical steps, while addressing her own temptation in the process.
How not to teach Genesis to kids
How not to teach Genesis to How not to teach Genesis to BY DANA WILKERSON, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR enesis is full of exciting stories: Creation, Noah’s ark, Abraham (almost) sacrificing Isaac, Jacob tricking Isaac, Joseph’s...
What’s New For Genesis?
Through BSF’s Helping One Another strategy, we are calling all BSFers to spread the truth of God’s Word to new people, places and populations. But how? Learn more!
BSF Online reaches new people, places
BSF Online reaches new people, placesrom missionaries in isolation to members in far corners of the world, God is delivering in-depth Bible study to those previously beyond our reach. BSF Online was created to meet the needs of people without...
A Biblical Response to Racial Injustice
As we watch the horrific acts of recent days and as we engage in conversations with one another, we are reminded of the depth of racial injustice and the pain it has caused and continues to cause. As we see all the images of violence, including the rioting and looting, we lament. Then we remember the Cross. We remember Jesus. We remember God’s promises. We find hope.
Borrowing Joy
For years, Adele and her husband, Loren, sacrificed to serve the Lord. But, on May 3, 2019, Adele received a phone call that rocked her resolve. The Funk’s 30-year-old son Tyler, an experienced snow boarder, was in an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Adele’s joy faded, but God faithfully ministered to her through His Word.
Sharing the Easter Story
Many of us are currently experiencing a time of unprecedented pain, fear, loss and confusion. Let us not only hold onto our faith but also lead our families into the Easter season with celebration and hope. Our intention is not to present yet another obligation you have to fit into your upturned life right now. But we do want to provide a resource that you can turn to for help (and hope!) if and when you need it.
Finding God in the Midst of Crisis – Home Training Lesson
During this time of a global pandemic, it can be difficult to talk to your children about what is happening and know how to calm fears. This Home Training Lesson is full of helpful material to guide you through those difficult conversations. You will explore God’s attributes, find interactive ways to pray and more!
Two Join BSF Board of Directors
BSF is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, Terri Burroughs of Fuquay Varina, N.C., and Charles Hooper of San Antonio, Texas.
Embracing our weakness
Lying in a hospital bed, weighing just 89 pounds, Susan Smith was “a total wreck.”
“I fell apart. Our marriage fell apart,” Susan said. “I was truly at the end of myself.”
For four years, Susan and her husband, Lindley, had cared for their daughter, Elizabeth, who was born severely brain damaged.
The ‘Why’ Behind the BSF Discussion Group
Christian growth accelerates in community, not in isolation. That’s why we are part of a body – the body of Christ, His Church. It requires immersion. We must embrace small-group attendance in our churches and in BSF groups, whether online or face-to-face.
Conquering fear with faith
Lying facedown, Joy Machunga was prepared to die. Her leg throbbed after being brutally kicked, but she did not dare to move. Shots sounded overhead, and Joy prayed in silence. “I just said, ‘Lord, take control.’ ”
The Surrendered Life
The joy of a surrendered lifeBY NATE THORESON | Regional Director, BSF Field Development ust over a year ago, I was riding a mower across five acres in Idaho, comfortably involved in my BSF class and enjoying a fairly “normal” life. What a...
Sharing the Christmas Story
God gives Christian parents the responsibility to make clear to a child the real reason for gifts and celebrations at Christmas. Reading or telling the Christmas story to your children is invaluable because they learn much from their parents’ attitude and lifestyle throughout the holiday season. Start teaching the truths of Christ’s birth at an early age to help your child discern the valuable parts of the Christmas celebration.
Introducing Word Go
Just weeks after we moved, I was asked to test a new BSF model called WordGo.
Tapping in to BSF study material and four-fold approach, WordGo is designed to reach primarily young adults, those of us who were raised in a culture that claims, “The Church is outdated,” “The Bible is irrelevant” and “Religion is right if it feels good to you.”
To be honest, I was skeptical. Could the app possibly be as effective as an actual BSF class?
“It happened in BSF…”
“A few weeks after the People of the Promised Land 1 study year had ended, Joshua began talking more and more about getting baptized. He practically ran up when our pastor gave an invitation one Sunday. When prompted to give a date for surrendering his life to Christ, he looked at me questioningly … “
Sharing in Our Brokenness
A BSF teaching leader discusses her ongoing struggle with debilitating depression. Through her story, she encourages us to admit our weakness, celebrate God’s faithfulness, unite in our trials and come alongside one another in love and understanding.
Sharing BSF Summit
Susie Rowan explores the evidence of the Holy Spirit, His person, His power and His accessibility to all who believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her inspiring message leaves listeners with a deep sense of the unstoppable power of the triune God.
Acts and Letters of the Apostles is here!
Bible Study Fellowship classes and discussion groups around the world are again opening God’s Word together as we begin the study of Acts and Letters of the Apostles. What a joy it is to draw closer to our Unstoppable God who has empowered us with His Unstoppable Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Worshipping out of the depths
For most people – including believers – “the depths” is the last place from which a song should be sung. We reserve singing for the higher moments of life and faith. For rejoicing. For reflection. For entertainment. For religious tradition. But the Psalms remind us that singing is a sacred act divinely intended for everything we will experience in this life. This includes a key part that today’s worship is often missing: lament. The song I Will Wait for You is very special to us. It is a setting of Psalm 130 – a modern reflection of what it means to trust God in the midst of trials.
Museum of the Bible brings God’s Word to life
In the heart of Washington D.C., Genesis 1 soars 40 feet above street level, engraved on the Museum of the Bible’s bronze entrance. The text reminds us that God’s Word stands firm in a changing culture. That narrative continues throughout this spectacular facility, where cutting-edge technology and interactive displays present the Bible’s impact on human history.
Introducing Generation Z
BY Kim Hurtado, BSF Research Manager
The U.S. Research Marketing Group Barna defines Gen Z as those born from 1999 to 2015.
This generation currently constitutes the largest percentage of the country’s population, the old order is fading, and the new order is growing.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Gen Z.
Passing the torch
God gifted John Humphrey Amuasi with a passionate mind.
As a medical physicist, John’s research achievements are vast, and his accolades are many. But John is driven by more than professional success. His heart for the Lord compels him to advance the gospel of Christ while pursuing his research for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Before John became a celebrated medical physicist or a beloved BSF board member, he was a young Christian who learned from a mature generation of believers.
Being effective in difficult conversations
BY DR DARRELL BOCK – DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
We have discussed that the initial goal in a difficult conversation is to seek mutual understanding of differences. Then we considered how we often undercut that goal.Now we will look at how to participate effectively in such a conversation – three types of discussions and five methods to advance a conversation. Applying these approaches can help turn a debate into a more genuine conversation.
Sabotaging Difficult Conversations
BY DR. DARRELL BOCK – DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
In this post, we will consider what often undercuts effective conversations. Anyone who watches TV and our current examples of discourse will see these regular violations of good conversations.
Better difficult conversations setting the table
By Dr. Darrell Bock – Dallas Theological Seminary
Sometimes the most substantive conversations we have are the difficult ones.
Whether we’re talking with a child, a spouse, a colleague or discussing core life values, we often find ourselves engaging with someone who disagrees about what is going on or what needs to be done. This also is the case for conversations about religious differences.
Forgetting what lies behind
In the 90s, Maureen Wong was part of an elite team assigned to promote confidence in Hong Kong as the territory made a historic shift from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. After 150 years under British authority, tensions were at an all-time high as negotiations between the two political powers escalated.
Looking back and forward at BSF
Looking back and forward at BSF BY MICHELLE CLOUD COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2019 marks both BSF's 40th year headquartered in San Antonio and 60th year since incorporation. God is so faithful and good! January is a time to reflect on the past and look to the future and...
Exploring God’s promises in the Promised Land
Susie Rowan slipped her prayer request between the giant stones of Israel’s Western Wall. Taking a step back, God’s presence was almost overwhelming as she reflected on the history of that holy place. It represented the fullness of God’s plan: His faithfulness to Israel, His sacrifice on the cross and the final restoration still to come.
The gift of technology
I smiled as the couple quietly bowed their heads in the restaurant. You don’t see folks pray before their meals very often these days. Then I noticed they weren’t praying: They were taking pictures of their meals with their mobile devices. Ah, the surprises that come with living in the 21st century!
Torn Curtain goes beyond the Iron Curtain
In January 2017, Peggy’s South Carolina pastor invited her to speak at a ministry conference in Bulgaria, sponsored by an Eastern European ministry called Mission Possible. As a former BSF teaching leader, Peggy felt comfortable in front of large crowds. But this was different. She wasn’t lecturing to her familiar Day Women’s Class, sharing with long-time BSF friends. Close to 50 Eastern European pastors, their wives and a team of interpreters gathered to hear Peggy speak about biblical marriage.
How to help your child enjoy God
Kids know how to enjoy pizza, pets, games and ice cream. But how can we help them know what it means to enjoy God? God is not looking for kids who dutifully behave, but for those who will know and love Him. Something will always be missing until they grasp that God made us to enjoy a relationship with Him. In this post, Barbara shares some time-tested journaling techniques to help kids dig deeper into God’s Word.
What’s New at BSF
I am not a prophet. (You can write that down.) Several years ago (at the turn of the millennium), when I was a teaching leader in Kentucky, class members often asked me two common questions: “When will BSF release a study of Revelation?” and “When is BSF going to...
When facing forward feels like fast forward
BY SUSIE ROWAN | BSF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR bought my first iPhone in 2009, two years after the first one was released. Today, I have the iPhone X — the fourth iPhone I’ve owned to date — with new apps and updates. (Hello, Face ID!) Can you believe...
Prepared for a Purpose
Prepared for a Purpose BY BENNETT ROLAN | BSF BLOG EDITORAs an attorney referee, Leigh Feldman seeks unique opportunities to share Christ's love in the workplace D uring her weekly leader’s meetings in South Bend, Ind., Leigh Feldman’s prayer requests are often urgent...
God’s Word leads To Glory
s Ena dug into God’s Word with her Day Women’s Class in Brandon, Florida, her faith had a profound impact on those around her. Ena died of cancer earlier this year, but her heart for the Lord continues to draw others to Christ. Months after she...
BSF India: Gospel Impact in the Classroom
BSF India: Gospel impact in the classroom BY ANUKRIPA ELANGO | BSF GROUP LEADER CHENNAI, INDIA TRANSFORMING TEACHERS: n 2014, a group of 40 teachers met after school for the first Bible Study Fellowship satellite class at Anita Methodist School in...
Striving for Unity, in the Name of Christ
If this is our future, what should “now” look like? As Christians, we desire “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” That’s why I was captivated and challenged as I watched the talks at this month’s MLK50 Conference in Memphis, which marked the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights champion the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Operation Jesus: Pain, Recovery and an Opportunity to Share
Operation Jesus: Pain, recovery and an opportunity to share BY BENNETT ROLAN | BSF BLOG EDITOR Anthony Tan is a member of BSF’s Board of Directors, businessman in Singapore and proud owner of a new knee. His wife, Shirley, is a former long-time BSF area advisor. A s...
Great Expectations? The challenge of cultural engagement
Great Expectations? The challenge of cultural enagement BY DARRELL L. BOCK Dr. Darrell Bock is senior research professor of New Testament and executive director for cultural engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary. hristians discussing...
BSF News: Discussion Group Options
BSF News: Discussion Group Options BY JANIE STEPHENS | BSF EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT he past few months have been for me a season of new things. In August 2017, I joined the staff at BSF HQ. That meant a new city, new friends, new home, new church, new...
How to coach our kids in today’s culture
How coach our kids in today's culture BY BARBARA REAOCH |BSF CHILDREN'S DIVISION DIRECTOR enny and Ryan’s story of their 16-year-old son intrigued me. As parents, they enjoyed discipling their three children to know and love God and the gospel....