Scripture and Tradition Bible Studies

Samuel is arguably the greatest of all the Biblical "judges" during this period of salvation history, which is a welcome change from the stories of those in the book of Judges. Samuel's entire life is filled with grace, faith, and strength, beginning from   the moment he is born , to his upbringing before God in the courts of the Tabernacle,  to the definitive day  he assumes  ...

It's important to set the stage before beginning to study any Biblical book. This lesson will review topics like the title, dating, authorship, structure, main themes, typological connections of 1-2 Samuel. Enjoy this sample from Lesson 1, "A General Introduction to 1-2 Samuel," from Dr. Nick's course, "1-2 Samuel: The Rise of the Davidic Kingdom." Anyone can join our comm...

The first verses of the book of Ruth set the plot for the story. We learn about the historical, geographical, and theological contexts as well as the cast of characters, whose names reveal much about the roles in the drama. It's a story about a family, but also the overall family of God. Enjoy this sample from Lesson 2, "Ruth: A Woman of Worth (chs. 1-4)," from Dr. Nick's short cour...

There is more than meets the eye with this little book of the Old Testament. It describes a beautiful love story between a man a woman, but more so between God and humanity.   Enjoy this sample from Lesson 1, "A General Introduction to Ruth," from Dr. Nick's course, "Ruth: A Woman of Worth." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course...

The time period of the Judges is filled with social, moral, and religious chaos all because "they did whatever was right in their own eyes ." Such is the "dictatorship of relativism" that plagued their culture and ours today.  Enjoy this sample from Lesson 5, "The Dictatorship Of Relativism (chs. 17-21)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Judges: Cycles of Sin and Mercy." Anyone can join our comm...

Samson is undoubtably the most popular and well-known Judge, but unfortunately he is also the most frustrating. He is born with many indications of being  great man and leader, but his personal sins will keep him from true glory.  Enjoy this sample from Lesson 4, "Samson: A Failed Hero (chs. 13-16)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Judges: Cycles of Sin and Mercy." Anyone can join our comm...

Gideon is a complicated figure with some good traits, but mostly bad ones. However, he began decently well, with his call echoing the vocation of Moses himself. Enjoy this sample of Lesson 3, "The Decline of the Judges (chs. 7-12)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Judges: Cycles of Sin and Mercy." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and...

Judges begins with a description of the stunted military, political, and theological advancement of the Israelites as they try to inhabit the land. All of it is due to their inability to follow through with their promises to be faithful to God. Enjoy this sample of Lesson 2, "A New Generation of Covenant Infidelity (chs. 1-6)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Judges: Cycles of Sin and...

Reading the book of Judges can set us on edge. Who are these people and how can they be considered God's leaders when they're so flawed? Enjoy this sample of Lesson 1, "A General Introduction to Judges," from Dr. Nick's course, "Judges: Cycles of Sin and Mercy." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish....

Joshua's final words to Israel strongly echo Moses's farewell speech. That's not an accident. Joshua is reinforcing the lessons Moses gave, namely, Israel must freely choose to love and serve God with all their hearts and eliminate the various forms of idolatry and sin that threaten them. Enjoy this sample of Lesson 5, "Choose Whom You Will Serve (chs. 22-24)," from Dr. Nick's cours...

The surprising failure to capture the city of Ai after everything went so smoothly at Jericho shocked everyone. It teaches us the lesson of how one person's sin can negatively affect the whole community.  Enjoy this sample of Lesson 4, "Settling in the Land (chs. 7-21)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Joshua: God's Promise Fulfilled." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire...

It's time for Israel to begin preparations for their great battle against Jericho. However, their methodology is remarkably different from what you'd expect. We can learn a lot from this story as it pertains to our own spiritual warfare.  Enjoy this sample of Lesson 3, "The Conquest Begins (chs. 5-6)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Joshua: God's Promise Fulfilled." Anyone can j...

After 40 years of wandering in the desert, Israel has come home at last! With a little inside help from Rahab, an unlikely ally, they cross over the Jordan river to begin their new future in the Promised Land! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 2, "Home at Last! (chs. 1-4)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Joshua: God's Promise Fulfilled." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the...

The book of Joshua is the climax and completion of the Pentateuch as we see Joshua succeed his mentor  Moses to complete the story of the Exodus and fulfill God's promise to the Patriarchs. Enjoy this sample of Lesson 1, "A General Introduction to the book of Joshua," from Dr. Nick's course, "Joshua: God's Promise Fulfilled." Anyone can join our community of students...

"Choose Life" is Moses' final, impassioned appeal to Israel before climbing the summit of Mt. Nebo to behold the panoramic view of the promised land and die.  Enjoy this sample of Lesson 6, "Choose Life! (Deut 17-34)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Deuteronomy: Love The Lord Thy God." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and ful...

Moses, the great prophet,  foretells of Israel's disobedience in asking for a king and gives instructions on how the king must not become a tyrant but stay faithful. Such instruction proves to fall on deaf ears. Enjoy this sample of Lesson 5, "Israel's Covenantal Constitution: Love of Neighbor (Deut 16-26)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Deuteronomy: Love The Lord Thy God." Anyone can jo...

Chapter 12 is the beginning of  the central section of Deuteronomy, called the "Covenantal Constitution" or the "Deuteronomic Code." Many readers can't seem to find rhyme or reason of these many laws  but there is a method to the madness! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 4, "Israel's Covenantal Constitution: Love of God (Deut 12-16)," from Dr. Nick's course, "Deuteronomy: Love The Lord Thy Go...

"Hear Oh Israel" is one of Deuteronomy's famous exhortations to love God unreservedly.  It is the refrain found often in chapters 5-11  to obey God and protect oneself from all dangers to that love.  Enjoy this sample of Lesson 3, "Hear Oh Israel!" from Dr. Nick's course, "Deuteronomy: Love The Lord Thy God." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio less...

Before Moses begins his treatise on the law proper, he exhorts Israel to remember their past and how God is always faithful. Thus, they are never to fear, but to only trust! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 2, "Remember Where You Came From!" from Dr. Nick's course, "Deuteronomy: Love The Lord Thy God." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (an...

St. Paul's journeys took him far and wide preaching the gospel to both Jew and Gentile. Enjoy this sample of Lesson 40, "St. Paul's Ministry, Part 2," from Dr. Nick's course, "An Introduction to Salvation History." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish. 🚨Please visit — 💻 https://www.scriptureandtra...

St. Paul is the chosen man to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. He spared nothing to preach the Gospel! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 39, "St. Paul's Ministry, Part 1," from Dr. Nick's course, "An Introduction to Salvation History." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish. 🚨Please visit — 💻 https://www...

St. Philip and the other deacons performed great acts of God in the service of saving souls.  Enjoy this sample of Lesson 38, "St. Peter's Ministry, Part 2," from Dr. Nick's course, "An Introduction to Salvation History." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish. 🚨Please visit — 💻 https://ww...

St. Peter's transformation from lamb to lion is due solely to the power of the Holy Spirit! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 37, "St. Peter's Ministry, Part 1," from Dr. Nick's course, "An Introduction to Salvation History." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish. 🚨Please visit — 💻 https://www.scripturea...

Knowing the Old Testament background behind Pentecost really makes the event that much more profound and exciting! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 36, "Pentecost," from Dr. Nick's course, "An Introduction to Salvation History." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish. 🚨Please visit — 💻 https://...

Deuteronomy is often skipped over, like Leviticus, because it's viewed as a boring book filled with irrelevant laws. However, it is arguably one of the most important books of the entire Old Testament! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 1, "A General Introduction to Deuteronomy" from Dr. Nick's course, "Deuteronomy: Love The Lord Thy God." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the ent...