Biblical Literacy with Mark Lanier

"Be still and know that I am God" isn't a call to quiet self-care — it's a command to release control in the middle of chaos, spoken to people watching their world fall apart. This message unpacks Psalm 46's true meaning through the Hebrew word raphah, personal stories, and an original song written for the occasion. The post Special Event – Summer Series; Psalm 46:10: Dr. David Capes, 07/05/...

Guest lecturer Todd Still explores Paul's short letter to Philemon, unpacking the story of Onesimus and Paul's appeal for reconciliation between a slave owner and his slave-turned-brother in Christ. The lesson examines the historical context, key Greek word meanings, and the letter's timeless call to human dignity, hospitality, and grace. The post Special Event – Summer Series; More Than a S...

This is a Romans Bible study podcast (the final class on Romans chapters 1–8) in which the speaker uses Sullivan Ballou's famous Civil War letter as a launching point to explore Paul's declaration in Romans 8 that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The lecture walks through key Greek words andliterary devices — including the concept of chorizo (separation...

Drawing on Romans 8:33-34, Lanier uses a courtroom metaphor to show that no charge can be brought against God's people- because God himself is both judge and justifier. Christ's death, resurrection, and ongoing intercession mean the case is permanently closed, and no voice -not Satan's, not your own inner critic's -has the authority to condemn you. The post Session 35 – Romans; Romans:33-34:...

This message unpacks the doctrine of salvation — what it means to be saved from sin, and why Jesus Christ alone is the foundation of that salvation. You'll walk away equipped to answer common questions about assurance, eternal security, and what it truly means to receive the free gift of God. The post Special Event – Doctrine of Salvation: Dr. David Fleming, 06/07/26 appeared first on Biblic...

Romans 8:31-32 shows that God is not a distant God who merely tolerates us — He is actively invested in, committed to, and acting on our behalf. The cross is the ultimate proof. The post Session 34 – Romans; Romans 8:31-32: Mark Lanier, 05/31/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

God knew you intimately before time began and predestined you to be conformed to the image of His Son. Sin was never your destination — Christlikeness is. The post Session 33 – Romans; Romans 8:29-30: Mark Lanier, 05/24/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

The Spirit doesn't just pray for you — He prays with you, facing you, gripping the same burden, lifting together. That's what Paul means by sunantilambano: you're never carrying it alone. The post Session 32 – Romans; Romans 8:28: Mark Lanier, 05/17/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

When words fail and you don't know what to pray, you're not praying alone — the Holy Spirit is lifting the other side of the load. God hears the groanings of the Spirit interceding on your behalf, answering prayers you didn't even know you were praying. The post Session 31 – Romans; Romans 8:26-27: Mark Lanier, 05/10/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

This Bible class traces the Passover from its origins in Egypt through to the Last Supper, showing how Jesus intentionally used 1,500 years of Passover symbolism to establish the new covenant. The post Special Event – Don’t Pass Over the Passover: Pastor Brent Johnson, 05/03/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

As Christians, we groan inwardly not because something is wrong, but because the Holy Spirit within us creates a deep longing for the full redemption that is yet to come. We live in hopeful anticipation of our bodily resurrection and complete adoption into God's family — a guaranteed future anchored in the empty tomb of Jesus. The post Session 30 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued; Dr. David Capes...

Meet these two very special gentlemen who have spent their lives doing something a bit unusual — they've actually dedicated themselves to understanding what crucial scriptural texts that we love so much mean for us today. The post Special Event – Conversation with Dr. Ben Witherington and Dr. Steve Walton: Mark Lanier, 04/19/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

What can you endure if you know something great is coming in the future? I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. The post Session 29 – Romans; Romans 8:18-22: Mark Lanier, 04/12/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

In Romans 8, Paul uses the Roman law of adoption to show that in Christ, our debts are cancelled, our identity is made new, and our inheritance is secure. This lesson is a powerful reminder that we are not called to live as fearful slaves or self-reliant strivers, but as beloved children of God led by His Spirit. The post Session 28 – Romans; Romans 8 Continued: Mark Lanier, 03/29/26 appeare...

The verdict is already in: in Christ, there is no condemnation—no penalty, no second trial, no reversal. You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, and the same power that raised Jesus now lives in you. The post Session 27 – Romans; Romans 8:9-13: Mark Lanier, 03/22/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

Waiting is not a failure of the system—it is the place where God is actively at work, shaping us and preparing what comes next. What feels like delay is often divine timing, where faith is formed and purpose unfolds. The post Special Event – A Theology of Waiting: Mark Lanier, 03/15/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

In the Bible, a “name” is more than a label—it’s a track record. It’s a résumé that reveals character, history, and reputation. In this Biblical Literacy lesson, Mark Lanier explores what it means to know God’s “name,” why Scripture says God acts for His name’s sake, and why believers must be careful not to take credit for what belongs on God’s CV. The post Special Event – Don’t Steal...

The Psalms teach us to place God continually before us, trusting that when we face life through Him our souls can find peace even in the midst of trials. They remind us that God is actively shaping our lives, and that every victory, strength, and good work ultimately belongs on His resume, not ours. The post Special Event – Devotional Studies in the Psalms: Mark Lanier, 03/01/26 appeared fir...

Using the imagery of Olympic athletes and Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4, this message challenges us to ask what kind of “summary statement” our lives are writing. It’s a call to fight the right battles, stay focused in the race of faith, and finish well by keeping our eyes on Christ. The post Special Event – Summary Statements; 2 Timothy 4:1-8: Dr. David Fleming, 02/22/26 appeared first on Bib...

A deep dive into Romans 8 exploring how your mindset shapes your life, faith, and spiritual direction. Discover Paul’s contrast between living by the flesh or the Spirit—and why one leads to death while the other leads to life and peace. The post Session 26 – Romans; Romans 8: Mark Lanier, 02/15/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

What does it mean that there is “now no condemnation” in Christ? This teaching from Romans 8 explores how grace removes guilt, reshapes identity, and invites believers to live in the freedom and victory found in Jesus. The post Session 25 – Romans; Romans 8:1a, No Condemnation: Dr. David Fleming, 02/08/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

The question isn't 'Is this physical or spiritual?' The question is: 'Am I relying on myself or on God?' The post Session 24 – Romans; Romans 8: Mark Lanier, 02/01/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

Mark Lanier brings Romans to life with clarity, insight, and warmth, showing why Paul’s words still matter for faith today. This brief but rich lesson invites listeners to think deeply, listen closely, and discover the gospel anew. The post Session 23 – Romans; Romans 8: Mark Lanier, 01/18/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

Mark Lanier sits down with Lyndon Drake to explore faith, neuroscience, Scripture, and what it really means to be human in a scientific age. The post Special Event – Conversation with Rev’d Dr. Lyndon Drake: Mark Lanier, 01/11/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .

Learn practical methods for studying Psalms, Proverbs, and the Gospels using four key questions that transform Scripture from confusing text into meaningful, applicable wisdom. The post How to Use a Study Bible, Part II: Mark Lanier, 01/04/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy .