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March 20, 2020


Title: Matthew 7:1-5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)


Day 5

Mark Lanier’s good friend, Dr. David Capes, was recently the guest speaker during the Biblical Literacy lesson at Champion Forest Baptist Church. David is the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library, located in Houston, Texas.

This week, David continues with the “Passages Worth the Dig” series, focusing on Matthew 7:1-5. This is a passage that many people know, even non-believers: “Judge not, lest ye be not judged.”

Click here  to view the lesson on YouTube.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What did Jesus mean when he said “take the log out of your own eye”?

What does this mean to the church, though? How can we apply this to current issues we face in our society? David references two books (one of which he wrote) as he discusses the serious issue of abortion…

Books:

Slow to Judge. Sometimes it’s Okay to Listen (David Capes)

What’s Right with the Church (William H. Willimon) 

FINAL THOUGHTS: It is important – vital – to always look at the WHOLE passage, not bits and pieces.

Tune in tomorrow as David discusses what this means to the church today…



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March 19, 2020


Title: Matthew 7:1-5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)


Day 4

Mark Lanier’s good friend, Dr. David Capes, was recently the guest speaker during the Biblical Literacy lesson at Champion Forest Baptist Church. David is the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library, located in Houston, Texas.

This week, David continues with the “Passages Worth the Dig” series, focusing on Matthew 7:1-5. This is a passage that many people know, even non-believers: “Judge not, lest ye be not judged.”

Click here  to view the lesson on YouTube.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are you completely honest with people when they ask how you are? Or do you simply say “I’m fine”? Why not share your troubles/burdens? David Capes looks at Paul’s letter in Galatians 6:1-3…

What did Jesus mean when he said “take the log out of your own eye”? Think about it… Have you ever gotten something in your eye? It hurts! David shares about a time this happened to him…

Tune in tomorrow as David discusses what this means to the church today…



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March 18, 2020


Title: Matthew 7:1-5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)


Day 3

Mark Lanier’s good friend, Dr. David Capes, was recently the guest speaker during the Biblical Literacy lesson at Champion Forest Baptist Church. David is the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library, located in Houston, Texas.

This week, David continues with the “Passages Worth the Dig” series, focusing on Matthew 7:1-5. This is a passage that many people know, even non-believers: “Judge not, lest ye be not judged.”

Click here  to view the lesson on YouTube.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

WISDOM FORMULA FROM JESUS:
1. Admonition
2. Rationale
3. Illustration
4. Reenactment and explanation of initial admonition

What is the church to do? Are we to just accept all sin? Are we to welcome every person “as is”, never encouraging them to change their ways? David’s response to those questions: “The church is to be a self-correcting body.

HOW TO FOLLOW JESUS’ FORMULA:
1. With wisdom and humility
2. Don’t use harsh tones/language
3. Don’t have a holier than thou attitude

Why is it important to find someone to talk to about issues we have opinions/judgments on? You are not alone! Remember that!



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March 17, 2020


Title: Matthew 7:1-5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)


Day 2

Mark Lanier’s good friend, Dr. David Capes, was recently the guest speaker during the Biblical Literacy lesson at Champion Forest Baptist Church. David is the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library, located in Houston, Texas.

This week, David continues with the “Passages Worth the Dig” series, focusing on Matthew 7:1-5. This is a passage that many people know, even non-believers: “Judge not, lest ye be not judged.”

Click here  to view the lesson on YouTube.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

When Jesus said “judge not” did he mean “don’t form an opinion”? Did he want us to keep all our thoughts neutral?

How can we pursue judgment without justice? David Capes believes that the Old Testament is key to understanding the New Testament. He uses Deuteronomy 16:18-20 to help us understand this passage in Matthew. The Deuteronomy passage discusses the justice system and courts of justice…

Do you have an opinion on sex trafficking? Abortion? Homosexuality? You probably do, right! Well, that opinion is a judgment!

Tune in tomorrow as David discusses the “Wisdom Formula from Jesus”



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March 16, 2020


Title: Matthew 7:1-5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)


Day 1

Mark Lanier’s good friend, Dr. David Capes, was recently the guest speaker during the Biblical Literacy lesson at Champion Forest Baptist Church. David is the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library, located in Houston, Texas.

This week, David continues with the “Passages Worth the Dig” series, focusing on Matthew 7:1-5. This is a passage that many people know, even non-believers: “Judge not, lest ye be not judged.”

Click here  to view the lesson on YouTube.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

David Capes discusses a book: “Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity and Why it Matters.  What is the current perception of Christianity among 16-29 year olds? David reveals the results from those outside the church and within the church…

#1 We are anti-homosexual
#2 We are judgmental
#3 We are hypocritical
#4 We are old fashioned
#5 We are too involved in politics
#6 We are out of touch with reality
#7 We are insensitive to other faiths

How and why is this passage in Matthew so often misquoted and misinterpreted? Tune in tomorrow as David explains what Jesus meant when he told the people “do not judge”.



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March 13, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 4
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 5

Last week was supposed to be the final lesson on Romans 1:16-17, but Mark felt there was more to cover. We’ll see if he decides to teach on it more in coming weeks!

This week he will be explaining the meaning of “faith”, using examples from Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Luther, and author Philip Melanchthon.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What gives value to faith?
Why does faith matter?
What is the reality and truth of our faith?
Mark uses 1 Corinthians 15, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and John 20:30 as proof.

What hinders our faith?
Mark says there are many, but the two main hindrances are emotions and unwillingness.

Who is Philip Melanchthon?

He lived from 1497 until 1560.
Why is he Mark’s favorite Christian author?
Melanchthon wrote this about faith: (he wrote in latin)
Notitia: practical knowledge and understanding
Ascensus: an agreement or approval
Fiducia: trust and reliance

FINAL THOUGHTS: The whole Bible can pretty much be summed up into Romans 1:16-17



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March 12, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 4
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 4

Last week was supposed to be the final lesson on Romans 1:16-17, but Mark felt there was more to cover. We’ll see if he decides to teach on it more in coming weeks!

This week he will be explaining the meaning of “faith”, using examples from Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Luther, and author Philip Melanchthon.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Mark concludes his Greek and history discussion on the word “faith”…

Does faith require knowledge of content?
Do we really need to know why we believe what we believe?
Why were names so important back then?

Mark uses John 9:35-37 and Psalm 9:9-10 to answers these questions…


Is Biblical faith based on evidence?
What do Jews believe – both Biblically and in the courtroom?
Are you prepared to make a defense for your faith?

Mark uses Luke 16:10, John 20:27, Matthew 5:17, and 1 Peter 3:15 to help us…



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March 11, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 4
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 3

Last week was supposed to be the final lesson on Romans 1:16-17, but Mark felt there was more to cover. We’ll see if he decides to teach on it more in coming weeks!

This week he will be explaining the meaning of “faith”, using examples from Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Luther, and author Philip Melanchthon.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What lessons can we learn about faith from the movie “Miracle on 34th Street”?

Who is Martin Luther?

He lived from 1483-1546 – longer than Soren Kierkegaard!

What did Martin Luther believe about Jesus, the cross, and God?

Did Martin misinterpret the words from James about faith and works? Why did he want to leave the book of James out of his translation of the Bible?

Mark offers a language lesson on the word “faith”, throwing in some history on Normandy, too, and why we don’t call a pork chop a “pig chop”… Trust me! It all connects together!

Tune in tomorrow for more…



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March 10, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 4
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 2

Last week was supposed to be the final lesson on Romans 1:16-17, but Mark felt there was more to cover. We’ll see if he decides to teach on it more in coming weeks!

This week he will be explaining the meaning of “faith”, using examples from Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Luther, and author Philip Melanchthon.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who is Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard?

Is he responsible for the phrase: “A blind leap of faith”?

Mark Lanier discusses a timeline from the death of Jesus until the lifetime of Soren Kierkegaard, including the Age of Enlightenment, the start of the Industrial Revolution, and urbanization.

What was the Age of Romanticism? How did Kierkegaard take advantage of this? Did he really say: “Faith is belief in the absurd, not the product of rational thought”?

Tune in tomorrow as Mark concludes his analogy of “Miracle on 34th Street”…



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March 9, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 4
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 1

Last week was supposed to be the final lesson on Romans 1:16-17, but Mark felt there was more to cover. We’ll see if he decides to teach on it more in coming weeks!

This week he will be explaining the meaning of “faith”, using examples from Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Luther, and author Philip Melanchthon.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Sometimes it is hard to see the bigger picture. Mark uses the analogy of “paint by numbers” to explain how God works in mysterious ways…

Mark offers a short review of the last three weeks: Gospel, Justification, and Righteousness.

Who is Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard? He lived from 1813-1855 – not very long! Did he have enough life experience to really be an expert on faith? What was his childhood like? What was his father like?

So… what phrase (that we still use today) is Soren Kierkegaard responsible for? Tune in tomorrow to find out!



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February 28, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 3
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 5

Mark Lanier concludes his three-part lesson on Romans 1:17-17 this week. He has gotten quite a bit of feedback over these verses – both positive and negative – and his discussion on the righteousness of God.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Remember the old hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus? This is the righteousness of God!

Final Thoughts:

Repeat this to yourself over and over again: I have not experienced a sense of loss of status because of Jesus dying for my sins. Jesus dying for me is God’s righteous way to declare me “NOT GUILTY!

Take Aways:

If you are burdened by your sins, there is great news: His yoke is easy and He wants to take those burdens from you! Remember: The price has been paid in full!!

If you have never accepted God’s gift of righteousness through His son Jesus Christ – you can today! Call Champion Forest at 281.440. 3800 and ask to speak to a pastor or counselor. They would love to talk with you!



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February 27, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 3
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 4

Mark Lanier concludes his three-part lesson on Romans 1:17-17 this week. He has gotten quite a bit of feedback over these verses – both positive and negative – and his discussion on the righteousness of God.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is infused grace? This is not Biblical at all…

What is imparted grace? This sounds great, but it’s still wrong! Mark uses the illustration of snow covering cow dung in a meadow… On the surface it looks pretty, but underneath it’s still cow dung!

What is God’s grace (or righteousness)? This is the right one!

Mark shares about the time when he and Justice Antonin Scalia discussed purgatory… He encourages everyone to read Matthew 16:21 and Romans 3:24-26 slowly and really, really ponder the words as they relate to the righteousness of God.



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February 26, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 3
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 3

Mark Lanier concludes his three-part lesson on Romans 1:17-17 this week. He has gotten quite a bit of feedback over these verses – both positive and negative – and his discussion on the righteousness of God.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the righteousness of God? How is it revealed to us? Mark explains that Paul is writing about the “courtroom” righteousness in these verses.

Are you convicted when you sin? Read 1 John 16:8…

How will God judge the world? Read Acts 17:31…

So, how does God judge us? Does He have “favorites”?

As a child, Mark wondered why God couldn’t just judge us on His own, without sending Jesus to die on the cross. Listen as he shares his thoughts on this…

How are WE the righteousness of God? Tune in tomorrow for more on Mark’s review of this…



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February 25, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 3
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 2

Mark Lanier concludes his three-part lesson on Romans 1:17-17 this week. He has gotten quite a bit of feedback over these verses – both positive and negative – and his discussion on the righteousness of God.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the “Great Gospel” that Paul writes about?

Does becoming a Christian make you more or less important than other people?

Why would anyone be ashamed of the Gospels – especially Jews?

Extra Scripture Passages:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:23-24

What did the Greeks believe about the world, creation, sacrifice, etc.? Why should we know the truth about gods and goddesses?



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February 24, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 3
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 1

Mark Lanier concludes his three-part lesson on Romans 1:17-17 this week. He has gotten quite a bit of feedback over these verses – both positive and negative – and his discussion on the righteousness of God.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

FUN FACT: Mark Lanier once sold fireworks to make a living! He reminds us today that the big finale is important, but the little fireworks in the middle of the show can be just as fun!

In Romans 1:16-17, why does Paul stress that he is not ashamed? What does ashamed mean? What was Paul “not” ashamed of?

Tune in tomorrow as Mark talks more about Paul’s message to the people about the true meaning of the Gospel.



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February 14, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 2
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 5

Mark continues this week with Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17 and the word “Justification”. (Last week he spoke on the word “Gospel”).

Questions/Issues Discussed:

If we are not guilty, but we are sinners, how can God judge us fairly? (discussed on Thursday)

Worst Answer: Infused Grace:
God made it possible for you to be a good person.

Somewhat Better Answer:
Imputed Righteousness: God gives the believer righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Best and Correct Answer: The believer is not guilty because the debt was paid in full!!

Final Thoughts:

Satan cannot list a single sin that Jesus didn’t die for.

Tune in next week as Mark concludes this three-part series on Romans 1:16-17 with a focus on “faith”.



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February 13, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 2
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 4

Mark continues this week with Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17 and the word “Justification”. (Last week he spoke on the word “Gospel”).

Questions/Issues Discussed:

If we are not guilty, but we are sinners, how can God judge us fairly?

Worst Answer: Infused Grace: God made it possible for you to be a good person. Mark offers another brilliant quote and explanation from NT Wright on why this is a wrong way to think.

Somewhat Better Answer, but still Wrong: Imputed Righteousness: God gives the believer righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is based on pure fiction!

Mark uses a great explanation from Professor Harvey Floyd for this tomorrow. Plus, he offers his final thoughts. Don’t miss it!

What is legal justification? Tune in tomorrow as Mark discusses this.



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February 12, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 2
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 3

Mark continues this week with Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17 and the word “Justification”. (Last week he spoke on the word “Gospel”).

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is legal justification? Mark uses John 16:8, Acts 17:31, and Leviticus 19:15 to explain.

Do how does God judge us?

But what’s next? If we are not guilty, but we are sinners, how does He judge us fairly?

Tune in tomorrow as Mark begins to discuss three ways people try to understand the righteousness of God. What is the worst, somewhat better, and the best answer?

What is legal justification? Tune in tomorrow as Mark discusses this.



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February 11, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 2
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 2

Mark continues this week with Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17 and the word “Justification”. (Last week he spoke on the word “Gospel”).

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Mark continues with NT Wright’s explanation of justification.

What is the definition of “dikaiosune” or justification?

What is ethical justification? Mark references Matthew 6, The Sermon on the Mount.

What is legal justification? Tune in tomorrow as Mark discusses this.



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February 10, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17 Part 2
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 1

Mark begins the lesson by sharing about a recent experience he had in Cape Town, South Africa.

Why does Mark believe Romans 1:16-17 is so powerful? Mark fondly remembers his professor, Dr. Harvey Floyd, who first encouraged him to dig deeper into the Gospel, especially 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Matthew 16.

Mark says this: “There is no one who can be saved apart from the forgiveness of sins that was wrought by Jesus on the cross.”

What is the righteousness of God? Mark quotes NT Wright: “If you start with the popular view of justification, you may actually lose sight of the heart of the Pauline Gospel. Whereas, if you start with the Pauline Gospel itself, you will get justification in all its glory thrown in as well.”

Tune in tomorrow as Mark explains what this statement means.



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January 31, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 5

Mark warns that mistranslating the Bible can cause confusion, which is why he has chosen to “Dig Deeper” into the Scriptures. This week he looks at Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17, and the word “Gospel”.

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

God is 100% pure. He cannot accept someone who is 51% pure. He cannot even accept someone who is 99% pure. Mark shares a story about a friend who was having an affair and how God restored his marriage…

If God is telling you to do something, does it have to make sense?

So, what is the good news? A good text to reference is 1 Corinthians 15… Mark says this: “Paul often spoke of the death of Christ, but he never spoke of a dead Christ.” He also reads from Acts 25:19…

BOTTOM LINE: Sin is sin. It doesn’t matter what the sin is. The wages of sin is death. Period.



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January 30, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 4

Mark warns that mistranslating the Bible can cause confusion, which is why he has chosen to “Dig Deeper” into the Scriptures. This week he looks at Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17, and the word “Gospel”.

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Was the Gospel promised to us beforehand?

When Jesus told the disciples about his coming trial and ultimate death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21), what was their reaction? This was not “good news” – at least to the disciples and those at that time.

What did Peter say about this? Mark looks at 1 Peter 1:10-11…

Did the prophet Isaiah write about the life and death of Jesus? When was this?

Mark closes today’s segment by sharing a story from one of his College Professors, Dr. Hoyt, about a man who was trying to get into heaven…

FACT: God has a 100% average!



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January 29, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 3

Mark warns that mistranslating the Bible can cause confusion, which is why he has chosen to “Dig Deeper” into the Scriptures. This week he looks at Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17, and the word “Gospel”.

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The Jews were expelled from Rome around 50 AD. Four years later, in 54 AD, Claudius died and the Jews were allowed to return to Rome, where the Gentiles had been having their own version of “church”. How did this affect the Jews when they returned? Was there major conflict? This is why Paul wrote this letter to the church. In verse 16, he writes: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, but also the Greek. He was basically saying “Y’all stop this! Be united! The Gospel is for everyone!”

What does “Gospel” in Greek mean? How is it translated into English? How do we get the word “Angel” from Gospel?

Why does Mark believe saying the Gospel means “the good news” is an inadequate description?

The word Gospel is used in the New Testament 76 times. Listen to find out how many of those were written by Paul!



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January 28, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 2

Mark warns that mistranslating the Bible can cause confusion, which is why he has chosen to “Dig Deeper” into the Scriptures. This week he looks at Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17, and the word “Gospel”.

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why and how is translating the Bible so difficult? Mark uses the Hawaiian word “aloha” as one example and then moves on to Greek translations for “dk root words”: righteous, just, fair, punishment, judge, ordinance.

What is a lexicon? How is it used to translate the Bible and other Christian literature into English?

Why is it important to use other Scripture to determine what one passage may mean?

Why did Paul use the word “Gospel” so many times in this letter? Mark takes a look at the history of the church of Rome, Emperor Claudius Caesar Augustus, and disagreements among the Jews.

What happened to the church when the Jews were expelled from Rome around 50 AD? Tune in tomorrow to find out!



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January 27, 2020


Title: Romans 1:16-17
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 1

Mark warns that mistranslating the Bible can cause confusion, which is why he has chosen to “Dig Deeper” into the Scriptures. This week he looks at Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on 1:16-17, and the word “Gospel”.

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Mark’s dear friend presents Romans 1:1-17 from memory.

Why is it so hard to show people that you are a Christian? Mark shares why he chose this passage to dig deeper into. It all started in high school and continued into college.

Why and how is translating the Bible so difficult? Mark uses the Hawaiian word “aloha” to explain…



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January 24, 2020


Title: Jude 1:5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 5

This week, Mark Lanier takes us back in time as we dig deeper into Scripture. Remember, scribes didn’t have computers or even type writers. They didn’t even have white-out! Every book – every chapter – every word had to be handwritten. How many mistakes do you think they made? How do we know which words are true and which words are mistakes?

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Mark continues to explain why “Jesus” and “Lord” were often interchanged when translating the Bible.

Who was Jude, anyway? Why did Mark choose Jude to teach on this week? Did Jude stick up for his big brother? He references Matthew 13:53-57 and Mark 3:21…

Mark closes his lesson with a reminder that Scripture is important – the way we read Scripture is important. Study the Bible. It does a body – heart – and soul good.



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January 23, 2020


Title: Jude 1:5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 4

This week, Mark Lanier takes us back in time as we dig deeper into Scripture. Remember, scribes didn’t have computers or even type writers. They didn’t even have white-out! Every book – every chapter – every word had to be handwritten. How many mistakes do you think they made? How do we know which words are true and which words are mistakes?

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do misspellings really matter when translating the Bible? Mark says yes and no, using laundry as an illustration to break down the timeline…

So, what is the best text to use and study? Mark has three favorites. He is even mentioned in one!

Mark looks back at Jude 1:5… Some translation read “Lord” and some read “JESUS”. Why the difference?



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January 22, 2020


Title: Jude 1:5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 3

This week, Mark Lanier takes us back in time as we dig deeper into Scripture. Remember, scribes didn’t have computers or even type writers. They didn’t even have white-out! Every book – every chapter – every word had to be handwritten. How many mistakes do you think they made? How do we know which words are true and which words are mistakes?

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How well was Desiderius Erasmus able to translate the Bible from Latin to Greek back into Latin?

Who was Robert Estienne? What was his contribution to translating the Scriptures?

When did people begin to get curious about the original manuscripts of the Bible?

Mark discusses fire, Constantine, and the New Testament…

Who were Wescott and Hort? How did they receive original copies of the Greek New Testament?

Mark uses another great illustration to explain how and why translations of the Bible can be so different….



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January 21, 2020


Title: Jude 1:5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 2

This week, Mark Lanier takes us back in time as we dig deeper into Scripture. Remember, scribes didn’t have computers or even type writers. They didn’t even have white-out! Every book – every chapter – every word had to be handwritten. How many mistakes do you think they made? How do we know which words are true and which words are mistakes?

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How do the different translations of Jude 1:5 vary?

Why don’t we have the original letter from Jude (and others who contributed to our modern-day Bible)?

What language was used primarily when the Scriptures were being written?

How did the Gutenberg type change our lives? Who was Desiderius Erasmus and what did he do?



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January 20, 2020


Title: Jude 1:5
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 1

This week, Mark Lanier takes us back in time as we dig deeper into Scripture. Remember, scribes didn’t have computers or even type writers. They didn’t even have white-out! Every book – every chapter – every word had to be handwritten. How many mistakes do you think they made? How do we know which words are true and which words are mistakes?

Scripture Passage: Jude 1:5

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do you live life looking down? What are you missing? Do you ever wish there was a delete key? Mark uses the illustration of typing on a keyboard to explain his point…

What other problems did scribes experience?

Mark takes a look at 2 Timothy 4:13. He will continue with this tomorrow, explaining why it is so important to dig deeper into Scriptures.



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January 17, 2020


Title: Joshua 24:23
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 5

Mark begins the new year with a short series entitled “Passages Worth the Dig”. This week he will focus on Joshua 24:23, referencing both Old and Testament passages as he does so. His main objective is to explain the meaning behind the 16th century book “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by François Rabelais.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why should we choose godliness? Mark references Matthew 5:21,27-28…

Is it hard for you to not dwell on the things you cannot change or have? What does the Bible say about that? Mark reads from Philippians 4:6-9…

How can we chemically train our brains to not worry? Is this even possible?

Final Thoughts:
Entrust yourself to God and He will make you holy.



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January 16, 2020


Title: Joshua 24:23
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 4

Mark begins the new year with a short series entitled “Passages Worth the Dig”. This week he will focus on Joshua 24:23, referencing both Old and Testament passages as he does so. His main objective is to explain the meaning behind the 16th century book “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by François Rabelais.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Mark continues his explanation of the frogs from Exodus to explain what “put away” means…

How does the Hebrew word “incline” translate into English?

Why do we need to be intentional about following Jesus?

How can we apply these verses to our lives today?

What is consuming your life? God or “stuff”? Which should it be?

Why should we choose God? Mark uses the words “justification” and “sanctification” to remind us that we are all created by God to choose Him!

Tomorrow, Mark explains that we should choose godliness using Matthew 5:21, 27-28…



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January 15, 2020


Title: Joshua 24:23
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 3

Mark begins the new year with a short series entitled “Passages Worth the Dig”. This week he will focus on Joshua 24:23, referencing both Old and Testament passages as he does so. His main objective is to explain the meaning behind the 16th century book “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by François Rabelais.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Did you make a New Year Resolution? Mark uses the passage from Joshua and English verbs to discuss the importance of fixing bad habits.

He also answers the following questions:

Why are there less words in Hebrew than in English?

How does the Hebrew phrase for “put away” translate into English?

Mark will continue with Exodus 8:8-11 tomorrow, so make plans to tune in…



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January 14, 2020


Title: Joshua 24:23
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 2

Mark begins the new year with a short series entitled “Passages Worth the Dig”. This week he will focus on Joshua 24:23, referencing both Old and Testament passages as he does so. His main objective is to explain the meaning behind the 16th century book “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by François Rabelais.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the condition of your house (heart)? Do you need to do some cleaning? Mark references Luke 11:24-26.

Three Kinds of People:
1. People who find meaning in destructive behavior
2. People who fight to clean up the destructive behavior
3. People who find meaning in a truly productive life

Why is our human nature so destructive? Mark discusses some of the destructive behaviors we are inclined to, the same as the Israelites were…



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January 13, 2020


Title: Joshua 24:23
Topic: Passages Worth the Dig
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)


Day 1

Mark begins the new year with a short series entitled “Passages Worth the Dig”. This week he will focus on Joshua 24:23, referencing both Old and Testament passages as he does so. His main objective is to explain the meaning behind the 16th century book “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by François Rabelais.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the significance of Rabelais’ phrase: “Nature abhors a vacuum”? What other philosophers and psychologists have written on this subject? Who did first? Mark spends a good part of this segment today explaining why this is important to the rest of the lesson, so listen closely!

Why do we, as humans, crave to be more than who/what we are?

What brings you delight? Things of the world or things of God? This should have an easy answer, but think about it! Where does your delight really dwell?



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