Olive Tree Staff, Author at Olive Tree Blog

Topical

The Meaning of Baptism

Have you wondered what the meaning of baptism is in different traditions? The Orthodox Study Bible explains and provides understanding about the first baptisms up until baptisms today in the Orthodox tradition. Below is an excerpt from this resource! What is the meaning of baptism? Simply put, baptism is our…

Keep Reading

Commentaries

Old & New Testament Library Series

The Old and New Testament Library Series from Westminster John Knox (WJK) Press is a Bible reference series that includes thorough commentaries, theological topical works, and Bible surveys. The WJK Library series includes top-ranked commentaries such as Exodus by Brevard Childs, 1 & 2 Chronicles by Sara Japhet, Lamentations by…

Keep Reading

Bible Study Tips

Writing Your Own Bible Outlines: James 4

Have you noticed that chapters in the Bible are a little less straightforward than the chapters in your favorite novels? And there are a good amount of the stories in the Old Testament or Gospels broken up nicely into sections. But once you get to the letters in the New…

Keep Reading

Bible Study Tips

A Word Study Example in James 2

We’ve put together a Bible study series on James for you! Going chapter by chapter, you can get some new ideas about Bible study, learn how to use new tools, and gain new insights on the book of James. In the first post, we completed a character study on James.…

Keep Reading

Bible Study Tips

How to Read a Parable

In Matthew 13:10, the disciples asked Jesus a question most of us have wondered: “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” About one-third of Jesus’ teachings are in parables, making it his most preferred method of conveying his message. But have you ever read a parable and wondered…

Keep Reading

Bibles

Barbour Bible Reference Companion – Look Inside!

This tool is an all-in-one resource for Bible study! Get quick, concise help as you read the Bible. Here’s how with the Barbour Bible Reference Companion. Watch & Learn about the Barbour Bible Reference Companion Watch the video below to look inside this easy-to-use tool. Or, keep scrolling to learn…

Keep Reading

New Testament

Paul’s Comfort and Conflict in Corinth

Paul and the church in Corinth are at odds. What does he do? Paul comforts them! Go in-depth with the introduction to 2 Corinthians with this excerpt from the New American Commentary. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of…

Keep Reading

Old Testament

Where is God in the Book of Esther?

Maybe you’ve noticed it, maybe you haven’t… but God isn’t mentioned in the book of Esther. Shocking, right? Why is Esther in the Bible? Is it really the inspired Word of God if it makes no mention of Him? These questions are answered (and more) in the article below, shared…

Keep Reading

Old Testament

Moses and the Law of Sacrifice in Leadership

There is undeniably sacrifice in leadership. You’re constantly called to put others before yourself! John Maxwell, Christian leadership expert, put together a study Bible that teaches you biblical leadership principles. This excerpt comes from that study Bible, and delves into the sacrifices Moses made while being in leadership. Here’s the…

Keep Reading

Commentaries

Interviews: New International Commentary Authors

The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament (NICOT/NICNT) is a well-loved 64-volume set. Those with limited space on their bookshelves will appreciate its availability in the app—and we are thankful for the ability to offer it! In fact, if you’re interested in how NICOT/NT works in the…

Keep Reading