FAITH ALONE? One of the pillars of the Reformation was the belief that we are saved by faith alone. The cry sola fide declared that we come to salvation, not through any righteousness of our own, but solely through the work and person of Jesus Christ. What does faith alone…

John Phillips Commentary

Ready to take a look inside the John Phillips Commentary Series? First let’s learn a bit about the man behind the commentary. 1) WHO WAS JOHN PHILLIPS? Phillips was born in South Wales on February 11, 1927. He didn’t stay put there, however. He served in the British Army in…

Paul and Meditation

Have you ever done a SOAP study before? Typically, they consist of Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. You can take this format to the next level by incorporating external resources like a Study Bible. So study along with us as we SOAP through Philippians 4:8-9 alongside the Blackaby Study Bible.…

Who exactly was the man behind the 95 theses? Start here to get a tiny biography on Martin Luther, the man who made a huge impact. NAME: Martin Luther BIRTH: November 10, 1483 DEATH: February 18, 1546 HOMETOWN: Eisleben, Germany, 130 miles southwest of Berlin VOCATION: Augustinian monk, priest, professor…

THE HISTORY OF SOLA SCRIPTURA When the Reformation began the doctrine of Scripture was central: sola scriptura. During this time the Bible was not something for the common man. Through the centuries, the Roman Catholic church elevated the authority of tradition. Then they elevated papal office’s interpretation over that of…

parallel bible tab and study

The Study Center in the Olive Tree Bible App contains four tabs, each with a unique purpose for Bible study. In this post, we’re covering the second tab: parallel. It can be used specifically for parallel Bible study. Or, you can also use this tab to open other resources. We’ll…

What’s a SOAP study? SOAP is an acronym that stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This is one very helpful way to get more out of your Bible study time. Join us in this short study of Matthew 12:1-14! SOAP STUDY SOAP: SCRIPTURE Matthew 12:1-14, ESV At that time Jesus…

Hermeneia is a Greek word, referring to a detailed, systematic exposition of scriptural work—a word entirely fitting for the title of a commentary series. But what makes the Hermeneia Commentary Series different than any other commentary series? It might be difficult to discern. A quick search for the resource on…

1 thessalonians 5 16-18 god's will

Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and the surrounding verses is always encouraging. Here, Paul gives his final instructions to the Church at Thessaloniki, calling them to love, act justly, and do the will of God. Not only that, but he tells them how they can accomplish all this. Paul says, “Now…