Thinking about Joseph's Righteousness

John Ortberg has a wonderful essay about Joseph's righteousness, and his decision to sacrifice his reputation to take Mary to be his wife. Recommended. We don't have a single recorded word of Joseph in the Bible, but he is a rich example for us to study.

This article would make an excellent basis for an adult lesson, particularly for a men's group.

Why Ask Questions?

The key to learning is engagement. If the people in your classes and Bible studies are engaged, they will learn. If they're not engaged, it's much less likely that they will learn, and the opportunity for life-change is extremely short.

Asking people questions to stimulate real dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to engage them. Jesus did this frequently. Did he ask questions because he didn't know the answer? No. He asked questions to engage people.

The key to asking great questions is to plan them ahead of time. Your objective is to ask questions so that people move in the direction God wants them to go!

(If you'd like a great resource for helping you ask better questions, check out this ebook, 52 Model Questions.)

Using PowerPoint in Sunday School

Here's a useful article outlining an approach to using PowerPoint in Sunday School classes -- with some cautions.

Make sure the technology supports your key points and promotes discussion. If it doesn't, don't use it "just because." Teaching to change lives is what counts. Everything else, including the presentation medium, is secondary to that objective.

If you're getting more advanced with PowerPoint, and need some tips about master slides, organizing graphics, etc., then check out this article.

Solid. Reliable. No Lies.

John Piper has a nice sermon on the inspiration of the Bible. This will recharge your passion. Recommended.

Must You Have the Spiritual Gift of Teaching?

In my latest audio answer I address a question about the the spiritual gift of teaching -- is it a requirement?

National Bible Week

This is National Bible Week! (It runs annually, Sunday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week in the US.)

Here's a great start: read Psalm 119. (This link is in the Message Translation)

What can you do to help your students take their excitement about reading God's Word up to the next level?

This One Hits Home

But least there's an opportunity with each new day to practice dying to sin!

What's Your Plan to Teach the Christmas Story?

I'm curious about your plans for teaching the Christmas Story this year. How are you going to present the information about the birth of our Savior?

The most interesting approach I've heard recently is to ask the class what's in the story, write it all down on the board, then go back through the actual texts in the Gospel accounts, and identify those things which have been "added" -- but many people think are real. (For example: How many Magi were there? There were gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh (Matt 2:11) but the text doesn't tell us there were three Magi (Matt 2:1) )

Add your ideas as a comment.

Prayer Guide

John Piper compiles a list of what to pray for -- using your wartime walkie-talkie. Great resource, highly recommended!

Great Bible Teacher Collection Available

The Great Bible Teacher Collection is now available. Until November 14th, you can get a complimentary pair of CDs will all the information -- one for you, and one to give away as a Christmas present. If you're serious about teaching ministry, you owe it to yourself to check this out.

How to Use Bible Study Guides Effectively

Check out my latest audio answer where I give you the key principle to using Bible study guides effectively.

It's Jesus' Message, Not Yours

If you're feeling great burdens in your teaching ministry, and struggles with getting lessons put together, then here's an insight to come back to:

Your teaching ministry isn't really your ministry -- it's Jesus' ministry!

You are participating in His ministry work. A lot of burdens come off when we stop hoping that Jesus might come alongside and make our ministry just a little lighter.

I know this is true. I know this is true. But I need reminding, frequently.

I hope you enjoy this story from Steve Seamands. He felt terrible burdens getting a series of sermons and workshops together, under a tight deadline. Listen to his words:

"After several days of fretting, I got up one morning to pray. At the time, I was engaged in a verse-by-verse devotional study of the Song of Solomon. That particular morning, I was meditating on verse 2:8: "The voice of my beloved! / Look, he comes, / leaping upon the mountains, / bounding over the hills."
Mountains and hills in Scripture often represent obstacles that confront us. That day, my obstacle was the sermon I had to prepare for the conference. As I meditated on this verse, Jesus, my beloved, spoke to me: "Steve, why are you so uptight? This is so easy for me. It may seem like a mountain to you, but it's a molehill to me! I can leap and bound over it effortlessly. I have a sermon I want to preach to the people who will be gathered there. I'm going to preach it through you. In fact, it's going to be fun! Come on, let's run together."

You see, dear teachers, the lesson and class time are easy for our Master. It's going to be fun to run together with Jesus!

Four Prayer Requests for Teachers

Though writing about preaching, I think these four key prayer requests from Joe McKeever are ideal for Bible teachers who want to see changed lives:

1) I never want to stand up to preach again without a good grasp of the Scripture. I'm tired of not being clear about the text in front of me.

2) I want the message from God to have a firm grasp on me, to grip my heart. I want to preach with genuine passion.

3) I want a good rapport with the congregation. I'm tired of that " glazed-over " look on the people's faces. I want to make contact with them, to communicate effectively.

4) I want to see lives changed. If the point of preaching is for the Word of God to make a difference in people, then it must be in order to ask the Father to give me success in doing it.

May each of us strive for a solid grasp on Scripture, an irrepressible grip of God on our hearts, growing skill as communicators, and for God to unleash his power in changing the lives of men, women, boys, and girls. Amen!

How to Be Spiritually-Minded

John Piper gives us excellent counsel about turning our minds toward God.

Open Question

I'm curious, folks -- Do you use a Bible study program that runs on your PC (or Mac), and what software are you using?

Create a Learning Environment

Here's a YAC (Yet Another Column) decrying teaching methods in Sunday School classes, and advocating more electronics, less lecture.

I partially agree.

I agree that dumping kids into rows of chairs and Blah-Blah-Blah lecture isn't going to help them learning. But it's not because the lecture method can't be effective, per se. You can bore them to tears with PowerPoint, too. (All of what I'm saying is true for adults as well.)

Learning -- which I think of as the transfer of information that changes the way we think and behave -- requires that you have an engaged brain. If your brain isn't engaged in the material, you aren't learning from the presentation of the information.

Now you can influence learning (brain engagement) by how you set up a room, how you present information, how much individual interaction happens, etc. -- and you should make every effort to do these things better and better. But it's not enough.

So what's required?

First, prayer. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. This is spiritual work, and all spiritual work must begin and be sustained and completed in prayer. Pray for open minds, open eyes, open hearts. Without this spiritual openness, the best you can do is entertain or annoy people.

Second, passion. "A student will be like his teacher." Love Jesus, love His Word, and this passion will engage people.

Third, relevance. You cannot engage a person's mind unless he/she perceives this information is relevant to their lives somehow.

Eestablish these three things, and even weak teaching methods and presentation can still lead to life-changing learning.

If you are interested in learning more, including the practical how-to aspects of teaching the Bible, check out www.teachtochangelives.com .

Is This Dream from God?

Because you are teaching people the Word of God, you're likely to be asked for counsel. People will share a dream or vision from you, and ask you "Is this from God? How can I know?"

Tommy Barnett has two dream tests:

1. It's bigger than you
2. You can't shake it

Tips for Researching Facts and Illustrations

PreachingToday.com (a good resource) has a free article available here -- excellent tips for researching facts and illustrations. Search smart, save time, be accurate!

"The Great Bible Teacher Collection" Almost Ready!

I have a new product coming -- I call it "The Great Bible Teacher Collection." I'm making practically all the information I've created for Bible teachers available as one package, PLUS some never-before-released videos. Since Christmas is coming, there's a special bonus available if you purchase by Nov 14th. I will send you all the information on two complimentary CDs; one is for you, and one is to give away as a Christmas gift!

You can get more information here, including a free bonus of the audio message from a seminar I did recently on "Bible Teaching to Change Lives." I encourage you to sign up today!

New Audio Answer -- Which Bible translation?

I've posted a new audio answer to the question "Which Bible translation should I use?" Enjoy!

Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?

There is an excerpt from Philip Yancey's new book on prayer available here. Check it out. There is enough information just in this excerpt to create a powerful devotion or part of a Bible study on prayer.

Illustrations -- Part III

You can find part III of this series on teaching using illustrations here. The key idea is to break down an observation or story into its component parts, and then attach or extract meaning from it. Worth your time.

Some people seem to be able to do this effortlessly. I believe this has been a useful series because it lays out the process so that anyone can improve their skills.

"Marketing" Bible Studies

We live in a culture where people's attention time is scarce -- there are THOUSANDS of things competing for their attention. So it's increasingly helpful to market your Bible studies at your church or in your neighborhood.

Marketing just means getting people excited about your product. (Sales is closing the deal.)

Now you may be saying, "If poeple aren't excited about studying the Bible, then it's not our problem." WRONG. Many of the people who could get very excited about diving into the Word with you simply don't know it's a possibility. Help them out!

This article lists 7 ways you can increase the 'buzz' for Bible studies.

Need further motivation to do this kind of effort? Here's a fact: excited people learn more.

Finding Illustrations -- Part 2

The article continues here. I liked the strategy of building a story around your observations. Remember, there's neurological evidence that our brains are hard-wired to be more open to stories and images. So use words that paint strong images, and you are more likely to engage your listener's brain!

Keep Looking Forward

Satan heaps on the guilt -- that is not our job as teachers. The Holy Spirit convicts the hearts of people (see John 16:8-11); we are not the Jr. Holy Spirit.

Mark Batterson has some good counsel about teaching on topics that might trigger guilt: keep looking forward.

"When I talk on a tough topic that I know might send people on a guilt trip I try to focus on the future. I don't want to bury people with guilt. Our messages can actually cause unintended consequences like defeatism if we aren't careful. That's what happens if we focus on the past. People just wallow in their past. So when I preach on a tough topic I try to remind our congregation that what you did yesterday isn't nearly as important as what you do tomorrow!For example, if you're talking about sexual purity there is a danger of sending people on a long guilt trip. But that isn't the goal. The goal is to help people reestablish godly sexual boundaries. I've found that when I say I'm not as concerned about yesterday as I am about tomorrow, it's like our congregation breathes as sigh of relief. Keep it future-tense!Isn't that what Jesus did when he said: 'Go and sin no more.' "

Here's a Challenge for Great Bible Teachers

Mark Batterson writes:

"Here's my New Year Manifesto:

Grab life by the mane. Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop criticizing and start creating. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Laugh at yourself. Keep making mistakes. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. And remember: if God is for us who can be against us? Unleash the lion chaser within!"

The Word Implanted Bears Fruit

Working with children's ministries? Check out this short article about helping children understand Bible verses, memorize, and apply them.

Not working with children's ministries? The advice will be helpful for you, too!

Getting Past Boredom

A friend simply despises it when his young boys come to him and say, "I'm bored." So he cured them of this by replying, "No, you're not Bored, you're Johnny." :-)

There are two situations where boredom kills learning and growth. The first is when your class or study group participants are bored. To them you sound like the teacher in the Charlie Brown TV specials: wah-wah-waa-wa-waaaa-wah.

The second is when you find yourself bored in personal Bible study or lesson prep.

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." - Dorothy Parker

Shift the mindset to curiosity!

Ask odd questions, use intriguing illustrations, get their attention with something different than they expect! Plant seeds about the next lesson that generate curiousity and anticipation. Engage their imaginations and emotions.

And for yourself, remember that the Bible is the coolest, most wonderful book in the world. Repent before the Lord (repentance means "change of mind") and get engaged with it. Try a different approach to stay fresh and get new insights. I have plenty of great Bible study approaches in my book, Teach the Bible to Change Lives.

Audio Answer

My latest audio answer -- don't compare yourself with other teachers -- is available here.

Finding Illustrations!

One of the biggest challenges for effective teaching is finding good illustrations. Just how do those famous preachers do it? Check this excellent article (1st part in a series).

Problem-Solving

Many of you are called into situations where people ask you for help with their problems. Here's some excellent advice for you.

New Audio Answer

How do I respond to questions about theological issues? Carefully!

Feeling Blah?

Cory Whitehead gives some excellent counsel for us when the 'ministry blahs' come. I especially appreciated the comments about remembering your passion, and fasting to reconnect with the Lord. Recommended!

Quote of the Week

"Remember, for every mile on the road of truth, there are two miles of ditches."
-- Ed Gungor

Fulfilling Our Responsibility

Scott Aughtman asks "What more can I do to fulfill the responsibility I have to the people and area God has called me to?" as he reads Acts 18.

Great Bible Teachers like you work hard to live out the calling of teaching ministry. I applaud you for following hard after God to understand and help others understand His Word. Let's celebrate this ministry, though it is difficult, and encourage one another along the way.

The day is coming when we will hear our Master's testimony about us, and I know you want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Until then, we are not clear of our responsibility to the people whom God has put around us.

Teaching Children? Want Some Good Ideas?

Check out this long list of teaching tips for children.

"What Study Bible Should I Use?"

I hear this question frequently! Check out my audio answer.

Howard Hendricks on Teaching

Howard Hendricks has shaped thousands of students and tens of thousands of teachers. Take what he says and put it into practice!

Perryisms Worth Repeating

Perry Noble says insightful things in fun ways. Mark Batterson captured these from a recent conference:

"Pastors, I have a word from the Lord. Get rid of the preacher hair."
"I was pagan of the year eight years running."
"Jesus powerwashed my soul."
"We wanted to create a culture where people were more concerned about the condition of your soul than the condition of your wardrobe. We wanted to create a culture where people where more concerned about Scripture than Robert's Rules of Order."
"Church ought to be the most engaging place on the planet. If the tomb is really empty we ought to act like it."
"Get out of his box or let God out of His. He wants to move."
"You better believe we're about numbers. Numbers represent souls."
"Don't shut the backdoor of the church. The church is a body. You shut the back door and you've got problems. You need a Holy Spirit enema."
"If you target the people nobody else wants you won't be able to stop from growing."
"Be more concerned about who is coming in the door than those who are going out the door."
"A church is not effective when a pastor ministers to the people. A church is effective when the body ministers to the body."
"I'm not teaching this church to depend on me. I'm teaching this church to depend on each other."
"People will sit on their blessed assurance as long as you let them." "Your passion is not my burden."
Finally, I love the prayer the New Spring staff prays: "Dear Jesus, Yes. Amen." I love it.

Christian Response to Muslim Outrage

John Piper shares some Bible-drenched wisdom about how Christians should respond to the Muslim outrage over the Pope's recent comments. Read it. Study it. Share it.

This would make an excellent topic discussion for a small group Bible study.

Live Life to the Full

Jesus promised that He has come into our lives that we might have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) We should be brimming over with Jesus-life!

I coach Great Bible Teachers that God will wring lessons in you before He teaches them through you. YOU are the tool He is using, dear friend! So your whole life is important.

Mark Batterson nails this concept:

Preaching and writing are exercises in self-revelation. That is why experienced truth is so important. I don't want to preach sermons I've studied but haven't lived. At the end of the day--you are the message.If you live an interesting life your sermons will be interesting. If you have a sense of humor your sermons will be funny. If you care deeply about people your sermons will make people cry. And as Edward Fischer said, if you are dull your messages will be dull :)

Christianity is Spelled Done

From a sermon by Mark Batterson:

In the words of Bill Hybels, religion is spelled do. Christianity is spelled done.

It is so easy to base our identity on how we look, what we know, or how much we have. In fact, sometimes it is easier to base your identity on the wrong thing when you look better or know more or have more. That was certainly the case with Nebuchadnezzar. But the only sure foundation is basing our identity on what God has done for us at the cross.

In the words of Romans 12:3: “The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by who God is and what God does.”

Using Time More Effectively

One of the most common excuses (lies we tell ourselves, right?) is that we don't have time to . Check out these excellent time effectiveness tips for people like you who want to be more effective in ministry!

Good Song to Use As A Prayer

Here are the lyrics to the Mercy Me song, "Word of God Speak." This is an excellent prayer for you, dear teacher!

"I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to seeYour majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay"

Two New Audio Answers

Check out my latest answers to questions here and here. Listen to my suggestions about memorizing Scripture and ending a lesson strong.

LifeWay Business Update

You can read about the LifeWay company's business update here.

Why do I point you to this on a blog about Great Bible Teaching? Because LifeWay is one the largest producers of Sunday School and Small Group curriculum available today. (And there is big money in this.)

I'm not advocating their materials specifically, dear teachers, but I know many of my readers use them.

How's Your Prayer Life?

Over the years I've found that asking this question will humble almost everyone: "How's your prayer life? Is it what it should be?" Certainly humbles me!

No matter what your calling as a spiritual leader, you need to be diligent about prayer.

Here's some useful, practical advice from Rick Warren.

Great Quote

“Make us masters of ourselves that we may be the servants of others.” -- Sir Alexander Patterson

There is no question that one of the limiting factors in our ability to be a Great Bible Teacher is the extent of our self-discipline.

"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Cor 9:26-27

Sermon Cloud

I just learned about this cool sermon audio resource, Sermon Cloud. You can search for sermons by keyword, and then download the audio (free). Listeners are "rating" sermons and providing comments.

They also provide services to churches and pastors who wish to upload sermons and syndicate them with RSS. Very slick.

Effective Communication

Tony Morgan relays some key principles to reach an internal audience (one you know). Recommended!

Scripture Memorization

John Piper gives the reasons for memorizing Scripture:

1. Conformity to Christ
2. Daily Triumph over Sin
3. Daily Triumph over Satan
4. Comfort and Counsel for People You Love
5. Communicating the Gospel to Unbelievers
6. Communion with God in the Enjoyment of His Person and Ways

Learning from the 'Croc Dude

Steve Irwin had a tremendous amount of passion for animals and the natural world. His enthusiasm ("Crikey!") overcame a lot of resistance to learning. Teachers, leaders, and parents -- we need to display our enthusiasm!

I also like what Mark Batterson says:

"In one sense, the way Steve Irwin died was so tragic. Evidently, the barb from a sting ray punctured his heart. But I think the way he died is a reminder and a testament to a something really powerful. I hope this comes across the right way. Every death is tragic no matter how someone dies. But Steve Irwin died doing what he loved to do. That doesn't lessen the grief. But he died the way he lived.I know this sounds morbid, but I want to die doing what I love to do.Some people live their lives as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. I don't have a death wish. I want to live a long life. But if I had to choose between a long life and a full life I'd choose a full life."

Belly Laugh

I just loved this one, had to share.

More Satisfaction in God

John Piper shares 13 ways you can help people become more satisfied in God. Though written to pastors, these are excellent for Bible teachers. For example, "Describe God's value -- his treasures -- in lavish terms." And "Model for the people extended meditation and reflection on the word of God."

Will You Be Irritated By This? Or Excited?

Great Bible Teachers like you are always sharpening communication skills and strategies. We have the most wonderful story in the history of the world to tell!

Check out my review of a new book that's "irritating" some Bible teachers because it challenges their assumptions about how to structure and deliver a message. See if I think all the buzz about this new book is worth your time and attention.

http://www.teachtochangelives.com/commreview.htm

Exegeting Culture

Exegesis is critical examination of text for meaning and insight. It's what we do when we study the Word and draw out as much meaning as we can.

Mark Batterson has excellent insights into our failures to exegete our culture, to study it and understand how to communicate with people effectively.

Great Bible Teachers exegete their local classes and Bible study groups, too, in order to be used by God to precisely tailor a lesson or message to their exact needs, at this time.

Teaching Strategy

I read recently how one person characterized Rick Warren's communication strategy: "Respectfully begin where people are, irrespective of where that may be, and lead them toward what they were created for."

That's a GBT strategy! Let's get that idea deep in us.

Creativity

Great Bible Teachers need to cultivate creativity. It's a God-provided attribute of the human mind to be creative, and expressive. We are made in His image, and He is powerfully creative.

But for some reason creativity can fade and weaken, particularly as we become mature. I read about a man who asked a kindergarten class "Who is an artist?" and nearly every child raised his hand. He asked the same question to 3rd graders, and half raised their hands. He did the same thing with progressively older grades and fewer children raised their hands. In the high school only one or two teenagers would raise their hands.

Great Bible Teaching demands creativity. We are not inventing the Truth, because that's been given to us. Our creativity is needed to do a better job of presenting the Truth so it can be understood and absorbed. We want to teach to change lives!

Let me suggest a few starting points for cultivating creativity:

1. Spend time each day using your imagination. A great way to develop your imagination is to picture yourself in the Bible stories. What do you see? smell? feel? taste? hear?

2. Practice paying attention. Concentrate on things. Really observe a plant, an object in your house. See if you can draw it in a notebook.

3. Intentionally learn about new subjects, something that you aren't already familiar with. Many, many teaching insights and illustrations can come from the intersection of new things. Jesus helped the disciples understand things about God's character by teaching them botany!

4. Journal your thoughts. Don't worry about where they go, just monitor them and see if you can write them down.

Do you have other suggestions?

Latest Audio Answer

You can listen here to my answer to the question, "How do you get prepared to teach in impromptu situations?"

PodCasting

One question I get more frequently now is "Do you know how to get started in podcasting?" Many people are recording their sermons and lessons and making them available as mp3 files. This is a terrific way to leverage your teaching material -- people all over the world can benefit.

I'm just at the front edge of learning about podcasting. If you're interested in this area, I recommend you check out this resource -- PDF ebook, over an hour of online video to walk you through it step by step, many useful bonuses, and a 90 day money-back guarantee!

Handling Criticism

Men and women in church leadership positions -- including many teachers -- need to learn when to ignore criticism. Check out this useful article on this theme.

The Truth Project

Focus on the Family is launching a new DVD series about Christian worldview -- it's called The Truth Project. This might be an excellent study for your small group or an elective class at your church.

A good starting point is this article about Christian worldview by Del Tackett.

Improving Teaching Through Feedback

Here's an excellent article (actually an excerpt from the book Mastering Contemporary Preaching) about improving preaching and teaching through feedback.

Somewhere I heard the phrase "feedback is the breakfast of champions."

I personally both want and don't want feedback. And I need useful feedback that can help me get better. If all I hear is "Thanks Glenn that was great!" then I don't know what to work on. I need specific information about what I should start doing, what I should keep doing, and what I should stop doing.

How many of you have established a systematic feedback mechanism? This is an area that I would glad to hear more about what's worked, what hasn't.

Teaching Outline -- Unanswered Prayer

Bill Hybels has a useful teaching outline on the mystery of unanswered prayer.

Teaching on Sexual Purity?

If you are teaching adults on sexual purity, don't miss this Perry Noble blog post "Hooters." Good stuff for men and women here.

Pray for the Gospel in China!

Time magazine reports on the growth of the Church in China, and the persecution. It is good to weave into your teaching the perspective that the Church is worldwide, and growing. It's easy for us to become insular and teach from a provincial perspective.

The School Year is Starting...

...and lots of new Sunday School classes are, too! Be sure you're signed up for free teaching tips each week!

Strong Backbone Themes

Build your teaching on a strong backbone themes: Jesus, the cross, grace, holiness, worship, service. Keep pointing people back to these, because that's what the Bible does.

What Are Your Risking For?

"Everything God created us to be and do is on the other side of risk." -- Scott Aughtmon

Podcasting & Technology-based Outreach

Check out this good, solid article about the value of podcasting sermons (or other material) from your church and using technology to expand your reach. "The message is sacred, the medium is not." Don't underestimate how God could use your willingness to make good information available.

Using Email to Help Connect Groups

This article outlines some practical ways people are using email to help keep small groups connected. Many of these principles will work with a small group Bible study or Sunday school class.

More Sunday School classes and study groups are using blogs, too. I was delighted to hear from one of my wonderful customers "down under" who has set up her first blog for their "Lighthouse Club." Great Bible Teachers use technology to reinforce learning and strengthen relationships -- having fun on the way!

What's Written Inside Your Bible Cover?

Perry Noble shares some terrific quotes he has written inside his Bible cover for encouragement.

I have this one: "To be reminded is as important as to be informed." -- Richard Halverson

How about you?

Using Others' Material

Here's a very good article about plagiarizing sermons and reusing materials from others. There are some good suggestions about how to give credit.

I'm opposed to flat-out copying someone else's work and portraying it as yours -- that's simply a lie.

I'm in favor of humbly re-using what others have done, and giving credit where it is due. I don't think it detracts from you at all. Our job as teachers is to bring people to God's Word and help them hear and understand and apply.

If this is about you, then there is a bigger problem than plagiarism!

Quote of the Week

"True conversion gives a man pardon but does not make him presumptuous. True conversion gives a man perfect rest but it does not stop his progress. True conversion gives a man security but it does not allow him to leave off being watchful." -- Charles Spurgeon

Be Careful How You Measure Progress

I love this evangelism story from Bill Hybels. He spent years befriending his son's soccer coach, helping him with little things. It reminds me to be careful about how we measure progress and value -- in the kingdom of God we are usually wrong to be concerned about the rate at which spiritual progress happens.

New Audio Answers

Today I'm starting a new thing -- audio answers to some of the best questions I receive from Great Bible Teachers like you! Check out the first one, and watch for these weekly. Let me know what you think about this format.

Tips for Teaching Younger Kids

Here are some interesting and useful tips for teaching Bible stories to younger kids.

Short Hiatus

I'll be on vacation this week, away from the electronics, enjoying God's creation. So no blog postings until after Aug. 11. In the meantime, keep on teaching to change lives!

Load Up Your MP3 Player!

Here's a free source for the New Testament as MP3 files. Enjoy the Word heard!

Sharpen Your Communication

I highly recommend this book, and Amazon has the lowest price. Get it today, and start putting these communication ideas -- practical, sensible, and life-changing -- into practice in your teaching ministry.

Using Someone Else's Sermon

There is a rich and fascinating discussion about plagiarizing sermons and using other people's materials as your own on the "Out of Ur" blog.

The reasons I point you, as Bible teachers, to this discussion are

• Many of you are pastors and preachers yourselves
• Many of you are supposed to use prepared lesson materials someone else created
• It's a significant temptation to present others' materials and insights as your own
• We are in the business of presenting the Bible (the original 'Old Reliable') in fresh ways to new audiences, building upon the ministry of those who have gone before us and beside us -- we're not in the business of creating something brand new from scratch.

And there are others. This is an important topic. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

What People Believe

Seth Godin, an astute observer of human behavior as a marketer, says this:

"People don't believe what you tell them.
They rarely believe what you show them.
They often believe what their friends tell them.
They always believe what they tell themselves."

If you accept these four statements as true (and I think there is truth in them), what do we need to do in our teaching to help people believe the Truth from the Source of Truth?

One of Glenn's Most Embarrassing Moments

If you've got 11 minutes, I'll tell you about one of my most embarrassing moments -- and how God did me a huge favor by humbling me. Check it out here.

Teaching Resources, including Maps and PowerPoint Slides

Check out EBibleTeacher.com for a large collection of resources for Bible teachers, many free.

What to Study Next?

Small group Bible studies often wrestle with the question about what to study next. Here's some good advice you should consider. One concern I have is that people assume that you need a commercially prepared study guide or a book. Please just open the Word of God and dive in as a group.

If you're teaching, and need to know what to teach next, then I highly recommend my free report:

http://www.teachtochangelives.com/whattoteach.pdf

Bible Name Pronunciation Guide

You might want to bookmark this site.

http://www.briannelsonconsulting.com/bible/pronunciation.html

It lists hundreds of names found in the Bible. Each name is a link that opens a new page so you can hear how it is pronounced. (Make sure your computer speakers are turned on.)

There are a lot of ads near the top of the page, so you have to scroll down to get to the names.

You can use the "find" feature of your browswer (it is Ctrl-F in Internet Explorer) to quickly get to the name you want.

Pray Confidently

This article lists 8 reasons we can stand confidently before God in prayer -- it's an encouraging reminder! (This would also be a nice short lesson on prayer.)

Teachers, pray for your students! Ask God to open their ears, open their minds, and transform their hearts.

InstaVerse

Here's a nifty tool (free) that you can install on your PC: InstaVerse. If you type in a Bible verse reference in your word processor or email message, it will show you the full verse if you mouse "hover" over it. Available in many translations. Slick!

Comparing Voices

God's Voice Satan's Voice
Stills You Rushes You
Leads You Pushes You
Reassures You Frightens You
Enlightens You Confuses You
Encourages You Discourages You
Comforts You Worries You
Calms You Obsesses You
Convicts You Condemns You

from Brio Magazine, Aug 2008 edition

Encourage Them to Read the Bible

Here's a helpful article with suggestions to help you encourage people to read the Bible. It's organized around these common excuses:

"I don't have time to read."
"I don't know where to begin."
"I just don't get it."
"The Bible is so dull."
"I don't see how the Bible applies to my life."
"I hear Bible readings in church every Sunday."
"The Bible makes me feel uncomfortable."

Get Free Cartoons and Humor You Can Use for Teaching

Sometimes the fastest way to a person's heart and mind is through their funny bone! I recommend you take advantage of the free cartoons and humor from Christianity Today. Go here to sign up for a weekly email that delivers a cartoon and other humor.

Two Tips

Angie Frederickson sent me these two tips recently, and gave me permission to share them.

Tip 1: Use different color paper for multiple handouts

"I am teaching a class on how to teach the Bible and have used many handouts for reference sake. I learned from a professor at Multnomah Bible School to use various colors of paper so I can say, "Take a look at the blue page, or yellow or whatever." It has been beneficial as a time saver and avoiding confusion."

Tip 2: Practice with props ahead of time

"I might suggest practicing the prop ahead of time. I was using an empty glass on a sponge to show we are employ glasses without God's Holy Spirit (however, sometimes filled with hot air). I explained the glass was us, the water was God's Spirit. I poured some water in the glass demonstrating God's Spirit filling us and as there was more of Him, there was less of us. When I got to the top of the glass exemplifying being filled with The Spirit, I stopped and asked what happens if this is left like that. They got it when they said, "It become stagnant and the water begins to evaporate." I told them they had to keep on being filled. Then I showed them that as this happens, you begin to overflow into the dried up Christians lives (the sponge) and they begin soaking up God's Spirit. Thirsty non-believers desire the Spirit. But ,when we stop overflowing they can dry up and you become an ineffective vessel.

"So, the point is, as I practiced this at home I discovered I needed to cut a hole in the sponge because the glass tipped over. This would have been disastrous in class. Yes, I already had the sponge in a shallow container so everyone could see."

* * * *
If you have tips you'd like to share, send them to me at info@teachtochangelives.com

Carved on the Palm of His Hands

I have been singing the hymn below frequently this past week. The lyric "my name is graven on his hands" comes from Isaiah 49:16. Some thoughts that occurred to me as I've meditated on this image:

* My name is carved on his palms, not scrawled there in ballpoint pen. It took significant purpose to put my name there. It's not going to wear off.

* Hands are remarkably sensitive. There would be some pain involved to carve my name there!

* If the Father has a question about Glenn Brooke for Jesus -- who is at his right hand interceding for me (Rom 8:34), Jesus will just hold out his hand to the Father. Question answered. And then they'll give each other a high five!

Great Hymn

I really enjoyed this hymn at PK this year. I was delighted to find that it dates from 1863! I was particular blessed by the refrain "my name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His hears" -- see Isaiah 49:16. Solid theology, Christ-centered praise!

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

Words: Charitie L. Bancroft, 1863.

Dual Destiny

Pastor Mark Batterson points out that we have a dual destiny.

"One destiny is universal and is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. "

"The other destiny is unique, to become unlike anyone who has ever lived...The goal is for each of us to be a unique expression of praise to God."

(From his 7/5/06 Evotional email)

Do Our Faces Reflect the Wonder of the Lord?

Gordon MacDonald points us to this excerpt from the biography of John Henry Jowett:

"We leave our places of worship, and no deep and inexpressible wonder sits upon our faces. We can sing these lilting melodies, and when we go out into the street our faces are one with the faces of those who have left the theater and the music halls. There is nothing about us to suggest that we have been looking at anything stupendous and overwhelming. Far back in my boyhood I remember an old saint telling me that after some services he liked to make his way home alone, by quiet by-ways, so that the hush of the Almighty might remain on his awed and prostrate soul. That is the element we are losing, and its loss is one of the measure of our poverty, and the primary secret of inefficient life and service."

Let us be teachers of the Word, powerfully used, so that people see the awesomeness of God in the Word, and their faces are changed!

Shocked?

At first I laughed out loud at this cartoon.

Then I thought of the famous events of revival when Jonathan Edwards preached the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

Bible Teachers need to be found faithful to teach what the Word says, and not coddle people. Jesus didn't.

Theology and Application Go Hand-in-Hand

Here's a nice article about teaching for practical holiness (life application) on the foundation of strong, life-sustaining theology.

Discerning God's Voice

Nice article in Today's Christian Woman, "Is That You, God?" Would be useful material if you're teaching about discerning God's voice, or looking for encouragement as you are seeking Him.

What about Demons?

Here's a nice short article about