sketches from Scripture

my good friend Michael Strickland joined the livestream this evening to share with us some ideas from the Gospel of Matthew. we EASILY could have talked for two more hours (both because he and i enjoy long conversations AND there’s so much more in Matthew that i’m sure Michael could have shared), but i know you’ll enjoy this episode.and as always, i pray it encourages you to rethink every relationship in your life from a discipleship, Kingdom perspective.Michael is also a subscriber to sketches from Scripture, pictured here with his signed copy of “the darkness rolled over her”.links* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

see the Holy Land with me! (virtually.) to watch the video, visit skidmore.substack.com.watch these recordings live on facebook on most Mondays and Thursdays at 7p.tonight at 7p central, i’ll be interviewing Michael Strickland, and part 2 of this series will be next Monday night at 7p. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

SERIES FINALEshare this 16-part series from the Gospel of Matthew with someone who would love to hear some Great News:* you can share this page with them:* or they can start here with lesson 1,* or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:Matthew 28 : the Resurrection and Great CommissionJesus rises and sends…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* Archaeology in Action: Jesus and Archaeology with Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 27 : the CrucifixionJesus endures pain and shame to save us…imagesscourginghow it worked:cat-of-nine-tails feature:crucifixion nail in heel bone:books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* Archaeology in Action: Jesus and Archaeology with Craig A. Evans* Bible Lands Museum: Roman Crucifixion on Faithlife TVlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 26 : Last Supper and arrestJesus gives some final teachings to His disciples before one of them betrays Him…imagesthe dungeon at Caiaphas’s houselooking down into the dungeon:looking up from the dungeon:stairs down into the dungeon (prisoners were likely dropped the rest of the way:tour group in the dungeon (for scale):books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

i had the pleasure of chatting with my fellow CHS Class of ‘96 grad Steve Hartline on Talk 101.3 The Buzz last week. we talk about Five Coffees and a Book, “the darkness rolled over her”, and the cultural woes that reveal our need for friends for life now more than ever. you can get the ebook of “the darkness rolled over her” for free at fivecoffeesandabook.com. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 24-25 : Kingdom AgeJesus describes what will happen on the last day, when He returns to judge every person on earth…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

in this bonus episode — taken from Thursday night’s informal Facebook Live stream — i discuss my short story "the darkness rolled over her" & Five Coffees and a Book, as September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.i also interview my buddy Cody Benzinger, author of The Freelanders, about his debut novel.learn more about Five Coffees and a Book at fivecoffeesandabook.com.subscribe to this podcast, read short stories, and more at skidmore.substack.com. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 20-23 : Kingdom AgeJesus sets up a clear division between those who are in the Kingdom and those who are not, and He warns the religious that they may not be in the group they expect…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 19-20 : Kingdom AgeJesus sets the context for an impending discussion of the end of the present age and the fulfillment of the Kingdom Age…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 18 : Kingdom ActionJesus delivers the “community regulations” discourse (4th of 5 discourses in Matthew), envisioning how the Kingdom community ought to live…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 14-17 : Kingdom ActionJesus challenges the faith of scholars and disciples, and recognizes the faith of even the lowest rungs of His society…imagesthe Jesus boat, discovered in Magdalabooks & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 13 : Kingdom parablesthe Kingdom is like…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* Parables of Jesus by Daniel M. Dorianilinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 11-12 : the Messiah has comeJesus reveals Himself as Messiah and shows that means more than people expect…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 10 : Missionary DiscourseJesus sends His authority…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 8-9 : Kingdom AuthorityJesus’ authority over everything…imagesbooks & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evanslinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 5-7 : Sermon on the MountJesus’ vision for the Kingdom…books & resources* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Pennington* Withholding Nothing sermon series by David M. Young* Sermon on the Mount DBS series by David M. Younglinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 3-4 : John the Baptist, the wilderness, and the first disciplesJesus’ ministry begins…books* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Penningtonlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 1:18-2:23 - birth of JesusJesus is a better Abraham, Judah, Moses, and David…books* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Penningtonlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

Matthew 1:1-17 - the Great News arrives…the Jewish nation had put their trust in the God of Abraham, the law of Moses, and the Kingdom of David. but by the first century, they were under Roman rule, their moral culture was eroding, and it seemed their God was hidden away behind gates and curtains.suddenly, an unknown manual laborer from a small village hits the streets with a fantastic announcement…the Gospel according to Matthew tells the story of a self-proclaimed rabbi from Nazareth who took Galilee by storm, then Judea, then Jerusalem, then Samaria, then the whole Roman world, to the entire earth.in His many teachings and stories, Rabbi Yeshua brings but one message: “your heart and life can be changed, because God, King of the Universe, is right in front of you. so follow Me!”this is Great News.books* The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans* The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Penningtonlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

SERIES FINALEshare this 15-part series with someone who would love to hear the story of David:* you can share this page with them:* or they can start here with lesson 1,* or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:1 Chronicles 28David urges Solomon to know God, take courage, and do the work.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Kings 2David’s last words to Solomon.pursuing God’s heart requires* 1 Samuel 1 - relationship* 1 Samuel 1-2 - trust* 1 Samuel 3 - listening (psalm 27)* 1 Samuel 4-7:2 - repentance (psalm 32)* 1 Samuel 8-9:11 - boldness from humility* 1 Samuel 12 - remembering (psalm 8)* 1 Samuel 13-14 - patience (psalm 40)* 1 Samuel 15 - obedience (psalm 86)* 1 Samuel 16 - vision (psalm 19)* 1 Samuel 17 - confidence (psalm 23)* 1 Samuel 19 & 24 - honor (psalm 6)* 2 Samuel 6 - reverence (psalm 66)* 2 Samuel 7 - gratitude* 2 Samuel 11-12 - grieving our sin (psalm 51)* 1 Kings 2:1-12 - redemptionbooks* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

2 Samuel 11 & 12David’s sin with Bathsheba. includes a survey of 2 Samuel 8-10 to provide the essential backdrop for this well-known story.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

2 Samuel 7David desires to build a house for God.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

2 Samuel 6the Ark returns.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 25 - 2 Samuel 5Saul dies, and David finally steps into the role of King, but not without opposition.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

you can tune into the recording of these lessons on facebook live monday, tuesday, thursday, and friday nights at 8 eastern / 7 central.1 Samuel 19 & 24Saul pursues David. this lesson zooms through chapters 18 through 24, focusing on 19 and 24.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 16:14-17:58David battles evil spirts with his harp and evil giants with his sling.imagesbooks* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.comMalcolm Gladwell’s “The Unheard Story of David and Goliath”more* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 15-16:13Saul is out. Samuel is tasked with anointing a new king, one that The Lord has seen. will Samuel see him, too?imagesbooks* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 13-14okay Saul was a bad choice.imagesbooks* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 12Samuel retires.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 7-11Israel requests a king. God sends them Saul.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 4-7:2war — Israel versus the Philistines. the Ark of The Lord is ripped from the Tabernacle by enemies of God. those who battle against those enemies show the Ark reverence and fear. however, the two sides might not be who you think.imagesbooks* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 3Samuel serves The Lord as an assistant to Eli. late one night, The Lord ends decades of silence by speaking to young Samuel, and a new chapter begins for Israel’s story.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

1 Samuel 1-2Hannah is barren. she prays for a son, promising him to The Lord. Israel is spiritually barren and needs new leadership. God gifts both with a newborn child — Samuel.at the end of the Book of Judges, the author writes,“In those days there was no king in Israel.Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”— Judges 21:25Israel was a nation, but not a kingdom. the spiritual leaders were corrupt and aloof. and the nation wandered far from God.thanks to the desperate prayer of a woman named Hannah, her son, the prophet Samuel, became the leader, priest, and judge of Israel. and God called him to anoint a King — one who believed, acted, and ruled after God’s own heart.will a King unify an adulterous nation and bring them back to The Lord?this is the story of The Book of Samuel.books* A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart* The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alterlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

stop merely reading the Bible, and start discovering God through the Bible.the reason we read the Bible is not just for knowledge or insight or practical application. we engage with the Bible in order to deeply experience the Father who loves us, the Son who saves us, and the Spirit that empowers us. we dive into Scripture so we may better trust and follow Christ, better love our God and our neighbor. if you want to learn to devour your Bible, this short two-part series is for you.follow along as we learn about Discovery Bible Study, an extremely simple tool that take your time with God’s Word to the next level. Discovery Bible Study was originally developed by Final Command Ministries, and you can learn more about it at northboulevard.com/dbs.* what are you thankful for?* what challenges do you see?* did you accomplish what you committed to?* what’s this passage say about God?* what’s it say about people?* what am i going to do about it?* who am i going to tell about it?* how can we help each other?if you can answer these eight simple questions, you can turn the world upside down the way Jesus intended — by reading Scripture with others and obeying what you read.it really is that simple. get ready to DEVOUR YOUR BIBLE with Discovery Bible Study. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

stop merely reading the Bible, and start discovering God through the Bible.the reason we read the Bible is not just for knowledge or insight or practical application. we engage with the Bible in order to deeply experience the Father who loves us, the Son who saves us, and the Spirit that empowers us. we dive into Scripture so we may better trust and follow Christ, better love our God and our neighbor. if you want to learn to devour your Bible, this short two-part series is for you.follow along as we learn about Discovery Bible Study, an extremely simple tool that take your time with God’s Word to the next level. Discovery Bible Study was originally developed by Final Command Ministries, and you can learn more about it at northboulevard.com/dbs.* what are you thankful for?* what challenges do you see?* did you accomplish what you committed to?* what’s this passage say about God?* what’s it say about people?* what am i going to do about it?* who am i going to tell about it?* how can we help each other?if you can answer these eight simple questions, you can turn the world upside down the way Jesus intended — by reading Scripture with others and obeying what you read.it really is that simple. get ready to DEVOUR YOUR BIBLE with Discovery Bible Study. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs. Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

SERIES FINALEshare this 15-part series with someone who would love to hear the story of Numbers:* you can share this page with them:* or they can start here with lesson 1,* or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:lesson 15 ends our series by looking at Moses’ final admonition to the people of Israel.books* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Discipling Handbook by North Boulevard* Faithlife Study Bible* Thinking You’re Naked by Jon Acuff* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 14 seeks out how to finish well.books* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Discipling Handbook by North Boulevard* Faithlife Study Bible* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 13 introduces the idea of spiritual growth. the chart below comes from North Boulevard’s Discipling Handbook.imagesbooks* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 12 is the second census in Numbers, the counting of the new generation that has risen up after the first generation has passed away. will they be more faithful than their fathers?imagesbooks* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom* Shaped by the Cross : Meditations on the Sufferings of Jesus by Ken Girelinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 11 is the hilarious tale of Balaam’s donkey. oh, and Balaam.imagesbooks* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* Book of Balaam inscription on bible.ca* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 10 looks at the story of the fiery serpents and the brass serpent.imagesbooks* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* wikipedia article on Avaris* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 9 sees Moses take matters into his own hands as he strikes a rock rather than speaking to it. but is there more to Moses’ sin than we may have been taught in Sunday School? imagesin the map below, the red route is what i am proposing (based on the info from bible.ca) is a more accurate Exodus route, with the red stars along the route representing actual Sinai (Mt. Lawz, or Jabal al-Lawz in modern-day Saudi Arabia) and Kadesh-Barnea (near modern-day Petra in Jordan, close to where Moab would have been just east of the Dead Sea). the yellow stars mark the traditional sites of Sinai and Kadesh-Barnea.books* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* wikipedia article on Avaris* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 8 finds rebellion and mutiny in the camp, but The Lord shows who is His.books* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Discipling Handbook from North Boulevard* Faithlife Study Bible* wikipedia article on Avaris* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe

lesson 7 find the spies headed into Canaan, and we find out who trusts The Lord.books* Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter* The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgromlinks* Discovery Bible Study* Faithlife Study Bible* Babylon Bee article* Open Doors USA Monthly Prayer Calendar* Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide* this blog - skidmore.substack.commore* sites, social media, and more Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe