The Bible Study Hour: Recent Episodes
Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, Inc.
The Bible Study Hour offers careful, in-depth Bible study, preparing you to think and act biblically. James Boice’s expository style opens the scriptures and shows how all of God’s Word points to Christ. Dr. Boice brings the Bible’s truth to bear on all of life, helping listeners understand the truth of God’s Word in life-changing, mind-renewing ways. The Bible Study Hour is a ministry of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.
1 Corinthians 12:1-31
While the Apostle Paul had a lot to say on the subject of tongues, he had a lot more to say on the much broader subject of spiritual gifts in general. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he emphasizes the important topic of believers exercising their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church.
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
It’s hard to fathom that something as solemn and moving as the Lord’s Supper could draw controversy, and yet, in Paul’s day, it did just that...and in our day, through differing interpretations of its meaning and purpose, the table still draws dissention. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes a deeper look into the reasons we celebrate this foundational institution of our faith.
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16
Of all the practical matters that are dealt with in First Corinthians, the most applicable is the matter of temptation, because--unlike some of the issues the Apostle Paul confronts--temptation affects everyone. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines a plague as old as time that touches the lives of every member of Adam’s race.
1 Corinthians 10:1-22
Of all the practical matters that are dealt with in First Corinthians, the most applicable is the matter of temptation, because--unlike some of the issues the Apostle Paul confronts--temptation affects everyone. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines a plague as old as time that touches the lives of every member of Adam’s race.
1 Corinthians 9:1-27
As human beings, and as Americans, we have certain inalienable rights and at times it might be appropriate as citizens to exercise those rights. But as followers of Christ, there are many situations in which we must waive the exercise of those rights for the sake of the gospel. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes a deeper look into the Apostle Paul’s instructions on the matter.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Of all the questions on the minds of Christians, which do you think would be the most often-asked? Quite likely, it’s: “How do you determine the will of God, especially in questionable situations?” Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he confronts that question through the lens of a certain practice in the ancient city of Corinth.
1 Corinthians 7:1-40
The world tells us that, while we are not perfect, we are on our way and to reach that goal effectively, restraints should be dismissed. This world view excludes God, spiritual realities, and our ultimate responsibility before God. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he demonstrates how man’s world view has especially influenced our perspectives on the sacred covenant of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
It’s sad but true that the modern-day evangelical church is compromising some of the foundational standards of the Word of God...questioning biblical authority, sexual morality and God’s sovereignty. But these compromises are nothing new. Join Dr. Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines Paul’s admonition concerning the compromise in the church at Corinth that still apply to us today.
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
It seems there was a time when men settled their differences face-to-face, man-to-man, and--unlike today--going to court was usually a final option. Yet, in the Corinthian church, Christians were taking their disputes to court to let the world decide the outcome. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at Paul’s third admonition to the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Church discipline. In many churches it has fallen out of favor and practice as we conform more and more to the world’s standards. The Apostle Paul, however, faced the problem head on and left us timeless advice for this necessary practice. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores Paul’s commands for dealing with sin in the church.
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
The Apostle Paul called himself “the servant of Christ,” but in his day there really were no servants, only slaves. The Greek word Paul used is better translated “under rower,” the slave who occupied the lowest position in the galley of a ship powered by the sweat of men. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reflects on Paul’s self-evaluation as a minister of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:1-23
While the unity of believers is stressed throughout the New Testament, division has often stymied the growth of the church and the fellowship of Christians, and the beginning verses of I Corinthians chapter three tell us of two areas that fueled those divisions. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at carnal Christianity and whether some believers are “more saved” than others.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
“But God…” Two small words, but words that carry a great significance. Two small words that are filled with hope because they stand in contrast to the foolishness of man and the plans he devises through human wisdom. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he compares the foolishness of man’s escapades with the wisdom of our Almighty God.
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
God has undermined and brought to nothing the vaunted wisdom of the world through the simplicity of the gospel. And where is the folly of the world’s wisdom more clearly seen then through the lens of the crucifixion? Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he compares the wisdom of the world with “the foolishness of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Have you ever marveled at the conundrum that you can be two different people: kind but cruel, confident but fearful, easy going but angry? You’re not alone. The Corinthian Christians had a model church but one riddled with disgraceful habits and practices. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines Paul’s challenges in dealing with a church that was “the best of churches and the worst of churches.”
Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew could have ended his gospel with the resurrection or the ascension, events that changed the world and the course of human history, and yet: he chose to close with Jesus’ final command. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at Christ’s final words to His followers...the words we know as The Great Commission.
Matthew 28:5-7
As the shadows lifted early that first Easter morning, the women who came to prepare the body of Jesus saw an angel. After quelling the women’s fears, he gave them four words -- a command that would change the course of human history. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes a deeper look at the meaning of the four words the angel spoke on that fateful morning long ago.
2 Timothy 2:8
We sometimes remember defeats more than victories: Remember the Alamo? Remember Pearl Harbor? But the Apostle Paul admonishes us to remember the greatest victory in history, a victory plucked from defeat. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes another look at Paul’s words on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
The resurrection vanquished death...but it’s only as we understand the significance and the horror of death that we understand the importance and the glory of the resurrection. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he details Paul’s reasoning on how Christ’s rising from the dead removed the sting of death and stole its victory.
Luke 24:5-6
The end of WW II brought great excitement and celebration. After years of death and destruction and doing without, the war was finally over. But as great as that news was, it paled in comparison to the news of Jesus’ resurrection! Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows us the reasons why Christ’s resurrection was indeed “The Best News Ever Heard.”
Joshua 14:6-15
It’s often the case that in the presence of outstanding leaders, others are overlooked. It was true to a degree with Joshua, and it was certainly true of Caleb. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he paints a portrait of a most extraordinary man of God whose exploits often go unnoticed in the presence of greater men.
Joshua 13:1-19:51
The land had been subdued. Time had passed, and now Joshua--advanced in age--finishes the task assigned him to divide the land and assign each tribe their portion. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals the reasons and methods Joshua employed in this final, crucial task of settling the Promised Land.
Joshua 11:1-12:24
Jabin, a king of the north, had heard of the defeat of the southern kingdoms and gathered a great army to go against Israel, bringing with him a secret weapon—the chariot. And so, the final battle for control of the Promised Land begins. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he details the battle that would determine control of the land God had promised His people.
Joshua 10:16-43
The Israelites had fought and won three major battles, but there would be many more to come. As Joshua surveyed the land yet to be conquered, he turned his army south to attack the fortified cities of that region and to deal with their kings in a way that would leave a lasting impression. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores the characteristics of a strong leader intent on obeying the Lord’s commands.
Joshua 10:1-15
Did the waters of the sea part? Did iron really float? Did three men survive a fiery furnace, and did the sun and moon stand still? We serve a God who is able to do miraculous things, but did He really override the laws of nature at the request of a mere mortal? Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he investigates the circumstances that led to an incredible phenomenon.
Joshua 9:1-27
They destroyed Jericho, they annihilated Ai and the next city to fall was the stronghold of Gibeon. What would you do if you were a Gibeonite? The Gibeonites developed a plan of deception to save themselves, but that plan would play out in a way that no one could imagine. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he demonstrates how the Lord used a major error to introduce a people to Himself.
Joshua 8:30-35
The heart of the Book of Deuteronomy is the principle of the curses and the blessings. Moses gave instructions on how that principle was to be demonstrated when the people reached the Promised Land, and the time had now come for Joshua to enact that word picture for the Israelites. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the significance of the staging of this drama and an even more important principle therein.
Joshua 8:1-29
With their first attempt to capture Ai thwarted by the Lord, the Israelite army is told to attack again. Discouraged and fearful after their first defeat, Joshua will have no miraculous intervention at Ai. The walls will not fall down, but—nevertheless--they must go up and fight a second time. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shares the lessons learned at Ai.
Revelation 21:3-4
There was the old paradise, Eden…and one day there will be a new paradise, the New Jerusalem. But must we wait for that utopia? We find ourselves caught between the two. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he answers the question, “What’s a believer to do while he waits for Christ’s return and the restoration of paradise lost?”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
As our Savior hung on the cross, it looked as though His enemies had won, but in defeating Him, not only were His adversaries defeated, but death itself was crushed. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the ploys of Christ’s enemies and their elaborate plot that, from the beginning, was doomed to failure.
Joshua 7:1-8:29
There’s only a short step between victory and defeat. One moment we can be on a spiritual high from great success and the next we’re plunged into the valley of spiritual failure. Such was the experience of Joshua and the Israelites as they left the victory at Jericho and suffered the humiliating defeat at Ai. Dr. James Boice studies the repercussions of having “sin in the camp” when we walk with the Lord.
Joshua 6:24-27
Perhaps the most often-asked question concerning the Christian faith is why a loving God permits the tragedy we see around us. Or, even more to the point, why a loving God not only allowed, but ordered men, women and children to be put to the sword as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Listen as Dr. James Boice redirects the question and approaches the issue from God’s perspective.
Joshua 6:1-27
As the Israelites approached Jericho, they faced a walled city with proportions that could not be overcome by human means. A different approach was necessary and as Joshua pondered the situation, a divine messenger appeared with the solution to his problem. Dr. James Boice reveals the secret to tearing down strongholds.
Joshua 5:13-15
The Jordan had been crossed and the people consecrated. The conquest of Jericho and the Promised Land lay ahead, but before that, Joshua, the leader of God’s people has a divine encounter with an armed commander of another army. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explains the significance of that angelic encounter.
Joshua 5:1-12
Joshua's army was poised for the immediate invasion of Jericho. Their enemies were filled with terror and dread. But at the last moment, the invaders pause, not for military strategy or a call to arms, but to be circumcised and observe the Passover. On The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice explains the sacraments - both old and new.
Joshua 4:1-24
Pyramids, obelisks, sculptures and gravestones all serve to focus our memories on a person or event from the past. We need memorials. They help us remember important things in our history. On The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice talks about memorials to the power of God - memorials we can see right now.
Joshua 3:1-17
The Ark of the Covenant has always been an object of fascination, but this mysterious box is far more than a sought-after archeological relic. The Ark is symbolic of the presence, judgement, and mercy of the Living God. On The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice discusses the Ark and the unchangeable nature of God.
Joshua 2:1-24
Can a heroine emerge from a brothel in a vile, pagan city? Rahab the prostitute had absolutely nothing going for her... except enough faith in the True God to stand alone against her entire culture! On The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice tells the story of "Rahab Contra Mundum," meaning "Rahab Against the World."
Joshua 1:10-18
No time is wasted from the time of Joshua’s commissioning to the time he assumes command and prepares for the invasion of the Promised Land. From a human standpoint he had much to fear, yet the Lord warned against such fear with the command to not be terrified but to be strong and courageous. Dr. James Boice reveals the secret to Joshua’s complete trust in the face of overwhelming odds in a strange and hostile land.
Joshua 1:1-9
Can you name the president who followed Lincoln or the Prime Minister who followed Churchill? Remembering those names may take some thought but not the name of the man who followed Moses. Join Dr. James Boice as he traces the life of an extraordinary leader whose badge of honor was his obedience to the Lord.
1 John 4:7-12
Have you ever thought about which attribute stands out among all others when it comes to identifying you as a follower of Christ? The Apostle John focuses our attention on one of the most important tests for the Christian life. Find out what that is and why he believed it to be so crucial on The Bible Study Hour with Dr. James Boice… preparing you to think and act biblically.
1 John 4:1-6
How may I discern the Spirit of God? It’s a question that has challenged believers through the ages. How do we know if someone who claims to speak for God is really speaking for Him, or merely voicing that which promotes his own interests? Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he presents the Apostle John’s two methods of testing the spirits.
1 John 3:19-24
For many of us, doubt is a constant companion and the antithesis of our faith. The Apostle John was keenly aware of this in his day and addressed both its cause and its remedy. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he seeks to reassure modern doubters with John’s words of wisdom and assurance from I John chapter 3.
1 John 3:11-18
It’s only when you can say what something is not, that you can say anything meaningful about what it really is…and if love is to mean anything, we have to contrast it with its opposite: hate. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the Apostle John’s reasoning on the true meaning of love as a test for true Christianity.
1 John 3:4-10
It is always the work of the devil to confuse the minds of men, and that’s especially true in the matter of the assurance of their salvation. As we progress in the study of John’s first letter, he seeks to debunk the devil and to clarify once again who indeed is truly saved. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he presents the Apostle John’s contrast of righteousness and sin in such a way that no one in his day or ours can escape its meaning.
1 John 2:28-3:3
The great English reformer Lord Shaftsbury once said that not an hour goes by in his life that he doesn’t think about the Second Coming. If we really believe Christ is coming back, it should have a similar, profound effect on our lives as well. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he presents the Apostle John’s musings on the second coming of Christ and what it means to the Christian.
1 John 2:18-27
It’s a characteristic of our time that people no longer believe in truth. When they say a thing is true, they don’t mean that it’s true absolutely but only that it’s true for some. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals the consequences of modern man’s distorted view of the truth and in what—or in whom—the truth really lies.
1 John 2:12-17
Have you ever made a comment to an individual and have another individual for whom the comment was not directed, hear it and take it personally? As John continues his letter to believers, he pauses in his tests for being a Christian to assure those who ARE Christians that they should not be in doubt of their own salvation. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he studies John’s encouragement and directions to the believers.
1 John 2:7-11
In Jesus, love became “new” as it reached others. To the Orthodox Jew, the sinner was not to be loved but despised…and the Gentile, rejected. Jesus, on the other hand, turned the world of His day upside down when He declared that the love of God extends to everyone. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explains John’s new commandment that we love one another as a sign of our love for Christ.
1 John 2:3-6
The initial experience of a new believer is joy. He’s been lost in the darkness but has come to the light. As the new Christian goes on in his faith, doubts are likely to come. The same temptations and habits plague him again and he asks, “Is it possible to be certain that I’m saved?” Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores this question and John’s answer in I John chapter two.
1 John 2:1, 2
If sin is inevitable, why struggle against it? If sin is forgiven, why worry about committing it? Have you heard John’s words taken out of context? Maybe you’ve been guilty of such misinterpretations yourself! Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals the real meaning of John’s discourse on the subjects of sin and holiness from I John chapter 2.
1 John 1:5-10
Who or what is God? It’s the fourth question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and a question that has puzzled man for centuries. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores this age-old question and points us to a rather simple answer from the first epistle of John.
1 John 1:1-4
In a survey taken in Philadelphia on the questions of “What is Christianity?” and “Who is Jesus?” the answers people gave were startling: an ethic, an organization, a good man and “I just don’t know” were among them. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he compares the confusion of today with the confusion common among the believers in John’s time and how it all impacts the church.
1 John 5:13
In studying an article or a book, it’s imperative to know the author’s purpose in writing it. In the case of John’s first epistle, it’s also very profitable, because the problems which people faced in John’s time are remarkably similar to the problems we face today. Listen as Dr. Boice introduces his study on the Epistle of 1 John on The Bible Study Hour.
Genesis 44:1-17
After having been in ministry for several years, Chuck Colson came to the realization that God never used Colson’s many successes in life to help the prisoners Chuck reached. God used his failures! Listen to Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shares of the purge of self-confidence.
Genesis 43:15-34
What is it that turns a man’s heart to Jesus? Is it the Law, an awareness of sin, or is it something else? Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows us the power of the love of Joseph for his brothers and the parallel to Jesus’ love for sinners.
Genesis 43:1-14
The desire to be in control lies deep within us. But not too deep. There are many things we will endure as long as we believe that we are in control. It’s when we lose that sway that we’re most aware of our need for God. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through God’s workings in Joseph’s family in one of their darkest hours.
Genesis 42:36-38
No one loves me, no one cares, no one gives me anything. Self-pity is one of the least attractive qualities of the human condition. It blinds us to our blessings and causes others to give us a wide berth. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he exposes and analyses Jacob’s self-pity over his unfounded notion that everything was going against him.
Genesis 42:24-35
Because of our sin, it’s often necessary for God to deal with us quite harshly. In those times we see God’s hard edges, but what we fail to realize is that it’s the tender-hearted love of God that delivers that treatment. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through Joseph’s two seemingly contradictory actions against his brothers—measures that God has to take at times in our own lives…
Genesis 42:17-23
When the Spirit of God begins to blow on the sin-hardened conscience, the conscience begins to thaw. First as only a trickle but eventually as a torrent of confession, and the Spirit uses a variety of means to accomplish this. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows us how the Lord uses solitude as one of His tools for that purpose.
Genesis 42:6-16
When God sends physical want into our lives, it should drive us to acknowledge and confess our sin when sent for that purpose. But physical want doesn’t always bring that effect and God must turn to stronger measures. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines Joseph’s dealings with his brothers and how they parallel God’s dealings with us.
Genesis 42:1-5
God has given a conscience to every human being in order to be able to determine right and wrong, but the problem with the conscience is that it can be manipulated and subdued by the wants and the will of man. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines the conscience both apart from, and in the light of, God’s Word.
Romans 12:21
John Perkins, a black pastor in 1960’s Mississippi, was unjustly arrested and beaten unmercifully. He saw what hate can do to men, and--in response--Perkins chose to do the seemingly impossible. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as we hear the pastor’s story and learn how--like him--we can fulfill the Apostle Paul’s directive to “overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-20
Christians are supposed to be people of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and yet peace has been elusive to both the body as a whole and the individual. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines this key component of the Christian life that often seems to evade both the church and the believer.
Romans 12:17
America no longer has a sense of right and wrong. That was Dr. Boice’s conclusion in 1993, and--if it was true then--it’s even more so today. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he discusses the problem of the times in which we live; the loss of our belief in absolutes, and the abandonment of our basis for determining the difference between right and wrong.
Romans 12:14-16
We tend to represent our faith as something that will make life easier, as we present it to others in the best possible light. But in truth, our faith bears a cost and there’s a price to be paid for following Jesus. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he describes this price and explains the implications of the Apostle Paul’s instructions on the treatment of those who will persecute us.
Romans 12:10-13
The kind of love that Christianity commends is a practical love, and practical Christianity is what people are really looking for. Join Dr. James Boice as he summarizes the nine practical areas of a believer’s life in which love is to function. That’s next time on The Bible Study Hour, preparing you to think and act biblically.
Romans 12:9
In the ancient world earthen jars would sometimes crack when fired in the kiln. Dishonest vendors would seal the crack with wax, but when held to the sun, the flaw was visible. Honest dealers marked their vessels “sinna-caira” or “without wax.” Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores the greatest Christian virtue—love—and what love looks like in its purest form.
Romans 12:6-8
There is diversity in unity. While that statement sounds oxymoronic, it is very true of Christ’s body, the church. God has given every Christian a gift that, when used rightly, contributes to the oneness of the body and to His glory. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he describes the “grace gifts” God gives to His people and their ultimate purpose.
Romans 12: 4-5
There’s no mention of the church in the Old Testament and in fact, the word church is used rather infrequently in the New Testament. But the word “body” on the other hand is used often because it reflects what the church really is. Join Dr. James Boice as he explores the true identity of the church on The Bible Study Hour.
Romans 12:3
As our study in Romans 12 progresses, Paul moves from the subject of the Christian life to the Christian’s relationship with other believers. As he exposes the sin of pride, the enemy of those relationships he calls for a radical mental adjustment on the part of the Christian. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows that the right estimation of self will result in harmony with the brethren and glory going to God.
Romans 12:2
The world’s will for us based on the world’s thinking sounds right and reasonable at face value: money equals happiness, success is the path to satisfaction, what makes me feel good must be right. Alternatively, God’s will for our lives doesn’t sound quite so attractive: humility, sacrifice, and service to others. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows us that walking in God’s will is, in the end, the path that brings true joy and satisfaction in the life of the believer.
Romans 12:2
If you eliminate God from the universe as humanists tend to do, then man assumes the role and becomes the measure of all things. In light of that, you may be surprised to learn that the Bible also describes man as much more important and valuable than any humanist might imagine, but with one major caveat. Dr. James Boice explores the value of man and the value of others on today's episode of The Bible Study Hour.
Matthew 28:11-15
The enemies of Jesus learned about the resurrection before His followers did. The soldiers charged with guarding the tomb found it empty and feared the punishment that awaited them. But rather than being punished, they were rewarded for their silence. Listen as Dr. James Boice takes us through the reactions to the resurrection on The Bible Study Hour.
Matthew 28:1-15
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the resurrection of a physical body. The disciples realized that when they touched Him, and it was that conviction that sent them into the world as messengers of the gospel. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he presents the evidence that Jesus was who He said He was, that He accomplished what He said He would do, and that those who trust Him will live forever.
Romans 12:2
How do we experience mind renewal in an exceedingly mindless age? Not by simply thinking more about Christian things, but by thinking in a Christian way about—everything! Listen as Dr. James Boice explores the biblical criteria for the renewing of our minds on The Bible Study Hour.
Romans 12:2
How should a Christian think? That may sound like a strange question, but one writer claims there is no longer a distinctly Christian way of thinking about the world and that people no longer “think” much in general. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he discusses the major cause of the mindlessness of this age.
Romans 12:2
Are you a conformed or a transformed believer? Have you allowed the world to squeeze you into its mold or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to change you from within by the renewing of your mind? Listen as Dr. James Boice examines these two forces competing for the heart and soul of the Christian on The Bible Study Hour.
Romans 12:1
Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice may seem like a lot to ask of God’s people, yet Paul calls it “our reasonable service.” Listen to Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he presents five reasons why rational thinking would lead us to give our hearts, minds and souls to Jesus.
Romans 12:1
We tend to spend a good deal of time trying to motivate ourselves and others. What is it that motivates people? Napoleon used the promise of medals, Churchill used the vision of victory in a seemingly hopeless situation, but what inspires Christians to offer their bodies a living sacrifice to God? Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores that question of motivation.
Romans 12:1
Until the cross, sacrifices for sin were dead sacrifices. Jesus’ death on the cross might have been considered a dead sacrifice were it not for the fact that He arose, and because of His sacrifice for us, we are called to become a living sacrifice for Him. Listen as Dr. James Boice describes the qualities necessary to become a living sacrifice for God on The Bible Study Hour.
Romans 12:1
A paradox may be defined as a statement that seems to be contradictory but may--in fact—be true. The Trinity is a prime example—one God existing in three persons. An even greater paradox is that to be a Christian, we must die in order to live. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he delves into this great truth of the faith.
Romans 12:1
The first eleven chapters of the book of Romans are doctrinal in nature, but as the Apostle Paul penned chapter 12 of this letter, he begins to show us how we’re to apply those doctrinal principles. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he begins to show us “how we then should live” from this remarkable epistle.
Acts 28:17-31
In the book of Acts, author Luke set out to give us the history of the spread of Christianity from the earliest days in Judea through the provinces of the known world and onto Rome itself. It covered the ministries of Peter, Stephen and Paul and it is a most unique and remarkable book. Listen as Dr. James Boice completes his study of Acts on The Bible Study Hour.
Acts 28:1-16
As we draw to the close of our study in Acts, we witness the long-awaited arrival of the Apostle Paul in Rome. And while he’s greeted with a hero’s welcome by fellow believers, his fame soon fades and the apostle finds himself once again, a prisoner for Christ. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the fulfillment of Paul’s declaration that, “I must go to Rome.”
Acts 27:1-44
The great storm that overtook the ship carrying Paul to Rome was a literal storm, but it was also an illustration of the storms that come into the life of a believer. At times we think we’re exempt from those storms, but when they break on us with all their fury, where is our anchor? Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he chronicles the storm that nearly succeeded in thwarting Paul’s destiny in Rome.
Acts 25:13-26:32
The Apostle Paul is about to have his third hearing before the authorities of his day, but unlike his previous defenses, this hearing with King Agrippa was to prove more promising, because Agrippa had both a knowledge of Jewish ways and a standing with Rome. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through Paul’s defense before Agrippa on his journey to Rome.
John 1:1-4
While the gospel of John gives no account of Jesus’ birth, it does contain a wonderful prelude to that incredible event. John’s narrative doesn’t tell us how He came but why He came and who He is. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at a passage not often associated with the Christmas season, but one which carries some tremendous implications in the life of a believer.
Acts 17:1-15
In Christianity’s effort to reach the world with the Gospel, the city has always been the epicenter of the movement. The faith spread with the ebb and flow of humanity, in and out of those cities. It began in Jerusalem and ended in Rome and covered many metropolises in between. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he describes the Apostle Paul’s visits to the cities of Berea and Thessalonica.
Acts 16:16-40
As Paul and his companions cross over to Macedonia, their first stop is the city of Philippi. But there are no synagogues in which to preach, and the only group of likely converts is a fortune-teller and a small group of women meeting by the river. How can a church be born out of such unlikely means? Listen as Dr. James Boice shares about the unusual people and situations God used to grow the early church on The Bible Study Hour.
Acts 15:36-16:15
The apostle Paul, just back from his first missionary journey, decides it’s time to set out again. And a new vision from a man in Macedonia would open the continent of Europe to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Join Dr. James Boice as he teaches about the expansion of the early church on The Bible Study Hour.
Acts 15:1-35
The first church council took place in Jerusalem. It was perhaps the greatest council in the history of the church and certainly the most important because it focused on the central issue by which the new church would rise or fall. Today on the Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice details the issue that was threatening to divide the early believers, and how imperative that first meeting was to the future of the church.
Acts 14:1-28
Paul’s journey through Galatia included the cities of Iconium, Derbe and Lystra. Churches were planted in each of those cities and the apostles moved on. And yet despite the fact that these fledgling churches were on their own with no mature leadership and with false teachers invading their ranks, they remained faithful and flourished. Join Dr. James Boice on the Bible Study Hour as he explores a tale of three cities.
Acts 13:44-52
How long does it take to plant a church? Modern church-planting experts would tell us that many steps and considerable time are necessary in order to do it properly. Yet Paul and Barnabas took only one week, Sabbath to Sabbath, to establish a church that grew exponentially and survived for centuries. Join Dr. Boice on the Bible Study Hour as he teaches about this remarkable period in the early church.
Acts 13:13-43
Three missionary voyages changed the world forever, but in the middle of the first of those journeys -— one that would establish a precedent for all that followed —- trouble reared its ugly head. Today on the Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice shares about the challenges of that first missionary journey.
Acts 13:1-12
The Gospel had been spreading out from its epicenter in Jerusalem for some time, but now--for the very first time in the short history of the church--a local body of believers sends forth missionaries, and the missionary era begins. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explains the events that led to this moment and the qualities needed for a church to become a “sending church."
Acts 12:19-25
From Luke’s chronology of the early church, an unlikely character appears. Herod Agrippa, a persecutor of The Way, makes an early morning speech. The rising sun illuminates his silver tunic, and his audience proclaims him a god. Is the lesson that we are not to take glory for ourselves, or is there something more? Join Dr. James Boice next time, on The Bible Study Hour as he explores a minor story with a major purpose.
Acts 12:1-19
Our study of Acts passes into a new stage—a story with two new characters set to replace our hero, Peter. But before he departs the pages of New Testament history, author Luke wants to tell us one more story about the apostle—a story of God’s miraculous power to save His servant from a tragic end. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he tells at the story of Peter’s imprisonment and release—a release predicated on the power of prayer and the mercy of God.
Acts 11:19-30
As our study in Acts continues, we arrive in the city of Antioch, a cosmopolitan city of pagans who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We arrive there not by chance, but by the careful progression of a divine plan. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he leads us to a city on the outer reaches of civilization—a place where Jesus’ followers were first called Christians.
Acts 11:1-18
With his sermon at the household of Cornelius completed, Peter faces the daunting task of explaining his actions to the church in Jerusalem. How will the prejudices of the Jewish Christians influence their view of Peter’s inviting interaction with the Gentile believers? Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he examines how the ramifications of Peter’s visit would ripple through the history of the church.
Acts 10:34-48
After receiving a vision, Peter discovers that God does not favor any nationality or station in life, which was a radical concept. As a result, he goes to Cornelius' house and begins preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. Listen as Dr. James Boice explains how significant this event was to the growth of the church on The Bible Study Hour.
Acts 10:1-35
When Peter was standing in Cornelius' house, he declared to them the truth which he and the other apostles had witnessed -- that Jesus was the Christ, the Lord of all, to both Jews and Gentiles. Listen as Dr. Boice teaches from the Book of Acts that there are truly no favorites with God on the Bible Study Hour.
Acts 9:32-43
If God didn’t use sinful men for His purposes, He’d have no one to use at all. In many ways Peter was the most unlikely of men, but God chooses the things-and men-of no account to bring to nothing the things that are. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores the life and ministry of the Apostle Peter, the man Christ called to feed His sheep.
Madalyn Murray O’Hare got the Bible taken out of the schoolroom, but her son became a great witness for Christ. Bishop Pike, who tried to disprove Christ’s divinity, had a son who was saved and became a preacher for the cause of Christ. The Lord has a way of using the most unlikely characters for His purposes. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he explores the unlikely ministry of the Apostle Paul.
One man had more of an influence on the Christian faith than anyone other than the Lord Himself, even though this man was once a zealous persecutor of the young Church. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he describes the conversion of this great figure in the spread of Christianity and the cause of Christ.
Phillip was a deacon, but he was also an evangelist working on the front lines in Samaria and using his gift to win souls to Christ. Yet God called him from that work to minister to just one man who was searching for the truth. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he considers the ministry of Phillip and the ramifications of one man’s openness to the call of the Spirit.
Stephen’s death came as a great shock to the early believers, but his death was only the first ripple in what was to become a swelling wave of persecution against the Church. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals God’s plan for allowing the persecution of His people as the tide turned against the believers.
Stephen stands accused of blasphemy. In his defense, he makes a speech before the Sanhedrin and recounts the history of the Jewish people. But when his sermon turns to accusations against those religious leaders, suddenly it’s not Stephen who finds himself on trial, but the Sanhedrin! Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he studies Stephen’s great sermon, declaring God to be the God of all people as the Gospel moves out from Jerusalem and into the world.
The job of the deacon in the modern-day church is considered to be more of a practical role than a spiritual one, yet we find that the first deacons were appointed by the apostles to solve what was, in essence, a spiritual problem in the early church. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines the lives of the first deacons, their qualifications, and the important role they were to fulfill in the church of Jesus Christ.
The trials we face as believers did not originate in this generation. In fact, much greater trials were faced by members of the early church, and the church suffered as the Gospel began to spread. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals the beginnings of suffering for the name of Christ and the blessings that accompanied that persecution.
Easter is all about the resurrection, and Christ’s resurrection speaks to many things, but perhaps its greatest message is one that’s often overlooked. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he presents Paul’s message to the men of Athens and his warning of the judgement to come.
The relationship of God to His people is a serious one. What we may see as trivial offenses committed by His followers, God sees in a very different light. Join Dr. James Boice as he explores the offense that led to the death of two of those followers, Ananias and his wife, Sapphira on The Bible Study Hour.
The early church had its problems, but as the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and blessed their witness, men and women from all walks of life were drawn into the great and glorious fellowship we call the church. Join Dr. James Boice as he examines the early church at worship and at work on The Bible Study Hour.
The state will always see things differently than how God sees them, and eventually — if you’re a follower of God — you may have to disobey. That’s where Peter and John found themselves as they stood before the law of the land, the Sanhedrin. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines the disciples’ first real confrontation with the authorities.
Everything that Jesus told His disciples would happen had indeed come to pass…the good and the bad, the glory and the miracles, and now, the persecution. A small band of men threatened the priests and the Sadducees, the elders and the teachers of Israel. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows us the reasons these powerless men posed such a threat to the leaders of their nation.
A lame beggar sits at the temple gate where worshippers must pass him by. But when this man calls to Peter and John, pleading for a contribution, he receives an unimaginable gift instead. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he investigates Peter’s first miracle and the sermon that followed.
As the remarkable experiences of the day of Pentecost fade away, we find the first Christians not reveling in their experience but delighting instead in the Word of God. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he examines the early church and the characteristics of a spirit-filled body of believers.
Acts 2:42-47
A preacher’s dream is to have the Spirit of God move in the hearts of men as they listen to his sermons. But few preachers have ever experienced the conversion of 3000 souls as the result of a single message. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he examines Peter’s first and greatest sermon to a diverse crowd, one fateful day in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:14-41
The Spirit came, but not only at Pentecost. He hovered over the waters in the first chapter of Genesis and breathed life into man in the second. The Spirit of God is a breath--a wind that brings change, as evidenced by the changed lives of twelve frightened fishermen waiting in a house in Jerusalem. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals the nature and the power of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer.
Acts 2:1-13
The Book of Acts by its very name seems to speak of action. But as Jesus left His disciples, He instructed them to wait. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores the reason for Jesus’ command, and explains why waiting is often the greatest form of obedience, yielding the greatest success.
Acts 1:12-26
While the first-century Christian witness began in Jerusalem, Jesus’ plan for evangelism was only to begin in that city. From there, it was to expand like the ripples on a pond, flowing to the far reaches of the known world. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he unveils Christ’s plan for world evangelism and the secret of its success.
Acts 1:7-8
There’s a plan to history, and God is unfolding that plan. Nowhere is that more clear than in the Book of Acts, which chronicles the spread of Christianity through men to reach the far corners of the ancient world. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he opens the book that records the trials and triumphs of the early church.
Acts 1:1-11
How do I share Jesus with my neighbor? How do I get my roommate to see her need for Christ? These are relevant questions Christians ask about Jesus’ command to tell others about Him. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he answers the common question, “I know what I should do, but how do I go about doing it?”
A supernatural joy is our birthright as Christians. And the fullness of joy is how we can triumph over suffering and setbacks in our lives. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he examines the biblical formula for joy and its purpose in overcoming the troubling circumstances that life brings us.
The breakdown of faith, along with the accelerated pace and tension in our modern life, has produced intense anxiety in many people and has made worry a widespread and debilitating condition. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he helps us uncover the source of our worries…and the antidote.
Bethlehem is a little town with a rich history. The home of Ruth and the home of David—an out-of-the-way hamlet that would become the birthplace of the Savior, Jesus, the King of Kings. Join Dr. Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he investigates the significance of this little village in the scheme of Christianity and human history.
Micah 5:2
Psalm 98, which inspired Isaac Watts to pen Joy to the World, is a psalm of praise and celebration. It encourages its readers to “sing a new song,” and Watts took that command to heart. Listen as Dr. Boice studies the psalm that birthed the carol we love so well.
Psychologists tell us that anger, when bottled up inside, is both unhealthy and destructive. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, portrays anger as nothing short of murder. So how are we to overcome this dangerous emotion? Join Dr. James Boice as he explains the biblical remedy for one of life’s most perplexing evils.
Regardless of the source of our temptations and how easily we give in to them, the Lord does not leave us defenseless. Listen as Dr. Boice uncovers the sources of our temptations and the pathway to victory over them.
All was not well at the church in Philippi. Two leading women had a falling out, and the effects spilled over into the church itself. The dispute was serious, and Paul was troubled. What was his remedy? James Boice outlines the measures believers are to take when there are problems among the brethren.
Can mortal man know the mind of God? It’s possible in one area—God’s will for our lives. How can we discover His plan? How does He reveal it? Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he helps us to understand the requisites for discovering God’s blueprint for our lives and the decisions that we make that are part and parcel of that plan.
How does one worship? It’s a query that inspires many opinions, but it’s seldom properly answered. What often passes for worship is not worship at all. Some have wondered if there was ever a time when true Christian worship was at a lower ebb.
Prayer—our conversation with God—is fundamental to our faith, but it’s often a cause of concern in the life of the believer. How should we pray? How often should we pray? And why do we feel our prayers are so often weak and ineffective?
Just what does it take to become an authentic Christian? How much must we do and how much is God’s responsibility? While coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ is essentially simple, there’s a good bit of confusion surrounding the subject. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour he lays out the three criteria for entering into a relationship with Jesus and becoming a member of the family of God.
He was a rebel and a leader, a killer and a judge, a man of weakness and courage—a man of royalty who learned humility. He was both a sinner and saint, and he knew God face-to-face. Now, it was his time to die. Join Dr. James Boice as he brings us to the end of the life of Moses, a “friend of God” with a life well-lived. Deuteronomy 32:48-34:12
The people of God have always been a singing people, and God’s servant Moses was no exception. He sang God’s praise after leading the Israelites to safety and sang his second and final song just before he died. Join Dr. James Boice as he examines the reason and the meaning of one of the greatest songs of Scripture. Deuteronomy 31:30-32:47
A picture is worth a thousand words, and God gave Moses a vivid image to present to His people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land—a picture of the blessings that would result from their obedience and the curses that would follow their rebellion. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he sets the stage for one of the most dramatic productions in the history of Israel. Deuteronomy 27:1-30:20
The last book of the Pentateuch is a book of history, of morals, and religion. Deuteronomy portrays God as eternal, sovereign, holy and righteous, but it also portrays Him as a loving God who cares for His people and seeks their obedience. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he returns to the great principles of the faith, studying the last book of Moses and the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy 1:1-26:19
Their enemy vanquished, the Israelites stand on the plains of Moab at the banks of the Jordan, ready to enter the Promised Land, but there remain a few matters that need to be resolved before the final march begins. Join Dr. James Boice next time, on The Bible Study Hour as he explores those details and their significance to Israel’s future in the land. Numbers 26:1-36:13
To an insignificant king who knew his army to be no match for the Israelites, the only solution for survival was a supernatural one. So, this petty king hired a petty prophet to stand against the Living God. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he shows us both the comic and the tragic spectacle of mere mortals standing against the power of the Almighty.
Numbers 23:19-20
The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert
God saves people by having them “look up.” We look to Christ lifted up on the cross for our sins. The Israelites looked up to a bronze snake to cover their sin—a seemingly strange cure but merely a foreshadow of a permanent atonement that was to come. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores this bizarre remedy for the deadly poison of sin.
Numbers 21:4-9
The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert
Chapter 20 of the book of Numbers is one of the saddest in the Bible. It begins with the death of Miriam, ends with the death of Aaron, and—in between—Moses commits a sin that carries with it a dire consequence. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reveals just what it was that made the striking of a rock such a grievous offense to God.
Numbers 20:1-13
The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert
We often hear of coups in third-world countries—the military usurping control over civilian governments or a dictator seizing power. But sadly, coups are often attempted within the family of God. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he pulls back the curtain on a rebellion in the camp of the Israelites.
Numbers 16:1-17:13
The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert
After seeing the giants of Canaan firsthand, 10 spies measured them against their own strength and were shaken, but 2 measured them against their God. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he exposes the great giants and small God of the majority and the small giants and great God of the minority.
Numbers 13:1-14:45
The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert
As the Israelites witness an amazing victory over their former masters, they quickly settle into the routine of daily living in a wilderness where only the Lord can provide for their needs. And, as hardships set in, the people grumble. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he studies those ageless encumbrances of humanity: envy and complaint.
Numbers 12:3
The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert
The Apostle Paul reminds us that all Scripture is profitable, and that includes the often-overlooked book of Numbers. Yes, the book is about numbers, but it’s about so much more—the formation and the history of God’s people as they set out for the Promised Land. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explains the book of Numbers and its meaning for our lives today.
Numbers 1:1-10:36 from Dr. Boice's study of The Life of Moses: The Long Hot Desert