Online Bible Institute | Max | Activity https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/members/maxwellberthold/activity/ Activity feed for Max. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:58:55 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.0.4 en-US 30 hourly 2 a6e65a5129dd872b8bee830f0106913f Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/82071/#acomment-82077 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:19:42 -0400 I’ve talked with a lot of people who are scared of the Old Testament because it challenges their somewhat simplistic view of God and faith. They see it as dark, and yucky, and so they shy away from it. What they really need is a deeper understanding of it. This is such an interesting and challenging topic to explore. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Ben Wagner posted an update

Session 1 focused on getting to know the Old Testament and how much of OT Scripture can be confusing and difficult to accept. One way modern Christians sometimes cope with this is […]

]]> c7a969ff4a6614922dcaa19161037dd3 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/82072/#acomment-82076 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:15:49 -0400 Its not only necessary, but really exciting and fun to seek deeper meaning from scripture. To make deeper connections in our understanding of scripture is one of the most exciting things and really is the source of life. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Damaris Wahu posted an update

My key takeaway was the importance of reading the bible systematically,how important it is to have context and understand how the bible is intricately woven together and equally […]

]]> 9d755cc4a2fdc3647aa4eb01987e0483 Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra covered Christian […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/82075/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:12:10 -0400 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra covered Christian identity and explained how Christians are to find and define their identity.

Because when we come to know Jesus the old self is crucified and is rendered dead and we take on the new self through Christ, Christians should not define themselves by their experiences, upbringing, personality,…

Read more

]]> 1 73a065ccdbc20f532e2d993d76ee6e6c Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81800/#acomment-81816 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:48:40 -0400 Peace is so hard to come by in the world that if Christians really took this message to heart we’d stand out all the more and have such a powerful influence. This was a great summery, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Desmond posted an update

In this sermon from Philippians 4:4-7, Pastor Steve explores the 7th Beatitude, which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This […]

]]> 398bb79078aa570d0498ed1ff08a61dc Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81803/#acomment-81815 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:46:30 -0400 Some of my favorite teaching aids that Jesus used were the lilies of the fields and the ants. Their function in the sermon is something between an analogy and a practical example which makes at particularly powerful. I’ve noticed some of the best serons I’ve heard employ an aid like this. What a fun topic, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Amos posted an update LESSON 7: TEACHING AIDS.


It was a wonderful thing after learning many teaching methods in previous chapters to also learn about many different teaching aids in this chapter. Its […]

]]> d8eec6791848b9034b5bf96584048606 Max posted an update: In the last lesson pastor Hoekstra described the […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81813/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:40:46 -0400 In the last lesson pastor Hoekstra described the desperate cry of a Christian who has found that they cannot live righteously by their own self-effort. “Oh wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24. And the answer is “Thanks be to God, through Christ Jesus.” Romans 7:24.

Living according to the flesh…

Read more

]]> 2 e0ca910f2f3f07be42b77cf230462048 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81504/#acomment-81512 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:04:44 -0400 The poetry of history is so incredible to see. The great flood, the red sea, the prophet Jonah, and baptism are all acts of creation. I love the parallels you’ve drawn. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - John posted an update

Course: Noah to Abraham

Session 17: The Flood Waters Recede

When God delivers from death, it is also an act of creation.

Noah is the first one who waits on the word of the Lord in […]

]]> 5ee95765ddba16d8e6c3db62d4eecd46 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81507/#acomment-81511 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:01:18 -0400 I love the comingling of mercy and justice in the Bible. How the presence of evil demands judgement, but God always looks for an opportunity to show mercy, and He uses sacrifices to do it. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - John posted an update

Course: Noah to Abraham

Session 18: Noah’s Sacrifice and God’s Blessing

In this session, I learned the following lessons: God would be justified to hand humans over to the destruction […]

]]> 263586f805b11aef7f7f485856b5883e Max posted an update: This lesson continued the train of thought in the last […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81510/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:57:03 -0400 This lesson continued the train of thought in the last two. The previous two lessons described the difference between living the old life in sin, and living united with Christ. This lesson describes the ongoing struggle in the Christian life that happens after being saved.

After our conversion, we have a new, resurrected spirit, and a…

Read more

]]> 3 6073518115c308779609a451befcc014 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81456/#acomment-81471 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:37:30 -0400 Its so amazing to think that the very words of God were written by real people in real situations in history. And when we take that context in mind, we can better understand what we read. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

The lesson focuses on our dependance on the Holy Spirit to rightly understand Scripture as He (the Holy Spirit of God) inspired every word of Scripture. And in […]

]]> 66b86de378ea0a10ae758646b4790376 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81462/#acomment-81470 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:33:21 -0400 Almost everything that happens in the world is the unfolding of the battle between good and evil. When you realize that, everything suddenly makes so much sense. Good post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Brandon Dillard posted an update

Lesson 6 goes into depth about demons and their role in causing havoc on the Earth. The part that intrigued me most was that some of them are assigned kingdoms on earth by […]

]]> ecb05a9a147924cb856bd9fa0ae907f0 Max posted an update: This lesson continued and expanded on the points of […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81469/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:29:27 -0400 This lesson continued and expanded on the points of the previous lesson, that spiritual death comes from living according to the flesh, the old Adam, and spiritual life comes from being united with Christ. We become united with Christ when we crucify the old self, consider ourselves dead to sin, and alive in Christ. This means we should yield…

Read more

]]> 2 a0574d50040fb09061b3ee3ab596feaf Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81400/#acomment-81410 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:21:20 -0400 I like the idea of using topical studies for practical use in your own life. If you have trouble starting yourself, you’ll find that a lot of the most interesting sermons are based on topical studies. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Candice Gentry posted an update

This lesson focused on learning Topical Bible Study methods where you direct your study on a specific subject such as Love, Fear, Miracles, death etc. You can do this in a […]

]]> 32ce95f619ecba46f1f00667d425bd5b Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81403/#acomment-81409 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:17:56 -0400 Biblical doctrine is extremely important, and I think one of the most important tools for evangelism. I’ve found that doctrine is actually one of the first things people ask about when they’re curious about Christianity. They don’t ask what Jesus means to you, or why you’re so unworried about life. They ask why God created people, why there’s…

Read more

In reply to - Candice Gentry posted an update

Chapter 18 focused on The Theological Method. This is where you do a deep study of different biblical doctrines. God the Father Jesus the son and the holy spirit. You can dig […]

]]> 4c98723713914e4323bdb759e4bf0de4 Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra illustrates how […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81408/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:12:19 -0400 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra illustrates how biblical counseling is directed toward living in Christ and receiving spiritual life from Him.

Often the problems that secular psychology seek to address, disfunction, phobias, dysphoria, etc., can all be seen biblically as types of spiritual death or deadness. Biblically, all forms of…

Read more

]]> 0 10d6efd69c8d285b2bc0359f292078ae Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81241/#acomment-81251 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:59:56 -0400 The modern conception of the church is fundamentally wrong, where we only have one or two leaders that share the gospel and the rest of us just sit and listen. While that is our role during church services, the rest of the week should be filled with our own ministries. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Frank Bertinchamps posted an update

Reaping by Revelation

This lesson discussed the principles of multiplicity and what we need regarding reaping by revelation. Reaping by revelation refers to the end-times […]

]]> 5a4f04da1bf29edcfb73462f1a3fbf78 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81242/#acomment-81250 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:55:25 -0400 I love topical studies and they’re really helpful for really grasping a biblical view on a subject. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Tiffany posted an update

The main goal of this chapter is to teach readers how to define, explain, and practically conduct a topical Bible study.
The Method Defined & Explained
A topical Bible study focuses on […]

]]> ca106cdccee87992dfc07219995d8c11 Max posted an update: This lesson is a continuation of the previous, in […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81249/ Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:52:47 -0400 This lesson is a continuation of the previous, in which pastor Hoekstra highlighted some important biblical truths to remember when counseling.

I Peter 4:12 teaches us that trials are not strange. Difficulties and hardships are a normal part of the Christian life, this is not something alien and should not be feared. While hardships are not…

Read more

]]> 5 8cb1bfab3125368b06a14cfc71c055cf Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81204/#acomment-81210 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 01:25:43 -0400 I feel like this is true no matter the setting, but these skills are put to the test in a prison ministry. Its always necessary to truly listen to, and understand others struggles to effectively minister to them. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Bylahna Amerson posted an update

Chapter 3 deepened my understanding of the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals in correctional settings. It highlighted the importance of being prepared not only […]

]]> 106ca03bc7ec0230db34a149aa4ac045 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81206/#acomment-81209 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 01:22:20 -0400 I always think its so incredible that the narrative of history was so designed by God to point to Jesus again and again. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Roscoe Meeks posted an update

What stands out most to me in Session 21 is how it brings together so many of the Bible’s major themes and reveals that they all point to Jesus. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus […]

]]> f9604be6cde350ea936fc0a7480bdbc0 Max posted an update: In this lesson, pastor Hoekstra shared some […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81207/ Sun, 07 Jun 2026 01:17:36 -0400 In this lesson, pastor Hoekstra shared some important biblical truths that counselors should remember when ministering. He taught that counselors do not need to have all the answers but should remind those they are counseling of these truths to encourage and strengthen them.

I Corinthians 3:10 says that God gives growth/life. This means that…

Read more

]]> 2 1461d792a83103044b87cc7615129198 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81158/#acomment-81165 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:31:48 -0400 Its a great thing that God leaves so little of our salvation to our own control. We still have to cooperate with God’s grace, but we don’t need to worry about too much. Its all on Him. We depend on Him which gives us security. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

The Plan of God

Foreknowledge ~ Purpose ~ Election

Predestination ~ Calling ~ Drawing ~ Conviction

The Human Response

Confession ~ Repentance ~ Faith

The Position […]

]]> 94f1350290e202dc334029953cf39483 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81161/#acomment-81164 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:28:53 -0400 There are so many great lessons from the books of Samuel. I think its a beautiful thing that the narrative of Biblical history is so crafted to point to Jesus. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Youvenson posted an update 2 Samuel is an interesting book, like 1 Samuel, it tells the story of David as Israel’s king, and in two movements. There’s a season of success and of blessing, followed by a huge […] ]]> 1747cd00a167247a28375af72e755a4f Max posted an update: In this lesson, pastor Hoekstra explained how counselors […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81163/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:24:33 -0400 In this lesson, pastor Hoekstra explained how counselors are raised up and equipped and challenged the idea the credentials qualify an “expert” in counseling.

According to scripture, God has provided us with apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers to equip believers in ministry, which, Hoekstra says, includes the ministry of counseling.…

Read more

]]> 1 e1ce8e6f9c208c48b7212a141ef2dd4b Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81096/#acomment-81118 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:50:36 -0400 The Bible was written for us, but not to us. Its a saying I love that really helps understand a lot of what scripture has to say. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Christopher posted an update

Chapter six covered the principles of interpretation. With so many versions of the Bible that we have access to, its important to understand interpretation and why we believe the […]

]]> f61c5ba96d412a176c106145568de9aa Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81099/#acomment-81116 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:48:34 -0400 Spiritual growth is one of the hardest things to quantify so I feel like it often goes unnoticed. That makes lessons like these all the more important. Thank you for sharing.

In reply to - Aaron House posted an update

Methodology of Multiplication

Chapter-11

When we consider stunted growth that can occur in a church, we need to look at

ways this can be fixed. One of the most important things […]

]]> 712c22c9f43498a8303a542f0c1001b9 Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra asserted that all […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81113/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:43:07 -0400 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra asserted that all believers are called to the counseling ministry and challenged the idea that only trained experts are qualified to counsel.

The nature of biblical counseling and the spiritual gifts imparted to all Christians means that all in God’s family are sufficiently equipped to counsel one another.…

Read more

]]> 1 a1e7dd7ba063bc6e61fa9b281774671a Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81012/#acomment-81027 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:32:05 -0400 This is a really fun method that I was shown somewhat recently. I usually read a passage almost as poetry, and see the whole thing as conveying a point and don’t stop to consider the individual words and their meaning. When I do this I can see the passage in a whole new light with a new depth of meaning.

In reply to - Candice Gentry posted an update Paragraph study was such an interesting topic to learn. As I get further into my studies and learn how to dig deeper into Gods word all these helpful tools and charting […] ]]> 073991d1b9a6b98bca76ca2c32715fbb Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81013/#acomment-81025 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:29:39 -0400 I like what you said about the devil trying to beat us down. He often tells two lies. First he’ll say that sin is no big deal and it doesn’t really matter. Then the second you do it, he says that its the biggest thing and you can never be forgiven. Neither are true. Sin separates you from God, but Jesus bridged the gap for us.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

Dr Hocking starts the lesson by explaining that from Romans 5:20, no sin can put you as believer outside the realm of God’s wonderful grace. No failure, no bombing out, no […]

]]> 6a0667598a9f3365a2636b4741d1d456 Max posted an update: Counseling one another in the Christian life is, […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/81024/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:21:50 -0400 Counseling one another in the Christian life is, according to Hoekstra, designed to happen in the context of the church and church life. The church is the family of God which is meant to be filled with the presence of Jesus and is defined by love, patience, forgiveness and mercy. In this context counseling occurs within each…

Read more

]]> 3 7972b18947161d9789f9d2a74c24fe48 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/77635/#acomment-77646 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:12:59 -0400 I absolutely love word studies like these. The ways is which words can carry layers and depth of meaning is so amazing to see. Thank you so much for sharing.

In reply to - Roscoe Meeks posted an update

What stands out most in these notes is how profoundly the title “Lord” (kyrios) shapes our understanding of Jesus in the earliest Christian movement. What is exciting is realizing […]

]]> 03212f3fd591307383d96da8cb1b41d7 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/77641/#acomment-77645 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:08:34 -0400 Like you said, its really important to understand the natural and spiritual realms. Spiritual warfare is a daily thing where maybe the enemy is trying to make us irritable so we can’t show God’s love to others, or unforgiving to ruin our relationships. When we understand that these things aren’t just personal, but spiritual, we can much…

Read more

In reply to - Tammie Human Burgin posted an update

Lesson 1 of Spiritual Strategies: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare is thorough and detailed. It is very enlightening and equipping for a Believer. We must understand […]

]]> c12097fb4190a950cba50a2717be2666 Max posted an update: This lesson tied together the previous lessons on […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/77644/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:04:31 -0400 This lesson tied together the previous lessons on God’s means of counseling. God’s word is the means by which He delivers His counsel to us. The Holy Spirit is the means by which we are to interpret and apply God’s word. Finally in this lesson we learn prayer is the means by which we are to communicate with God, receive His Spirit afresh,…

Read more

]]> 2 54b7ea22732fb792ac8facc6b5ac5fb0 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/77542/#acomment-77550 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:44:32 -0400 The term “high place” not only refers to a center of religious power, but more literally to a tall hill or mound, which in ancient times was seen as a place where the spiritual realm more easily influenced the physical and humans could commune with spirits. This is probably just a side note to your point, but it has implications for…

Read more

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

“Spiritual Wickedness in High Places” – The “High Places” in the old testament were places of worship, not only for the pagan peoples, but also for the people of Israel […]

]]> ac5b1128e6b94af1e48d348a9d2126e6 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/77543/#acomment-77549 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:38:15 -0400 I think its far more common to see demonic influence rather than possession. People are rarely fully possessed by a demon, but rather suffer constant attacks. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

“Dealing with Demonic Powers” – The three major kinds of attacks that attack the body, soul, and spirit of man are Seducing spirits, spirits of infirmity, and unclean […]

]]> 8c205e6a73ee72537fc1aa3e70730ae8 Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra discussed the importance […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/77548/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:32:45 -0400 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra discussed the importance of the Holy Spirit in counseling. While the Word of God is the means by which God communicates with us and the material which we’re supposed to use in counseling, the Holy Spirit is the mode by which we are to interpret and apply the Word in counseling. It’s very important to know…

Read more

]]> 3 59ab4d9370e8e1f7551f157554527171 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/75411/#acomment-75423 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:11:26 -0500 This was very encouraging to read. Its amazing to read about the examples of how God chooses the seemingly least qualified in the Bible. People like Saul, David, Gideon and Mary all lacked social status and experience, but God called them to amazing things and equipped them for the tasks to which they were called.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

The final chapter in this course is called “The Vision Becomes Reality” – It identifies the type of individuals that God calls as harvesters, teaches us to claim God’s […]

]]> ca9889bfbf17e7ddbd3d648d5f59e57a Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/75420/#acomment-75422 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:06:19 -0500 This was a really good overview and summary. The book of Samuel is an amazing story of how God interacts with His people, dispensing justice and mercy simultaneously. As the last of the great judges, Samuel lived at an amazing time in history, much like how John the baptist was the last of the prophets. They each were instrumental in ushering in…

Read more

In reply to - Jessica posted an update

I wanted to give a summary from each chapter of what I’ve read so far in 1 Samuel. It’s a long read but I found 1 Samuel 1-12 very fascinating. Not everything in each chapter is […]

]]> e54aae510cbf267be89caefd21c3d178 Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra overviewed the role of […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/75421/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:58:23 -0500 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra overviewed the role of God’s word in counseling. God’s word is paramount, indispensable and instrumental in counseling. God’s word is the main instrument used for counseling, first, as II Timothy 3:16 tells us, because its true, inspired of God. There will never be a case where God’s word is found to be in error…

Read more

]]> 2 a88c5daa74c5a381fcfb7bb2a212d47d Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/72920/#acomment-72927 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:51:38 -0500 When your sense of value isn’t anchored in God, it’s very easy to undermine, and your self image can be very easily hurt.

Its also important to know that you can know God, just not fully. He will always be a mystery, but we don’t believe He is a complete mystery like agnostics.

Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Felix Quintero-Coria posted an update

The Atrributes of God

Lesson 1: the Greatness of God

the greatest need of humanity is not self-discovery, but the knowledge of God. Modern society is obsessed […]

]]> 353ff4c5f7dd6f324b816bc26b181a52 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/72922/#acomment-72926 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:44:42 -0500 I think setting aside time is essential, otherwise your prayer time will get lost in your busy schedule.

Great post, thanks for sharing

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

This is the closing lesson on intercession, and it provides good guidelines for getting started and keeping going. My takeaway from this course is that it requires […]

]]> cff628826a464deffa8f94ef22740383 Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra again contrasted the […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/72925/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:59:38 -0500 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra again contrasted the method of counseling laid out in scripture with that of the world. He showed how earthly counseling has a heavy emphasis on removing and meeting needs. While godly counseling has some aspects of problem solving, the main focus is on sanctification. So while earthly counseling attempts to…

Read more

]]> 1 2147b32a7e1e41deda295a1d9f9018f6 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/71730/#acomment-71741 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:57:09 -0500 When you understand the structure of a book, or section of a book you can get a better understanding of how the ideas interact and the find the real meaning of a passage. Its a great method, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Chidozie Gideon posted an update

I loved the suggestions on how to read the bible: Daily, Selectively, prayerfully and systematically. The power of reading systematically and getting a view of the big picture […]

]]> 72f74ef7dbf6afd59ceb019672381f9c Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/71734/#acomment-71740 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:54:59 -0500 Matthew 15:11 has much the same message. Your words can even make you impure. Its incredible to think about the power and weight our words carry and the responsibility we have in using them. Great post.

In reply to - Mariann Scallorn posted an update

Ch. 16 The Battle with the Tongue

This chapter is a great reminder that your words have a lasting impact.

I was reminded of the phrase, “Sticks and stone will break my bones, […]

]]> 0c28720c25d451a0d50d22df93b690ff Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra warned against adopting […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/71739/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:51:24 -0500 In this lesson pastor Hoekstra warned against adopting the worldly philosophies regarding counseling, but rather to adopt God’s version and method of counseling.

At the time these lessons were made, the cultural focus was to improve oneself through self-esteem. This is still a huge issue today though under different names. Today, mental…

Read more

]]> 2 89d185064fa37a9cb02c10e225d5f19b Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/70924/#acomment-70934 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:48:20 -0500 It’s really cool to learn different methods for study. Some will work better for you than others. Word studies are one of my favorites as well, and I’m excited you’re going to start using it.

In reply to - Sarah Smith posted an update

I was really eager to learn about the Bible study tools and how they help deepen understanding of Scripture. After reviewing them and their purposes, I realized that I had never […]

]]> 75e02619cb6d43c51f10fac541ac6e91 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/70925/#acomment-70933 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:44:34 -0500 Its really cool to see how the Bible is divided. Then when you read through the Bible you get to see e different theme in each section. Sometimes it’s also fun to read it chronologically and you can get other things out of your reading then.

In reply to - Keith Linden posted an update

I find it interesting, and something that i didn’t originally know, that the old and new testaments are broken into categories such as law, history etc. the correspondents between […]

]]> 43d1b5e9a51d0880fa451a22aa11db87 Max posted an update: This lesson continues the ideas from the previous lesson […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/70932/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:35:39 -0500 This lesson continues the ideas from the previous lesson and compares the type and quality of counsel from God, and from the world. It also considers the wisdom of coming to Christ for counsel versus the folly of coming to the phycologists of the world for counseling. Finally, the problem of the church abdicating its responsibility to…

Read more

]]> 1 9bd5b9824b144a65837962e5235a97fa Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/70606/#acomment-70613 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:40:59 -0500 It makes perfect sense. God promised healing for His children, you can’t expect to receive His healing without being in relationship with Him. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Teresa Holcombe posted an update

The takeaway from this chapter is that faith for healing comes by hearing the Word of God concerning healing (Romans 10:17). The Bible calls the Word of God the seed. Some […]

]]> d8a7d1d5f835143dd22891ed14dc3387 Max posted a new activity comment https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/70607/#acomment-70612 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:34:28 -0500 I never realized that Jesus never prayed ‘if it is your will’. Its so tempting to qualify a prayer like that because it gives plausible deniability if a prayer isn’t answered like expected, but Jesus and the apostles give an example of prayer that is undoubting and expectant and we should follow it. Thank you for sharing.

In reply to - Teresa Holcombe posted an update

The takeaway from this chapter is that the key to answered prayer is praying according to God’s will. The chapter instructs the following: Do not pray “If it is God’s will.” […]

]]>