The Bible Study Hour on Oneplace.com

Words are important. Words matter. They can be used to build up, or to tear down. Words can be a blessing, or a curse. Today on The Bible Study Hour with Dr. James Boice, we'll listen in Psalm 12 as David pleads with God to deal with those around him who use their words to boast, lie, cheat, distort and destroy the truth. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

When everything around us seems to be crumbling and breaking down, we can rest in the fact that our ultimate security does not depend on human institutions. Join us next week for a message from Psalm chapter 11, when Dr. Boice will challenge us to live a counter-cultural life that is aligned with God's standards, though it may often be at odds with the world all around us. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

As believers, we live with our eyes upon the eternal, but we still have to function now in a world that is wicked at its core. So, how should we respond to the injustices we observe and battle with every day? This week on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. James Boice will encourage us to intercede now, plead with God for justice continually, and then rest in the fact that judgement is surely coming. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

If our worship comes with a set of stipulations for God, then the reality is that it's not true worship. In fact, total surrender is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian life. This week on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. Boice will remind us that embracing the truth of the Gospel fills us with joy in our salvation. Heartfelt praise is simply the natural overflow of a restored life! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

A letter from a prominent Roman to Cisero on the event of his daughter's death offered deep sympathy but noticeably lacked an important element. That now-famous letter offered no hope in its consoling words for a life beyond the grave. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he reflects on death and our sure hope of a life hereafter. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

The human body is an amazing and complex combination of bones, muscles, nerves, organs and so on. But we are certainly more than our physical composition. We're both body and soul, and we're designed to reflect the image of our Creator. This week on The Bible Study Hour with Dr. Boice, we'll take a look at Psalm chapter 8 to answer the ultimate question: What is our destiny? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

This coming week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll continue our series through Psalms with a message entitled, “Cry Justice!” As believers, we're called to stand for what is right, integral, honest and fair. But before we can plead for, or administer, earthly justice, we must first be made right before God by Heaven's standards. Be sure to join us as we learn together from Psalm chapter 7. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Psalm chapter 6 describes David, a great king and man after God's own heart, stuck in a place of utter hopelessness and despair. Join us this week for The Bible Study Hour with Dr. James Boice. We'll discuss the complex issue of depression and discover that this modern psychological hot topic is really not so modern after all. In fact, depression is as old as sin itself. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Formality was never a requirement that God imposed on our prayer time. But he does command us to seek Him earnestly and with persistence. If you've ever wondered if there is a right or wrong way to pray, you won't want to miss this week's broadcast of The Bible Study Hour with Dr. Boice. We'll learn that we must always approach God on the basis of his sacrifice - and not our own merit. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

This week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll witness King David, in the depths of his despair, pleading with God simultaneously for both forgiveness and vindication. His prayer is sincere and defenseless as he presents his case to the ultimate Judge. Tune in to find out how, by the end of Psalm 4, David has found peace in the midst of adversity and rest in knowing that God hears his cry. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Have you ever received an insight or revelation so important that you wished it could be remembered forever? If so, you might identify with Job as he proclaimed, I know that my Redeemer liveth and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he explores the depths of Job's revelation of the coming of the Messiah. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

The historical context behind Psalm chapter 3 points us to a time of crisis and betrayal in the life of King David. We'll learn that there's only one tried and true method for finding peace in the midst of life's challenges. And we'll be reminded that, like David, we're each in need of the kind of deliverance that only God can provide. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Lying, cheating, lust, envy. Sin takes different forms, but it can all be traced back to one, common cause- the rejection of Christ's kingship. On The Bible Study Hour, we'll study Psalm chapter 2 - a complex passage with a mysterious purpose. Join us as Dr. Boice explains how we each have an important role to play in proclaiming Christ as King. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

According to God's Word, our lives are all headed down one of two, distinct paths. And the one we're on not only determines our final destination, but also the quality of our journey. Tune in for The Bible Study Hour this week as Dr. Boice teaches from Psalm chapter 1 to unpack this powerful analogy and to remind us that the path we choose will truly make all the difference. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

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. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he completes his study of Acts To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

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.” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

We can plan for our immediate future and we can contemplate our earthly calling, but as believers, we can't talk about our ultimate destiny without talking about Heaven. This week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll learn all about the “New Jerusalem” - a city that is defined by God's presence, characterized by peace, and secured by the same one who grants us access to it - Christ himself! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

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. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

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. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

One of the amazing things about the work of God in the life of a believer is the way He uses circumstances to bring about His ends. That was certainly true in the life of Paul, as a long string of circumstances brought him to the court of Festus, a decisive judge who would usher the Apostle along to his final destination. Join Dr. James Boice next time on the Bible Study Hour as he studies Paul's trial before another Roman governor. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Jesus promised Paul that he would preach to the Gentiles, testify to the Jews and give evidence before kings. He preached to Gentiles throughout Europe and Asia and to his fellow countrymen in Jerusalem and now the time was at hand for him to stand before kings for the Savior whom he served. Join Dr. James Boice next time, on the Bible Study Hour as he chronicles Paul's defense before Felix. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

God is never closer than when we cannot see His face. That was certainly true in the Apostle Paul's case when all seemed against him, as forty of his fellow countrymen vowed not to eat or drink until they saw Paul dead! Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he uncovers the details of the plot to kill Paul and God's protection in the time of his greatest need. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

We can be knowledgeable, eloquent, wise and charitable, but the true measure of our spiritual state is not determined by any of these impressive characteristics. Today on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. Boice will offer us a simple, two question test that can identify the mark of any true believer. Let's continue our series on “Great Chapters of the Bible” with a look into 1 Corinthians 13. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

As we begin to study the final chapters of the Book of Acts, we see the Apostle Paul--after enjoying years of freedom in spreading the gospel—being taken into Roman custody. While Paul's imprisonment was hardly a good situation from a human point of view, it was to be greatly used in bringing the gospel to that empire. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

In order to heal the rift between Jewish and Gentile believers, the Apostle Paul was willing to compromise with the very laws and customs he so adamantly preached against. But his plans were not God's plans and despite Paul's good intentions, the Jews of Jerusalem rose up against him. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he relates a rather bizarre event in the life of Paul and the anger of a mob that almost cost him his life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

His friends and coworkers warned him. A prophet gave him a visual demonstration of what awaited him. Was the Apostle Paul wrong in his insistence to go on to Jerusalem, or was God using Paul's obstinance to fulfill His purpose? Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he leads us through a questionable episode in the life of the great apostle. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

The Apostle Paul was a giant among the leaders of the early church--a man who, by God's grace, accomplished great things in the face of great adversity. Yet he was just a man and experienced the same human emotions as you and me. Join Dr. James Boice next time, on The Bible Study Hour as he shares the intimate scene of Paul's farewell to the leaders of the church at Ephesus. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

The 20th chapter of Acts chronicles the shift in the Apostle Paul's ministry and a wrap up of his work in Macedonia and Asia. Acts 20 records a time for Paul to visit his churches for the last time as he heads to Jerusalem and then on to Rome. Join Dr. James Boice next time, on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through this nostalgic journey and important time in Paul's missionary calling. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Of all the teachings, parables and sermons our Lord presented during his time on earth, there's probably none better known than the beatitudes. But while it's one of the most well-known passages of Scripture, it's often the most misunderstood. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he seeks to reveal Jesus' motives and meaning behind the well-known blessings we know as the beatitudes. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Very few people have literally caused a riot. But the apostle Paul did just that as he preached and lectured in Ephesus. The locals who made their living making idols of the goddess Artemis didn't like what they were hearing about a different kind of God. Keep listening, as Dr. James Boice tells what happened when Paul faced a shouting, furious mob. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Judging by the movies we watch, we're drawn to big cities. More than a thousand movies have been filmed in New York alone. In Paul's day, Ephesus was a big city, with a third of a million people. And it drew him—not only to visit but to linger. It was one of the cities where he honed his strategy for reaching people with the gospel. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

“The book of Acts—starring the apostle Paul!” ... If Paul were here today, he'd never let us get away with saying that. The real star of Acts is the Holy Spirit, and he does his work through every believer. Keep listening as Dr. James Boice introduces us to a few of the ordinary believers God used to turn the first-century world upside-down. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

It was a cosmopolitan city. It was a commercial city. And it was a corrupt city. In short, it was very much like many of our big cities today. It was Corinth, a melting pot of people, a center of trade, and home to ten thousand prostitutes serving at the temple of Aphrodite. It was also a turning point in Paul's ministry. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Athens, the city of the Epicureans: “If it feels good, do it.” Athens, the city of the Stoics: “If it doesn't feel good, grin and bear it.” Athens, the city of idols: “If it looks good, worship it.” And Athens, the city of Paul's most famous sermon, a closely reasoned message about an unknown God who has made himself known in Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Jesus began and ended the 14th chapter of John with a similar command: that His followers were not to let their hearts be troubled. And in between, He gives them—and us—the reasons why we should have peace, even in the midst of dire circumstances. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through a familiar passage many have turned to for comfort in times of tribulation. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Long ago and far away, the apostle Paul and a few friends traveled from place to place for months at a time. Everywhere they went, they preached about Jesus, attracted attention, drew crowds, ... and eventually got kicked out of town. But they also left behind, in place after place, a new community of believers. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

It's one of the most famous questions in the Bible. It comes from a prison guard who's having such a bad night with earthquakes and broken locks that he's about to take his own life. Looking for a reason to live, he speaks the famous words: “What must I do to be saved?” And Paul just happens to be there with the answer. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Paul's second mission trip got off to a rocky start as he and Barnabas argued and finally split to go their separate ways. But Paul set out with Silas instead, and picked up Timothy along the way. And as they traveled, they also picked up a new vision—a vision that led them farther west, into a brand new continent. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Is faith alone enough to make you a child of God—or is there more to it? Do you have to do, or not do, certain things? Follow certain laws or traditions? These were hot questions for the early church, and they finally had a summit meeting to hash it out. Everybody who was anybody was there. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Another city, another Sabbath, another synagogue, another sermon. Ah, the life of a traveling evangelist! And in each new city, Paul and his companions see a pattern: enthusiastic crowds but also hostile opponents; the seed of a new church but also growing persecution. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

As the angels appeared over the fields of Bethlehem and revealed themselves to the shepherds, a great fear came over them. Yet, at the same time, a great feeling of joy filled their hearts as they witnessed that momentous event. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he studies the reasons the angels' message was one of great joy to both the shepherds and those who welcome the Savior today. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

It's one of the most famous questions in the Bible. It comes from a prison guard who's having such a bad night with earthquakes and broken locks that he's about to take his own life. Looking for a reason to live, he speaks the famous words: “What must I do to be saved?” And Paul just happens to be there with the answer. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Paul's second mission trip got off to a rocky start as he and Barnabas argued and finally split to go their separate ways. But Paul set out with Silas instead, and picked up Timothy along the way. And as they traveled, they also picked up a new vision—a vision that led them farther west, into a brand new continent. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Is faith alone enough to make you a child of God—or is there more to it? Do you have to do, or not do, certain things? Follow certain laws or traditions? These were hot questions for the early church, and they finally had a summit meeting to hash it out. Everybody who was anybody was there. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Another city, another Sabbath, another synagogue, another sermon. Ah, the life of a traveling evangelist! And in each new city, Paul and his companions see a pattern: enthusiastic crowds but also hostile opponents; the seed of a new church but also growing persecution. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Have you ever prayed for something but didn't truly expect God to answer? Was the situation hopeless? If so, be sure to tune in to the Bible Study Hour as Dr. James Boice preaches from the story of Peter's hopeless case. He was personally imprisoned by the king and was heavily guarded. Peter had no chance. Or did he? You will be encouraged by God's deliverance. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

The first Christmas came silently. It was neither commercial nor materialistic. It was, instead, a purely spiritual event. So then, why is Christmas so wonderful, even in this materialistic age? Perhaps it's because of the inexplicable miracles that accompanied our Savior's birth. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores each of the three miracles surrounding the birth of Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Everyone knows the name "Christian," but where was it first used? Believers were first called Christians in a sophisticated, tolerant, and corrupt city; a business power where all the wealth of the East passed through on its way to Rome, Antioch in Syria. There Barnabas saw what God was doing and introduced Paul to the church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Actions have consequences. When Peter went to the gentile centurion Cornelius, and brought him the truth, he believed. Peter didn't require Cornelius to become a Israelite. Instead, Peter ate with the unclean gentiles. Now Peter returns to the church at Jerusalem and is questioned about his behavior. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Did you ever notice that at the beginning of the Christian church the apostles didn't have very much to say about the teachings of Jesus. How about that! Last time we saw how God sent Peter to Cornelius, the gentile, which let Peter and everyone know that the good news was open to all peoples. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Have you ever had your world shaken? In our next account in the Book of Acts we see Peter dream a dream that turns his world upside down. It is also the first step as Peter uses the second key to the kingdom to open the gospel to gentiles. There truly are no favorites with God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111