In this powerful message from 2 Timothy 4, Dr. David Fleming uses Olympic athletes and their post-competition reflections to explore Paul’s famous words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Drawing from stories of victory, pressure, and perseverance from the games, David challenges the class to think about the “summary statement” they are writing with their own lives.

What does it mean to run the right race — not just a good one, but the one God has assigned? How do we stay faithful when life feels like a marathon rather than a sprint? Through biblical insight, practical encouragement, and a call to spiritual focus, David reminds us that finishing well requires endurance, community, and a deep, personal relationship with Christ.

Whether you feel strong in your faith or battle-weary, this teaching will encourage you to keep running, keep believing, and stay focused on the finish line.

The post Special Event – Summary Statements; 2 Timothy 4:1-8: Dr. David Fleming, 02/22/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

What if the biggest battle in your spiritual life isn’t your circumstances — but your default mindset?

In this Biblical Literacy session on Romans 8, Mark dives into Paul’s powerful teaching about perspective, identity, and spiritual orientation. Through Greek insights, real-world examples, and the ancient literary structure called a chiasm, Mark reveals why Scripture emphasizes two ways of living: self-directed life versus Spirit-led life — and the radically different outcomes they produce.

You’ll learn:

* Why “no condemnation in Christ” is the foundation of Romans 8

* What Paul really means by flesh vs. Spirit

* How your “default page” shapes your daily decisions

* Why a Spirit-centered mindset leads to life, peace, and purpose Join Mark as he challenges viewers to examine their “default page” and ask daily: What does God want?

The post Session 26 – Romans; Romans 8: Mark Lanier, 02/15/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

In this teaching from Romans 8, Dr. David Fleming explores one of the most powerful promises in Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What does this declaration really mean — and how does it shape the way we live today?

David dives deeply into the theology behind no condemnation, unpacking themes of justification, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the believer’s identity “in Christ.” Through biblical teaching and practical illustrations, we consider common questions many Christians wrestle with: Does grace mean there are no consequences? Why do believers still struggle? And how do we live faithfully without falling into pride or “cheap grace”?

More than a theological discussion, this message invites us into a renewed understanding of God’s mercy — not only freedom from guilt, but a transformed life shaped by Christ living in us. Whether you are studying Romans, wrestling with questions of faith, or seeking encouragement in your walk with God, this teaching offers biblical clarity and pastoral insight.

Key themes: * Romans 8:1 and the meaning of “no condemnation” * Grace, justification, and substitutionary atonement * Living from victory rather than striving for it * Spiritual growth, discipline, and everyday faith.

The post Session 25 – Romans; Romans 8:1a, No Condemnation: Dr. David Fleming, 02/08/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

In this deep dive into Romans 8, Mark explores two critical words that are often misunderstood: “flesh” and “spirit.” Many Christians mistakenly think Paul is teaching that our physical bodies are bad and our souls are good – but that is actually Greek philosophy, not biblical teaching.

Key Points Covered:

* The foundation of Romans 8:1-4 – no condemnation for those in Christ * What “flesh” really means (hint: it’s not your body!)

* What “spirit” really means (hint: it’s not just your soul!)

* Why these definitions matter for how we live

* The difference between living in “flesh mode” vs. “spirit mode” Main Takeaway:

* “Flesh” = living in self-reliance, oriented away from God

* “Spirit” = living empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, dependent on Him The question isn’t “Is this activity physical or spiritual?” but rather “Am I relying on myself or on God?”

Practical Application: Stop asking if something is physical or spiritual. Instead ask: Am I relying on myself or on God? Everything – from preaching to parenting to daily work – can be spiritual when done in dependence on God’s power.

The post Session 24 – Romans; Romans 8: Mark Lanier, 02/01/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

Mark continues our study on the book of Romans with Romans 8. Mark looks deeper into Paul’s letter—not as a distant theological document, but as a living conversation about faith, identity, and transformation. With his trademark blend of careful scholarship, historical insight, and down-to-earth storytelling, Mark helps Romans come alive in ways that feel both intellectually satisfying and spiritually nourishing.

Rather than rushing through the text, this lesson lingers where Paul’s ideas challenge us most—grace, righteousness, and what it truly means to live under the lordship of Christ. Along the way, Mark draws connections between the world of first-century Rome and the tensions believers still experience today, showing why Romans remains so essential for understanding the gospel.

Whether you’re a long-time student of Scripture or someone who wants to read Romans with fresh eyes, this lesson offers clarity without oversimplifying and depth without intimidation. It’s the kind of teaching that leaves you thinking long after it ends—and eager to keep listening.

Join us Sundays at 9:30am CST! Links below:

YouTube:    / @biblicalliteracy  

CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/guide/worship/ Fair Use Disclaimer: This video is made by a nonprofit organization for educational purposes. It may include copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of educational, cultural, and social issues. This constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. The content is used for teaching, commentary, analysis, and nonprofit educational purpose only.

The post Session 23 – Romans; Romans 8: Mark Lanier, 01/18/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

Mark interviews Reverend Dr. Lyndon Drake, a New Zealand born, Oxford-educated Anglican priest and expert on artificial intelligence. He now serves as Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.

Watch as they explore how faith, science, and human meaning intersect in a modern world shaped by neuroscience, technology, and cultural change. Through personal stories, humor, and thoughtful reflection, Drake challenges simplistic explanations of human behavior that reduce people to biology or brain chemistry alone. Together, Lanier and Drake discuss the limits of scientific claims about human nature, the role of theology and Scripture, and how intellectual humility can deepen both faith and understanding.

The conversation invites listeners to think critically about what science can—and cannot—tell us about identity, freedom, forgiveness, and purpose.

Join us Sundays at 9:30am CST! Links below:

YouTube:    / @biblicalliteracy  

CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/guide/worship/ Fair Use Disclaimer: This video is made by a nonprofit organization for educational purposes. It may include copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of educational, cultural, and social issues. This constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. The content is used for teaching, commentary, analysis, and nonprofit educational purpose only.

The post Special Event – Conversation with Rev’d Dr. Lyndon Drake: Mark Lanier, 01/11/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

Mark teaches Part II: How to Use a Study Bible. Many different versions of the Bible are available to readers.

Most people own a Bible, but few know how to truly study it. They read words that seem to float right through their minds, never quite landing with meaning or power. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this teaching, Mark demonstrates practical techniques that turn ancient texts into living guidance for your daily struggles. Learn how to pray the Psalms over people you’re concerned about. Unlock the wisdom of Proverbs with five simple to-do steps. Understand why the Gospels tell the same stories differently—and why that’s actually a beautiful thing.

Whether you’re facing addiction, depression, financial battles, or just the uncertainty of what tomorrow holds, Bible study will make your future better. God speaks through His Word, and when you learn to listen well, everything changes.

Ready to stop just reading your Bible and start truly studying it? Join Mark now and discover how to make Scripture come alive in your hands.

Join us Sundays at 9:30am CST! Links below:

YouTube:    / @biblicalliteracy  

CFBC Website: https://www.championforest.org/guide/worship/ Fair Use Disclaimer: This video is made by a nonprofit organization for educational purposes. It may include copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of educational, cultural, and social issues. This constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. The content is used for teaching, commentary, analysis, and nonprofit educational purpose only.

The post How to Use a Study Bible, Part II: Mark Lanier, 01/04/26 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

Brent Johnson walks through the familiar characters of the Nativity — Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, and the magi — to show how each one models a faithful response to God.

He reminds us that Jesus is the true center of Christmas and invites us to evaluate whether our celebrations reflect that reality. Mary and Joseph demonstrate courage and obedient worship, the angels boldly proclaim God’s message, and the shepherds respond without delay. The magi, arriving later in the story, embody long-term preparation, sacrifice, and perseverance as they follow God’s signs and ultimately rejoice in worship. Brent also challenges believers to cultivate these same practices today: listening attentively to God’s Word, obeying quickly, avoiding hypocrisy, and keeping track of God’s work in our lives. Along the way, he weaves in lighthearted updates about the class, study Bibles, and church life, grounding the message in practical discipleship.

The devotional closes with a call to let the characters of Christmas shape our own worship and legacy as we seek to follow Christ faithfully in the coming year.

The post Special Event – A Christmas Devotion; Brent Johnson, 12/14/25 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

Mark’s topic for today was a focus on: How to Use a Study Bible. Many different versions of the Bible are available for readers.

Warm up. Important ways to start studying the Bible Begin with prayer

Psalm 119:18 shows the power of Bible study The Bible is a library with various types of literature.

Workout

Studying the Psalms. The Psalms are Israel’s prayer and book hymnal that express all the human emotions. Studying Proverbs. Proverbs is rich with wisdom, literature, and principles, not promises.

Cool down

Chose a reading plan

Pray before you study

Take notes Listen to Mark give us Scriptural guidelines to better study, understand, and apply God’s Word to our lives.

The post How to Use A Study Bible, Part I: Mark Lanier, 12/07/25 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

Key Points:

The post Session 22 – Romans; Romans 7: 14-25: Mark Lanier, 11/16/25 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.