This episode continues a series on foundational Bible study principles, covering topics like the importance of reading every verse in the context of the whole Bible, practical tools for word study (including the Blue Letter Bible app, Nave’s Topical Bible, and others), why historical and cultural context matters when reading Scripture, and the distinction between the Old and New Testaments as two covenants. The second half explores what it means for readers to come to the Bible from their own cultural backgrounds — illustrated by the family’s years living in a traditional kingdom in Zambia — and how each culture carries both godly fingerprints and things that must be surrendered as one enters the culture of Christ.
Tools and Resources referenced in the episode:
Dictionary of the Bible – James Hastings
https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Editor-Frederick-Rowley-Hastings/dp/B000ED9694
Nave’s Topical Bible
https://www.amazon.com/Naves-Topical-Bible-comprehensive-Associated/dp/091700602X
Blue Letter Bible – https://www.blueletterbible.org
Everyday Life in Bible Times – National Geographic Society
Out of print but used copies are available from various sources
Manners and Customs of Bible Lands – Fred H. Wight
https://www.amazon.com/Manners-Customs-Bible-Lands-Wight/dp/0802451756
New Testament Times – Merrill C. Tenney
https://www.amazon.com/New-Testament-Times-Understanding-Century/dp/0801012651
Early Christians Speak – Everett Ferguson
https://store.acupressbooks.com/products/early_christians_speak_vol1
Other References
Halley’s Bible Handbook – https://www.amazon.com/Halleys-Bible-Handbook-Classic-Over/dp/031051939X
Apologetics Press – https://apologeticspress.org
WBS Library – https://wbslibrary.org
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In this episode of One More Chapter, Brian Rex Davis, Noah Davis, and Bryson Davis continue their study of biblical “principle”, explaining how general teachings give inclusive guidance that can be applied in various ways, while specific commands are authoritative and must shape belief and practice.
This episode of One More Chapter continues the series on Bible study by introducing the idea of “principle” as a way to bridge what a passage originally meant and what it means today, after first stressing purpose and context. The team takes a long–but useful–detour into Bible translations and versions—covering textual preservation, the spectrum from word-for-word to paraphrase, group vs. single-translator work, Dead Sea Scrolls, and which editions they personally use (NASB 1995, ESV, NIV 1984, etc.). The discussion on ‘principle’ will continue in the next episode!
This episode explores how understanding the purpose behind a Bible passage helps bridge the gap between what it originally meant and how it should shape life today. Brian, Noah, and Bryson discuss how purpose protects against shallow, checklist-style interpretation and helps distinguish enduring principles and examples from incidental details.
Brian Rex Davis sits down with Sahadevudu Vanga of India, a fellow missionary since gospel meetings in 1995. They talk about World Bible School’s renewed work in India and the effort to put Telugu translations and advanced courses—especially The Kingdom of God—into digital form. The conversation also covers family ministry, cultural care in a changing India, and tools that serve the next generation of the church.