Scripture Study

Modern English allows for individualistic interpretations of Scripture that focus on the reader rather than the wider community of faith.

In this talk, Grant Partrick presents ten adverbs to enhance our Bible reading, ultimately deepening our relationship with God and transforming our lives.

Brad Jones highlights how to study God's Word—giving us practical steps to deepen our relationship with Christ.

Find real encouragement from four scriptures you thought you knew.

Scripture is alive and active and can change and transform our lives if we use it as our main source of oxygen.

Jon Tyson explores life's defining question: Do you want God?

Louie Giglio explores Scripture and outer space to uncover the purpose of our existence and God's grand design.

Finally, the answer to the question "why are we all here?"

Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.     This Week’s Reading: Daniel 10, Revelation 1, Acts 9, Ephesians 6   Daniel 10 offers a rare and breathtaking glimpse into the connection between our earthly struggles and the spiritual reality behind the scenes. As Daniel mourns, prays, and fasts for his people, he is drawn into a divine encounter that shakes him to his core. This chapter reminds us that God sees, hears, loves us and moves Heaven on our behalf.   1. Fasting & Prayer – Read Daniel 10:1-4 –    The chapter begins with Daniel (around 85 years old) burdened by the challenges facing his people, committing himself to three weeks of mourning and prayer. He abstains from rich food, wine, and personal comforts, choosing instead to focus entirely on seeking God. This act of fasting and prayer reveals Daniel’s intense desire to align his heart with God’s purposes during a season of discouragement.     Daniel’s example invites us to deny our everyday comforts and wholeheartedly seek God in our moments of uncertainty. His disciplines of prayer and fasting remind us that intimacy with God often requires setting aside our pleasures to pursue Him more deeply.     Reflection: Is there something weighing on your heart that you need to bring before God in focused prayer?     2. A Radiant Encounter – Read Daniel 10:5-9 –  While standing by the Tigris River, Daniel has a vision of a heavenly figure whose appearance radiates divine majesty. Dressed in linen (a symbol of purity and priestly service), with a golden belt (denoting royalty or judgment), this figure’s description emphasizes both holiness and authority. Most scholars suggest this figure is an angel, perhaps Gabriel, given his role in earlier visions. Others note how the overwhelming effect on Daniel and the description of this man closely relate to the description of Christ Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16.   Only Daniel sees the vision. But his companions feel the supernatural presence so strongly that they flee in terror. This encounter echoes Paul’s encounter on the Damascus Road, where only Paul saw Christ, while others experienced his power indirectly (Acts 9:1–7).     This moment reminds us of the vastness of God’s glory. His presence–as well as his messengers’ presence–shake us, humble us, and leaves no room for pride. Yet, it also reveals the beauty of encountering a God who is beyond our comprehension.     Reflection: How does the majesty of God inspire awe and reverence in your relationship with Him?     3. Loved & Heard – Read Daniel 10:10-14 –  As Daniel lies face down, a heavenly messenger touches him and reassures him that he is “greatly loved.” The messenger reveals to Daniel that from the very first day he began praying, his words were heard in Heaven. Daniel is not only loved by God, he is also heard. Yet God’s response to his prayers took time—spiritual opposition resisted the messenger for 21 days until Michael, the leading angel, intervened.     This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the spiritual realm highlights the significance of our prayers. Even when we don’t see immediate results, our persistent prayer does two things: (1) moves the heart of Heaven and (2) moves both the earthly and spiritual realms.     Reflection: You, too, are “greatly loved” and heard by God. How does that reality change your prayer life?   4. Strength in Weakness – Read Daniel 10:15-19 –  As the vision continues, Daniel feels utterly overwhelmed and drained. But the messenger gently reassures him, saying, “Fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” With this encouragement and a second touch, Daniel finds his strength restored and his spirit renewed. Heaven’s response to Daniel’s weakness is tender care. Daniel is not left to struggle on his own, but is provided the strength and peace he needs to endure.    Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s peace and strength lifting you out of exhaustion or discouragement.   5. The Unseen Battle – Read Daniel 10:20-21 –  The chapter closes with the messenger explaining that the spiritual battle is far from over. He must return to confront the “prince of Persia” and later deal with the “prince of Greece.” These are not worldly princes, these are spiritual forces of darkness. However, Daniel is reassured that the angel Michael, Israel’s protector, stands with God’s people. While spiritual forces may influence events, God’s purposes will always prevail.     This entire passage reveals several key truths about angels. Angels are real and play an active role in both the spiritual and earthly realms. There are both good and evil angels: good angels serve God and accomplish His will, while demonic forces oppose God and oppress His people.    This all points to the reality of spiritual warfare. As unbelievable as it may sound: angels, demons, and believers are engaged in an ongoing battle– which explains why life can always feel conflicting. This is what Paul meant when he wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”    That can seem discouraging and intimidating. The good news is that “you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Stronger One–Jesus–is here and alive and able to fight off the darkness in your own life.   Reflection: We exist in a spiritual war. How can you trust Jesus in this battle and stand firm in Him?   Prayer Lord,  Thank You for loving me and hearing me.  Would you give me the kind of spirit That is desperate for you in discouragement. Remind me that even in unseen battles,  You are fighting for me and accomplishing Your purposes.  I rest in your sovereign care and glory.  Amen.

Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.     This Week’s Reading: 1 Peter   The New Testament often draws on the Old Testament to help us understand the Christian life, and Peter’s letter to “exiled” and persecuted Christians is a powerful example. His letter mirrors the themes found in Daniel’s story, showing us what it means to live faithfully as God’s people in a foreign land that does not honor Him.  As you study 1 Peter, you’ll uncover surprising connections between Daniel’s exile in Babylon and Peter’s encouragement to exiled Christians living in Rome—which Peter symbolically refers to as “Babylon.”   – Read 1 Peter 1 –    Peter opens his letter by addressing believers as “elect exiles” (1:1)—a term that would have instantly reminded readers of Daniel’s story. Just as Daniel lived as an exile in Babylon, Christians are described as resident aliens, living in this world but ultimately belonging to the kingdom of Heaven. Despite their hardships and persecution, Peter reminds believers that their true identity in Jesus is unshakable. They are “born again to a living hope” through the resurrection of Jesus (1:3), and their inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1:4). While Rome sought to compromise their identity, Peter called them to remember their true belonging in Christ. From this identity flows their activity. Just as Daniel remained secure in his identity and faithful to God in Babylon, Peter calls Christians to do the same: to hope (1:13), to pursue holiness (1:15-16), to live reverently (1:17-19), and to love one another earnestly (1:22). Reflection: How does knowing your unshakable identity in Christ—chosen, beloved, born to a new hope and redeemed by the blood of Jesus—shape the activity of your day-to-day life?   –Read 1 Peter 2 –    In chapter 2, Peter continues highlighting the believers’ collective identity as the family of God. They are being “built up as a spiritual house” with Jesus as the cornerstone (2:5-6). They are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession” called to proclaim God’s great grace to the watching world (2:9-10).  Although he was an exile in other kingdoms, Daniel’s life reflected God’s kingdom. Similarly, Christians are called to live as exiles reflecting God’s kingdom: by abstaining from sin and refusing to be shaped by the world’s values (2:11), by serving faithfully (2:12), and by honoring others, even those in authority who may not honor God (2:13-17). Having laid the foundation of their identity, Peter moves to address the believers’ suffering. As seen in Daniel’s life and the life of Christians addressed by Peter, persecution and suffering are a part of following Christ. In order to persevere through persecution, believers need encouragement and hope.  To uplift exiled believers, Peter points to Jesus as the great example of a suffering servant. Jesus suffered for his own people. He did not revile, nor threaten, but entrusted himself to God and bore our sins so that we might be healed by his own wounds. His persecution had a purpose: it was for us! Daniel’s story also includes suffering for the glory of God and the service of others—even those who opposed him! Reflection: Does your life reflect God’s kingdom, or the world’s values? Does your life honor those who live around you, even those you disagree with or who don’t honor you in return? Who could you choose to honor today?   –Read 1 Peter 3-4 –    In chapters 3 and 4, Peter shifts his focus to how Christians should live in community and endure suffering together. He calls for unity, humility, and love (3:8-9), encouraging believers to respond to persecution with gentleness and respect, always pointing to their hope in Jesus (3:15). Daniel exemplified this as he endured persecution with perseverance, conviction, and kindness. Peter reminds believers that they suffer similarly, and that their suffering strengthens them and makes them more like Jesus (4:1-2). The fuel that helps the exile engine run for both Daniel and for Peter is…hope. Hope is confidence that God will come through for his people in the future. As the prophecies of Daniel point to the future, so does the instruction of Peter: “the end of all things is at hand” (4:7). The believer has a confident expectation that glory awaits them when Jesus returns (4:13). Reflection: How do both Jesus’ example of suffering and the hope we have of future glory encourage you in your own suffering?    –Read 1 Peter 5 –    Peter concludes his letter with encouragement to church leaders and all believers. Leaders are to lead people with humility and a servant’s heart (5:2-3). And all Christians are to “clothe yourselves with humility” (5:5). With confidence in God’s care for them, believers are to cast their anxieties on Him and resist the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion (5:7-8). Peter’s closing words echo Daniel’s story. Daniel was humble before others and faithful toward his God who continually sustained him in Babylon. The same was true for Christians in Rome and is true for Christians everywhere today. Peter reminds believers that God is the one who ultimately restores, strengthens, and establishes them through His grace (5:10). It is that powerful grace that we are to stand in now as God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved people. Reflection: How can humility and trust in God’s care sustain you as you face challenges in your life?   Prayer Father, Thank you for giving me a new, unchanging identity in Jesus. I am your beloved child, holy and redeemed by the blood of Christ.  Help me walk in this identity, reflecting your kingdom as I exist in the world’s kingdoms.  Teach me to hold fast to Jesus and the hope I have in Him in suffering. Grant me humility and trust in your sovereign, loving care  as I follow You and await Christ’s return. Amen

Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.     This Week’s Reading: Daniel 9, Jeremiah 25 & 29, Matthew 24   Before you read…    We find ourselves in the first year of Darius the Mede’s reign. Daniel is now in his 80s, still faithfully serving and seeking God despite having been in exile for decades. The end of the exile is nearing, so Daniel turns to the LORD…   –Read Daniel 9:1-23–    Daniel’s Situation (9:1-3). In the first year of Darius, Daniel surveys Scripture and reflects on Jeremiah’s prophecy that Jerusalem’s desolation would last 70 years (See Jeremiah 25 & 29). Realizing that the time spoken by Jeremiah was near, Daniel turns to the LORD God with fasting, signs of remorse (wearing sackcloth and ashes), and prayer over the wrongdoing of himself and all of Israel.    Daniel’s Adoration (9:4). Notice how Daniel starts his prayer: adoring God by acknowledging his greatness, awe, covenantal nature, and loyal love. Daniel’s confession and petition to God follow his praise for God.   Daniel’s Confession (9:5-15). Daniel’s prayer then moves to honest confession. He does not shift blame, make excuses, or hide. Rather, he openly admits the faults of himself and all of Israel. He takes personal ownership of their plight. Notice all verbs Daniel mentions: “We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled”… “We have not listened”… “We have sinned against you.” Daniel recognizes that Israel had not simply violated a moral law; they had violated their God, to whom righteousness, mercy, and forgiveness belong.    Daniel’s Petition (9:16-19). Daniel then transitions to a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy. He asks God to turn His anger away from Jerusalem, His holy city, not because of Israel’s righteousness but because of His great mercy. Daniel’s petition is urgent and passionate: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act.”   Meditations Adoration. Daniel’s prayer began with adoration. The character of God drives his prayer life. Spend a moment adoring God for who he is and what he has done for you.   Confession. Daniel realized that he and all of Israel had turned away from the whole life God intended for them. Realizing his transgression, Daniel didn’t blame or hide but confessed. Spend a moment confessing to God the ways (both big and small) you have neglected his instruction and guidance.    Petition. Daniel’s prayer didn’t end at confession. He also had the confidence to make a petition—to ask. Daniel asked that God listen to them, forgive them, and move on their behalf. Spend another quiet moment asking God to move on your behalf.    Prayer Lord, You are faithful and just,  abounding in mercy and loyal love. I confess my shortcomings and wrongdoings. Forgive me,  not because of my righteousness,  but because of Your great mercy. Strengthen me to seek Your face  with humility and confidence. Amen. – Read Daniel 9:20-27–   What happened? Heaven’s Response (9:20-23). While Daniel is still praying, the angel Gabriel appears and assures Daniel that his prayer was heard the moment he began to pray and that he is “greatly loved.” Heaven’s response to Daniel’s confession is compassion. Gabriel also brings Daniel a message of insight and understanding.   Heaven’s Plan (Seventy ‘Sevens’) (9:24-27). Gabriel’s prophecy of the “Seventy Sevens” ultimately outlines God’s redemptive timeline for his people. Most agree that the “sevens” (also translated “weeks”) represents years– totaling 490 years. These 490 years are divided into three periods: seven sevens (49 years) from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to its completion, sixty-two sevens (434 years) leading to the arrival of the “Anointed One” (understood as Jesus), and one final seven (7 years) marked by desolation and destruction.   Interpretations of this prophecy vary. One interpretation thinks the timeline culminates in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, believing the prophecy was fulfilled in His redemptive work and the events that followed in the 1st century. Another interpretation understands the numbers symbolically, seeing the current Church age as now existing within the final seven years. A third interpretation separates the 69 sevens (483 years) from the final seven, believing the last period will be in the future as a time of tribulation, viewing the current Church age as a gap until then.    Despite these differences, the prophecy foretells God’s faithfulness. What is important is this: God’s plan for his people, through Jesus, is to finish transgression, put an end to sin, atone for iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness.  Meditations “You are greatly loved” Gabriel’s immediate response to Daniel’s confession reminds us that God responds with grace to our honest confession. In the same way Daniel is “greatly loved,” so are you. How does knowing you are “greatly loved” impact your confidence in prayer?   Putting an End to Sin This prophecy promises that Jesus will put an end to the very thing that tears life apart: sin. Jesus will pay for it and defeat it. Spend a quiet moment thanking Jesus for being the hero that has already come to deal with sin, and will one day eradicate it forever.  Prayer Lord, You work all things according to Your perfect plan. Thank you for meeting my prayers with grace.  Thank you Jesus: The Solution to all brokenness.  I long for the day when you restore all things and your kingdom reigns forever. Amen.

Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.     This Week’s Reading: Daniel 7, 1 John 2:18-27, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Revelation 13 Before you read…   Daniel 7 stands at the center of the book of Daniel. Many believe it is one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament, especially since Daniel’s dream is referenced multiple times in the New Testament. This moment occurs during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign, before the events of chapters 5 and 6. At this point, Daniel is around 67 years old and has served under several kings. Daniel’s dream contains apocalyptic symbols that unveil deeper truths: Heaven rules history.   –Read Daniel 7–   What did I just read? In Daniel 7, Daniel receives a dream in the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign. In this vision, he sees four beasts rise from a chaotic, stormy sea, symbolizing the turbulent world of nations (7:2).   The first beast (7:4) is a lion with the wings of an eagle, representing Babylon. Its wings are torn off, and it stands on two feet, suggesting the humbling of Babylon’s pride and the transformation of its power—possibly a reference to Nebuchadnezzar’s journey of humility (remember Daniel 4!).   The second beast (7:5), a bear, rises next. Raised on one side and holding three ribs in its mouth, it signifies Medo-Persia, with Persia as the dominant side of the alliance. The bear’s command to “devour much flesh” represents Medo-Persia’s brutal military campaigns.   The third beast (7:6) is a four-winged, four-headed leopard, symbolizing Greece. The wings emphasize Greece’s swiftness in conquest under Alexander the Great, while the four heads foreshadow the division of his empire into four parts.   The fourth beast (7:7-8) is unlike any known creature, terrifying and iron-toothed, symbolizing Rome. With its crushing power and ten horns, it represents Rome’s extensive reach. A “little horn” emerges, symbolizing a ruler who will defy God, oppress His people, and create chaos (7:19-26 expounds on this vision of the fourth beast). However, its reign will be limited, and it will be judged and destroyed. The prophecy echoes in the New Testament, where Paul (2 Thess. 2) and John in Revelation describe a future antagonist who will oppose God and His people.   The Ancient of Days (7:9-11). The scene shifts from chaos to order as Daniel sees the “Ancient of Days” taking His seat on a throne ablaze with fire. The Ancient of Days, clothed in white with hair like pure wool, represents God and his eternal authority, purity, and wisdom. Judgment flows from His throne, and thousands upon thousands attend Him. Here, ultimate justice is executed as the fourth beast is destroyed, signaling the end of its oppressive rule.   The Son of Man (7:13-14). In Daniel’s vision, “one like a son of man” comes with the clouds of heaven and is presented before the Ancient of Days. He receives authority, glory, and sovereign power, and His dominion is everlasting. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself with this “Son of Man” (Mark 14:62), asserting that He is the one who will fulfill this prophecy, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed.   The Kingdom of the Saints (7:18, 27). The angel explains that the “saints of the Most High” will inherit the kingdom alongside the Son of Man, reigning with Him forever. Although earthly kingdoms rise and fall with pride and oppression, God’s people are assured a lasting kingdom filled with justice and peace. Meditations Heaven Rules History In the chaos of the world, Daniel’s vision shows us a truth we can cling to: God reigns. Empires rise and fall, but the “Ancient of Days” sits on a throne of fire, and His rule is unshakable. No matter what storms rage around you, remember: God’s authority is absolute. His justice is perfect. His kingdom will never end. Heaven rules history.   Reflection: What in your life feels out of control? What would it look like for you to trust in God’s control today?   It’s All About Jesus Heaven’s rule looks like a “Son of Man” coming to bring a kingdom. Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man” (Mark 14:62), identifying himself as the one Daniel saw in his vision. He is the true King, the center of history, that will ultimately upend evil. Jesus is the King we await, the hope we hold, and the promise that lasts forever.   Reflection: History culminates in the coming of Jesus. How focused are you on Jesus coming again?   We Rule With Him Daniel’s vision promises that the saints will reign with God in His eternal kingdom. We’re not mere bystanders; we’re invited to rule alongside Jesus, sharing in His victory forever. Though persecution will come, the Christian’s hope remains unshaken—an unending reign with Christ in a kingdom that will never fade. Reflection: In what small ways can you partake in the Kingdom of God today? Prayer Lord,  You reign over all.  Help me trust Your control. Forgive me for when I trust in my own control. Jesus, I long for Your second coming. Your Kingdom come,  Your will be done. Amen