Discipleship

Dive into thoughtful theological pieces and practical advice on how to faithfully follow Jesus during this season.

• Christian Colleges and COVID: A Gospel Moment
  In this article in The Gospel Coalition, President Barry Corey talks about how this pandemic is “a moment of hope and not despair,” that Christian college students and universities have the opportunity to love God and others in a new way.

• How to Decide in the Gray Areas
  How do you go about making decisions about what to do in instances when the Bible doesn’t explicitly instruct you must act — or not act — in a certain way? Kenneth Berding (M.A. ’96), professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, explores how to make challenging decisions in a time characterized by difficult decision-making.

• Our Trust in the Lord of Salvation and the Lord of Creation in the Midst of the Global Pandemic
  In facing the ongoing global pandemic, Octavio Esqueda, professor of Christian higher education at Talbot School of Theology, shares two fundamental principles based on a passage in Colossians and suggests four practical applications.

• Nuestra Confianza en el Señor de la Salvación y el Señor de la Creación en Medio de la Pandemia Mundial

  Read Octavio Esqueda’s article in Spanish.

• God is Good and Our Refuge in Times of Trouble
  After several weeks of confinement and devastating news related to COVID-19, how are we now responding to this truth that God is good and our refuge in times of trouble? Octavio Esqueda, professor of Christian higher education at Talbot School of Theology, shares his reflections.

• Dios es Bueno y Nuestro Refugio en Tiempos de Angustia
  Read Octavio Esqueda’s article in Spanish.

• Turning Trials into Treasures
  Eddie Byun, associate professor of Christian ministry, shares an encouraging sermon on James 1:1–18.

• Jesus’s View of Coronavirus
  Matthew Williams, professor of New Testament, shares his thoughts and links to a video series on how Jesus would respond to our current pandemic.

• Seven Things to Do in This Season of Uncertainty
  What is God leading you to do in this new season? Read about these seven ways that all start with a ‘p’!

• Principles and reflections in the midst of the Global Pandemic by COVID-19
  As a follower of Christ, how should we view this pandemic? Octavio Esqueda, professor of Christian higher education, shares his reflections.

• Principios y reflexiones en medio de la pandemia mundial por el COVID-19
  Octavio Esqueda shares his reflections in Spanish.

• Faithful Progress in Testing Times
  Andy Draycott, associate professor of theology, draws insights from The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan, for today’s present situation.

• Discipleship in the Time of Coronavirus
  Steve Porter, professor of spiritual formation and theology, talks about our ongoing discipleship with Jesus, even during this time.

• Jesus’ School of Discipleship is Always in Session
  Professor Steve Porter reminds us of God’s invitation to sit in his presence.

• Preparing Your Church for the Next Wave of Challenges
  The church must prepare to face two major challenges during this time: mental health issues and marriage and family conflicts. Here are some resources and ways you can minister and counsel your members through these two areas.

• Initial Reflections on Discipleship Ministry in a Time of Pandemic
  As churches adjust their current teaching and discipleship ministries during this time of radical change, here are observations from Kevin Lawson, professor of educational studies at Talbot School of Theology.

• Should We Take Communion Remotely?
  While churches are unable to physically meet together, people have been participating in communion via video conference. Churches have been divided on whether to wait until they are physically together or to conduct this virtually. Three Talbot School of Theology professors offer some perspective.

• A Time of Curse or a Season of Blessing?
  How should we interpret what is going on today with the COVID-19 pandemic? Jonathan Lunde, professor of New Testament, helps us understand how to interpret the times in which we find ourselves.

• Faithfulness in the Little Things
  What does faithfulness in the little things look like — a persistent theme in Jesus’ parables — especially during this time of quarantine?

• Setting Our Hearts on Jesus During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  Do you know that the presence and power of Jesus in your life has more impact than COVID-19 upon your life? Here’s a reflection on the promise from Colossians 3:1–4.

• Un recordatorio de la presencia de Jesús conmigo
  During this pandemic, Matthew Williams, professor of New Testament, says he needs this reminder more than ever: that Jesus is with him. You can also read his original article in English.

• Civil Disobedience in an Age of Coronavirus
  What does Scripture say about whether or not to listen to governmental leaders? Kenneth Berding (M.A. ’96), professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, answers this question by looking at God’s Word.

• Reflecting on Psalm 139 and COVID-19
  David Talley, professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology, draws from a passage in Psalm 139 as he reflects on the virus’ threat on our lives and God’s handiwork in creating our bodies.

• 3 Keys to Navigating Trauma, Grief and Loss From COVID-19 in Your Church
  David Wang, trauma psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Biola’s Rosemead School of Psychology, writes about how our Christian faith can help us navigate grief and loss during this season of COVID-19.

• How Should We Think About Death?
  In the face of mourning lives lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eddie Byun, associate professor of Christian ministry, shares some thoughts on death that are worthy of reflection.

• What Does God Require of Me in this Moment?
  After months in quarantine and in these days of turmoil, what does the Lord require of us in this moment? Kenneth Berding (M.A. ’96), professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, reflects on God’s instruction through the well-known words of Micah the prophet.

• A Soul of Conviction, A Voice of Courage
  This phrase — “A soul of conviction, a voice of courage” — fittingly reflects the attitude we need to face our present situation, says Octavio Esqueda, professor of Christian higher education at Talbot School of Theology. Equeda shares his reflections and a book excerpt about partnering with the Holy Spirit through these times.

• Con alma de convicción y con voz de valentía
  Read Octavio Esqueda’s article in Spanish.