Church – Three Minute Bible

June 23, 2026June 24, 2026

1 Timothy 5:13 – Sound in the Faith

A greasy blob descends through clear water leaving a trail of contamination (Grok)

Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.

Summary: This passage, at first glance, sounds like an offhand comment about bad behavior. Digging deeper, we find an existential threat beneath the surface.

Our last meditation on 1 Timothy 12, “Serious Stuff,” emphasized the spiritual risk of turning our back on Jesus. In this verse, Paul talks about something that seems insignificant by comparison. In verse fourteen, he counsels young widows to do things that “give the enemy no opportunity for slander.” Finally, in verse fifteen, he notes that some have turned to follow Satan.

May 11, 2026May 12, 2026

1 Timothy 4:1b – Calling Jesus

A ghostly form of a man reaches up toward the radiant hand of Christ (Grok)

[The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith] and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

Summary: Paul points back to the origin of deception to help us see the danger of listening to anything other than Christ.

In our last meditation, “For or Against?,” we explored two possible views about what “abandon the faith” might mean.

May 9, 2026May 12, 2026

1 Timothy 4:1a – For or Against?

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith…

Summary: Paul’s statement about “later times” leads us to wonder what he means by “abandon the faith.”

Believe it or not, this passage is a troublemaker.

April 29, 2026April 30, 2026

1 Timothy 3:15b – Family Portrait

A portrait of God’s family. The picture frame is gold and ornate. The picture shows Jesus in the background, arms out, embracing his family. There is a holy glow emanating from him. The people in front of him are his family; all ages, all races. (Grok)

… God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Summary: God’s Word paints a picture connecting three things into one very important picture.

Personally, I enjoy the verses like this one. In this passage, Paul provides us with a definition. In fact, he provides us with three! He ties together three important points in a simple equation.

April 11, 2026April 13, 2026

1 Timothy 3:1 – Regula Fidei

Image of an old ruler with "Rule of Faith" written on it (Grok)

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

Summary: Leadership in the church has always been a challenge, and — quite frankly — somewhat of a miracle.

Here is another one of Paul’s “trustworthy sayings.” These appear to be key teachings that Paul wants us to use in the organization of the church.

November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Philippians 4:5a – More Than Human

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

Summary: In this passage, Paul makes a simple suggestion. But is it just a suggestion?

As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he begins Chapter Four with a plea to “stand firm in the Lord.” He then adds a note to stand firm “in this way.” “This way” turned out to mean adhering to the true Gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus, valuing Christ above all else, pressing on, striving for maturity in faith, focusing on the godly, and remembering we are citizens of heaven.*

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Philippians 4:2 – Of One Mind

Euodia and Syntyche stand back to back in disagreement (Grok)

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Summary: Euodia and Syntyche suffer from a condition that afflicts all of humanity: They want to be right.

What is up with Euodia and Syntyche?

Two women who had worked side by side with the Apostle Paul are caught up in a disagreement. Whatever they are unhappy about, the news of their conflict has reached Paul, hundreds of miles away.

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

Philippians 2:14 – Without Arguing (Part I)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing…

Summary: We begin our examination of this passage by focusing on the concept of arguing.

I try not to grumble. I really do! I especially try not to grumble in church or about church. After all, if churches were only for perfect people, I’d never be allowed in!

July 11, 2025July 11, 2025

Philippians 2:2a – In Search of Unity

A lone flashlight beam in a darkened room fall on a stone carving of the word "UNITY" (Grok)

… then make my joy complete…

Summary: Paul’s plea for unity among believers is one that echoes through the centuries and still haunts us today.

This phrase of Paul’s is heart-wrenching.

Paul, now an old man as he writes these words, is a prisoner. The man who was once free to roam the known world is now trapped like a bird in a cage. His heart longs to be with the Philippians, but his body is chained to the floor in Rome.*

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus

An image of a swan caught in the focal point of a camera lens (Pixabay)

… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…

Summary: “Striving together” suggests a coordinated effort between people. On closer examination, we discover that a loose association of believers can also “strive together.”

When was the last time you found yourself “striving together” with anyone? Do you remember? What were you striving for?