Shadows is Lostpine’s latest section of Bible Study materials. While the Section called Studies was dedicated to a prescribed study outline and Snapshots, for the most part, followed the Common Lectionary schedule, Shadows will dip into those areas of the Bible that we typically pass over. It will explore our curiosity as to why we should even read or know these minor facts about our Bible. The Word, God’s Word, is rich in its ability to guide and counsel humanity. Shadows are those places where somethings are hard to see but great treasures await. Let’s walk in God’s Shadows to see what He has to say to us! Check us weekly, each Friday, for our latest walk through the shadows.
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Click “here” to view all of the Shadow Studies.
- 09/23/2022 - What was History's First Lie?
Almost immediately after God created a good world, Satan appeared on the scene. He managed to come up immediately with the first lie ever in our universe. It is an interesting lie. How we tricked Eve is worth closer examination. Satan is still up to his old tricks even today.
- 09/16/2022 - His Life is Our Law
Jesus lived a sinless life and showed us how to obey God's Law. The Apostle Paul uses the sinfulness of Corinth and the Apostle Luke gives us examples of Jesus' life to show us the right way to please God.
- 09/09/2022 - Does God Ever Lose His Patience With His People?
History seems to show that when nations abandon God, there are consequences. Do we believe that today? History also shows that when children become the target, God interacts on their behalf.
- 09/02/2022 - The Importance of Being First
We are a world of firsts. Everyone remembers who was first in sports, first gets you a gold medal in the Olympics, firsts are important. Then why did God make the First Commandment what He did? It must be pretty important if we need to never forget it.
- 08/26/2022 - The Simple Parable
Jesus was known for His parables. They are not unique to Him. For thousands of years, God spoke to us through parables. What are they? Why do they work so well?
- 08/19/2022 - Is the Bible Really God’s Word?
Studies show that only twenty percent of the people in the US believe that the Bible is the Word of God. We have a problem!
- 08/12/2022 - Bribery, Alive and Well in Our World Today
After witnessing our news media cover the negotiations of the last several US Governmental bills, the evidence indicates that bribery and vote buying are alive and well in politics today. It is worth our time to review God’s opinion of those tactics and see if we can find clarity.
- 08/05/2022 - Are You Half Empty or Half Full?
With news that runs 24X7, multiple social applications, search engines, and the like, people are in a place where negative influence reigns supreme. This study looks at how to spot negative bias.
- 07/29/2022 - The Morning After
Solomon gives us insight as to what happens when we die. As the wisest person to ever live, it is worth spending a few moments to understand what exactly is the morning after death going to be like?
- 07/22/2022 - Are We There Yet?
2 Timothy has some wonderful advice from the Apostle Paul. He tells us exactly what evil looks like and provides a rationale on why to avoid it.
- 07/15/2022 - Titus' Siege of Jerusalem
Jesus foretold the events that would destroy the city of Jerusalem some 38 years after His crucifixion. The event, a Roman siege by General Titus, offers us some insight into how a nation of people was almost destroyed.
- 07/08/2022 - The Gap Years
There is another poll out that shows a continued decline in people who believe there is a God. This poll shows the greatest decline in those 18- to 29-year-old. This is a serious issue that requires our attention.
- 07/01/2022 - Does the End Justify the Means?
We are hearing a lot about the philosophy of pain and sacrifice for a better tomorrow. It is not a new strategy. Did you wonder where the "means to an end" concept came from? Better yet, do you wonder what God thinks about the idea?
- 06/24/2022 - Threats to Religion
Whether you have noticed or not, Christianity is under attack. Church services disrupted, burned, God being removed from businesses, governments and schools. Should we worry? What is causing it?
- 06/17/2022 - Just Look to God for Answers
There seems to be a growing number of violent acts, committed in our schools. Is there something we are missing in our society that God can provide?
- 06/10/2022 - Surviving in a Crazy World!
Is the world spinning faster! Wow, read the news and you can understand why mental illness has become the number one health concern in the world. God knows our world and has passed on some wonderful instructions through His Word. Let's look at God's tips to stay spiritually healthy and develop a survival plan!
- 06/03/2022 - Who was Malachi?
The book of Malachi is the last writing in the Christian Old Testament. The words of this prophet would take about 400 years to fulfill God's promise of a Messiah. Malachi tells us what we must do to prepare!
- 05/27/2022 - The difference between Good and Evil – Can we tell the difference anymore?
It is getting harder and harder to tell who is right, who is wrong. What are the moral standards for our society? Confusion is the tool of the enemy. Evil people know how to use any means to an end to justify virtually all that is wrong with our world. What does God want us to do when faced with these threats?
- 05/20/2022 - What Does it Mean to Turn One's Life Over to Jesus?
As Christians, we hear this all of the time. Turn your life over to Jesus, let Him lead you through this world. Our world, however, is not a safe place. What exactly does this mean?
- 05/13/2022 - When did you first exist?
In all of the craziness over Roe v. Wade, have you wondered when you, specifically you, were created? When did God, with His wisdom and grace, lay the foundations for your life here on earth and for the eternity ahead? Let's search the Scriptures together to find these answers.
- 05/06/2022 - Who were the Samaritans?
The parable of the "Good Samaritan" is well known from the Gospel of Luke. But who were the Samaritans and why did Jesus use this story?
- 04/29/2022 - Are We Getting Any Smarter?
We are told that with observation and experience, we learn. The human race gets smarter. But is it that simple or is there more that we need to do to grow in knowledge?
- 04/22/2022 - What Exactly is Free Will?
We are told over and over that humanity was created with free will. Does that mean we are hopelessly destined to live with our poor choices? Did God offer us some instructions to help us make life's decisions?
- 04/15/2022 - Empty, Alive!
It is a good time to reflex on Easter. What was God's greatest gift to humankind?
- 04/08/2022 - The Assent into the City
Palm Sunday is a Chrisian tradition. Jesus, riding on a donkey, enters the city of Jerusalem. We take a different look to see the factors that would influence His week to come.
- 04/01/2022 - Does God Ever Give Up On A Nation?
In our crazy and sinful world, it is a legitimate question to ask. Does God ever get so tired of humanity that He gives up?
- 03/25/2022 - Some Good Advice from God!
If you could click on God's social network feed, what advice do you think He might be giving us today?
- 03/18/2022 - I am Who I am!
The Book of Job is thought to be the oldest written words of our Bible. In it, God converses with Job and explains who He is. Do we really know God? Are we ready to accept God as He says He is?
- 03/11/2022 - The Sayings of Agur son of Jaken
Proverbs, our book of wisdom, closes on Chapter 30, the writings of Agur. It is a focus on what our society today must do to reclaim our relationship with God.
- Let Me Introduce You to Haggai
Lostpine has written much about the Babylonian Exile, one of the periods of God's punishment upon the nation of Israel. Upon their return to Jerusalem, priorities were not focused on God. Haggai is one of the prophets that encouraged the people to return to God and rebuild their temple. Haggai may not be well known but if it were not for him, God's house would have remained unfinished and empty. It is a good story of how to bring back hope and peace to society.
- 02/25/2022 - A Few Good People Needed
This week we look to two places in the Bible for our lesson. Ezekiel asks God for advice and his reply is that society needs a few good people. However, God doesn't see any. We then look to Second John, a short letter to find the game plan for helping our nation.
- 02/18/2022 - The Story of Daniel
Daniel entered a pagan world he did not want to live in. However, he spent 70 years there, a person of faith, wisdom, and prayer. His life would convert nations to God and save the exiled people of Israel. He is much like us today, trapped in an ungodly world wondering how to survive.
- 02/11/2022 - A Young Man Named Titus
The Apostle Paul mentored Titus, a Gentile. He commissioned Titus to start up and pastor many early churches. It is a short letter but still offers us insight into our world.
- 01/04/2022 - Deborah
Deborah was one of the most influential women of the Bible. In follow up to last week's study on Judges, we will get to know this woman better.
- 01/28/2022 - Lessons from the Book of Judges
Rarely is the book of Judges used for Bible Study. Yet it offers humanity critical lessons on how to live in accordance with God's Truth.
- 01/21/2022 - Have You Heard of Esther?
Esther is one of those lost books of the Bible that no one bothers with. Yet it is a story of hope for all of us.
- 01/14/2022 - Is Justice This Simple?
Our justice system is under the influence of bigotry, politics, media and money. What did God intend for His world?
- 01/07/2022 - Restorative Justice
This study looks at the biblical definition and support for the ideas behind Restorative Justice.
- 12/31/2021 - Ready for the New Year?
A New Year is hours away. Have you thought about your resolutions?
- 12/24/2021 - What were the "Last Words of Advice from God!"
As we celebrate Christmas as the beginning of hope, let's look at how to assure that our journey is successful. We will look at God's last advice to His world.
- 12/17/2021 - Just a Baby?
Have you ever wondered why Jesus came to us as a child? He must have been a very special child to carry the weight of saving humankind on His shoulders.
- 12/10/2021 - Who was Jonah?
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the stranger Books of the Bible. Too many people may discount the story as a fable without thinking about the message that it teaches. We will seek to find the truth!
- 12/03/2021 - Who's In Charge Anyway?
When all you see around you is chaos, do you ever ask the question, who is in charge? We take a look at the expert of living in chaos, Job to see exactly what did Job do and how did God finally release him from his struggles.
- 11/26/2021 - Divida et Impera
We have often heard the terms "Divide and Conquer." That is a war strategy as old as the Bible itself. Yet the Romans, Caesar himself lets us in on a secret. The real strategy used by our world is Divide and Rule (Divida et Impera).
- 11/19/2021 - Have We Missed the Real Point?
What does it mean to be like Jesus? Are we too focused on the holidays and missing the hard work that is needed daily?
- 11/12/2021 - Who Was Ahab?
In the eyes of God, King Ahab was the worst king ever. Best we know what King Ahab did to draw God's ire. We pick our leaders now. Learn about God's rating system!
- 11/05/2021 - Beware of Crowd Mentality
There are unseen influences impacting the choices made in society today. That is not new. It led to the death of our Savior!
- 10/29/2021 - Woe to the Children of Our World
The national news seems to indicate a total disregard for the value and sanctity of our children. Do we really understand what is going on today? Aren't our children our future? How do we protect them?
- 10/22/2021 - Let Your Yes Be Yes
It seems our society is hearing a lot of promises lately. Most are made little regard for follow-up, truthful action. Does God hold people accountable to a broken promise?
- 10/15/2021 - Psalm 35
King Saul was trying to kill David. David reached out to God with a prayer, Psalm 35. It offers us an insight as to how to pray to God when the world around us seems to be falling apart.
- 10/8/2021 - Is It All About Compromise?
The question is often asked, why can't people just compromise and get along? That is a flawed process. Oil and water don't mix! God and Satan don't agree! Society needs to get on a different track. The one we are on now will not get us to a good place.
- 10/01/2021 - The Crown of Thorns
Scriptures are amazingly consistent in the portrayal of sin, grace and salvation through Christ. This imagery can be a great help in keeping our focus on God. This study looks at just one such image, the crown of thorns placed on Jesus as he was crucified.
- 09/24/2021 - Have You Thought About Eternity?
Are you ready for eternity? The entire precept behind our faith is to move into an eternal relationship with God. Will you be bored? After you have read every book ever written, what will you do?
- 09/17/2021 - Entitlements, Is This What God Wants For Us?
We are living during extra ordinary times when government is replacing parental duties with rules, regulations, and entitlements. Is this what our God wants for us?
- 09/10/2021 - The Four Woes of Isaiah!
Isaiah had great insight into the problems within the nation of Judah. Is our nation similar? Should we heed Isaiah's concerns? God's judgment is always near!
- 08/03/2021 - Are you a “Leftist” or a “Rightist?”
No two terms have caused more divisive discourse in the past few years than right and left. Where did they come from? We can learn from Scriptures that taking sides is nothing new. In fact, all are asked by God to take sides.
- 08/27/2021 - Laodicea
Laodicea was one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelations. It had the reputation of being lukewarm. What does lukewarm really mean? Is this a concern for churches today? Jesus basically said he would vomit them out! Those are strong words. What does that really mean?
- 08/20/2021 - Why is God Silent?
Why is God sometimes silent? It is a question that has been asked since our world was created. This study does not have that answer but looks at what our response should be when we seem not to hear back from God.
- 08/13/2021 - What is God's Truth?
The world loves to define right and wrong. Society seems to change with every generation. Truth is often in short supply. Yet, we have one awesome Truthful God. What is God's Truth? What does that really mean to us?
- 08/06/2021 - A Closer Look at Equipping Disciples of Christ
One of the principal missions of the Church is to make disciples and send them into the world. Yet people are leaving organized religion in large numbers. It is time to open the dialogue about the purpose of discipleship. Is the Church equipping it's membership to become disciples of Christ?
- 07/30/2021 - Reading Between the Lines
God's Word is filled with wonderful imagery. It can be taken at its face value. Many times, however, there are as many lessons to be learned on what is between the lines. Here we look at one well known example.
- 07/23/21 - Reason and Revelation: The Secret Sauce of a Christlike Life
Reason, a human skill, is fruitless unless it is combined with revelation, the Holy Spirit. They work together built upon a foundation of God's Word and Truth as a perfect filter against the divisiveness of our world.
- 07/16/2021 - National Debt, National Shame?
The National Debt of the United States is spiraling out of control. What does God say about debt? Is any of this debt your personal responsibility?
- 07/09/2021 - Does Faith Have Power?
Jesus tells us that faith has power, power to move mountains and walk on water. He also tells us that it doesn't take more than a mustard seed of faith to accomplish the impossible. What keeps us from using this gift of power?
- 07/02/2021 - Standing by the Door
Doors and gates are frequently used as metaphors in Scripture. Jesus Himself is called the one and only gate each must pass. This study looks a both Scripture, and a poem about that "door" we must all pass through.
- 06/25/2021 - Getting To Know God Better
Prayer is as much a cornerstone of the Christian faith as is Christ Himself. It is always a good reminder to think about our prayer life and how we might be able to strengthen our communication between ourselves and our God.
- 06/18/2021 - And the World Spins On and On
Recent surveys show a decline in people attending church. Yet our world seems to be getting worse and worse. An old poem written in 1667 provides interesting insight on a possible cause.
- 06/11/2021- Part Four: Who was Nehemiah?
The walls of Jerusalem had been severely damaged. Strong walls and working gates were necessary to have a functioning city and society. Nehemiah was just a layman, not a priest or a prophet. But Nehemiah’s experience in the king’s court equipped him for the political and physical reconstruction necessary for Jerusalem to survive.
- 06/4/2021- Part Three: Who was Ezra?
Ezra was the second of three key leaders to leave Babylon for the reconstruction of Jerusalem. While Zerubbabel would rebuild the Temple, and Nehemiah rebuild the walls, Ezra would restore worship.
- 05/28/2021- Part Two: Who was Zerubbabel?
Into history comes Zerubbabel, an aristocrat born in captivity after his parents had been exiled. Son of the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest, he becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Himself.
- 05/21/2021- Part One: What was the Babylonian exile all about?
History offers a unique opportunity to look back at God’s interactions in our world. This study represents the beginning of a four-part series. First, we will look at how God used Babylon as His agent of judgment against Israel for their sins of idolatry and rebellion against Him. Subsequent studies will include the return and restoration of the Jewish nation that were the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. You will get to know Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
- 05/14/2021- Do Rituals Lead Us to Righteousness?
We live in a world that loves its rituals and rules. In this study we look at why Jesus had such an issue over the many rules and rituals the Pharisees created. What does it take to become righteous person? Is it following the "law" or the "Law." There is a big difference.
- 05/7/2021- Common Sense – Revered but Often in Short Supply
Common sense seems to be rather uncommon these days. What does god say about common sense? can we improve our skills? How? In this study we will look at Solomon and reverend Thomas Reid, a minister from the time period of the American Revolution.
- 04/30/2021- Have You Ever Met Obadiah?
Obadiah is one of the twelve minor prophets of Israel and author of the shortest book in the Old Testament. While his words are few, Obadiah's wisdom addresses one of the world's greatest problems, using fear and circumstances to advance self-interests.
- 04/23/2021- You Heard It On The Grapevine So It Must Be True!
Do you believe everything you hear on the news or on the Internet? Jesus' half brother James has some advice for us that is most appropriate for our world today.
- 04/16/2021- The Cornerstone And The Capstone And Our World In Between
We are all caught in a world with both good and evil. Each of us is called to live here and prepare for better things. Is it also a command from our God to change the world too? This study will look at God's expectations and see if we can determine what our duties should be.
- 04/09/2021- Is the Resurrection of Jesus Really True?
It is a week after Easter and Christ has risen! Do we really believe there is life after death and Easter is the proof? History and the Bible give us ample evidence that there was a "Resurrection."
- 04/02/2021- He Has Risen
Jesus did not kill Himself, He died because His life conflicted with the world around Him. His death, a horrid crucifixion, was brought about by conflicts between God and the gods of this world. This study reminds us of what it means to be bound to the Cross.
- 03/26/2021- Echoes From Lubeck Cathedral
Lubeck Cathedral hosts a telling poem about how humanity can change quickly. In a sobering way, the message speaks to us as God would to a child. This lesson tries to tie the poem to a Scripture lesson and then on to more contemporary times.
- 03/19/2021- Censorship And Freedom Of Speech – What Does The Bible Say?
There has been a growing trend of censoring conservative messages. This places our First Amendment rights in jeopardy. See what the Apostle Paul has to say about censoring the truth.
- 03/12/2021- The Eyes Have It
We live in a corrupt world and we are called by God to use our eyes to see what is going on. This study is intended to remind each of us that we have a responsibility to be good observers of what is going on around us. Yes, we are accountable for everything in this world.
- 03/05/2021 - The Roots Of Hatred
After four years of poisonous hatred in our country, it is time to look at hatred from God’s perspective. Is hatred acceptable? If not, what is an acceptable and alternative behavior?
- 02/26/2021- Amos The Prophet For Adults
The Bible study called A Very Short Children’s Story About Amos is the all-time favorite Bible Study on Lostpine.com. With our society today seemingly hopelessly divided over serious issues, Amos’s story can also give guidance to adults.
- 02/19/2021- The Pursuit Of Happiness Or Should It Be Joy?
Is the pursuit of happiness really a human right? Where is real happiness found? Can joy be had without God? We will look at what our Bible says about happiness and joy.
- 02/12/2021- Why The Anger?
Our Savior demonstrated His love and set an example of peace, even allowing Himself to be put to death as an innocent person. Yet, two times in Scripture, He became angry enough to result in violence. What made Jesus that mad?
- 02/05/2021- Has The World Gone Mad!
Here we look at the difficulties in our society and whether our focus has moved from God to material things. Can mankind find God when it is always looking at its social media posts?
- 01/29/2021- It’s All About The Verbs
Scripture is filled with both facts and action words. It is the action that God calls us to. Check out a simple example of how the meaning Micah 6:8 can be transformed by the verbs.
- 01/22/2021- How To Be A Survivor
Today’s world is definitely a mess – Survival is key. God wants us to live and make choices that build his kingdom. What can we learn from those who came before us about isolation and survival?
- 01/015/2021 - A Peek At Proverbs
Changing bad habits is a hard thing to do, even if we make it a New Year’s Resolution. This study opens the door for a wonderful resource on Godly Wisdom. Take a Peek! You may like what you see.
- 01/08/2021 - Sin And Sacrifice
This study looks at what is sin, how it got started and why it is so important to know who Jesus was and why He came to us. Also, why sacrifice is part of the process of God’s grace.
- 01/01/2021 - Thanks To The Shepherds Of The World
Did you ever wonder why the shepherds were part of our Christmas story? These were not ordinary shepherds. They knew the “Lamb of God” was born that day.