Olive Tree Staff, Author at Olive Tree Blog

Seasonal

Study Through the Summer

Our office is in the Pacific-Northwest, which means we definitely understand the excitement of summer. For months, we crave the sun. Then finally, one June afternoon, the clouds finally break and our vitamin D deficiencies diminish. Everyone makes getting outside a priority, and that means other priorities fall to the…

Keep Reading

Topical

Asking for Wisdom

During times of trial, it is crucial that we ask for wisdom. The Book of James touches on how we should be praying, asking for wisdom, and that He will be faithful in giving it to us. Read through this excerpt from the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary for in-depth learning of…

Keep Reading

Topical

Fellowship That Produces Joy

The word fellowship seems to mean many things to many different people. Perhaps, like a worn coin, it may be losing its true impression. If so, we had better take some steps to rescue it. After all, a good Bible word like fellowship needs to stay in circulation as long…

Keep Reading

Topical

When Christians Disagree

Christians disagree… a lot. And when Christians disagree, it can be very confusing and frustrating for believers and non-believers alike. How can the Church stay united and Christians continue to be known for their love while also disagreeing? Read this excerpt from the Wiersbe BE Series Commentary on Romans. WHEN…

Keep Reading

Look Inside

What’s Inside an Archaeology Study Bible?

If you’re like me, you hear the word “archaeology” and you primarily think of Indiana Jones. Then, if you toss the word “study” next to it, you know it will be nothing like Indiana Jones. Instead, you get a mental image of a lot of dirt being pushed around with…

Keep Reading

Topical

Spiritual Gifts in Worship

There has been, and probably always will be, a great debate over spiritual gifts and their role in the Church. Richard L. Pratt (and editor Max Anders) walk Christians through this 1 Corinthians controversy in the Holman Commentary. We’ve included an excerpt of this part of the commentary, but we…

Keep Reading

App Tips

Notes in the Olive Tree Bible App

Notes are an essential part of Bible study. Typing out your thoughts will help you remember what you learn — and if you don’t remember, you can go back and look. Since note taking is incredibly important, we’ve given it priority in the Olive Tree Bible App. There are many…

Keep Reading

New Testament

What Were Roman Prisons Like in Paul’s Time?

In the New Testament, we hear a lot about Christians being imprisoned—especially Paul. In fact, he wrote his letter to the Philippians while in a Roman prison! We’ve gathered information from the ESV Archaeology Study Bible for you to learn more about Roman jails were like. PAUL WRITING THE PHILIPPIANS…

Keep Reading

Topical

Yet I Will Rejoice – Habakkuk

Habakkuk’s story can be used as a mirror for us. Even if we see difficult times ahead, can we still remain thankful? Can we echo Habakkuk’s sentiment? “Yet I will rejoice.” SCRIPTURE Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive…

Keep Reading

Topical

What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?

A frequent command given to God’s people in the OT is to “fear God” or “fear the Lord.” It’s important that we understand what this command means for Christ’s followers today. Only as we truly fear the Lord will we be freed from all destructive and satanic fears. By fearing…

Keep Reading