Biblical Resources

Training today’s ecclesia for tomorrow’s celestial assignments.

Biblical Resources is a dedicated space for the co-laborers of Bible Student’s Press to share our current collective journey. It is intended to be a place of education and edification in an atmosphere of freedom, love, joy and peace.

Steve Martin, Curator
biblestudentsnotebook@gmail.com

Biblical Resources
Is the “lake of fire” meant to be taken literally—or is it a powerful figure of speech? In this study of Revelation 20:14, we explore how Scripture itself teaches us to recognize symbolic language. From phrases like “as a roaring lion” to the casting of “death and the unseen” into the lake of fire, the context points to something deeper than physical flames. If death is thrown into death, what does that mean? Could the lake of fire represent the destruction of death itself—fulfilled through resurrection? And what does “fire and brimstone” (theion, divine fire) reveal about the character of God? This episode challenges fear-based readings and invites you to see the purifying, consuming love of God at work in the final victory over death. Read the article at: https://studyshelf.com/BSN/Issues/bsn1109.pdf Order the book: Figures of Speech Used In the Bible: Explained and Illustrated https://studyshelf.com/product/figures-of-speech-used-in-the-bible-explained-and-illustrated/ http://www.StudyShelf.com #LakeOfFire #SecondDeath #FiguresofSpeech #BiblicalSymbols #GodIsLove
“The Second Death & The Lake of Fire” – Identifying Figures of Speech – BSN Article 1109
What if the word apostle isn’t actually a translation—but a transliteration? In this episode, we examine the second word of Ephesians 1:1 and uncover the powerful meaning behind the Greek root apostello—to commission, authorize, and send with binding authority. When you reconnect the verb and the noun, “apostle” suddenly becomes clearer: a commissioner, one officially sent with delegated authority. This shift changes how we see Paul’s role, his authority, and the nature of the present administration of grace. Sometimes clarity isn’t about adding theology—it’s about removing religious baggage. http://www.StudyShelf.com #StudyBibleProject #Ephesians #RightDivision #apostleofjoy #Paul
Lost in Translation: The Real Meaning of Apostle – Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
What if understanding the Bible isn’t about decoding hidden mysteries—but recognizing a wall? In this episode, we explore the “Barrier Wall” framework built around the middle wall of partition in Ephesians 2. Was there a long era when Israel and the nations were divided? When did that wall come down? And what does that mean for practices many churches still follow today? By tracing “time past,” “but now,” and “ages to come,” this approach offers a simple but provocative lens: before applying any passage, ask one question—was the wall up or down? Whether you agree or disagree, this framework challenges how we read Scripture and invites us to think more carefully about audience, administration, and grace. http://www.StudyShelf.com #BarrierWall #RightDivision #Ephesians #BibleFramework #GraceAdministration
The Barrier Wall – The Dispensational Removal of "The Middle Wall of Partition" – Explainer Series
What if the very first word of Ephesians carries more meaning than we’ve been told? Most of us were taught that “Paul” means small—a symbol of humility. But what if the Greek root points in a different direction entirely? In this episode, we explore the possibility that Paul’s name connects to the idea of a pause—a stopping point in God’s dealings with Israel and the beginning of something never before revealed. Could his very name reflect the temporary halt of Israel’s kingdom program and the unfolding of the secret administration? Sometimes the biggest insights are hidden in the smallest words. http://www.StudyShelf.com #StudyBibleProject #Ephesians #RightDivision #BiblicalGreek #SecretAdministration #Paul
Paul: The Pause in God’s Plan – Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Can we trust our English Bible translations? In this eye-opening discussion, we explore the historical and theological bias behind the King James Version and ask an honest question: were certain words preserved to protect church doctrine rather than convey the clearest meaning of the Greek? From “ecclesiastical words” like church and bishop to theological terms like hell and eternal, we examine how translation decisions may have shaped doctrine for centuries. We also share the heart behind the Study Bible Project—seeking clarity, precision, and freedom from religious tradition so the original meaning of Scripture can shine through. If you care about truth over tradition, this conversation is for you. Order "The King James Version: 400 Years of Bondage – 1611-2011": https://studyshelf.com/product/the-king-james-version-400-years-of-bondage-1611-2011/ http://www.StudyShelf.com #BibleTranslation #KingJamesVersion #StudyBible #GreekWords #BiblicalTruth #KJV
The Obstruction of Truth by Bible Translations – Clyde L. Pilkington Jr.
Is the Bible one message written equally to everyone? In this episode of Sermon Detox, we introduce the tool that clears the confusion: right division. Right division isn’t about picking your favorite verses—it’s about placing Scripture in its proper context: the right audience, the right covenant, the right administration. When you stop blending Israel’s kingdom instructions with the present administration of grace, the contradictions fade and clarity emerges. If you’ve ever felt like the Bible was spiritually scrambled, this conversation will help you breathe again. Clean Scripture doesn’t create pressure—it produces peace. http://www.StudyShelf.com #SermonDetox #RightDivision #GraceAdministration #BibleStudy #PeaceNotPressure
The Bible Isn’t “One Message to Everyone” – Sermon Detox #8
What happens when you stop calling yourself anything? In this personal reflection, Steve Martin shares why he stepped away from religious labels—and what replaced them. Not rebellion. Not confusion. Just a desire to live without lines that divide or identities that subtly elevate. No tribe. No badge. Just love, humility, and the quiet confidence that whatever we see, Father revealed. Maybe belonging was never about labels to begin with. Read the article at: https://studyshelf.com/BSN/Issues/bsn1108.pdf http://www.StudyShelf.com #BeyondLabels #FaithJourney #GraceAndLove #NoReligiousTribe #HeldInGod
Why I Stopped Calling Myself Anything – BSN 1108
What if heaven isn’t just paradise—but a government? In this deep dive into The Celestial Realm by Stephen Hill, we explore a radical framework: multiple heavens, a hierarchy of celestial powers, unseen political conflict, and the cross as a cosmic triumph—not just personal salvation. If our real struggle isn’t against people but against unseen sovereignties and deceptive ideas, how does that change everything? This perspective will stretch the way you read Genesis, Ephesians, and Colossians. Order book: https://studyshelf.com/product/the-celestial-realm-seeing-the-unseen-a-study-of-our-real-enemy/ http://www.StudyShelf.com #CelestialRealm #SpiritualWarfare #CosmicConflict #BiblicalWorldview #StephenHill
The Celestial Realm – The Explainer Series- Stephen Hill
What if the New Covenant is not about “going to Heaven,” but about Israel’s coming earthly Kingdom? In The Kingdom Context of the New Covenant, Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr. shows that the New Testament unfolds within the framework of a literal, physical, Abrahamic and Davidic Kingdom—complete with land, government, law, and thrones. Failing to see this Kingdom context creates massive confusion in Acts and the epistles written during that period—including Romans 13. Paul was not legitimizing usurping empires, but pointing to Christ’s rightful authority and the coming restoration of all things. Understanding this distinction is key to rightly dividing Israel’s earthly Kingdom from the later Secret revelation of the Super-Heavens in Ephesians and Colossians. Read the article at: https://studyshelf.com/BSN/Issues/bsn1108.pdf http://www.StudyShelf.com #KingdomContext #NewCovenant #RightDivision #IsraelAndTheKingdom #ClydePilkington
The Kingdom Context of the New Covenant by Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr. – BSN 1108
Looking for serious Bible study depth? The Bible Students Notebook has been published weekly for over 35 years—now totaling 1,100+ issues of research, articles, word studies, historical gleanings, and theological insights. Every issue is available free online, fully indexed and searchable. Whether you’re researching a topic, author, or Greek and Hebrew word, this is a massive library at your fingertips. If you love digging deep, this resource is for you. Sign up here: https://studyshelf.com/BSN/ http://www.StudyShelf.com #BibleStudentsNotebook #StudyShelf #BibleStudyTools #BiblicalResearch #DeepBibleStudy
The Ultimate Bible Study Resource (You Might Not Know About) – The Bible Student's Notebook
Chapter 23 of The Bloody Truth brings the entire journey into focus—from Egypt’s doorposts to Calvary’s cross. The answer may surprise you. Blood in Scripture was never about appeasing divine anger. It was about protection, cleansing, and ultimately defeating sin and death. Christ was not absorbing punishment from the Father—He was our fully human Champion, overcoming the enemies we could not, so that we might share in His victory. Not penal. Not substitutionary in the traditional sense. Not a legal transaction. The cross was the antidote. Life poured out to destroy death. Healing that reaches beyond humanity to restore all things. We don’t live as debtors hoping for mercy—we live as freed captives wearing the uniform of the victorious King. The cure is complete. Read the article: https://studyshelf.com/BSN/Issues/bsn1107.pdf Buy the book, The Bloody Truth: https://studyshelf.com/product/the-bloody-truth/ http://www.StudyShelf.com
The Bloody Truth in Full View – Chapter 23 – The Bloody Truth
“Blessed be the God…” — but what if we’ve misunderstood that word entirely? In Ephesians 1:3, Paul uses eulogia three times in one verse. Not as a call for us to bless God—but as a revelation that God is the Eulogizer. The One who speaks well. The One who adores. The One who has already declared every good word over us. This isn’t about us praising Him harder. It’s about discovering that He has already spoken every spiritual adoration over you. The adorable God is saying good things about you. http://www.StudyShelf.com #Ephesians #Eulogia #StudyBibleProject #GraceRevealed #GodSpeaksWell
A Powerhouse Revelation from Paul
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