Biblical Resources

Biblical Resources

Grow in the Knowledge of God's Word

The Christian life is one of continual growth in the knowledge of God and His Word. My desire is to provide Scripture-centered resources that help you understand the Bible, develop biblical discernment, grow in sound doctrine, and apply God's truth to everyday life.

Whether you're learning how to study Scripture, examining a teaching you've encountered, or seeking biblical encouragement through a difficult season, these resources are intended to point you back to God's Word and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Explore the categories below and take your next step in growing in biblical understanding.

The T.R.U.T.H. Filter is a biblical framework designed to help Christians carefully examine teachings, spiritual claims, experiences, and practices in light of God's Word. Rather than accepting something because it sounds spiritual, comes from a respected leader, or appeals to our emotions, we are called to test everything by Scripture and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Each part of this framework provides questions to help you evaluate what you hear, understand what Scripture teaches, and grow in biblical discernment. The goal is not simply to recognize error, but to become firmly grounded in God's truth and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What Does T.R.U.T.H. Stand For?

T — Tested by Scripture

Examine whether a teaching is supported by a faithful interpretation of God's Word. Consider the context, original meaning, and author's intended message rather than relying on isolated verses or personal interpretations.

R — Rooted in the Gospel

Evaluate whether a teaching aligns with the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ. It must uphold salvation by grace through faith, the finished work of Christ, and the truth that our hope rests in Him rather than human effort or spiritual performance.

U — Understanding the Human Heart

Consider whether a teaching accurately reflects what Scripture says about human nature, sin, temptation, and spiritual growth. Recognize our need for God's grace and distinguish between biblical categories rather than attributing every struggle to demonic activity or a lack of faith.

T — Trace the Authority

Identify the source of authority behind a teaching or spiritual claim. Determine whether it submits to the authority of Scripture or relies on personal revelations, experiences, influential personalities, or claims of spiritual authority that cannot be established by God's Word.

H — Harvest the Fruit

Examine the fruit a teaching produces according to biblical standards. Consider whether it encourages Christlike character, humility, love, obedience, and spiritual maturity, or promotes fear, pride, confusion, control, and dependence on human leaders.

The Goal

The purpose of the T.R.U.T.H. Filter is to cultivate biblical discernment so that we become increasingly grounded in God's Word, recognize what is true, reject what is false, and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

T — Tested by Scripture

Let God's Word Be the Judge.

Does this teaching arise from a faithful interpretation of Scripture and agree with the whole counsel of God?

Every teaching must be examined according to God's Word. A teacher quoting Scripture does not automatically mean that the passage is being interpreted correctly. We must consider what the text actually says, what the author intended to communicate, and how the passage fits within the broader context of Scripture.

Our starting point should be the ordinary, literal sense of the passage unless the text provides a legitimate reason to understand it figuratively. This does not mean ignoring figures of speech, symbolism, or other literary devices. It means allowing the text, its context, and its genre to guide our interpretation rather than imposing our own meaning onto it.

Ask

Does this teaching arise from a faithful interpretation of Scripture and agree with the whole counsel of God?

Evaluate

• Is the passage being interpreted according to its ordinary meaning?

• Does the text itself indicate figurative language?

• If figurative, is there a legitimate reason?

• Does the interpretation fit the context, genre, and purpose?

• Does it agree with other Scripture?

• Does it contradict biblical doctrine?

Remember

Begin with the literal sense of the passage unless the text provides a legitimate reason to understand it figuratively. Let God's Word be the judge of every teaching.

Key Scriptures

• Acts 17:11

• 2 Timothy 2:15

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17

• Nehemiah 8:8

• Acts 20:27

R — Rooted in the Gospel

Hold fast to the true Gospel.

Does this teaching magnify Christ's finished work and call me to repentance, faith, and obedience?

The gospel is the foundation of our faith. Any teaching claiming to be Christian must be examined in light of the person and finished work of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is not a promise of earthly success, financial prosperity, perfect health, or a life free from suffering. It is the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead.

We are saved by God's grace through faith, not by our own efforts or spiritual performance. This same grace teaches us to reject ungodliness and live in obedience to Christ.

True gospel teaching directs our attention away from ourselves and toward Jesus Christ. It does not make our comfort, accomplishments, or experiences the center of the Christian life.

Ask

Does this teaching magnify Christ's finished work and call me to repentance, faith, and obedience?

Evaluate

• Is Christ central or am I?

• Does it emphasize God's glory over my comfort?

• Does it minimize repentance?

• Does it minimize the cross?

• Does it make promises of health, wealth, or power the center of the gospel?

Remember

The gospel changes us by pointing us to Christ, not by promising earthly success. Our hope rests in Jesus and His finished work, not in our ability to produce a desired outcome.

Key Scriptures

• Galatians 1:6–9

• Romans 1:16–17

• Titus 2:11–14

• 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

U — Understanding the Human Heart

Know the truth about our nature.

Does this teaching accurately describe what Scripture says about people, sin, suffering, and spiritual growth?

A biblical understanding of the human heart is essential to discernment. Scripture teaches that humanity is affected by sin and that our hearts, desires, thoughts, and actions need the transforming work of God.

We must understand what Scripture teaches about our sinful nature, our responsibility for our choices, and our need for God's grace.

We must also recognize that suffering is part of living in a fallen world. Trials are not automatically evidence of personal sin, demonic activity, or a lack of faith. Scripture teaches believers to endure trials, grow in holiness, and become increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.

Biblical sanctification involves the ongoing work of God in the believer. It includes putting off sinful patterns, renewing our minds, and growing in obedience to Christ.

Ask

Does this teaching accurately describe what Scripture says about people, sin, suffering, and spiritual growth?

Evaluate

• Does it acknowledge both personal sin and the reality of suffering?

• Does it blame demons for every struggle?

• Does it ignore personal responsibility?

• Does it deny the normal Christian experience of trials?

• Does it present a biblical view of sanctification?

Remember

Scripture teaches that believers have been united with Christ, continue to battle sin, endure suffering, and grow in holiness. We must not accept explanations of human struggles that contradict what God's Word teaches.

Key Scriptures

• Jeremiah 17:9

• James 1:2–4

• Romans 8:28–30

• Ephesians 4:22–24

• Philippians 2:12–13

T — Trace the Authority

Follow Christ, not personalities.

Is this teaching ultimately subject to Scripture, or does it rely on personal revelation, experience, or a person?

Every spiritual claim must be evaluated according to the authority of God's written Word. A person's title, influence, testimony, spiritual reputation, or claimed revelation does not establish the truthfulness of what they teach.

Throughout Scripture, God's people are instructed to examine what they hear. Even claims of prophecy and spiritual revelation are not exempt from biblical evaluation.

We must be careful not to elevate personal experiences, impressions, or the authority of influential leaders above Scripture. No teacher has the authority to contradict God's revealed Word or demand unquestioning acceptance of their claims.

Ask

Is this teaching ultimately subject to Scripture, or does it rely on personal revelation, experience, or a person?

Evaluate

• Is the teaching consistent with Scripture?

• Does it depend on claimed revelation or special authority?

• Can it be demonstrated from Scripture in context?

• Does it contradict the gospel or sound doctrine?

• Does it align with the historical Christian doctrines of the faith?

Remember

God's written Word is the final authority by which every teaching must be tested. Follow Christ, not personalities.

Key Scriptures

• Jude 3

• 2 Peter 1:19–21

• Hebrews 1:1–2

• Isaiah 8:20

• 1 Corinthians 14:29

H — Harvest the Fruit

Look at the Results.

What fruit does this teaching produce in individual lives and in the church?

Jesus taught that false prophets would be recognized by their fruits (Matthew 7:15–23). We must look beyond appearances, popularity, emotional experiences, and impressive claims when evaluating a teaching.

Biblical fruit is not measured by numerical growth, worldly success, dramatic testimonies, or outward displays of spirituality. We must examine whether a teaching encourages greater love for Christ and His Word, humility, holiness, discernment, and obedience.

We should also pay attention to warning signs such as fear-based control, manipulation, and dependence on a particular person or ministry.

The goal of Christian teaching is not to create spiritual dependence on human personalities. It is to help believers grow in Christ, mature in their faith, and live in faithful obedience to God's Word.

Ask

What fruit does this teaching produce in individual lives and in the church?

Evaluate

• Does it produce greater love for Christ and His Word?

• Does it lead to humility, holiness, and discernment?

• Are there warning signs: fear-based control, manipulation, or dependence?

• Does it produce lasting obedience?

Remember

True teaching produces Christlike character and leads to greater obedience. Look at the results, not merely the claims.

Key Scriptures

• Matthew 7:15–23

• Galatians 5:22–23

• John 15:1–8

• Philippians 1:9–11

The Five Key Questions

Before accepting any teaching, ask yourself:

1. Can I support this from Scripture in its proper context?

2. Is Christ or man at the center?

3. Does it accurately reflect Scripture's teaching about human nature and sin?

4. What is functioning as the final authority?

5. What fruit does this produce over time?

These questions provide a starting point for examining teachings carefully and applying the T.R.U.T.H. Filter in everyday life.

Explore More Biblical Resources

Explore Scripture-centered teaching, studies, and practical resources designed to help you grow in biblical understanding, discernment, and faithful discipleship.

1. Bible Study & Discipleship

Growing in the knowledge of God's Word requires more than simply reading the Bible. We must learn to understand Scripture in its proper context, recognize what God has revealed, and apply His truth faithfully to our lives.

These resources are designed to help you develop sound Bible study habits, grow in biblical understanding, and mature as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Topics include:

• How to study and interpret Scripture

• Understanding biblical context

• Practical Bible study methods

• Growing in spiritual maturity

• Applying God's Word to everyday life

2. Biblical Discernment

Biblical discernment is the ability to distinguish truth from error by developing an understanding of God's Word and learning to evaluate what we hear in light of it.

We are not called to blindly accept every teaching, spiritual claim, or experience. Scripture instructs us to test what we hear, examine the truth, and hold fast to what is good.

These resources are designed to help Christians recognize doctrinal error, evaluate spiritual claims, understand sound biblical teaching, and grow in wisdom.

Topics include:

• Testing teachings and spiritual claims

• Recognizing false teaching and doctrinal error

• Understanding spiritual gifts and biblical instruction

• Evaluating claims of prophecy and revelation

• Developing discernment through Scripture

• Recognizing the difference between biblical truth and spiritual manipulation

3. Spiritual Abuse & Recovery

Spiritual manipulation and the misuse of Scripture can deeply affect how a person understands God, His Word, and their relationship with Him. When spiritual authority is misused, it can leave people struggling with confusion, fear, shame, and uncertainty about what is true.

Recovery requires more than simply walking away from harmful teaching or relationships. It involves rebuilding a biblical understanding of God's character, learning to recognize the difference between faithful spiritual leadership and manipulation, and growing in the truth of the gospel.

These resources are intended to encourage women with biblical clarity, wise discernment, and hope in Christ as they move forward in their understanding of God and His Word.

Topics include:

• Recognizing spiritual manipulation and the misuse of Scripture

• Understanding biblical spiritual authority and healthy leadership

• Rebuilding a sound understanding of God's character

• Addressing fear, shame, and confusion through biblical truth

• Growing in identity and assurance in Christ

• Developing healthy, Christ-centered relationships

• Pursuing spiritual maturity through biblical discipleship

4. Gospel & Identity in Christ

Understanding who we are in Christ begins with understanding the gospel. Our identity is not established by our past, our accomplishments, our emotions, or the opinions of others. It is rooted in what God has accomplished for us through Jesus Christ.

Scripture teaches us about our adoption, justification, new life, and security in Christ. As we grow in our understanding of these truths, we learn to rest in God's promises rather than striving to establish our worth through spiritual performance.

These resources are designed to help you understand the gospel more deeply, grow in assurance, and live in light of what Scripture says about those who belong to Christ.

Topics include:

• Understanding the biblical gospel

• Our identity and new life in Christ

• Adoption and our relationship with God

• Justification and sanctification

• Assurance of salvation

• Freedom from condemnation

• Living in light of God's grace and promises

5. Teaching & Apologetics

Christians are called to know what they believe, understand why they believe it, and be prepared to give a reason for the hope they have in Christ.

Apologetics involves giving a thoughtful, biblical defense of the Christian faith. It also requires us to examine theological claims carefully, understand the context of Scripture, and distinguish sound doctrine from teachings that misrepresent God's Word.

These resources are designed to strengthen your understanding of Christian doctrine, address challenging questions, and help you engage with theological discussions using biblical truth, wisdom, and grace.

Topics include:

• Essential Christian doctrine

• Defending the Christian faith

• Examining theological claims

• Understanding difficult Bible passages

• Responding to objections to Christianity

• Biblical responses to contemporary teachings

• Growing in confidence in the truth of God's Word