What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 107 - 28/08/26

Led by Tim Clark

The Trinity is one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith - yet the word itself never appears in the Bible. So where does the doctrine come from, and does Scripture really teach that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

In this study we begin by looking at some of the alternative views that have appeared throughout Christian history, including Arianism, Unitarianism, Modalism, Binitarianism and Tritheism. Each handles the biblical evidence differently, and each raises important questions about who God really is.

We then turn to Scripture itself. The Bible is absolutely clear that there is only one God, yet it also speaks of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in ways that cannot simply be reduced to three different names for the same person.

Is Jesus truly God, or is He a created being? Is the Holy Spirit a divine person, or simply God's power at work? And were the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all present before the creation of the world?

Looking across both the Old and New Testaments, we explore the passages that describe the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as divine, eternal and distinct - while at the same time maintaining the Bible's uncompromising declaration that God is one.

Rather than trying to prove the doctrine from one isolated verse, the aim is to bring the whole testimony of Scripture together and ask which understanding best accounts for everything the Bible says about the nature of God.

Join us for this week's *What the Bible Says* as we examine the biblical evidence for the Trinity and consider why understanding who God has revealed Himself to be matters for our faith, our worship and our relationship with Him.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 106 - 14/08/26

Led by Tim Clark

In this concluding part of our study on *Rebellion in the Wilderness* , we follow Israel through three more significant episodes that expose the danger of unbelief, disobedience and taking God’s provision for granted.

We begin with the twelve spies returning from Canaan. Although they had seen that the land was everything God had promised, fear overwhelmed faith. Ten spies saw enemies too powerful to defeat; Joshua and Caleb saw a God who was powerful enough to keep His word. Israel’s refusal to trust God ultimately cost that generation entrance into the Promised Land.

We then turn to *Moses at the rock* . After decades of faithfully leading a difficult and rebellious people, Moses allowed anger and frustration to shape his actions. Rather than speaking to the rock as God commanded, he struck it. What can this teach us about obedience, leadership, acting in our own strength, and the danger of assuming that what God used yesterday is necessarily what He is commanding us to do today?

The New Testament also gives the rock a remarkable significance: *“that Rock was Christ”* (1 Corinthians 10:4). We consider the connection between the rock struck in the wilderness, Christ crucified once for sin, and the living water that He gives.

Finally, we come to the **bronze serpent** in Numbers 21. Israel rebels once again, but this time something changes: the people recognise their sin. God provides a means of rescue, and centuries later Jesus Himself uses this event to explain His own death: *“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up”* (John 3:14).

These wilderness accounts are not simply ancient history. Paul tells us that *“these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition”* (1 Corinthians 10:11). Their unbelief, grumbling, self-will and idolatry remain warnings for believers today — and their need for God’s grace points us ultimately to Christ.

*Key Scriptures:* Numbers 13:25–33; Numbers 14:1–24, 39–45; Hebrews 3:16–19; Numbers 20:2–13; Numbers 27:12–14; Psalm 106:32–33; Exodus 17:5–6; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; Numbers 21:4–9; John 3:14–16; 2 Kings 18:3–4.

#WhatTheBibleSays #BibleStudy #RebellionInTheWilderness #Numbers #Moses #Joshua #Caleb #BronzeSerpent #JesusChrist #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 105 - 31/07/26

Led by Tim Clark

In this second part of *What the Bible Says About Rebellion in the Wilderness*, we continue through the book of Numbers and examine two serious challenges to the leadership God had established among His people.

We begin in *Numbers 12*, where Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses. What begins with criticism concerning Moses’ wife soon exposes a deeper problem: jealousy, comparison and pride. Their question — *“Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses?”* — reveals the danger of looking at another person’s calling and becoming dissatisfied with the place God has given us.

The passage also gives us a striking contrast. While Miriam and Aaron compare themselves with Moses, Scripture describes Moses as exceptionally humble. The discussion considers how envy can arise even among believers engaged in ministry, and why comparing ourselves with others rather than measuring ourselves before God can so quickly lead to pride and division.

We then turn to *Numbers 16* and the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Korah and his followers had already been set apart for significant service to God, yet they began to regard their own calling as a small thing and coveted the position given to Moses and Aaron. Their rebellion ultimately was not simply against human leaders, but against the God who had appointed them.

The study asks an important question for Christians today: *Do we recognise the privilege of whatever service God has given us, or do we become preoccupied with what He has given somebody else?* Christian ministry is not about position, recognition or personal advancement. We are servants and vessels, and whatever usefulness we have comes from what God places within us.

Finally, we consider the dramatic conclusion of Numbers 16. As judgment falls upon Israel, Aaron runs into the congregation with the censer and *“stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped.”* This provides a powerful picture of mediation and atonement and points us ultimately toward Christ, the One who stands between sinful humanity and the judgment we deserve.

*Key passages:* Numbers 12:1–16; Numbers 16; 2 Corinthians 10:12–13; Philippians 2:14; James 3:14–17.

#WhatTheBibleSays #BibleStudy #BookOfNumbers #Rebellion #Korah #Moses #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching #JesusChrist #Gospel

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 104 - 17/07/26

Led by Graeme McPherson

In this episode of What the Bible Says, we begin exploring Israel’s rebellions in the wilderness and ask what these events reveal about the human heart, the holiness of God, and our continuing need for grace. Israel had witnessed extraordinary acts of God, yet repeatedly struggled to trust His word and wait for His provision.

Beginning at the bitter waters of Marah in Exodus 15, the discussion considers how grumbling can reveal a lack of trust. God patiently provided for His people, turning the bitter water sweet, while beginning to teach Israel that life and blessing are found in listening to His voice and walking in obedience.

The study then turns to the golden calf in Exodus 32. When Moses appeared to delay, the people became impatient and created a manageable god of their own making. Aaron’s failure demonstrates the danger of leaders listening to the demands of the people rather than remaining faithful to the commands of God.

Moses’ intercession for Israel points forward to Jesus Christ, our greater and perfect Mediator. Moses pleaded for the people, but Christ gave His life for sinners and now intercedes for those who belong to Him. Our hope is not found in our own faithfulness, but in the completed work of Jesus.

Nadab and Abihu’s offering of unauthorised fire in Leviticus 10 reminds us that God must be approached as He has commanded. Worship is not merely singing, nor is sincerity enough. True worship must arise from reverence, obedience, truth and dependence upon the Holy Spirit rather than human invention.

These passages challenge both churches and individual believers to examine themselves. Are we patiently trusting God, or trying to make things happen in our own strength? Are our ministry, worship and witness directed by Scripture, or shaped by personal preference, popular opinion and seemingly good ideas?

The warning of Hebrews remains urgent: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Experiences alone will not keep us faithful; we must continue in God’s Word, encourage one another daily and approach the Father through Jesus Christ, serving Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

#BibleStudy #WhatTheBibleSays #IsraelInTheWilderness #Rebellion #GoldenCalf #NadabAndAbihu #Worship #HolinessOfGod #JesusChrist #BiblicalTeaching

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 103 - 19/06/26

Led by Tim Clark

What happens when a Christian dies? In this third part of our study on life after death, we continue exploring the hope given to believers through the words of Jesus, the teaching of Paul, and the wider witness of Scripture.

Beginning with the thief on the cross, we consider Jesus’ promise: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” This remarkable moment shows us that salvation is not earned by religious achievement, knowledge, or lifelong works, but received by faith in Christ alone. The dying thief had no time to build a religious reputation, yet he recognised Jesus, confessed his own guilt, and looked to the King for mercy.

We also look at the nature of Christian hope. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking, like hoping for good weather or hoping a team will win. It is assurance, expectation, and certainty because it rests on the promise of God. The Christian can face death knowing that Christ has prepared a place for His people and that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

This study also considers the judgment seat of Christ and the difference between being judged for salvation and having our works tested. Salvation rests entirely on the finished work of Jesus, yet Scripture teaches that believers’ lives, motives, and service will be examined. What is built on Christ will endure; what is merely self-centred or worldly will be burned away.

We reflect on how the certainty of resurrection should shape the way we live now. If Christ has not been raised, Paul says our faith is useless — but Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. Because of that, death has lost its final victory, and the believer’s future is secure in Him.

The discussion also touches on grief, funerals, the death of loved ones, and the difference between grieving with hope and grieving without hope. Christians do sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. The death of a believer is painful for those left behind, but it is not the end; it is a temporary separation until we are gathered together with the Lord.

Finally, we consider the Lord’s Supper as both remembrance and anticipation. Each time believers share the bread and cup, we remember the death of Christ, but we also look forward to His return and to the day when all who belong to Him will share in His kingdom together. For the Christian, death is not the end of the story — because Jesus is risen, and those who are His will live with Him forever.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 102 - 05/06/26

Led by Tim Clark

In this second part of What the Bible Says About Life After Death, we continue exploring what Scripture teaches about death, resurrection, judgement, and eternity. This study focuses especially on the different “locations” the Bible speaks about in relation to what happens after we die.

We begin with the body: from dust we came, and to dust we return. Genesis, Ecclesiastes, the Psalms, and Daniel all help us see that the physical body goes to the grave, the tomb, the dust, or the place of burial. But the Bible also teaches that death is not the end of the person.

From there, we look at Sheol in the Old Testament and Hades in the New Testament — the realm of the dead. We consider how Scripture speaks of consciousness after death, communication, waiting, torment, comfort, and the great divide seen in Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16.

We then consider Abraham’s bosom, Paradise, and what happened before the resurrection of Christ. The faithful dead were gathered to their people and kept in a place of comfort and rest, while the wicked were held in torment. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross — “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise” — become especially important in understanding this.

The study then turns to what changed through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. We look at passages such as Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 3–4, considering Christ’s descent, His proclamation to the spirits in prison, and His leading of captives in His train. We also ask whether Abraham’s bosom is now empty, and where believers go when they die today.

We also explore the Christian hope of resurrection. Passages such as 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15, and Revelation 6 show that believers who die are present with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection body. Death is not victory over the believer; in Christ, death has been swallowed up in victory.

Finally, we look ahead to the final judgement, the lake of fire, the second death, and the New Jerusalem. The Bible ends not with vague ideas of clouds and harps, but with resurrection, renewed creation, perfect bodies, the dwelling place of God with His people, and eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 100 - 22/05/25

Led by Akin George

What does the Bible actually say about life after death?

In this first part of our study, we look honestly at the subject many people avoid: death. For the Christian, death is not the end, nor is it meant to be faced without hope. Scripture teaches that death entered through sin, but through Jesus Christ we have the promise of resurrection, eternal life, and being with the Lord.

Beginning in Genesis, we trace the origin of death and the separation caused by sin, before considering the hope given to believers through Christ. We discuss passages including Hebrews 9, 1 Thessalonians 4, John 11, Luke 23, John 14, and 2 Corinthians 4, exploring questions such as:

- What happens when a Christian dies?

- Is death really described as sleep in the Bible?

- Is there such a thing as reincarnation or a second chance after death?

- What did Jesus mean when He told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise”?

- How should the hope of resurrection shape the way we live now?

This study is both comforting and challenging. Comforting, because those who belong to Christ have a certain hope beyond the grave. Challenging, because Scripture reminds us that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

For the believer, death is not defeat. Because Jesus died and rose again, those who trust in Him will live, even though they die.

#WhatTheBibleSays #LifeAfterDeath #DeathAndResurrection #ChristianHope #JesusChrist #BibleStudy #Resurrection #EternalLife #Heaven #Gospel

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 100 - 08/05/25

Led by Tim Clark

To mark our 100th What the Bible Says Bible study, we did something a little different: a full WTBS Quiz Night 2026. From questions about the study itself, to surprising Bible details, to a final round of “Bible or AI?”, this was a joyful, funny, and sometimes very humbling evening together.

Along the way, we looked at some wonderfully unexpected parts of Scripture, reflected on how carefully we need to read our Bibles, and were reminded that in an age of confusion, imitation, and noise, the Word of God remains trustworthy, living, and true. The evening also included a look back over the journey so far, including the remarkable number of people who have attended WTBS over time.

No answers in the description this time — you’ll have to play along properly and see how many you can get before the group does.

If you enjoy Bible study that goes beyond the surface, and you want to grow in confidence in what Scripture really says, this quiz is a great reminder that knowing the Bible well matters.

#WhatTheBibleSays #BibleQuiz #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #Scripture #ChurchBibleStudy #QuizNight #BibleTrivia #WordOfGod #ChristianYouTube