The 14 “biblical portraits” provided below summarize lessons we can learn from the spiritual journeys of various men and women of the Bible.

We see, for instance, that devotion to God does not mean the absence of sin or that God’s love for each one of us ever falters (although it may feel that way) even as we suffer the consequences not only of our own sin but also of living in this corrupt yet beautiful world.

Biblical examples of men who have struggled with moral failures after coming to faith (Jacob, David, and Solomon) remind us that God doesn’t give up on us, while examples of overall righteous living (Noah, Joseph, and Daniel) give us hope that we, too, can make good choices during our life on this earth.

• Noah: One Man Who Made a Difference
  
  
• Abraham: Chosen and Tested
  
  
• David: A Life Marked by Success and Failure, Guilt and Freedom
  
  
• Rahab: An Example of Life-Changing Choices
  
  
• Daniel and His Companions: Tested by Fire
  
  
• Nehemiah: Vision and Leadership Guided by Prayer
  
  
• Isaac and Jacob: The Woes of a Passive Father and a Passive Son
  
  
• Solomon:  A Man of Great Wisdom—and Great Foolishness
  
  
• Joseph: Purity, Integrity, and Perseverance
  
  
• Bethel: A Vision, a Place, and Ultimately a Personal Connection
  
  
• Jesus: Religion NO, Relationship YES
  
  
• Martha and Mary: Two Sisters Who Prioritized A Loving Relationship with God
  
  
• Barnabas: Encourager and Relationship Builder
  
  
• Paul: A Daring and Earnest Love for People