The origins of Christmas have long been debated by scholars, historians, and theologians alike. On one side of the argument, some claim that Christmas originated as a pagan winter solstice festival that was later co-opted by Christians. On the other side, advocates argue that Christmas has always been a Christian celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. So what does the Bible have to say about this debate? Let’s take a deep dive into the scriptural evidence. First, it is important to note that the Bible does not provide an explicit commandment to celebrate Christ’s birth. Unlike Easter and Passover,…
Author: Aaron Chin
The Book of Haggai is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. It consists of four brief messages delivered by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua the High Priest. Haggai’s prophetic ministry took place in the second year of King Darius I (520 B.C.), about 16 years after the return of the first group of exiles from Babylon. His primary purpose was tochallenge the people to complete rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, a project which had stalled. The Book of Haggai underscores God’s interest in the temple as the symbol of…
Gluttony is defined as habitual greed or excess in eating. The Bible has a lot to say about gluttony and warns against overindulgence and uncontrolled appetite. Here are some key Bible verses about gluttony: Proverbs 23:20-21 – “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” This verse warns that gluttony leads to poverty and misery. Proverbs 28:7 – “The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.” This verse contrasts self-control…
The Gospel of Truth is an early Christian text that presents the gospel message in a poetic and philosophical style. It does not have a narrative structure like the canonical gospels, but rather is a theological treatise reflecting on the meaning of Jesus Christ and his teachings. The text emphasizes gnosis or spiritual knowledge as the key to salvation. Here is an overview of what the Gospel of Truth has to say about the Christian gospel: God is the Father of Truth The Gospel of Truth opens by describing God as the Father of truth who emanated the living Word…
The phrase “streams in the desert” comes from Isaiah 43:19, which says “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This powerful verse speaks of God doing something new and miraculous – bringing forth water and life where there was once only dryness and death. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this promise. The Context of Isaiah 43:19 Isaiah 43 comes in the midst of prophecies to the people of Israel during a very difficult time in their…
Goosebumps are a common physiological phenomenon where the hair on our skin stands up involuntarily, usually in response to cold, fear or excitement. Many people have experienced goosebumps at some point in their lives. But could there be any deeper spiritual meaning or significance behind this physical reaction? The Bible does not directly address goosebumps or provide any clear teaching about their spiritual meaning. However, there are some biblical principles and passages that can give us insight into how goosebumps could connect to our spiritual lives. Goosebumps as a physical reaction Goosebumps are primarily a physiological response controlled by our…
Adoptionism is a view about the relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father. It asserts that Jesus was a normal human who was “adopted” as God’s Son later in his life, usually at his baptism or resurrection. Here is an overview of adoptionism and what the Bible says about it: The Basics of Adoptionism Adoptionism teaches that Jesus was born as a regular human being, not the eternal divine Son of God. According to this view, Jesus lived an exemplary life of obedience to God which earned him the “adoption” as God’s Son. There are various ideas about when…
Cultural translation refers to the process of communicating ideas and concepts from one culture or language into another in a way that preserves meaning and relevance. At its core, cultural translation requires understanding both the original culture and language, as well as the target culture and language, in order to convey information accurately. This often involves adapting or translating words, phrases, concepts, imagery, and cultural references in a way that resonates with the new audience. When it comes to the Bible, cultural translation takes on added complexity. The Bible was written thousands of years ago within ancient Near Eastern and…
Sola fide, meaning “faith alone” in Latin, is one of the key doctrines emphasized during the Protestant Reformation. It emphasizes the belief that we are saved by faith alone, through God’s grace, and not by our own good works. There are several reasons why sola fide is considered an important doctrine in Protestant theology: 1. It is Supported by Scripture There are numerous verses in the Bible that point to salvation by faith alone, apart from works. A key passage is Ephesians 2:8-9 which states “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own…
Artificial insemination is a medical procedure in which sperm is artificially inserted into a woman’s uterus or cervix with the intent to achieve pregnancy. This procedure allows couples struggling with infertility to conceive a child. The biblical stance on artificial insemination is complex, as the Bible does not directly address this modern technology. However, by examining relevant biblical principles regarding procreation, marriage, and the sanctity of life, we can develop a thoughtful Christian perspective. Old Testament Principles In the Old Testament, barrenness was seen as a curse and disgrace (Genesis 30:23, 1 Samuel 1:6-7). Bearing children was understood as a…