The concept of jihad in Islam is often misunderstood in the West. Jihad literally means “struggle” or “striving” in Arabic. For Muslims, there are two main types of jihad: The Greater Jihad: This is the internal spiritual struggle to follow God’s will and do good. The Lesser Jihad: This refers to the external physical struggle against oppression and persecution. Violent jihad is considered the lesser jihad. In contrast, the Bible does not have a specific concept like jihad. However, there are instances of divinely sanctioned violence and warfare in the Bible, mainly in the Old Testament. Here are some key…
Author: Aaron Chin
Isaac was one of the most important biblical patriarchs, known for being the son of Abraham and Sarah and the father of Esau and Jacob. Isaac’s story appears primarily in Genesis chapters 17-35. Here is an overview of Isaac’s life and significance in 9000 words: Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age after God promised them a son. Though Abraham already had a son named Ishmael through his maidservant Hagar, God had told Abraham that Sarah would bear him a son through whom He would establish His covenant (Genesis 17:19). When Isaac was born, Abraham was…
Is it Wrong to be Angry with God? Anger is a common human emotion that we all experience from time to time. However, feeling angry towards God can bring up complex spiritual questions and doubts. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about being angry with God. The Struggle of Anger Anger in and of itself is not inherently sinful. Even Jesus expressed anger at times, like when driving money-changers out of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Anger becomes sinful when it is selfish, hateful, unforgiving, or out of control. It’s understandable to feel angry during painful life…
Stephen was one of the first deacons appointed by the apostles to serve the early church in Jerusalem. He was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and performed miracles among the people (Acts 6:5, 8). Stephen was falsely accused of blasphemy against Moses and God, and brought before the Sanhedrin. His speech to them accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and killing the Messiah enraged them, and Stephen became the first Christian martyr as he was stoned to death. His martyrdom was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, later known as the apostle Paul. Here is an in-depth look…
Reform Judaism is a liberal denomination of Judaism that emphasizes ethical teachings, social justice, and inclusion over strict ritual observance. Reform Judaism originated in Germany in the early 19th century, as Jews sought to modernize traditional practices and belief in the context of the Enlightenment. Some key principles and practices of Reform Judaism include: Beliefs and Principles – Reform Judaism believes that Judaism should adapt and evolve with the times. It does not hold that all Jewish law and tradition is binding, but that practices should change based on moral reasoning, life experiences, and contemporary circumstances. – Reform theology is…
# Summary of the Book of Zephaniah The Book of Zephaniah is the ninth book of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, likely around 630-620 BC. ## Overview of Zephaniah Zephaniah contains prophecies attributed to the prophet Zephaniah, who was a descendant of King Hezekiah of Judah. Zephaniah warned Judah and Jerusalem about God’s coming judgment for their idolatry, corruption, and complacency. However, Zephaniah also proclaimed that God would restore a remnant of humble, repentant Jews after the judgment. The book can be divided into three sections: 1.…
The verse in James 3:1 states, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” This verse contains an important warning for those who would seek to be teachers and leaders within the church. In this verse, James makes it clear that those who teach and lead others spiritually will undergo a stricter judgment by God. The Greek word translated as “judged” here refers to a judgment that investigates and determines the facts in a case. For teachers, there will be a thorough examination and evaluation of…
The spiritual gift of interpreting tongues is the supernatural ability to understand and interpret unknown languages spoken during times of corporate prayer or worship. This gift allows someone to translate the unknown tongue into the common language of the congregation so that all can understand and be edified. The gift is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul lists it among the gifts of the Spirit. He writes, “to another the interpretation of tongues.” It is closely connected to the gift of speaking in tongues, which is the supernatural ability to pray or praise God in an unknown language. When…
Codependency is characterized by an excessive emotional, physical, and psychological reliance on another person. People struggling with codependency often have low self-esteem, difficulty experiencing appropriate levels of self-worth, and derive an unhealthy sense of purpose through relationships. The Bible does not directly address codependency, as the term was coined in the late 20th century. However, Scripture speaks extensively to themes and mindsets associated with codependency. Examining relevant passages can provide wisdom for finding freedom from codependency. 1. Seek your identity in Christ Codependents often base their value and purpose on their relationships, not from an inner sense of self-worth. This…
The Book of Hosea is one of the books of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. It contains the prophecies of Hosea, who ministered to the northern kingdom of Israel around 750-725 BC. Here is a 9000 word summary of the key events, themes, and messages in the Book of Hosea: The book begins with Hosea receiving a command from God to marry a promiscuous woman (Hosea 1:2). This sets up an analogy for God’s relationship with idolatrous Israel. Hosea marries Gomer, who gives birth to three children: 1. A son named Jezreel. This refers to the Valley of…