The Message (MSG) is a paraphrase of the Bible translated by Eugene H. Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. It is a contemporary version of the Bible in English that aims to state the meaning of the original Bible texts in common, everyday language. Some key things to know about The Message: It is not a direct word-for-word translation like formal equivalency translations such as the KJV or ESV, but rather an idiomatic translation that focuses on capturing the original meaning and intent of the texts. It uses contemporary language and idioms rather than formal equivalency in…
Author: Aaron Chin
This is a complex question that many people struggle with in their close relationships. On the surface, it may seem contradictory to claim you love someone that you don’t like. However, a deeper look at biblical principles reveals that this dichotomy is possible, though challenging. First, it’s important to define our terms. When we speak of “love” in this context, we’re referring to the Greek word agape. This is the highest form of love – a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the good of the other person. It’s the kind of love God demonstrates toward us (John 3:16) and the…
The Bible has a lot to say about men and their roles, responsibilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about men: Men as Leaders and Heads The Bible presents men as called to be leaders and heads in their homes and the church: – “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church…” (Ephesians 5:23) – “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”…
Cynicism is an attitude characterized by a general distrust of others’ motives. Cynics have a negative view of human nature, believing people are selfish and act only out of self-interest. The Bible has much to say about cynicism, offering wisdom and insights on how to combat this harmful mindset. One of the main antidotes to cynicism offered in Scripture is love. 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter,” describes the importance of love and its power to overcome negative attitudes. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends” (1 Cor. 13:7-8a).…
The story of Saul’s name change to Paul is found in Acts 13:9 in the Bible. Saul was a Pharisee and a persecutor of the early Christian church. However, on the road to Damascus, Saul had an encounter with the risen Christ that dramatically changed the course of his life (Acts 9:1-19). Jesus commissioned Saul, who would become known as Paul, to take the gospel to the Gentiles. The name change itself is recorded in Acts 13 during Paul’s first missionary journey. While on the island of Cyprus with Barnabas, Saul and his companions encountered a Jewish false prophet named…
The Bible does not go into great scientific detail about astronomy, as its purpose is to reveal God and His plan of salvation, not to describe the natural world comprehensively. However, it does make some key points about astronomy that give us insight into how God views the heavens and their relationship to Him. The heavens declare the glory of God Several verses describe the heavens as glorious, majestic, and declaring the glory and handiwork of God. Psalm 19:1 states that “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 8:3-4 says “When I…
Proverbs 10:27 states, “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” This verse teaches that fearing God can lead to a longer life. But what does it mean to “fear the Lord”? And how does this fear connect to longevity? In the Bible, the “fear of the Lord” does not refer to being scared of God, but rather having reverence, awe, and respect for Him. It is recognizing God’s supreme power and position, and submitting to His authority in one’s life. A God-fearing person desires to please God and do what He…
The book of 1 Thessalonians is one of the earliest epistles written by the apostle Paul. It was written around A.D. 51 to the church in Thessalonica, which Paul had founded during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). Thessalonica was the capital city of Macedonia and an important center of trade and commerce. The purpose of this letter was to encourage the new believers in their faith, clear up doctrinal misunderstandings, and exhort them to live holy lives. Outline of 1 Thessalonians The book can be outlined as follows: 1. Opening Greeting (1 Thessalonians 1:1) Paul introduces himself as the…
Jury duty is a civic responsibility that all eligible citizens may be called upon to fulfill. For Christians, performing jury duty can raise some questions about how to balance biblical principles with the legal system. Here is an overview of how Christians can thoughtfully respond when called for jury duty. Pray for wisdom and discernment When notified you may potentially serve on a jury, begin praying for wisdom and discernment. Ask God to help you understand the case facts and arguments accurately. Pray for clarity in distinguishing truth from falsehood. Ask God for discernment to follow His leading should you…
Shechem was an important Canaanite city in the land of Israel during biblical times. It is mentioned over 60 times in the Bible, indicating its significance. Here is an overview of the importance of Shechem in the Bible: Location and History Shechem was located in the hill country of Ephraim, about 30 miles north of Jerusalem. It sat between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim near an important east-west trade route. Shechem dates back to around 1900 BC, making it one of the oldest Canaanite cities. Abraham camped near Shechem when he first arrived in Canaan (Genesis 12:6). After the conquest…