The book of Ephesians is one of the letters written by the apostle Paul in the New Testament. It was likely written around 60-62 AD while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor. Ephesus was a center of commerce and pagan worship, so the church there faced many challenges. Paul wrote to encourage the believers in their faith and instruct them on how to live as followers of Christ. A major theme in Ephesians is the cosmic scope of salvation through Christ. In the first chapter, Paul…
Author: Aaron Chin
A drink offering, also referred to as a libation, is an act of pouring out wine or another liquid as an offering to God. It was a common practice in the Old Testament, often accompanying animal sacrifices or grain offerings. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about drink offerings: Origin and Purpose of Drink Offerings Drink offerings appear early in the Bible. In Genesis 35:14, Jacob sets up a pillar and pours a drink offering on it. Exodus 29:40-41 prescribes drink offerings to accompany the regular burnt offerings. The purpose was to acknowledge God’s provision and dedicate…
The topic of hell is sobering and often controversial. While some dispute the nature, existence, or eternity of hell, the Bible has much to say about this solemn subject. Below is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that mention hell and descriptions of what hell is according to Scripture. Old Testament References to Hell The Old Testament uses a variety of terms and images to refer to the afterlife and the realm of the dead: Sheol – The Hebrew term Sheol occurs 65 times and is translated as “hell,” “the grave,” or “the pit.” It is depicted…
Holy Monday is the Monday of Holy Week, the week leading up to the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and culminates in Easter Sunday. Holy Monday falls between Palm Sunday and Holy Tuesday. The Bible does not explicitly mention Holy Monday, but it does record some of the events that are commemorated on this day. The Gospel accounts record Jesus returning to Jerusalem after spending the night in Bethany following his triumphal entry on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11). On Monday morning, Jesus returned to the…
The Book of Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. Written by the apostle Paul, it serves as a systematic explanation of the gospel message and doctrine. Here is a chapter-by-chapter summary: Romans 1 Paul begins by declaring that he was called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God and salvation for all who believe. Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin, but the gospel reveals the righteousness of God apart from the law. God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness of men…
Work and labor are common themes throughout the Bible. God designed humans to work and find fulfillment through their vocations. Scripture provides wisdom, warnings, and encouragement regarding our attitude toward work. Here are some key Bible passages about work and working: Genesis 1-2 – God as a worker In Genesis 1-2, we find that God himself is a worker. He labored for six days in creating the heavens and the earth, and then rested on the seventh day. This provides the foundation for the Sabbath command for humans to rest from work one day per week. Genesis 2:2-3 – And…
Reformed Arminianism is a theological framework that seeks to combine elements of Calvinist (Reformed) and Arminian thought. It affirms God’s sovereignty in salvation while also upholding human free will and responsibility. Here is an overview of Reformed Arminianism’s key beliefs: Total Depravity Like Calvinism, Reformed Arminianism affirms the doctrine of total depravity – that sin has affected every part of human nature and left us unable to save ourselves. As Ephesians 2:1 says, we were “dead in trespasses and sins.” But Reformed Arminians believe God’s prevenient grace restores enough freedom of will that a person can choose to accept or…
Here is a 9000 word article on Bible verses about sexuality: Overview of Sexuality in the Bible The Bible has quite a bit to say about sexuality. God created sex and sexuality, and the Bible affirms it as a good gift to be celebrated within a marriage between a man and a woman. Sexuality encompasses how we identify ourselves, our attractions, desires, and actions. The Bible speaks to all facets of human sexuality. Scripture teaches that sex is sacred and honorable within the bounds of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). The Bible prohibits sexual immorality, which would include any sexual relations outside…
Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief, loneliness, and loss that parents may experience when their children leave home for college or to start their own independent lives. For Christian parents who have spent years investing in their children’s spiritual growth and discipleship, this transition can be especially difficult. The Bible does not specifically address empty nest syndrome, since it is a modern phenomenon. However, Scripture provides comfort, wisdom, and perspective for Christian parents struggling with letting go of their children. By clinging to biblical truths, parents can navigate this season with grace, hope, and trust in God’s sovereign…
Disfellowshipping is a form of church discipline used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to expel and shun a member who is found to be unrepentantly committing a serious sin. The purpose of disfellowshipping is to protect the spiritual welfare of the congregation and promote repentance on the part of the wrongdoer. Origins in the Bible Though the term “disfellowshipping” is not found in the Bible, the practice has scriptural basis. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 instructs Christians not to associate with a “brother” who is sexually immoral, greedy, idolatrous, verbally abusive, a drunkard, or a swindler. The congregation in Corinth was advised to “remove…