The New English Translation, also known as the NET Bible, is an English translation of the Bible published in 2005 by Biblical Studies Press. The NET Bible seeks to provide an accurate, readable, and modern translation based on the most up-to-date manuscript evidence. Here is an overview of the key features and background of the NET Bible: Translation Philosophy The NET Bible aims for a balance between formal (word-for-word) and functional (meaning-based) equivalence in its translation. The goal is to stay as literal as possible to the original languages while also conveying the intended meaning clearly in natural English. The…
Author: Aaron Chin
The rainbow is a beautiful and mysterious phenomenon that has captivated humanity since ancient times. In the Bible, the rainbow takes on great theological significance as a sign of God’s covenant and promise to mankind. After the flood in Genesis, God makes a covenant with Noah that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood. God says, “I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13 ESV). The rainbow serves as a reminder of God’s pledge to sustain the natural order and not…
The Bible has a lot to say about poverty and how God views and cares for the poor. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on poverty and the poor: God cares deeply for the poor The Bible makes it clear that God has a special concern for the poor and vulnerable. He hears their cries and cares about their needs. For example: “The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” (Psalm 69:33) “The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty,…
Eli was an important priest and judge in the early days of the kingdom of Israel. He served as the high priest at the tabernacle in Shiloh and was an influential spiritual leader among the Israelites. Eli plays a prominent role in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel in the Old Testament. Here is a summary of what the Bible reveals about the life and ministry of Eli: Eli’s Family Background Eli was from the tribe of Levi and part of the priestly line descending from Aaron, the first high priest of Israel (1 Samuel 1:9, 14:3). His…
The empty tomb is vitally important to the Christian faith. It serves as evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, validating His claims to be the Son of God and Savior of the world. Here are some of the key reasons the empty tomb matters: 1. It verifies the resurrection actually happened All four Gospels describe how Jesus was buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea after His crucifixion (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42). Three days later, women followers of Christ discovered the tomb empty and were told by angels that Jesus…
In Hinduism, a guru is a spiritual teacher or guide. The word ‘guru’ literally means ‘dispeller of darkness’. Here’s a 9000 word overview of what the role and significance of a guru is in Hinduism: The guru-disciple relationship is considered very sacred in Hinduism and is seen as the means to spiritual liberation. A guru is someone who has attained self-realization and can guide disciples on their spiritual path. The guidance provided by a guru is called initiation or diksha. It is believed that spiritual knowledge can only be acquired through a qualified guru. Mere study of scriptures or self-effort…
Matthew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and the traditionally ascribed author of the first gospel account of the life of Jesus (Matthew 1:1). Matthew’s gospel provides important details about Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection, as well as an account of the origins and early history of the church. Here is an overview of what the Bible tells us about Matthew and his significance: Matthew the Disciple Matthew first appears in the gospel accounts as a tax collector in Capernaum who was called by Jesus to become one of his twelve disciples (Matthew 9:9, Matthew 10:3).…
The five-finger prayer is a simple, easy-to-remember way to pray using the five fingers on your hand as reminders for what to pray for. It is often taught to children as an introduction to prayer, but can be used by anyone as a template for praying in a structured way. Here is how the five-finger prayer works: The thumb reminds you to pray for those who are close to you – your family, friends, and other loved ones. The index (pointing) finger reminds you to pray for those who teach and instruct you – teachers, pastors, mentors, and other leaders.…
Hephzibah is a Hebrew name that appears a few times in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name means “my delight is in her” and is symbolic of God’s delight and favor for His people. Let’s take a look at the key passages where Hephzibah appears and examine its meaning and significance. Hephzibah in 2 Kings 21 The name Hephzibah first appears in 2 Kings 21, which recounts the evil reign of King Manasseh of Judah. We read in verse 1: Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His…
The concept of blessing is central to the Bible and the Christian faith. At its core, a blessing refers to God’s favor, protection, and provision in someone’s life. Throughout Scripture, God promises to bless those who follow Him and walk in His ways. Understanding what constitutes a true blessing from a biblical perspective can help Christians recognize and appreciate God’s gifts in their lives. God’s Favor and Grace One of the key aspects of blessing is God’s unmerited favor and grace. Grace is God’s free gift of salvation and forgiveness to humankind, even though it is not deserved (Ephesians 2:8-9).…