Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” This verse teaches an important truth – that we should ask God to help us number our days so we can gain wisdom. Here are some key reasons why we should want God to teach us to number our days: It leads to wisdom When God teaches us to number our days, the result is that we gain a heart of wisdom. Wisdom is so important because it helps us make good decisions, discern right from wrong, and walk in God’s ways.…
Author: Aaron Chin
The use of “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” is a controversial topic among Christians. Some view it as disrespectful or sacrilegious to remove “Christ” from Christmas. Others see it as an innocuous abbreviation. What does the Bible have to say about this issue? The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English word Cristes maesse, meaning “Christ’s mass.” It refers to the celebration of Christ’s birth and the worship services held on that day. The name connects the holiday directly to Jesus Christ. “Xmas,” on the other hand, is an abbreviation using the Greek letter chi, which is the first letter in…
The phrase “leave the 99 to find the 1” refers to the parable that Jesus told in Luke 15:3-7 about a shepherd who had 100 sheep but left the 99 in the open country to go search for the 1 that was lost. This parable illustrates God’s love for the lost and His desire to seek and save even just one lost soul. But why would God seemingly neglect or abandon the majority to pursue just one stray? What does this teach us about God’s heart and priorities? The Background of the Parable In Luke 15, Jesus was responding to…
Unforgiveness is a major theme throughout the Bible. God calls us to freely forgive others, just as He has forgiven us through Christ. However, unforgiveness is unfortunately all too common among believers. When we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts, it hurts us more than anyone else. The Bible has much to say about the dangers of unforgiveness and the freedom found in forgiveness. Definitions of Unforgiveness Before diving into what the Bible says about unforgiveness, it is helpful to define it. At its simplest, unforgiveness means not forgiving someone who has wronged you. It is holding on to bitterness, anger,…
How can we prevent our young people from losing faith? The issue of young people losing their faith is a growing concern in our society today. Studies show that many young adults who were raised in the church end up falling away from their faith after high school. This trend points to a crucial need for parents, youth leaders, and churches to take intentional steps to instill a lasting and unshakable faith in the next generation. Here are some key ways the Bible provides guidance on how we can prevent our youth from losing their faith: Instill the Truth of…
Giving thanks to God is incredibly important for several reasons according to the Bible. First, giving thanks to God is an act of worship and obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God commands us to give thanks as part of living a life that is pleasing to Him. When we thank God, we are acknowledging that He is good, sovereign, and the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). We are agreeing with His purposes, His plans, and His provision. Giving thanks is essentially saying,…
The Bible uses several different words to refer to God’s instructions and guidelines for how His people should live. While these words overlap in meaning, they each provide a unique perspective on God’s laws and communicate important theological truths. Laws The most common word used is “law” (Hebrew torah, Greek nomos). This refers to God’s overall instructions, precepts and commandments. The law embodies God’s righteous standards and reveals His perfect holiness (Psalm 19:7-9). The essence of the law is love – loving God with all your heart, and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). The law acts as a…
The phrase “let your yes be yes and your no be no” comes from Matthew 5:37 in the Bible, where Jesus tells his followers, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” This verse encourages truthfulness, integrity, and simplicity in speech. When we consider the meaning behind Jesus’ words, several implications emerge. Be Truthful and Trustworthy To “let your yes be yes and your no be no” means being truthful and trustworthy in all we say. As followers of Christ, our words should reflect the sincerity within our hearts. We shouldn’t have…
The emerods that God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5 have been the source of much speculation and debate over the years. The Hebrew word used is “ophel” which refers to swellings or tumors, but the exact nature of these afflictions is not specified. Based on contextual clues in the passage and insights from biblical scholars, the prevailing view is that these were likely hemorrhoids or something similar. Let’s dive into the details of 1 Samuel 5 to understand the biblical background of this unusual plague God used to humble the Philistines. The Context of 1 Samuel 5…
The Bible speaks of a coming time when God will establish a new heaven and a new earth, centered around a new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2). This new Jerusalem will be a place of perfect peace, joy and healing, ruled by Jesus Christ. However, the question arises: if this new Jerusalem is perfect, why will the nations that dwell there still need healing? There are a few key reasons the Bible indicates the nations will still need healing in the New Jerusalem: 1. To heal the scars of the old world While the new Jerusalem will be free of sin, sickness,…