A “Bible-thumper” is a pejorative term used to describe someone who zealously quotes the Bible, especially when rebuking or proselytizing others. The term is often used in a derogatory way to imply that someone is aggressively pushing their religious beliefs on others. However, the Bible itself does not promote or endorse being overzealous or obnoxious when sharing one’s faith. The Bible calls followers of Christ to share the gospel with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Christians are exhorted to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), not cram it down people’s throats. Additionally, Scripture warns against self-righteousness and hypocrisy…
Author: Aaron Chin
The phrase “take heed to yourself” appears several times throughout the Bible, including in Deuteronomy 12:13. This verse comes in the midst of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this context, “take heed to yourself” means to be very careful to follow God’s commands. Specifically, Deuteronomy 12:13 states: “Take care that you do not offer your burnt offerings at any place that you see, but at the place that the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I am…
The verse Ephesians 4:3 encourages believers to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This is an important exhortation for Christians to promote harmony, avoid division, and reflect the nature of God within the body of Christ. Here are some key ways we can keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: Walk in Humility Pride and arrogance often lead to disunity and strife. We are instructed in Philippians 2:3-4 to “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of…
The phrase “full and fat” is used in Deuteronomy 31:20 to describe the prosperous but spiritually complacent state of the Israelites after they had settled in the promised land. In the verse, God says to Moses: “For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to give to their fathers, and they have eaten and are full and grown fat, they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me and break my covenant.” (Deuteronomy 31:20) There are a few important things to understand about this description: 1. It refers…
The Bible verse in Colossians 4:6 states, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” This verse encourages Christians to speak with grace and wisdom in their conversations with others. Here are some key reasons why we are instructed to let our words be seasoned with salt: 1. Salt enhances flavor Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, our speech should be wholesome, positive, and meaningful. Bland words do little to build others up or point them to Christ. When our words are seasoned with salt,…
Living for righteousness means dedicating one’s life to pursuing holiness, virtue, and uprightness according to God’s standards. Righteousness is one of the chief attributes of God’s character (Psalm 119:137) and as His followers, Christians are called to emulate His righteousness (Matthew 5:48). The apostle Peter touches on this concept in 1 Peter 2:24, which states: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) This verse points to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross and how His atoning…
Anxiety and depression are two common struggles that many people face today. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” This verse indicates that anxiety can lead to depression. In an effort to explain what the Bible teaches about this topic, let’s explore a few key points: 1. The meaning of “anxiety” and “depression” in Proverbs 12:25 The Hebrew word translated “anxiety” in Proverbs 12:25 refers to worries, concerns, and fearful thoughts that consume a person’s mind. It denotes an uneasiness and restlessness of soul. Similarly, “weighs him down” uses…
In Revelation 3:8, Jesus says to the church in Philadelphia, “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.” This verse has sparked much discussion about what exactly Jesus meant by this open door. Based on the context and other passages in Scripture, there are several possibilities for what this open door represents: 1. An Open Door for Evangelism and Missions Many interpreters view this open door as an opportunity for evangelism and spreading the gospel. Jesus affirms the church in Philadelphia for their faithfulness and promises them this…
Bribery is a significant issue addressed throughout the Bible. God makes it clear that bribery is wrong and has damaging effects on individuals and society. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that discuss bribery: Exodus 23:8 “And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.” This verse from the Ten Commandments prohibits taking bribes and states that bribes blind those who would otherwise make just judgments and undermine righteous causes. Deuteronomy 16:19 “You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and…
The statement “He who loves his life will lose it” comes from John 12:25, where Jesus says, “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” This profound saying of Jesus requires some explanation to fully understand its meaning and implications. First, it’s important to note the context. Jesus says this shortly before His crucifixion, as He prepares His disciples for His coming death and resurrection. He knows He is about to give up His life on the cross out of love and obedience to the Father. So in…