The Bible teaches that those who believe in Jesus Christ are children of God. This is a profound truth that provides amazing benefits and privileges to believers. 1 John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” This verse tells us that God has lavished His love upon us by allowing us to be called His children. Let’s explore the meaning and implications of being children of God. We are Adopted into God’s Family When we trust in Christ, we are spiritually adopted…
Author: Aaron Chin
Sin is a reality of the human experience. We all struggle with sinful desires and actions that go against God’s standards. As Christians, learning how to properly handle sin in our lives is essential for spiritual growth and living out our faith. The Bible offers clear guidance on how to deal with sin through confession, repentance, seeking forgiveness and pursuing holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit. Recognize Sin for What It Is The first step in properly handling sin is recognizing it for what it is. Sin is defined in 1 John 3:4 as “lawlessness” or rebellion against…
Weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) refer to weapons that can cause widespread destruction and loss of human life on a massive scale. Some examples include nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. As Christians, how should we view the development, possession, and potential use of such devastating weapons? The Bible does not explicitly mention WMDs, since such advanced weapons did not exist at the time. However, the Bible does provide principles that can guide Christians’ perspective on this issue. At the heart of it, Christians are called to be peacemakers who value all human life as precious and created in God’s image…
Simon the Leper is a biblical figure mentioned briefly in the Gospels. He is known for hosting a dinner where Jesus was anointed by a woman shortly before His death and resurrection. Though few details are given about Simon himself, his inclusion in the Gospels provides insight into Jesus’ ministry and interactions. The main account of Simon the Leper is found in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and John 12:1-8. In these passages, Jesus is dining at Simon’s home in Bethany when a woman pours expensive perfume on His feet and wipes them with her hair. Some of those present complain…
Time is a precious resource that God has given us, and how we choose to use our time matters. The Bible has a lot of wisdom to offer on the topic of time management and using our time well. Here is an overview of some of the key principles from Scripture on this important subject: 1. Our time belongs to God The first key principle is that our time ultimately belongs to God, not to us. Psalms 31:15 says “My times are in your hand.” God is sovereign over all time, and we are just stewards who will one day…
The Bible teaches us that as Christians, we are supposed to be sober and vigilant. This teaching comes from 1 Peter 5:8, which says “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” But what does it mean to be sober and vigilant, and why are these important for the Christian life? What Does It Mean to Be Sober? When the Bible tells us to be sober, it is not just referring to abstaining from alcohol or drugs. The Greek word used here is nepho, which means to be calm and…
See You at the Pole (SYATP) is a student-initiated and student-led event where students gather to pray for their school, friends, teachers, government, and nation. The movement began in 1990 with a small group of teenagers in Texas who felt compelled to pray together before the start of the school day. What started as a grassroots effort has now become a global movement, with millions of students in thousands of schools participating each year. The typical SYATP event takes place on one designated day in September, before the start of the school day. Students arrive at their school flagpole and…
The Great Schism was a divide within the Catholic Church that occurred in the 11th century and ultimately resulted in the separation of the Eastern Orthodox Church from the Western (Roman) Catholic Church. There are a few key events and theological differences that contributed to this monumental split in Christendom. Leading up to the Schism Tensions had been rising between the Eastern and Western churches for centuries prior to the official schism in 1054. Some of the key issues included: Ecclesiological differences: The Eastern church tended to give more authority to the local bishops and patriarchs, whereas the Western church…
Punitive justice refers to justice systems that focus on punishing criminal offenders through means such as incarceration, fines, and other forms of sanctions. The goal of punitive justice is typically to enact retribution against lawbreakers, deter future crimes, and incapacitate dangerous individuals. Throughout history, many justice systems have incorporated elements of punitive justice. The Bible has a mixed perspective on punitive justice. On one hand, there are numerous passages indicating that wrongdoing merits punishment. For example, Exodus 21:23-25 discusses the principle of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” as a means of punishment and deterrence. Romans 13:4 describes governing authorities…
The Mirror Bible, also known as the Mirror Word version, is a unique translation and commentary on the Bible developed by Francois Du Toit. The central concept behind the Mirror Bible is the idea that humans were created in God’s image and designed to reflect His nature and character. As such, the Bible serves as a mirror that allows us to see our true identity in Christ. The term “mirror word” refers to the English words that serve as a mirror to reflect the original Hebrew and Greek. Du Toit believes that many key Hebrew and Greek words have been…