The book of James contains practical wisdom for Christian living. In James 3:1-12, James warns about the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. He uses vivid word pictures to drive home his point – including comparing the tongue to a fire. “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6 ESV) This verse is full of imagery that emphasizes the incredible power and potential destructiveness of our words. Let’s break it down phrase by…
Author: Emma Price
The Hebrew word adamah appears over 200 times in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is most often translated as “ground” or “earth,” though it can also mean “land” or “soil.” Understanding the meaning and usage of adamah in the Bible provides insight into key biblical themes like creation, humanity’s relationship to the land, and God’s provision. Basic Meaning and Usage The basic denotation of adamah is ground or earth. It derives from the Hebrew word adam, meaning “man” or “mankind.” Adam was formed from the adamah, connecting man to the soil (Genesis 2:7). The linguistic connection between adam…
The Bible has a lot to say about abuse, as it deeply cares for the weak and vulnerable. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding abuse: 1. Abuse is sinful and opposed to God’s character The Bible makes it clear that God hates abuse and oppression. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18). Jesus said that whatever we do to “the least of these”, we do to him (Matthew 25:40). Abuse goes against God’s holy and loving character. 2. We are called to love others, not abuse them Jesus commanded…
A teaching pastor is a minister who has a focused responsibility on teaching the Word of God to a local church congregation. The teaching pastor’s primary role is to preach and teach the Bible faithfully and accurately. While all pastors have a responsibility to teach and preach God’s Word, a teaching pastor often has more time devoted specifically to developing biblical lessons, sermons, and educational materials for the church. The role and responsibilities of a teaching pastor can vary from church to church, but there are some common duties. These usually include: Preaching regularly during weekend services Leading and teaching…
Jesus stands out from other religious leaders in some key ways according to the Bible. Here are 9 important differences that set Jesus apart: 1. Jesus claimed to be God Jesus made the audacious claim that He was God in the flesh. He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 ESV). When questioned by the religious leaders about His identity, Jesus responded, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58 ESV). The statement “I am” was the name God gave for Himself when speaking to Moses (Exodus 3:14). By using this name, Jesus…
King Ahaz was the king of Judah from approximately 732 BC to 716 BC. He was the son and successor of Jotham, king of Judah, and the eleventh king from the line of David. Ahaz’s reign is described in 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, and Isaiah 7 of the Bible. Ahaz became king at the young age of 20 after the death of his father Jotham (2 Kings 16:2). He reigned in Jerusalem for 16 years. Ahaz was an evil king who did not follow the ways of the Lord. 2 Kings 16:2 says that “he did not do…
The Bible references several different types of judgment that God executes. Here is an overview of the major judgments described in Scripture: 1. Judgment of Sin All people are judged for their own personal sins. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Every person is held accountable for the sins they have committed during their lifetime. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). The penalty for sin is death. “For the wages…
The United States of America is not directly mentioned in biblical prophecy. However, some Bible scholars believe that several prophecies in the Bible could refer to the USA indirectly. Here is an overview of the main theories about whether and where the USA may be found in Bible prophecy: Theory 1: Babylon the Great In the book of Revelation, the apostle John refers to “Babylon the Great” which will have great power and influence in the end times but will ultimately be destroyed (Revelation 17-18). Some believe this could be a reference to the USA since America has become a…
The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of having a calm spirit. One key verse on this topic is Proverbs 17:27 which says “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” This verse teaches us that someone who can control their tongue and emotions is wise and discerning. Let’s take a deeper look at what else the Bible teaches about having a calm spirit. The Definition of a Calm Spirit When the Bible speaks of a “calm spirit,” it is referring to someone who is gentle, composed,…
My dear Muslim friends, as Christmas approaches, I wanted to take some time to share with you the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus Christ as told in the Christian Bible. I know that as Muslims you revere Jesus as a great prophet, so it is my hope that learning more about his humble beginnings and miraculous conception will draw you closer to understanding his divine nature and purpose. The story begins with a young woman named Mary who was engaged to a man named Joseph. Both were from the line of King David. One day, Mary received a…