The Bible encourages us in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are pure. But what exactly does it mean to think on what is pure? Here is an in-depth look at over 9000 words on this important biblical concept. To begin, we must first understand what is meant by “pure” in this verse. The Greek word translated as “pure” here is hagnos, which means free from defilement, clean, innocent, modest, perfect, chaste. So when Paul instructs us to think on whatever is pure, he is telling us to dwell mentally and focus our thoughts on things that are morally…
Author: Emma Price
The Hebrew word shalom has a much richer meaning than simply peace or hello. It comes from the root verb shalam, which means to be complete or whole. So shalom implies completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, and harmony. Shalom is an umbrella term for the well-being and welfare of an individual or group of people. In the Bible, shalom is often used in greetings and farewells, as both a hello and goodbye. We see this especially when people are meeting or departing from each other. For example, in Judges 19:20, a Levite greets…
The law of attraction is a New Age concept that suggests that positive or negative thoughts bring about positive or negative experiences. According to this idea, focusing one’s thoughts purposefully on certain desires attracts those desires to them. Although some Christians have attempted to use Bible verses to legitimize this belief, the law of attraction as practiced in the New Age movement contradicts biblical teaching. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over the world (Daniel 4:17). Nothing happens outside of His decrees (Ephesians 1:11). While believers ought to pray to God for their desires, God answers prayers according to…
The question of whether a Christian should attend the wedding of a gay couple is a complex one that requires carefully considering what the Bible teaches about homosexuality, marriage, and how Christians should relate to those outside the faith. On one hand, the Bible clearly identifies homosexual behavior as sinful (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27). Marriage is defined in Scripture as a covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Therefore, from a biblical perspective, a gay marriage falls outside of God’s design for this sacred institution. For this reason, some Christians believe they should refrain from attending…
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment. It involves training our minds to focus on what is happening right now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. The Bible has much to say about living in the present moment and offers insight into how mindfulness aligns with Christian values. At its core, mindfulness is about paying attention. It is the intentional focus of our awareness on the present experience. The Bible emphasizes the importance of paying attention and being alert. Jesus told his disciples to “watch and pray” (Matthew…
The phrase “itching ears” comes from 2 Timothy 4:3 which says, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” This verse provides insight into a prophetic warning about the end times, specifically concerning false teachers and false doctrine. Let’s break down this verse to better understand its meaning. Context of 2 Timothy First, it’s important to understand the context of the book of 2 Timothy. This epistle was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, his “true son in the faith”…
The concept of the “inner child” has become quite popular in modern psychology and self-help teachings. It refers to the part of one’s psyche that retains childlike attributes, such as innocence, playfulness, and sensitivity. While the inner child is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, there are several biblical themes and passages that relate to this modern concept. We are called to childlike faith In Matthew 18:3 Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He goes on to say in verse 4, “Whoever humbles himself…
The verse Ephesians 6:12 says “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This verse provides insight into the true nature of the Christian’s struggle in the world. Here are 9000 words exploring what this verse means and how it applies to believers: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides practical instruction for how Christians should live. In chapter 6, Paul urges believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his…
Hosea 4:12 says “My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore.” (ESV) To understand this verse, we need to look at the background and context of the book of Hosea. The prophet Hosea lived in the northern kingdom of Israel around 750-725 BC, shortly before the kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Hosea’s ministry focused on calling the people of Israel to repent from their idolatry and return to faithfulness to…
The story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman is found in 2 Kings 4:8-37. Here is an overview of the story: There was a wealthy woman from Shunem who regularly provided food and lodging for Elisha whenever he passed through town. Recognizing her kindness, Elisha asked what could be done for her. The woman said she had no needs, as she lived comfortably with her husband. However, the woman had no children. Elisha told her that she would conceive and bear a son within a year’s time (2 Kings 4:8-16). The prophecy came true, and the Shunammite woman gave birth…