The call to “repent and believe the gospel” is found in Mark 1:15, where Jesus begins his ministry saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” This crucial verse provides insight into the core message of Jesus and what it means to become his disciple. Repentance To “repent” means to turn away from sin, both in mind and behavior. It involves recognizing one’s sinfulness and need for a Savior, feeling genuine sorrow for sinning against God, and making a conscious commitment to turn from sin and pursue holiness (1…
Author: Emma Price
Binitarianism is a Christian theology that believes God exists as two persons, the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. This differs from trinitarianism, the mainstream Christian belief that God exists as three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Binitarians believe that only the Father and Son are God, rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity. They view the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force or power from God, not a distinct person. The key aspects of binitarian theology are: There are two persons in the Godhead: the Father and the Son. Jesus Christ is eternally subordinate to God…
2 Corinthians 6:7 says, “by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left.” Here, the apostle Paul describes the spiritual weapons that believers have access to in order to fight spiritual battles and advance God’s kingdom. Based on the context, these “weapons of righteousness” refer to godly virtues, spiritual tools, and Holy Spirit-empowered resources that help believers walk in holiness and share the gospel effectively. Specifically, some key weapons of righteousness mentioned in this passage include: Truthful speech – Communicating God’s truth accurately and honestly. Power of God…
The designation of Israel as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” in Exodus 19:6 has profound significance for understanding Israel’s identity and mission as God’s chosen people. This verse comes within the context of God establishing his covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai after delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Let’s explore the meaning of this verse in detail: Israel as a Kingdom of Priests The description of Israel as a “kingdom of priests” highlights their role as intermediaries between God and the nations. In the Ancient Near East, priests served as representatives of the people before God…
The concept of “love languages” was popularized by Gary Chapman in his 1992 book The Five Love Languages. According to Chapman, people give and receive love in five primary ways, or “languages”: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. The Bible does not explicitly mention “five love languages,” but it has much to say about love and how we can express it. By exploring relevant biblical principles, we can gain insight into how the five love languages manifest in healthy relationships. Words of Affirmation Words of affirmation means using spoken and written words to…
John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This profound verse has been the subject of much discussion and debate over the centuries as Christians have sought to understand the full meaning and significance of the identity of the “Word” (Logos) in relation to God. Here are several key truths we can draw from this pivotal verse: 1. The Word (Jesus) is eternal John 1:1 tells us that “in the beginning was the Word.” This means that before time, space, and matter existed, the Word already was. The…
God’s rhetorical question in Jeremiah 49:19, “Who is like me?” reveals much about His character and intentions. This powerful statement occurs within a passage pronouncing judgment on Edom, Israel’s longtime enemy. However, the implications of the question extend far beyond this immediate context. Let’s explore the meaning behind God asking, “Who is like me?” The Sovereignty and Supremacy of God The question “Who is like me?” asserts God’s complete sovereignty and supremacy. As Creator of the universe and all within it, God has no equal (Isaiah 40:25). His ways are higher than our ways; His thoughts superior to human reasoning…
The Bible refers to angels who are “elect” or “chosen” in 1 Timothy 5:21 which says “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.” This indicates that there is a special group of angels who are described as “elect”. However, the Bible does not provide much more detail about who these elect angels are and what makes them distinct from other angels. Here is an overview of what the Bible seems to suggest about the identity and role of these elect…
The question of whether God changes His mind is an important theological issue. At first glance, there seem to be Bible verses that indicate God does change His mind, while other verses indicate He does not. When examined closely, however, we see that God is unchanging in His character, promises, purposes and covenant love for His people. However, He may alter how He accomplishes His plans in response to prayer and human actions. Verses that Indicate God Changes His Mind There are several passages in the Old Testament that seem to show God changing His mind: Genesis 6:6 – “The…
This is a question many Christians wrestle with at some point in their walk with God. Life can be difficult and discouraging, and it’s easy to feel like God has given up on you when circumstances are hard. But what does the Bible have to say about this? Here’s an in-depth look at God’s relentless, unconditional love and His commitment to never abandon those who belong to Him. God’s Love is Unchanging The first thing to recognize is that God’s love is not dependent on our performance or obedience. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).…