The Bible has a lot to say about family relationships and roles. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding family: Marriage The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman instituted by God (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Husbands and wives are called to love, respect and submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21-33). God designed marriage to reflect Christ’s love for the church. The Bible warns against divorce and adultery which can destroy marriages (Matthew 5:32, Matthew 19:9). Parents and Children Parents are instructed to raise children in the training…
Author: Emma Price
The minimalist and maximalist approaches represent two different perspectives on how to interpret and apply the Bible. The main differences between these approaches lie in how much authority and scope is given to the biblical texts. The Minimalist Approach The minimalist approach, sometimes also called the “lower criticism” view, focuses on interpreting Scripture in the most basic, literal sense. Minimalists aim to understand the explicit teachings and accounts in the Bible at face value, without trying to derive deeper meanings or theological implications. Key aspects of the minimalist approach include: Emphasizing the plain, straightforward reading of the text Not seeking…
The Bible teaches that all those who are in Christ are united as one body through their faith in Him. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse teaches that the divisions that exist among humanity outside of Christ are erased when someone puts their faith in Him. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and all believers are brought into the same family as children of God. So what does it mean practically…
The Bible has a lot to say about idleness and warns against being idle, lazy, or slothful. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical passages on this topic: Proverbs on Idleness The book of Proverbs contains many warnings against idleness and exhortations to diligence and hard work: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly…
The book of Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 states “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” This verse packs a powerful truth that faith is essential to having a relationship with God. But what does it really mean? Let’s explore this topic in depth. Faith Pleases God Because it Shows We Trust Him Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that faith is absolutely necessary to please God. Why? Because faith is ultimately about trusting in who God is. When…
The lampstand, or menorah, is an important symbol that appears repeatedly throughout the Bible. In Exodus 25, God instructs Moses to make a seven-branched golden lampstand for the tabernacle. This lampstand was to be fueled by pure olive oil and was meant to burn continually, giving light to the holy place. The lampstand symbolized God’s presence with His people and His role in illuminating their lives and guiding them. The lampstand in the tabernacle and later the temple had several key features and symbolic meanings: It was made of pure gold, indicating its sacredness and preciousness. It had seven branches,…
The book of Romans in the Bible provides deep insight into the topic of suffering and how believers should view and respond to the inevitable trials and tribulations of this present life. Specifically, Romans 8:18 offers an eternal perspective on suffering that can greatly encourage and strengthen Christians amidst difficult circumstances. Romans 8:18 states, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” This verse comes in the midst of Paul’s teaching about the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the hope of future glory…
The Blue Letter Bible is an online Bible study tool and resource created in 1996 by Paul House. The name refers to the blue highlighted words in the King James Version indicating a direct hyperlink to Strong’s Concordance and additional study resources for those specific words. The Blue Letter Bible provides free access to many Bible study tools and resources including: Multiple Bible Translations The Blue Letter Bible offers over 30 different Bible translations in multiple languages. Popular English translations available include the King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version…
The Bible has a lot to say about the topics of leaving and cleaving in marriage. This principle is first introduced in Genesis 2:24 which says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The ideas of leaving and cleaving speak to the change in priorities and relationships that take place when a man and woman come together in marriage. When the Bible tells a man to leave his father and mother, it is speaking to the need for him to emotionally and physically separate from…
The Bible has a lot to say about money and finances. One important biblical principle is the importance of saving money and being wise stewards of the resources God has given us. Here are some of the key things the Bible teaches about saving money: 1. Saving shows wisdom and trust in God’s provision Proverbs 6:6-8 uses the example of ants working hard to store up food for the winter to encourage being wise and preparing for the future: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet…