The verse “perfect love casts out fear” is found in 1 John 4:18, which says: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” This is a profound truth that John wanted his readers to understand. To grasp the meaning of this verse, we first need to understand what John means by “fear” and “love.” When John speaks of “fear,” he is referring to an unhealthy dread or anxiety. This type of fear is often based on the threats of punishment…
Author: Emma Price
This is a complex question that has been debated for centuries. Both psychological disorders and demonic possession are real phenomena described in the Bible. However, distinguishing between the two can be challenging. Here is a comprehensive overview of what the Bible says about this topic. The Reality of Psychological Disorders The Bible acknowledges that psychological disorders are real medical conditions. For example, King Saul struggled with depressive and manic episodes (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Nebuchadnezzar exhibited symptoms of psychosis when he lost his mind and lived like an animal for seven years (Daniel 4:28-34). Mental distress and anguish are depicted as…
The Bible does not directly forbid playing the lottery. However, there are some principles and themes in Scripture that can guide Christians in thinking about whether participating in lotteries is wise and godly. Gambling and Stewardship The Bible teaches that everything we have – our time, talents, and treasures – are gifts from God to be used for His purposes (1 Corinthians 4:7). As stewards, we are called to invest what God has given us in ways that honor Him and advance His kingdom. Gambling, including playing the lottery, does not necessarily violate this principle. However, Christians should examine if…
The Bible does not directly mention medical marijuana or address its use. However, there are some biblical principles regarding drug use, caring for our bodies, and submitting to governing authorities that can inform a Christian perspective on medical marijuana. Drug Use in the Bible The Bible condemns drunkenness and loss of self-control through substance abuse (Proverbs 23:20-21, Ephesians 5:18). However, the Scriptures do not prohibit the use of all substances or medicines. Many medications are beneficial when used appropriately under medical supervision. The key is using substances in a wise and moderate way that does not lead to intoxication or…
Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, the king and queen of Israel during the time of the prophet Elijah. She married Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat who was king of Judah at the time. Athaliah was likely raised as a worshipper of Baal due to the influence of her parents who promoted Baal worship in Israel. She played a significant role in the history of Judah as told in the books of Kings and Chronicles. After her husband Jehoram died, her son Ahaziah became king of Judah. However, Ahaziah only reigned for one year before being killed. When…
The Bible provides a comprehensive moral framework that guides believers in living righteous and ethical lives. Here are some key reasons why the Bible should be our source for morality: 1. The Bible comes from God Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Although written by human authors, the Bible’s ultimate source is divine. Since God is perfectly good, just and loving, the moral principles in the Bible reflect His holy and righteous character. The Bible reveals God’s purpose, plans and standards for humanity. When we obey biblical principles, we align with the…
The priestly garments worn by the priests of ancient Israel were rich in symbolic meaning and served important practical and spiritual purposes. God gave specific instructions for the design and use of these unique garments, pointing to their divine origin and sacred nature (Exodus 28). By understanding the various priestly vestments and their significance, we can gain insight into God’s holiness, the role of the priesthood, and the spiritual lessons concerning access to God’s presence. The Ephod The ephod was an apron-like garment worn by the priests, especially the high priest. It was made of fine linen and skillfully woven…
The immutability of God refers to the unchanging nature of God’s essential attributes and character. Throughout Scripture, God affirms that He does not change: “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6). This immutability sets God apart from His creation, which is constantly changing, and provides great comfort and assurance for believers. God’s immutability means that His essential being and attributes do not change over time. He is eternal, infinite, perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, all-loving, all-just, all-merciful, all-wise, truthful, faithful, good, holy, righteous, and unchanging. These attributes describe who God is in His very nature and essence. They cannot be…
This is a common claim made by skeptics of Christianity – that the religion’s central tenets were borrowed from pre-existing pagan religions like Mithraism and Zoroastrianism. However, a close examination of the evidence shows that while there may be some superficial similarities between these faiths, the core doctrines of Christianity are distinct and originated from Christ and the apostles. Alleged Parallels between Mithraism and Christianity Mithraism was a mystery religion centered around the god Mithras that was popular among Roman soldiers during the early centuries AD. Here are some alleged parallels between Mithraism and Christianity: Mithras was allegedly born of…
Having faith in Jesus Christ is the central message of Christianity. At its core, it means trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Here is an in-depth look at what it means to have faith in Jesus: Acknowledging Our Sin and Need for a Savior The starting point of faith in Jesus is recognizing that we are sinful and separated from God (Romans 3:23). Sin has corrupted every human heart, and we cannot fix this problem ourselves through good works or religious rituals. We need a savior to bridge the gap between us and God. As Jesus said, “For the…