The question of whether communion should be open to all or closed to only baptized believers is an important one for the church. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue, and Christians of good faith can disagree. Looking at what the Bible says can help provide wisdom and perspective, even if Scripture does not give a definitive answer. Those who advocate for closed communion point to passages that speak of the importance of properly discerning the body and blood of Christ in communion (1 Cor 11:27-29) and of having unity of faith and doctrine (1 Cor 10:17).…
Author: Erin Weitzman
Sosthenes is mentioned twice in the New Testament. The first reference is in Acts 18:17, which states: “Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio cared for none of those things.” This Sosthenes was a leader of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth during Paul’s ministry there. When some Jews brought charges against Paul before the Roman proconsul Gallio, Gallio dismissed their case. Then some Greeks who were present beat Sosthenes, probably out of frustration or anger over the failed attempt to have Paul condemned. This shows that…
The Bible teaches that baptism is an important act of obedience for believers in Jesus Christ. However, there is some debate among Christians regarding the proper mode or method of baptism. This article will examine what the Bible says about the meaning and method of baptism. The Meaning of Baptism The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo which means “to immerse, dip, or plunge.” In the New Testament, baptism is closely associated with conversion, repentance, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 22:16). It signifies dying with Christ and being raised to new life in Him…
The imagery of the potter and the clay is rich with meaning in the Bible. God as the Divine Potter skillfully shapes and molds His creation, illustrating His sovereignty and creative power. Humanity is the clay, subject to the Potter’s hands. This metaphor appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments, teaching us lessons about the nature of God, the purpose of human life, and our relationship with our Creator. God as the Potter In many passages, God is depicted as the Potter who forms and fashions the clay according to His will. Isaiah 64:8 states, “But now, O Lord,…
The phrase “husband of one wife” in 1 Timothy 3:2 has generated much discussion over the years. On the surface, it would seem straightforward – an elder or overseer must be faithful to his wife and not be polygamous. However, there are several interpretive issues connected to this phrase that require deeper examination. The Greek Construction The Greek phrase translated “husband of one wife” is mias gunaikos andra. The term mias means “one” or “first” and gunaikos means “wife” or “woman.” Andra is the accusative case form of the word for “man” or “husband.” So a wooden literal translation would…
Discovering God’s plan for your life is an important part of the Christian journey. Here are some biblical principles to keep in mind when seeking to understand His will: 1. Seek God First The first step is to seek God before anything else. Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Putting God first means making time for prayer, bible study, and fellowship with other believers. As we seek Him, He will begin revealing His plan for us. 2. Renew Your Mind with Scripture Romans 12:2…
The phrase “four winds” appears several times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is primarily used as a metaphor to represent the four primary compass directions – north, south, east, and west. The “four winds” thus refers to the whole earth or the whole heavens. Here are some key passages where this phrase occurs: 1. Ezekiel 37:9 – Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones In Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones, God commands him to prophesy to the breath or wind to come from the four winds and breathe life into the…
The Bible offers wisdom and guidance for churches seeking to reach out and serve their communities. While there are many potential types of outreach ministries, some key principles can help churches discern how best to show Christ’s love in practical ways. Meeting Physical Needs Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion for people’s physical needs during His ministry on earth. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and met people where they were. Churches can follow Christ’s model by seeking to alleviate suffering and poverty in their cities. Potential ministries include food pantries, meal programs, clothing closets, medical clinics, addiction recovery programs, housing…
The Book of Judges in the Bible tells the history of Israel in the time between the death of Joshua and the rise of the monarchy under Saul and David. It spans approximately 350 years and recounts how Israel went through cycles of falling into idolatry, being oppressed by their enemies as punishment, crying out to God, and being delivered by leaders known as judges. Here are some common questions people have about the Book of Judges: Who were the judges? The judges were charismatic leaders chosen by God to deliver Israel from oppression when they cried out for help.…
This is a profound question for Christians – one that has significant implications for our spiritual lives. The simple biblical answer is no, the Holy Spirit will never leave a true believer in Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit is described as the guarantee and seal of our salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 says “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 similarly states “And it is God who establishes us with…