The concept of cleanliness and uncleanness is an important theme in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. When something is described as “unclean” in the Bible, it means it is ritually impure or defiled according to God’s laws. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about uncleanness and how this concept developed throughout Scripture: Sources of Uncleanness Several things could cause ritual impurity and make someone or something unclean in the Old Testament: Contact with a dead body (Numbers 19:11-16) Skin diseases like leprosy (Leviticus 13:3) Bodily discharges such as blood or semen (Leviticus 15:19-24) Childbirth (Leviticus…
Author: Erin Weitzman
Gluttony is defined as eating or drinking to excess. The Bible has much to say about gluttony and makes it clear that uncontrolled eating and drinking is a sin. Here are some key points the Bible makes about gluttony: Gluttony is listed as one of the seven deadly sins (Proverbs 23:20-21, Philippians 3:19). We are to practice self-control and avoid overindulgence (Proverbs 23:1-3, Proverbs 25:16, Titus 1:12). Gluttony often leads to laziness and waste (Proverbs 23:20-21). God condemns those who live only to satisfy their appetites (Philippians 3:19, Jude 1:12). Drunkenness is strongly condemned and associated with gluttony (Deuteronomy 21:20,…
The verse “weep with those who weep” comes from Romans 12:15 in the Bible. The full verse says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” This verse teaches an important Christian attitude of empathy and compassion for others. To “weep with those who weep” means to join in sorrow and grief with those who are suffering or mourning. It means feeling and sharing in their pain and hurt. When others around us experience tragedy, loss, despair or heartbreak, this verse calls us as Christians to enter into that suffering with them. We are to be sensitive to…
The question of whether an unbeliever should be allowed to participate in a church worship team is an important one for Christian churches to consider carefully. There are several factors to weigh when making this decision. Looking to the Bible for guidance can help provide wisdom and discernment. The Purpose and Role of the Worship Team First, it is important to understand the purpose and role of the worship team in a church. The worship team’s primary responsibility is to lead the congregation in worshipping God through music, song, and sometimes dance. Worship leaders set the tone and direct people’s…
Voyeurism is the act of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others who are engaged in private or intimate behavior. This could include watching someone undress, engage in sexual relations, or any other activity where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Voyeurism is generally considered sinful within Christianity. Here’s an overview of what the Bible says about voyeurism and lust: Voyeurism is a Form of Lust Several biblical passages address lust and see it as sinful. Voyeurism inherently involves lustfully looking upon others. A few relevant verses include: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’…
The phrase “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” comes from Matthew 10:16, where Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples to preach and heal. He tells them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” This is an important verse that provides guidance on how Christians should conduct themselves in the world. To be “wise as serpents” means to have discernment, be prudent and cautious. Serpents are associated with craftiness and cunning. Jesus is telling his disciples that even though they should be innocent and…
The question of whether heaven will be on earth is an interesting one that the Bible provides some insight into. At the center of this question is what the Bible says about the new heavens and new earth that God will create. In the book of Revelation, John writes about seeing “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1). This new creation follows the final judgment, when God will make all things new and death, sorrow, and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4). John goes on to…
The question of whether a Christian should listen to binaural beats is an interesting one that deserves careful consideration according to biblical principles. Binaural beats are an auditory illusion that occurs when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. This produces the sensation of a third tone, whose frequency is the difference between the two tones. Some people claim that listening to binaural beats can induce relaxation, meditation, creativity and other beneficial mental states. There are a few biblical factors to consider when evaluating whether binaural beats are appropriate for Christian use: 1. The mind and…
Questioning God is a complex issue that requires wisdom and discernment. On one hand, the Bible makes it clear that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). As finite human beings with limited perspective, we will never fully comprehend an infinite God. Therefore, there is a place for humility and trust when it comes to understanding God’s actions and commands. On the other hand, the Bible shows followers of God wrestling with questions, even expressing confusion, anguish, and anger in response to difficult circumstances they did not understand. Job questioned God as to…
The term “Christian” refers to a follower of Jesus Christ and the faith based on his life and teachings. Here is an overview of what it means to be a Christian according to the Bible: Believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior At the heart of Christianity is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth to save humanity from sin and death. As Romans 10:9 (ESV) says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Christians…