Friendship is an incredibly important part of the human experience. God designed us to be relational beings, and healthy friendships can be a tremendous blessing in our lives. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of deep spiritual friendships as well as principles for how to develop godly relationships with others. The Bible has a lot to say about friendship and provides wisdom on how to choose good friends, be a good friend, and enjoy the gift of friendship while avoiding potential pitfalls. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on friendship: The Importance of Good Friends The…
Author: Erin Weitzman
The verse John 16:33 provides an incredible promise and source of hope for believers in Jesus Christ. In this verse, Jesus tells his followers: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” This verse points to several key truths about why believers can be of good cheer: 1. In Christ we have peace Jesus first reminds believers that in him, they can have peace. Despite the troubles of this world, Jesus offers inner tranquility and comfort to his followers.…
Understanding the difference between God’s sovereign will and God’s revealed will is vital for Christians seeking to know God’s purposes and plans. God’s sovereign will refers to God’s hidden plans and purposes which He brings about through His divine providence. God’s revealed will refers to what God has specifically made known to us in Scripture concerning what He wants us to do and how He wants us to live. Though there is mystery in discerning the relationship between these two aspects of God’s will, Scripture provides insight into how God’s sovereignty and His moral commands work together in accomplishing His…
The concept of birthright is an important theme throughout the Bible, tracing back to the very origins of the nation of Israel. The birthright refers to the special privileges and responsibilities given to the firstborn son in a family. This included a double portion of the inheritance, as well as leadership over the family and the right to carry on the family name and lineage. The emphasis on birthright in the Bible underscores several key theological principles: 1. God’s sovereign choice The bestowal of the birthright was seen as an act of God’s providence and grace, not just a random…
The question of whether God gave the land of Israel to the Jewish people for all time is an important one that has significant implications. There are several key passages in the Bible that provide insight into this issue. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later renamed Abraham) and makes a covenant with him, promising to bless him and make him into a great nation. God tells Abram that He will make him the father of a great nation, bless those who bless him, and curse those who curse him. God also tells Abram that all the families on earth…
The Bible offers much insight into God’s willingness and ability to answer the prayers of His people. While God may not answer every prayer in the specific way we desire, Scripture makes clear that He does hear and respond to the heartfelt prayers of those who trust in Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some key biblical truths about God answering prayer: 1. God invites us to pray Multiple passages emphasize God’s open invitation to His followers to bring their requests and petitions before Him in prayer. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given…
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman instituted by God. In our modern society, many marriages end in divorce which can leave spouses and children devastated. According to the Bible, God intended marriage to be a lifelong commitment between a husband and wife. So what is the key to making a marriage last? The Bible provides much wisdom and guidance to help couples build strong, fulfilling marriages that stand the test of time. Choose Wisely One important key is to choose your spouse carefully and prayerfully. The Bible advises believers to not be “unequally yoked” with…
Absurdism is a philosophical concept that life has no inherent meaning and that any attempt to find meaning will ultimately fail. This perspective stems from the human tendency to seek value and purpose in a world that offers none. While absurdism has roots in existentialist thought, it differs in its explicit rejection of meaning and emphasis on the absurdity of the human quest for significance. The Bible does not directly address absurdism by name. However, Scripture provides perspective on key absurdist assertions about meaning, purpose, and the human condition. Examining biblical teachings can shed light on whether life is truly…
The ten plagues of Egypt recorded in the book of Exodus were significant events that demonstrated God’s power over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh. As Scripture describes, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt through His servants Moses and Aaron to compel Pharaoh to let the Israelites go from their slavery (Exodus 7-12). The plagues included the Nile turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock diseased, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the killing of the firstborn. While these biblical accounts give details surrounding the ten plagues, is there any extra-biblical evidence outside of Scripture that corroborates or offers more historical insight…
The phrase “times of the Gentiles” is found in Luke 21:24, where Jesus is describing the events that will occur in the end times. In context, Jesus stated: They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Luke 21:24 ESV). So the times of the Gentiles refers to the period of time when Jerusalem will be under Gentile control. This period began in 586 BC when Jerusalem was conquered by Babylon. Jesus stated that this time…