The phrase “My name is Legion, for we are many” comes from the Gospel of Mark chapter 5 verses 1-20, which tells the story of Jesus encountering a possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. This intriguing statement has sparked much interest and debate over its meaning and significance. In this passage, Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of the Gerasenes, where they encounter a man possessed by demons. The possessed man lived among the tombs and was unable to be restrained, even with chains. Upon seeing Jesus from afar, the man ran to him and bowed…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
The Bible teaches that the devil, also known as Satan, is the father of lies and deception. This is stated clearly by Jesus in John 8:44, which says, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” This verse gives us key insights into the nature and character of Satan. 1.…
The “Spirit of truth” referred to by Jesus in John 14:17 is commonly understood by Bible scholars and Christians to be the Holy Spirit. Here is the full verse (ESV): “Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” This verse comes in the context of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples before his crucifixion. He has just told them that he will ask the Father to send “another Helper” to them when he is gone (John 14:16).…
Nadab and Abihu were the eldest sons of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. They are mentioned several times in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Here is a summary of the key details about Nadab and Abihu from the Bible: They were appointed as priests When God chose Aaron and his sons to serve as priests for the Israelites, Nadab and Abihu were specifically anointed to fulfill this role along with their father Aaron and younger brothers Eleazar and Ithamar (Exodus 28:1). As priests, they were set apart and…
Protestantism is a form of Christianity that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Protestants broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, rejecting some of its doctrines and practices. Here is an overview of some key beliefs and history of Protestantism: Core Beliefs Some core Protestant beliefs include: Bible alone – The Bible alone is the ultimate authority on matters of faith, not church tradition or the Pope. Salvation by grace – Salvation comes through God’s grace alone, not by good works. “Priesthood of all believers” – All Christians have direct access to God through Christ, not requiring a priest…
Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. Through prayer, we communicate with God, bringing our requests, praises, and thanksgivings before Him. As believers, we are called to pray for many people and circumstances. One specific instruction we find in Scripture is to pray for our governing authorities and leaders. But why are we exhorted to pray for leaders? What kinds of things should we pray for them? And how does praying for leaders align with and contribute to living out our faith? The Bible gives several reasons why we as Christians should make it a priority to pray…
The statement “His blood be on us and on our children” from Matthew 27:25 is often misunderstood and taken out of context. A careful examination of the Scripture shows that this statement does not indicate that the Jews are cursed or responsible for Christ’s death. First, it is important to understand the context. Jesus was on trial before Pilate and the crowd was given a choice to release either Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd chose to release Barabbas, and when Pilate asked what should be done with Jesus, the crowd shouted “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22-23). At this point, Pilate washed…
Honoring the Lord with our wealth is a concept that is emphasized in the Bible, particularly in Proverbs 3:9 which says “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce”. But what does it actually mean for us today to honor God with our money and possessions? Here are some key principles from Scripture to guide us: Giving Generously to God’s Work One of the most direct ways we can honor God with our wealth is by giving generously to support His work and ministry. As Proverbs 3:9 indicates, we should give God the “firstfruits”…
The Greek word dunamis appears over 120 times in the New Testament and is commonly translated as “power,” “ability,” or “strength.” In the Bible, dunamis refers to miraculous power, moral power, natural ability, inherent capability, military might, and authoritative permission. Understanding the different shades of meaning of dunamis can shed light on key passages about the power of God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, believers, sin, and more. The Basic Meaning and Usage of Dunamis The Greek word dunamis derives from the root word dunamai, meaning “to be able” or “to have power.” As a noun, dunamis refers to “power,…
The phrase “be of the same mind” in Romans 12:16 refers to having unity and harmony within the Christian community. In the broader context of Romans 12, Paul is exhorting believers to live out genuine love through serving one another, exercising spiritual gifts, overcoming evil with good, and fostering humility and unity. Specifically, Romans 12:16 states: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” This verse comes right after Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts and how the body of Christ should function in verses 3-8. He…
