Origen of Alexandria was an early Christian scholar, ascetic, and theologian who was born in Alexandria, Egypt around the year 185 AD. He is considered one of the most important early church fathers and had a profound influence on the development of Christian theology. Some key facts about Origen: He was born to Christian parents and given a Christian education. His father, Leonides, was martyred in 202 AD during the persecution under Septimius Severus. As a young man, Origen succeeded Clement of Alexandria as head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria, where he taught Christian doctrine and studied secular subjects…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
Prayer before meals is a common practice among many Christians. Though not necessarily commanded in Scripture, praying before meals is a way for believers to give thanks to God, seek His blessing, and remember that all good things come from Him. Here are some key reasons Christians often pray before meals: 1. To thank God for the food One of the main reasons believers pray before meals is to thank God for providing the food they are about to eat. All sustenance ultimately comes from the Lord, who causes the earth to bring forth food and who gives people the…
The Bible does not directly address the topic of donating blood or blood donations, as this medical practice was not known or possible at the time the books of the Bible were written. However, there are some principles and themes found in the Bible that can provide wisdom and guidance for Christians thinking about donating blood today. Saving Lives One of the strongest themes in the Bible regarding how we should treat others is the emphasis on loving others, doing good, and saving lives when possible. Donating blood is one practical way modern Christians can follow this biblical principle of…
The Bible does not directly address holistic medicine, as this term refers to a modern approach to health and wellness. However, the Bible provides principles and insights that can inform a Christian perspective on holistic medicine. At the heart of a holistic view of medicine is the belief that true health encompasses the whole person – body, mind and spirit. The Bible affirms this connection, teaching that humans are both physical and spiritual beings (Genesis 2:7). Our lives are meant to honor God in all areas, including how we care for our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Bible promotes preventative…
Why is there so much disagreement about holy communion? There is significant disagreement among Christians regarding the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper, also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist. This disagreement stems primarily from differing interpretations of what the Bible teaches about this important practice in the life of the church. The Biblical Basis for Holy Communion The practice of sharing bread and wine as part of Christian worship finds its origin in the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his death. The three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) each…
The doctrines of grace, also known as Calvinism or the five points of Calvinism, refer to the theological beliefs emphasized by John Calvin and other Reformed theologians regarding salvation and the sovereignty of God. The five points of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP: Total Depravity Total depravity teaches that human beings, as a result of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, are enslaved to sin and are morally incapable of choosing God on their own. Every part of human existence – mind, will, emotions – has been corrupted by sin. As a result, humans will always…
The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and practical advice for living a godly life. One well-known verse is Proverbs 17:22, which states “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This profound statement reveals an important spiritual truth – that our attitude and mindset can have a real impact on our overall wellbeing. Let’s explore the meaning behind this verse more fully: 1. A joyful heart is “good medicine” The Hebrew word translated here as “medicine” can also mean “healing” or “remedy.” The point is that cheerfulness and joy…
Evangelism Explosion is a Christian evangelism ministry and training program founded by D. James Kennedy in 1962. The program aims to equip Christians with the skills and tools they need to share their faith and lead others to Christ effectively and confidently. The name “Evangelism Explosion” comes from the idea that sharing one’s faith can have an explosive evangelistic impact as new believers go on to share their faith with others as well. Evangelism Explosion follows a very specific and structured approach to evangelism and discipleship based on Kennedy’s distinctive theological views. At the heart of the program is the…
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. There are several different types of fasting outlined in Scripture, each with unique purposes and benefits. By exploring the different forms of biblical fasting, we can gain a better understanding of how to apply this practice in our own lives. Normal Fast The most common type of fast is a normal fast, which typically involves abstaining from food but still drinking water. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, but the Bible notes that he became hungry afterward, indicating he was still allowing himself…
The issue of remarriage after divorce is a complex one that presents challenges for Christians seeking to faithfully follow biblical teaching. This is especially true when the divorce occurred prior to conversion to Christianity. Let’s walk through some key biblical passages and principles to understand what guidance Scripture offers on this topic. 1. Marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant In Genesis 2:24, upon creating woman, God establishes the marital union by declaring “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This foundational verse sets…