The verse Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse is calling Christians to not conform to the sinful ways and patterns of thinking that are common in the world, but instead to be transformed by renewing our minds according to God’s truth. Here is an explanation of what this verse means in around 9000 words: The “pattern of this world” refers to the dominant mindsets, values,…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
An acrostic poem is a type of poetry where the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase. This poetic form is found throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms. Acrostic poems in Scripture not only beautifully express worship and truths about God, but also aid in memorization. Here is an overview of acrostic poems in the Bible, along with examples and explanations. Definition and Key Features of Acrostic Poems The word “acrostic” comes from the Greek words meaning “at the end of a line.” In an acrostic poem, the first letter of each line…
The Bible has clear guidance on the issue of romantic relationships between close relatives. While cultural norms have shifted over time, God’s standards remain constant and serve to protect human relationships from harm. Biblical prohibitions against incest Several verses in both the Old and New Testaments expressly forbid sexual relations between close relatives: Leviticus 18:6-18 condemns sexual relations with various close family members, including one’s mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law. The passage describes such acts as “wickedness” (Leviticus 18:17). Leviticus 20:11-12, 17-21 mandates the death penalty for men and women who engage in incestuous relationships. 1…
The issue of nudity in art is a complex one that Christians have wrestled with throughout history. On one hand, the Bible affirms the goodness of the human body as created by God. On the other hand, Scripture warns against lust and calls us to modesty. How then should Christians think about nudity in art? Here are several principles to consider: 1. Artistic nudity is not necessarily the same as pornography Pornography depicts nudity and sexuality in dehumanizing and immoral ways, reducing people to mere objects of lust. Artistic nudity, however, does not necessarily share pornography’s corrupted motivations. Great artists…
The phrase “born of water” appears in John 3:5, where Jesus says to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” There are several main interpretations of what it means to be “born of water”: Water Baptism Many Christians believe being “born of water” refers to water baptism. According to this view, water baptism is essential for salvation and entry into the kingdom of God. Supporters of this position appeal to passages like Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and 1 Peter 3:21, where baptism is tied…
The Majority Text refers to the Greek New Testament that represents the majority of existing manuscript evidence. It is also sometimes called the Byzantine Text or Traditional Text. The Majority Text is based on the large number of Greek New Testament manuscripts that share a generally consistent pattern of readings. History of the Majority Text The Majority Text represents the dominant strand of transmission of the New Testament text throughout most of Christian history. The vast majority of Greek New Testament manuscripts follow the Byzantine text-type. These manuscripts originated in the eastern Roman Empire and were copied throughout the Middle…
This is a complex question that many people ponder. On the surface, it may seem like all religions are fundamentally alike – promoting faith, spiritual growth, morality, community, and worship. However, when we dig deeper into the core teachings and truth claims of various faiths, significant differences emerge. So are all religions really the same? According to the Bible, there are some important distinctions between biblical Christianity and other world religions: 1. How one connects with God Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and…
The topic of whether women in biblical times had a choice in who they married is an interesting one. There are a variety of examples and perspectives presented throughout the Bible that provide insight into this question. While practices and customs varied across different cultures and time periods, examining key passages helps illuminate what the Scripture has to say about the agency women had in their marital decisions. Examples of Arranged Marriages There are several instances in the Bible where marriages were arranged by male family members, often the father. This was a common cultural practice in ancient patriarchal societies.…
The word “shigionoth” appears only once in the Bible, in the opening verse of the book of Habakkuk: “The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:1-4 ESV) The precise…
Should a Christian Use a Dating Service to Find a Spouse? Introduction The question of whether a Christian should use a dating service to find a spouse is one that does not have a definitive yes or no answer according to biblical teaching. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue. This article will examine the key considerations and perspectives from Scripture that pertain to this topic. The Purpose and Role of Marriage In order to evaluate if using a dating service aligns with biblical principles, it is important to start by understanding the purpose and role of…