The question of whether Jesus came to bring peace on earth is an important one for Christians to consider. At first glance, some of Jesus’ own words seem to contradict each other on this topic. In one place, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34 ESV). But in another place, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27 ESV). So which is it – did Jesus come to bring peace or not? To…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
The question of whether a Christian should pay into or accept Social Security benefits is a complex one with arguments on both sides. There are thoughtful Christians who land on different conclusions on this issue. Ultimately, one’s view on this issue comes down to how one interprets certain biblical principles about government, taxation, retirement saving, and wealth. This article will walk through the key considerations and outline the main perspectives that Christians take. Background on Social Security First, some background on what Social Security is may be helpful. Social Security is a US federal government program that provides retirement, disability,…
The legend of the Wandering Jew refers to an apocryphal story about a Jewish man who taunted Jesus on the way to the Crucifixion and was then cursed to walk the earth until the Second Coming. Though the origins of this legend are uncertain, it has persisted for centuries as both an antisemitic tale and a subject of literary imagination. The earliest known written references to the Wandering Jew date to the 13th century. In these tellings, the man is described as a doorkeeper or shoemaker who strikes or mocks Jesus as he carries his cross through Jerusalem on the…
God is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, unchanging, completely just, completely holy, and sovereign over all things. The Bible reveals much about God’s character and attributes so that we can know Him better and understand how He relates to us. Here is an overview of some of God’s key attributes. God Is Eternal God has no beginning or end. He has always existed and will always exist (Psalm 90:2). This attribute sets God apart from His creation. Everything else came into existence at some point, but God has existed for all eternity. God’s eternality demonstrates that He is self-existent and not…
Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians is an early Christian writing, composed around 110-140 AD by Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. It is considered one of the earliest surviving Christian documents outside of the New Testament. The letter provides valuable insight into early Christianity and its connections to apostolic tradition. Polycarp wrote this letter as a response to a request from the church in Philippi, a city in ancient Greece. The Philippians had asked Polycarp for advice and encouragement amidst persecution and false teachings. Polycarp, having known the apostles and other early church leaders, was well qualified to provide apostolic wisdom to…
A “pious fraud” refers to the use of deception or dishonesty in the name of religious piety or for the perceived benefit of others. The term originated in the early Christian church when some church leaders and theologians argued that small lies could be justified if they encouraged people towards greater faith and morality. The concept raises ethical concerns, as lying or deceit violates religious principles of honesty and truthfulness. Yet, some have contended that “white lies” or selective omissions might lead to a perceived greater good. Throughout history, allegations of pious frauds have been made against religious institutions and…
The beautiful imagery of God removing our sins “as far as the east is from the west” conveys the incredible truth that God completely forgives and forgets the sins of those who put their faith in Christ. When God forgives our sins, He wipes them away so thoroughly that they are completely erased from His memory and can never be brought back. This is an astounding expression of the depth of God’s mercy and grace towards us. To properly understand the meaning of this verse, we must first understand the biblical concept of sin. The Bible teaches that all people…
The name “Ariel” appears several times in the Bible, but there is some debate among scholars and theologians as to whether it refers to an angel or has some other meaning. Let’s take a look at the biblical evidence. References to Ariel in the Old Testament The Hebrew word “Ariel” shows up three times in the Old Testament: Isaiah 29:1 – “Ariel, the city where David settled.” This refers to Jerusalem. Isaiah 29:2 – “Yet I will besiege Ariel.” Again referring to Jerusalem. Isaiah 29:7 – “All who fight against Ariel…will be as a dream, a vision of the night.”…
The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word “biblia” which means “books.” It refers to the collection of sacred texts that make up the holy scriptures of Christianity. The Bible is a compilation of 66 different books written by over 40 authors over a period of approximately 1,500 years. The Bible is divided into two main sections – the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains 39 books written before the time of Jesus Christ. It narrates God’s interactions with the people of Israel and foretells the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament contains 27 books…
The global church refers to the worldwide community of Christian believers spanning across continents, cultures, languages, and denominations. At its core, the global church encompasses all who put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As the Bible explains, the church is not identified with a building or institution but rather is made up of individual believers united by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). The concept of the global church originated from Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). It derives its unity from the oneness and universality of the body of Christ (Ephesians…