Author: Kristal Wheatley

Aaron was the older brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He played a key role in the Exodus story and in the establishment of the priesthood. Here is an overview of Aaron’s life and significance in the Bible: Aaron’s Family Background Aaron was born in Egypt prior to the time of Moses’ birth (Exodus 7:7). He was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7). Aaron was a Levite, meaning he was from the tribe of Levi, one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Aaron married Elisheba and had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar…

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The Book of Isaiah is one of the major prophetic books of the Old Testament. Isaiah contains prophecies attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the kingdom of Judah in the 8th century BCE. The book contains messages of judgment against Judah and the other nations, as well as visions of future hope and redemption. Isaiah is often described as a “miniature Bible” because its 66 chapters mirror the 66 books of the Bible. The first 39 chapters focus on judgment and punishment, similar to the 39 books of the Old Testament. The last 27 chapters focus on redemption…

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Christians are generally opposed to premarital sex for several reasons rooted in Biblical teachings. Here is an in-depth look at the biblical basis for the Christian view on premarital sex: 1. The Bible teaches that sex is reserved for marriage There are several passages in the Bible that indicate God intended for sex to occur only within the bounds of marriage between a man and woman. In Hebrews 13:4, it states: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” This verse clearly sets sexual…

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Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Old Testament. He was Jacob’s eleventh son and the first son of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife (Genesis 30:22-24). Joseph’s story takes up a significant portion of the book of Genesis, spanning from Genesis 37 to Genesis 50. Joseph’s story can be summarized in four main stages: 1. Joseph the favored son Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son because he was the son of his old age and the firstborn of his beloved wife Rachel (Genesis 37:3). Jacob showed favoritism towards Joseph by giving him a special ornamented robe (Genesis 37:3).…

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Having a passion for winning souls is essential for every Christian. As believers, we are called to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). However, it can be challenging to maintain passion amid the busyness of life. Here are some biblical ways to cultivate a heart for evangelism: Pray for the lost Praying for unbelievers helps soften our hearts towards them. As we intercede on their behalf, God gives us His heart of compassion for the lost. Pray for open doors to share the gospel, for boldness in speaking truth, and for receptive hearts. Persistently praying…

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John the Baptist was a Jewish preacher and prophet who played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ’s ministry. Here is an overview of his life and significance according to the Bible: John’s Birth and Early Life John was the son of Zechariah, a Jewish priest of the line of Abijah, and Elizabeth, who was related to Mary the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:5-25, 36-37). John’s miraculous birth to a previously barren couple was foretold by the angel Gabriel. As instructed, his parents named him John, which means “Yahweh is gracious.” He was filled with the Holy…

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Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. As Christians, we want to comfort those who are grieving with godly wisdom and grace. When someone we know suffers the loss of a close family member or friend, it can be hard to know what to say or do. The Bible offers guidance on how we can show Christ’s love and bring hope to the hurting through our condolences. Acknowledge the Person’s Grief It is important not to minimize or ignore the depth of someone’s pain after losing a loved one. Romans 12:15 tells…

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The Book of Ezra is a book of the Hebrew Bible and describes how the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity to re-establish the Temple in Jerusalem. The Persian King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return after conquering Babylon in 539 BC. The return and restoration of the Temple are also described in the books of Nehemiah and I and II Chronicles. Ezra consists of two major parts- chapters 1-6, covering the period from the Cyrus’s edict in 538 BC allowing the Jews to return from exile to the dedication of the Second Temple in 515 BC; and chapters 7-10,…

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The Valley of Baca is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Psalm 84:6, which says “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.” This verse is tucked away in the middle of Psalm 84, which is attributed to the sons of Korah. The psalm as a whole expresses a longing for the presence of God in the sanctuary. So what is this Valley of Baca? And why does the psalmist mention it in the context of seeking God’s presence? There are a few different…

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The Book of 2 Samuel chronicles the life and kingship of David, the second king of the united Kingdom of Israel. It begins with David being anointed king over the tribe of Judah and ends with his death and succession by his son Solomon. The key events covered in 2 Samuel include David being anointed king over all Israel, his capture of Jerusalem and bringing the Ark of the Covenant there, his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah, the rebellion against David led by his son Absalom, David’s purchase of the threshing floor of Araunah which became the site…

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