Ephesians 3:18 says, “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth.” This verse comes in the context of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, that they would be strengthened by the Spirit to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. The “breadth and length and height and depth” refers to the vast, multidimensional nature of Christ’s love. Let’s explore what each of these dimensions means: Breadth The breadth of Christ’s love refers to its vast scope and inclusiveness. Jesus’ love extends to all people, regardless of race, gender, social…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
Grief is a natural emotional response to loss or tragedy. In times of deep sorrow, many find comfort and hope in God’s Word. Here are some key Bible verses about grief: Psalms 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This verse reminds us that God understands our pain and is always near, even when grief feels overwhelming. He cares deeply and can bring healing to our broken hearts. John 14:1 – Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. Jesus encourages us to…
Ezekiel 20:25 says, “Moreover, I gave them statutes that were not good and rules by which they could not have life.” This verse raises an important question – why would God give his people statutes and rules that are “not good” and prevent life? To properly understand this passage, we need to examine the context. The Context of Ezekiel 20 Ezekiel 20 is a message given by God to the prophet Ezekiel to deliver to the elders of Israel. In this chapter, God gives a lengthy rebuke of Israel for their history of rebelling against Him and worshipping idols. God…
The verse in question, 1 Peter 4:17, states “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” This verse raises an important question – what does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? Context of 1 Peter 4:17 To properly understand this verse, we first need to look at the context. 1 Peter was a letter written by the apostle Peter to Christians living in various provinces in Asia Minor. These Christians…
Deciding whether to cancel church services due to bad weather is a complex issue that church leaders must carefully consider. The Bible does not directly address this specific question, but it does provide principles that can guide leaders in making wise and loving decisions for their congregations. Prioritize the safety and well-being of the congregation Church leaders have a responsibility to care for their flock and protect them from harm (Acts 20:28, John 10:11-13). Dangerous weather conditions like ice, snow, flooding, hurricanes, etc. can make travel to and from church very risky. Elders should think first of the safety of…
The Bible contains many references to people of color, including a number of prominent black individuals. Though the Bible does not explicitly describe most people’s skin color, there are contextual clues that indicate race in several passages. Here is an overview of some of the main black characters and groups mentioned in the Bible: Zipporah – Moses’ Wife Moses’ wife Zipporah was described as a “Cushite” woman (Numbers 12:1). Cush was a region of Africa where people had dark skin, indicating Zipporah was likely black. Her black African ancestry seems confirmed by the way Moses’ siblings criticized him for marrying…
Tacitus was a Roman historian who lived from around 56-120 AD. He is considered one of the greatest Roman historians, known for his penetrating insights into the psychology of power politics. Though he wrote several works, Tacitus is best known for his two major surviving works – the Annals and the Histories. The Annals is Tacitus’ final work, covering the history of the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus (AD 14) to the death of Nero (AD 68). Much of the Annals has been lost, but Books 1-6 and 11-16 survive nearly complete. In the Annals, Tacitus analyzed the…
The Da Vinci Code, a popular mystery/thriller novel by Dan Brown, has sparked much debate and controversy since its publication in 2003. At the heart of the story is the suggestion that Jesus Christ was married to Mary Magdalene and fathered children with her, and that the Catholic Church has suppressed this secret for centuries. While the book is fictional, it has caused many to question what the Bible really says about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Here is a look at some of the key claims of The Da Vinci Code and what the Bible has to offer on these…
The archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the only angels named in the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox canons of Scripture. The book of Enoch, an apocryphal Jewish work from around the second century B.C., contains references to angels called Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and Jerahmeel. However, the canonicity of Enoch was rejected in the early church. Let’s examine what the Bible actually says about angels named Uriel: The Old Testament does not mention an archangel named Uriel The Old Testament never names an angel called Uriel. The only angels named in the Old Testament canon are Michael and Gabriel. Michael is…
Does God love the people who are in hell? The question of whether God loves those who are in hell is a difficult one that requires care and nuance. At the outset, it’s important to say that hell is a reality according to the Bible. Jesus himself speaks of hell more than anyone else in Scripture. He describes it as a place of “outer darkness” where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). So we can’t dismiss hell as simply metaphorical. It’s a real place of judgment for those who reject God in this life. However, does…