Old earth creationism is the belief that God created the universe over a long period of time, perhaps billions of years, rather than in six literal 24-hour days as young earth creationists believe. Old earth creationists accept the scientifically determined age of the earth and universe while still holding to the divine creation of all things by God. There are several key aspects to old earth creationism: Acceptance of an Old Earth Old earth creationists accept the conclusions of modern science that the earth is around 4.5 billion years old. This is based on radiometric dating of rocks on earth…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
Doctrine refers to the body of teachings and instructions that guide and direct the practices, conduct, and beliefs of followers of a religion. In Christianity, doctrine consists of the foundational truths and principles contained in the Bible that define essential Christian beliefs. Some key aspects of Christian doctrine include: The nature and character of God (e.g. God is triune – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) The person and work of Jesus Christ (e.g. Jesus is fully God and fully man; Jesus died on the cross and rose again to provide salvation) The work of the Holy Spirit (e.g. the Spirit…
The story of Job in the Bible provides insight into why Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die” during his immense suffering. To understand her words, we must first consider the context. Job was a righteous man who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1). He had a large family, many possessions, and was “the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:3). However, God allowed Satan to test Job’s integrity by stripping away all he had – his children, servants, flocks, and health. In the midst of horrific loss and pain, Job…
The phrase “Many are called but few are chosen” is found in Matthew 22:14. It comes from one of Jesus’ parables where he compares the kingdom of heaven to a king hosting a wedding banquet for his son. In the parable, the king sends his servants to invite all the wedding guests he had previously called. But they refuse to come. So the king sends other servants out to invite anyone they can find. Many come, both good and bad, and the wedding hall is filled. But when the king comes in, he notices a man not dressed in proper…
Making a covenant with your eyes means being intentional about what you allow your eyes to see and not see. It involves actively choosing to set your eyes on that which is honorable, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) and turning your eyes away from looking at what is evil (Psalm 101:3). Here are some key things the Bible teaches about making this covenant: Recognizing the power of your eyes Your eyes are incredibly powerful gateways to your soul. What you behold and gaze upon shapes your thoughts, desires, and actions more than you may realize. Jesus said “The eye…
Repentance is a central theme in the Bible. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of repenting from sin and turning to God. But what exactly is repentance, and how does one truly repent according to the Bible? Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible teaches about repentance. The Meaning of Repentance The main Hebrew word for repentance in the Old Testament is “shuv” which means to “turn back” or “return.” The main Greek word for repentance in the New Testament is “metanoeo” which means to “change one’s mind.” So biblical repentance involves an inward change…
The story of Nadab and Abihu offering “strange fire” before the Lord in Leviticus 10:1-3 has puzzled many Bible readers over the years. Here is the full account: Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: ‘Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in…
Witness Lee was a Chinese Christian teacher and church leader who founded the Local Church movement in the mid-20th century. The Local Church is a Christian group that began in China and spread to other countries. Here is an overview of some of their key teachings and an analysis of whether they align with the Bible: One Church Per City A core teaching of the Local Church is that there should only be one church per city. This is based on verses like: “To the church of God that is in Corinth…” (1 Corinthians 1:2) “To the saints who are…
Is an Online Church Service a Valid Way to Do Church? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many churches to move their services online. This has raised questions about whether “virtual church” can fulfill the biblical purposes and functions of a local church. Here is a 9,000 word examination of what the Bible says about the validity of online church services. The Local Church in Scripture The New Testament presents the local church as a congregation of believers who regularly gather together in person for teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). The epistles were written to specific local…
This is a complex and sensitive topic that requires nuance and compassion. The Bible does not explicitly state that same-sex attraction is a sin, but it does prohibit homosexual acts. Here is an overview of the key biblical passages and perspectives on this issue: Old Testament Perspectives The Old Testament contains a few passages that directly address same-sex relations: – Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 prohibit men from lying with other men as with a woman, calling it an “abomination.” This was part of the Old Testament law code given specifically to ancient Israel. – The story of Sodom and Gomorrah…