The broom tree, also known as the juniper tree, is mentioned several times in the Bible as a desert plant that provides shade and shelter. While not a major symbol, the broom tree illustrates God’s provision and protection for his people in the harsh wilderness. Where broom trees are mentioned in the Bible Here are the main passages that reference the broom tree: 1 Kings 19:4-5 – When Elijah fled from Jezebel into the wilderness, he sat under a broom tree and prayed for death. Then he lay down and slept under it. Job 30:4-7 – Job refers to outcasts…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
Iglesia ni Cristo, also known as INC, is a non-trinitarian Christian restorationist church that originated in the Philippines. It was registered in 1914 by Felix Manalo, who became its first Executive Minister. The INC believes that Felix Manalo was sent by God to re-establish the original church founded by Jesus Christ and preach the true gospel for the salvation of mankind. Here is a 9,000 word overview of the key beliefs and practices of Iglesia ni Cristo based on what the Bible teaches: Origins and Growth After being dissatisfied with the teachings of the Catholic Church, Felix Manalo left in…
The Syriac Orthodox Church, also known as the Syrian Orthodox Church, is an ancient Christian church that uses Syriac as its official and liturgical language. Based in the Middle East, the Syriac Orthodox Church traces its origins to the earliest days of Christianity and claims apostolic foundation through St. Peter and St. Paul in Antioch. Here is an overview of the Syriac Orthodox Church and its history, beliefs, and practices. History and Origins The Syriac Orthodox Church considers itself a continuation of the original church founded by St. Peter in Antioch in AD 37. According to tradition, St. Peter served…
This is a difficult question that many Christians wrestle with. On one hand, the Bible clearly teaches that we should forgive others, just as God has forgiven us. Yet on the other hand, it can feel unjust if our own sins are not forgiven just because we struggle to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply. What does the Bible really teach about this issue? Let’s take a thorough look at the relevant passages. The Lord’s Prayer – Forgive Us Our Debts In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus provides a model prayer for his followers which has come to be known as…
Psalm 27:1 says “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” This verse teaches us that God is our source of strength in life. When God is the strength of our lives, it means several key things: God gives us inner strength God provides strength deep within our souls. When we go through difficult trials, God empowers us with endurance, patience, and resilience. His strength shines through our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). By relying on God’s power working within us, we can…
The book of Revelation contains messages from Jesus Christ to seven churches located in Asia Minor in the 1st century AD. These messages are recorded in Revelation chapters 2-3. Each message contains commendations, concerns, warnings, and promises from Christ regarding the state of each church. Looking closely at these messages gives insight into the spiritual condition of these early churches and provides timeless principles that churches and believers today can apply. The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) Ephesus was the leading city in Asia Minor and home to one of the earliest Christian communities established by the apostle Paul (Acts…
The issue of whether someone with significant debt should temporarily stop tithing in order to pay off their debt faster is a complex one with arguments on both sides. There are several key factors to consider when approaching this issue from a biblical perspective. Principles of Stewardship and Priorities A foundational principle is that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are stewards entrusted with managing His resources (Psalm 24:1, Haggai 2:8). As stewards, we are called to be wise and faithful with what God gives us (Luke 16:10-11). This means making sure our priorities align with God’s…
The verse “God’s mercies are new every morning” comes from Lamentations 3:23, which reads: “They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This beautiful verse reminds us of God’s constant, faithful love for His people. Even in seasons of hardship and suffering, like the time of exile being lamented in the book of Lamentations, God’s compassion and care for His children are renewed day by day. There are several key truths we can draw from this verse about God’s renewing mercies: 1. God’s mercies are new every single morning This phrase indicates the continual, daily refreshing of God’s mercies…
On day 6 of our Bible study exploring who Jesus is, we will look at several key aspects of Jesus’ identity according to the Bible. We will examine Jesus’ divine nature, His role as savior, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection. Understanding these truths about Jesus as revealed in the Bible is crucial for Muslims seeking to know Him more fully. Jesus is Fully God The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father. Jesus claimed, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). He also said, “Whoever has seen me has seen…
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ refers to the future return of Jesus to earth to fulfill the prophecies about the end times. The Bible teaches that towards the end of time, Jesus will bodily and visibly come back to establish God’s eternal kingdom on earth. While Christ’s First Coming was marked by humility, suffering, and sacrifice, the Second Coming will be completely different – filled with power, glory, and judgement. Prophecies About the Second Coming There are many prophecies in the Bible about the Second Coming of Christ. Here are some of the key ones: Jesus himself promised, “If…