Yahwism is the monotheistic religion of the ancient Israelites that centers on worship of the Israelite god Yahweh. Yahwism emerged from earlier Canaanite religions and became the dominant religion in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah by the 8th century BCE. The foundational texts of Yahwism are the Hebrew Bible books, which contain accounts of Yahweh’s revelations to the Israelites through prophets and provide guidance on proper worship and living according to Yahweh’s will. Key beliefs in Yahwism include: There is only one true God, Yahweh, the creator of the universe. Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants,…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The Bible speaks of many signs that will precede the end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ. While we cannot know the exact time when Christ will return, Scripture gives us many indicators to watch for that reveal the season of His coming. Some major signs that indicate we are living in the end times and nearing Christ’s return include: 1. Increased wickedness and lawlessness The Bible tells us that in the last days people will become more and more wicked, evil, and lawless (2 Timothy 3:1-5, Matthew 24:12). We will see a rise in evil, injustice,…
In the Bible, there are various laws and regulations around ritual purity and impurity. To be “ceremonially unclean” refers to a state of ritual impurity that prevents someone from participating in sacred rituals or entering sacred spaces. According to the Torah, the five books of Moses, there are many ways a person could become ceremonially unclean: Contact with a human corpse (Numbers 19:11-22) Childbirth (Leviticus 12:1-8) Skin disease (Leviticus 13:1-59) Mold in a house (Leviticus 14:33-57) Bodily discharges (Leviticus 15:1-33) People would also become unclean through contact with certain animals considered unclean, such as pigs, rabbits, shellfish and others (Leviticus…
The Beatitude “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 ESV) is one of Jesus’ most challenging but encouraging statements. Persecution is difficult, but Jesus says there is blessing and reward for those who suffer for doing what is right. What does this mean and why does Jesus call persecution a blessing? The Context of the Beatitudes The Beatitudes are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. Jesus spoke these words early in his ministry to a large crowd following him (Matthew 4:25). The Beatitudes contrast…
The Bible teaches that there are absolute moral truths that come from God. As the Creator of the universe and the ultimate Lawgiver, God determines what is good and evil, right and wrong. Moral truth is grounded in God’s holy and righteous character. The Bible reveals God’s moral will and gives us a standard for morality that does not change. There are several key aspects to understanding moral truth from a biblical perspective: 1. Moral truth comes from God The Bible is clear that God is the source of moral truth. Passages like Psalm 25:8-10 state that God instructs us…
The rapture of the church refers to the belief that at some point in the future, Jesus Christ will return to gather His followers both living and dead to meet Him in the air. This event is believed to occur prior to a period of tribulation on the earth. The word “rapture” comes from the Latin word “rapio” meaning “to catch up or take away.” Though the actual word “rapture” is not found in scripture, the concept is derived from several key passages in the Bible. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 This is one of the clearest descriptions of the rapture event:…
Narcigesis refers to the phenomenon of interpreting or twisting biblical texts to support one’s own narcissistic desires, attitudes, or actions. The term combines “narcissism” and “exegesis,” which is the critical interpretation of biblical texts. Narcigesis occurs when someone approaches the Bible with an attitude of self-absorption, arrogance, or entitlement, and reads oneself into the text in order to justify pursuing selfish goals or feed one’s sense of grandiosity. Some examples of narcigesis include: – Using isolated verses that promote self-exaltation (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13) while ignoring passages urging humility and servanthood.…
Sex is a gift from God meant to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage between a husband and wife. The Bible has a lot to say about the beauty of marital intimacy and the importance of keeping sex within marriage. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles about sex: Sex is God’s Idea God created sex and sexuality. Genesis 1:27-28 indicates that God made humans male and female and blessed them to “be fruitful and multiply.” Sex is part of God’s good creation, even before sin entered the world. The Song of Solomon celebrates the joy and…
The Bible has much to say about the mind and its role in the life of a believer. At a fundamental level, the mind is the seat of thoughts, emotions, will, and conscience. It is central to our humanity and our relationship with God. Here is an overview of key biblical teachings on the mind: The mind’s role in knowing God The Bible emphasizes the importance of the mind in knowing, loving and obeying God. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind (Luke 10:27). Romans 12:2 commands us to be transformed by the…
Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse teaches an important truth about God’s sovereignty in the life of the believer. Let’s break it down phrase by phrase: “He who began a good work in you” This refers to God beginning His saving work in the life of the believer. When someone comes to faith in Christ, it is ultimately because God has drawn them, opened their eyes, and changed their heart (John 6:44, Acts 16:14, Ezekiel…