The Bible contains many stories and accounts that serve as lessons and warnings for us today. Two such examples are the stories of the man of God from Judah and the lying prophet in 1 Kings 13. Examining these stories closely yields valuable insights into discernment, obedience, temptation, and the consequences of sin. The Man of God from Judah In 1 Kings 13:1-32, an unnamed man of God traveled from Judah to Bethel to prophecy against King Jeroboam’s idolatry. After delivering his message, the man of God started home, but an old prophet who lived in Bethel pursued him and…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The phrase “pulling down strongholds” is found in 2 Corinthians 10:4, which says “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul is defending his ministry against those who were questioning his authority and criticizing his motivations. In order to fully understand what Paul means by “pulling down strongholds,” it’s important to look at the context surrounding this verse. The Context of 2 Corinthians 10:4 In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul is responding to criticisms and attacks against his ministry. Some were questioning…
Ahab and Jezebel are two infamous characters from the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings. Ahab was the seventh king of Israel and Jezebel was his Phoenician wife. Together, they were responsible for leading the northern kingdom of Israel into idolatry and sin. When Ahab became king, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31). Jezebel was zealous in promoting the worship of Baal and Asherah in Israel, even though Yahweh was supposed to be the only God worshipped. She fiercely persecuted the prophets of Yahweh in the land (1 Kings 18:4, 13).…
The story of Elisha and Naaman in 2 Kings 5 teaches us several important lessons about faith, healing, pride, and serving God. Here is an overview of the story and key lessons we can take away: Overview of the Story Naaman was a commander in the army of the king of Aram (an enemy of Israel). He was described as a “great man” and “highly regarded” but he had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). Naaman’s wife had an Israelite servant girl who suggested he go see the prophet Elisha in Israel to be healed. The king of Aram sent Naaman along…
What is the connection between prayer and fasting? Prayer and fasting are biblical spiritual disciplines that God calls His people to engage in. When done together, they can be a powerful combination for drawing nearer to God, interceding for others, and seeking God’s will and direction. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about the connection between prayer and fasting: Prayer and Fasting Go Hand-in-Hand There are numerous examples in the Bible where prayer and fasting are coupled together. After Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days…
Biblical theology is the study of the teachings of the Bible and how they develop throughout the entirety of Scripture. It looks at the overarching themes and unified message of the Bible across both the Old and New Testaments. The goal of biblical theology is to understand the theological ideas presented in Scripture in their original context and trace their progression as God reveals Himself through His interactions with humanity over time. Some key aspects of biblical theology include: Studying the Bible as a whole, not just isolated verses or passages Seeing the unity of the Bible as God revealing…
The verse in Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This verse encourages believers to be hospitable and welcoming to strangers, because by doing so, some have had the privilege of entertaining angels without even realizing it. In the time when Hebrews was written, hospitality was incredibly important. Inns were often dirty and dangerous, so travelers relied on the hospitality of people in each town they entered. When a stranger came to town, the locals were expected to take them in, feed them, and give them a place to…
Jesus’ statement that “My kingdom is not of this world” in John 18:36 has profound significance and meaning for Christians. It provides insight into the nature of Christ’s kingdom and how it differs from earthly kingdoms and governments. Examining the context, meaning, and implications of this verse is crucial for understanding Jesus’ mission and message. Context of the Verse The statement occurs when Jesus is on trial before Pontius Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus about whether he is the King of the Jews (John 18:33). Jesus responds ambiguously, saying, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of…
The phrase “sow the wind and reap the whirlwind” comes from Hosea 8:7 in the Bible. This verse reads: “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” To understand what this means, we need to look at the context surrounding Hosea 8:7. The book of Hosea was written by the prophet Hosea. He lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of great moral and spiritual decline. The people had turned away from God and were worshipping idols instead. Hosea warned the people that if they continued in their sin and idolatry, God’s judgment would…
The verse “in Him we live and move and have our being” comes from Acts 17:28, where Paul is speaking to the Athenians about the true God. This powerful statement provides deep insight into our relationship with God and our dependence on Him. The Context of Acts 17:16-34 To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it’s important to look at the broader context of Paul’s speech to the Athenians in Acts 17:16-34. Paul was distressed to find the city of Athens full of idols, so he began proclaiming the gospel in the synagogue and marketplace (vv. 16-17). He encountered…