Sheep stealing refers to the act of illegally taking or stealing someone else’s sheep. This practice is condemned in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about sheep stealing: Old Testament References The Old Testament contains several references to sheep stealing and condemns it as a sinful act. For example: Exodus 21:37 – “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.” This law calls for restitution for the crime of…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
God desires mercy and acknowledgement of Him more than sacrifice because He is primarily interested in changing people’s hearts and having a loving relationship with them, not just going through empty religious rituals. Sacrifice in the Old Testament was often done as a religious duty without much heart behind it. God wants our hearts to be aligned with His, not just outward actions. Here are some key reasons why God desires mercy and acknowledgement more than sacrifice: 1. Sacrifice alone is meaningless without a repentant and obedient heart Throughout the Old Testament prophets like Hosea, God makes it clear that…
The book of Hosea provides a unique glimpse into God’s love for his unfaithful people. At the start of the book, God gives the prophet Hosea an unusual command: “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord” (Hosea 1:2). On the surface, this seems like a very strange request. Why would God tell Hosea to marry a prostitute? A deeper look provides some valuable insights. 1. It was an object lesson of God’s love for Israel God was making a point by having Hosea marry…
The statement “Jesus saves” is a central tenet of the Christian faith. It refers to the belief that through his life, death on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus Christ provided the way for people to be saved from sin and reconciled to God. Here is an in-depth look at the meaning behind this significant phrase. Jesus Saves Us from Sin According to the Bible, all people have sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from God and leads to spiritual death (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23). No matter how hard we try, we cannot earn…
The brotherly relationship between Moses and Aaron in the Bible provides many valuable lessons that remain applicable today. Though they faced challenges, their unwavering faith in God and commitment to serving His people showcase an inspirational model of leadership, teamwork, and family bonds. One key lesson is the importance of humility and recognizing each person’s strengths. When God first called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses felt inadequate and hesitant. However, God did not let Moses’ weaknesses limit His work. He brought Aaron alongside to support Moses in his speaking abilities (Exodus 4:10-16). This teaches us to…
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” This verse speaks to the importance of gaining spiritual knowledge and understanding from God’s Word. Without proper biblical knowledge, God’s people can be destroyed and lead astray. Let’s explore this verse and topic further. The Context of Hosea 4:6 The book of Hosea was written by the prophet Hosea to the northern kingdom of Israel around 750-725 BC. Hosea ministered during the tragic final days of the northern kingdom when idolatry and moral corruption were rampant. God commanded Hosea to marry an unfaithful wife, Gomer, as a living illustration…
The question of whether Christians should support the modern nation of Israel is complex and divisive. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue, and both sides can point to biblical support. Ultimately, Christians must carefully study the Scriptures and follow their conscience on this difficult matter. On one hand, there are clear biblical reasons to support Israel. God chose the Jewish people and made an everlasting covenant with them (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:7-8). He gave them the land of Israel as an inheritance (Genesis 15:18-21). Though they were unfaithful and exiled, God promised to regather them back to…
Family problems are an unfortunate but common part of life. Even Christian families are not immune to challenges and conflicts. However, the Bible offers wisdom, comfort, and guidance for dealing with family troubles of all kinds. One of the most fundamental principles is that families should be built on love and respect. The apostle Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Wives are told to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Children are commanded to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). And fathers must not provoke their children to anger but bring them up in…
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is Gentleness? Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that all Christians should seek to cultivate in their lives. The Greek word translated as “gentleness” in Galatians 5:23 is prautes, which means mildness, humility and tenderness. A gentle person is not easily provoked or quick to become angry, but rather has a spirit of patience, self-control and thoughtful consideration of others. Gentleness Was Modeled by Christ Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified gentleness during His earthly ministry. He did not react in anger when mocked, spit upon, or treated unjustly, but entrusted Himself…
Having a child is one of the most profound desires and life-changing decisions a married couple can make. When one spouse longs for a baby but the other does not, it can lead to deep hurt, disappointment and conflict in the marriage. The Bible does not specifically address this situation, as it speaks more broadly about God’s design for marriage and parenting. However, there are biblical principles we can apply when spouses are not on the same page regarding children. Understand your spouse’s perspective First, it’s important to understand where your spouse is coming from. There can be many valid…