The topic of baptism is an important one for Christians. The Bible teaches that baptism is an outward expression of faith in Jesus Christ and identification with His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). However, there are differing views among Christians regarding the mode (immersion vs sprinkling), meaning (is it required for salvation or not), and age (infant vs believer’s baptism) of baptism. So what if someone comes to the realization that their original baptism was not done according to biblical guidelines? For example, they were baptized as an infant but now as an adult realize that baptism is meant…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
Artemis is a Greek goddess who is mentioned a few times in the New Testament of the Bible. She was a popular deity in the ancient Greco-Roman world and was worshipped under various names and forms. The Artemis referred to in the Bible is specifically Artemis of Ephesus, whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The most significant mentions of Artemis in the Bible are in Acts 19, where the apostle Paul faces opposition from artisans who made shrines for the goddess Artemis: “For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of…
One of the most poignant moments in the life of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46. Jesus went with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray on the night before his crucifixion. While his disciples slept, Jesus experienced deep emotional turmoil and anguish, praying fervently to God the Father and asking if there was any way to avoid the suffering that awaited him. Three times he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). What did Jesus…
There are several reasons why believing in organized religion can be beneficial for many people. Here are some of the key reasons to consider: 1. Community and Support One of the main benefits of organized religion is being part of a community of fellow believers. Having a community to share your faith with, find support from during difficult times, and build meaningful relationships with can be very valuable for many people. Humans are social creatures, and religion provides a ready-made community centered around shared beliefs and values. Attending religious services and events allows you to connect with others, make friends,…
At first glance, the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – may seem to present a different message of salvation compared to other New Testament books like Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. However, when examined more closely, we see that there is an underlying unity and consistency in the biblical message of salvation. A key reason the Gospels can appear different is that they focus primarily on recounting the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their purpose is to reveal who Jesus is and establish his authority and messiahship. The Gospels contain Jesus’ teachings and examples of…
The Zealots were a political movement in 1st century Judea which sought to incite the people of Judea Province to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land by force of arms. The Zealots objected to Roman rule and violently resisted the Roman domination of Jewish lands on religious grounds, even as Herod’s heirs and the wealthy Jewish aristocracy colluded with Rome to preserve their wealth and power. They are one of several Jewish political and religious movements of the time, along with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. The Zealots emerged around AD 6 against Quirinius’…
The Bible has a lot to say about the consumption of blood, especially in the Old Testament. There are several key passages that directly address the topic: Genesis 9:4 After the Flood, God allows Noah and his family to eat meat, but prohibits them from eating blood: “But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” This verse establishes the initial biblical prohibition against consuming blood. Leviticus 17:10-14 This passage in the Mosaic Law states that blood contains life and prohibits Israelites and foreign residents from eating blood. It says that those who eat blood must…
The phrase “become all things to all people” comes from 1 Corinthians 9:22, where the apostle Paul states: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” This verse provides important insight into Paul’s missionary approach and philosophy of ministry. In the broader context of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is defending his right as an apostle to receive financial support from the churches he planted. However, he explains that while he has this right, he has not always exercised it. Instead,…
Koinonia is a Greek word that is used frequently in the New Testament. It is often translated into English as “fellowship”, “sharing”, “participation”, or “partnership”. The basic meaning of the word koinonia is “commonness” or “communion”. It describes the state of being a partner, having things in common, or sharing things together. In the Bible, koinonia refers first and foremost to the fellowship believers have with God through Jesus Christ. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, Christians enjoy communion with God and share in the life and love of the Trinity. As 1 John 1:3 (ESV) says, “that which…
My spouse came out as gay. What should I do? This can be an incredibly difficult and emotional situation for a spouse. Discovering that your husband or wife is gay and wants to pursue same-sex relationships can turn your world upside down. You may feel a range of emotions – hurt, anger, confusion, betrayal. You may wonder what this means for your marriage and family. Here is a 9000 word exploration of what the Bible says about homosexuality and some guidance for Christians navigating this challenge. The Bible’s View on Homosexuality First, it’s important to understand what the Bible teaches…