The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, some Christians wonder if giving gifts aligns with biblical principles. What does the Bible say about gift-giving during Christmas? Let’s explore some key considerations. The Example of the Magi In Matthew 2:1-12, magi from the east brought gifts to the young Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh honored Jesus as king and pointed toward his divine purpose. This account provides a biblical precedent for giving gifts to honor Christ during the Advent and Christmas season. The Focus of Christmas While gift-giving can be a…
Author: Matt Primack
Proverbs 3:5 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” This verse teaches an important spiritual truth – that we should have complete trust and reliance upon God rather than trying to figure everything out on our own. What does it really mean to trust in the Lord with all your heart? Let’s explore this concept further. Trusting God Over Self Human nature tells us to trust in our own reasoning and intellect to make decisions and figure out problems in life. However, God’s Word tells us not to lean on…
Demons are mentioned frequently throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that deal with demons and spiritual warfare against demonic forces: Old Testament References to Demons In the Old Testament, references to demons or evil spirits are somewhat vague compared to the New Testament. Here are some of the main Old Testament passages: Leviticus 17:7 – References sacrifices to goat demons or “goat idols.” Indicates that sacrificing to false gods is associated with demonic forces. Deuteronomy 32:17 – References sacrifices made to demons, false gods,…
The doctrine of total depravity is a theological concept that asserts that humans are affected by original sin to such an extent that they are unable to follow God or do good without the aid of divine grace. This doctrine is central to Calvinist theology and is derived primarily from biblical passages that speak of the sinful nature of mankind. The main biblical basis for the doctrine comes from passages that describe human nature as fundamentally corrupted by sin after the fall. For example, Genesis 6:5 states that “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the…
The Decapolis refers to a group of ten cities that were located in the eastern region of the Roman Empire during the time of Jesus. These cities were tied together by culture, language, and politics. The Decapolis region was first established following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. After his death, the region came under the control of different successors before becoming part of the Roman Empire in 63 BC. The ten cities that made up the Decapolis were: Damascus Philadelphia (modern day Amman, Jordan) Raphana (abandoned city in Jordan) Scythopolis (modern day Beit She’an,…
The Bible has a lot to say about responsibility and being a responsible person. Here are some key Bible verses that discuss the importance of responsibility: 1. Luke 16:10 – Being faithful and responsible in small things “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10 ESV) This verse teaches that God sees how we handle small responsibilities, and if we are faithful in the little things, God knows He can trust us with bigger things. But if we are…
Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great and a son of Aristobulus IV and Berenice. He was born around 10 BC and spent his early years in Rome where he became friends with future emperors Gaius and Claudius. However, he accrued heavy debts and was forced to return to Judea in 23 AD. After working for his uncle Herod Antipas for several years, he eventually regained favor with the Emperor Caligula and was made ruler of northern territories of Judea in 37 AD. Upon Caligula’s assassination in 41 AD, Agrippa was able to capitalize on his friendship…
The gospel, meaning “good news” in Greek, is the central message of Christianity. It refers to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through which salvation and eternal life are offered to all who believe. Here are some key Bible verses about the gospel and its meaning: The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) This verse from Romans explains that the gospel message contains the…
The idea that we can “speak things into existence” is a concept that has become popular in some Christian circles. The basic premise is that our words have power and that by speaking affirmatively about desires, goals, and situations, we can cause them to manifest in reality. Where does this idea come from? Supporters of this view often point to Bible verses that talk about the power of the tongue, such as: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) “By your words you will be acquitted, and…
Psalm 137:9 is one of the most difficult verses in the Bible to understand. At face value, it seems to promote violence against infants. However, when examined in its historical context and through a Christian lens focused on Jesus’s teachings, a different meaning emerges. This article will explore what Psalm 137:9 could mean from a faith perspective. The Text of Psalm 137:9 Psalm 137 is a lament written during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Israelites had been forcibly removed from their homeland and were living in despair in Babylon. This psalm expresses their…