The concept of a “First Earth Age” comes from certain interpretations of biblical texts, particularly those that reference a world that existed prior to the creation account in Genesis. While not a mainstream view, some Christian groups believe the Bible speaks of an original creation that preceded Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. This theoretical period is sometimes called the First Earth Age. References to a world before this one are sparse in scripture. However, some point to verses like Jeremiah 4:23-26 as possible evidence: “I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void;…
Author: Matt Primack
The statement “All Cretans are liars” comes from a line in the Epistle to Titus in the New Testament. Titus 1:12 reads: “One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.’” This line is attributed to a Cretan prophet named Epimenides. The apparent paradox is that if all Cretans are liars, and Epimenides is a Cretan, then this statement by Epimenides must be a lie. This “liar’s paradox” has been the source of much philosophical debate over the years. Let’s take a closer look at the context and meaning of this passage: The…
The verse in question, Psalm 116:11, states “I said in my alarm, ‘All mankind are liars.'” This is a bold statement that requires careful examination in light of the overall message of Scripture. First, it is important to note the context of this verse. Psalm 116 is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for delivering the psalmist from what seemed like certain death (vv. 3-8). In his distress, the psalmist cried out to God in faith, even though he felt utterly helpless and forsaken (vv. 10-11). It was in this alarmed state that the psalmist made the sweeping…
Misandry refers to the hatred, contempt, prejudice, or discrimination against men or boys. As Christians, how should we view this issue? The Bible does not directly address misandry, but it does provide principles that can guide our perspective. First, we must recognize that misandry stems from sin. Ever since the Fall in Genesis 3, human relationships have been marred by conflict, bias, and hatred. Misandry reflects the brokenness of human nature and our need for redemption (Romans 3:23). At the root of misandry is often pride, anger, pain, and a desire for power or control over others. These sinful motives…
Naomi is an important figure in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Though the book is named after Ruth, Naomi plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Here is an overview of Naomi’s story and significance: Naomi’s Background Naomi was an Israelite woman originally from Bethlehem in Judah (Ruth 1:1-2). She was married to a man named Elimelech and had two sons named Mahlon and Chilion (Ruth 1:2). Due to a famine in the land of Judah, Elimelech moved his family to the country of Moab, which was east of the Dead Sea (Ruth 1:1). While living in Moab, Naomi’s…
Meditation is an important spiritual discipline that is mentioned many times throughout the Bible. Christians are encouraged to meditate on God’s word and character. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about meditation: Psalms 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” This verse describes the righteous person as someone who delights in God’s word and meditates on it regularly. Meditating on scripture helps renew our minds and helps us discern God’s will for our lives. Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth…
Loyalty is an important virtue emphasized throughout the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about being loyal: Old Testament Verses on Loyalty “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 ESV) This proverb emphasizes the loyalty of true friendship that endures through good and bad times. “Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” (Proverbs 27:10 ESV) This proverb values loyalty to close…
Skeptical theism is a position in philosophy of religion and theology that attempts to defend theism (and specifically a good, omnipotent, omniscient God) against arguments from evil. It is characterized by several key theses: 1. We have no good reason to think that we can fully comprehend God’s reasons for permitting apparently gratuitous evils. 2. We cannot reasonably infer that such evils are actually gratuitous (without morally sufficient reason) from our inability to explain/understand God’s reasons. 3. The existence of apparently gratuitous evils is not strong evidence against the existence of God. Skeptical theists argue that our cognitive limitations prevent…
A Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences as recorded in the Bible. The purpose of the Daniel Fast is to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and studying the Bible. Those who participate in a Daniel Fast refrain from eating certain foods and beverages for a specific period of time. The scriptural basis for the Daniel Fast comes from Daniel 1 and Daniel 10. In Daniel 1, Daniel and his friends ate only vegetables and water instead of the royal food and wine provided to them during their training in Babylon. In…
The early church fathers were influential Christian thinkers and writers who lived in the first few centuries after Christ. They were instrumental in shaping early Christian theology and establishing the foundations of Christian doctrine. Some of the most well-known early church fathers include: Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-108 AD) Ignatius was a bishop of Antioch and a disciple of the apostle John. He is known for emphasizing the deity of Christ, the reality of the Incarnation, and the hierarchical structure of church leadership. Ignatius wrote several letters to various churches while on his way to martyrdom in Rome that illustrate…