The phrase “holy nation” is found in 1 Peter 2:9, which says: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” This verse speaks to the identity and purpose of God’s people. To understand what it means that believers in Jesus are a “holy nation,” we should first define the key terms: Holy The word “holy” in the Bible means set apart or dedicated to God. To be holy is to be distinct…
Author: Matt Primack
The Bible verse Matthew 7:11 states, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” This verse provides deep insight into the nature of God as our loving Heavenly Father, and how He desires to generously provide for His children. Let’s explore what it means when the Bible says God gives good gifts. God is a Generous and Loving Father This verse first establishes that human parents, despite being imperfect and sinful, still have the natural…
The Bible has much to say about loving one another deeply. 1 Peter 4:8 instructs us to “above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” This verse points to the primacy and importance of loving one another within the Christian community. But what does it look like to truly love others deeply? Here are some key principles from Scripture on how we can obey this command: Love Sacrificially True love requires sacrifice. As Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”…
The scribes were a group of Jewish scholars and teachers of the law who frequently challenged and argued with Jesus during his ministry according to the Gospels. Here is an overview of who the scribes were and their interactions with Jesus: The Scribes’ Role and Status The scribes were experts in the Jewish law and sacred Scriptures. They studied, taught, and interpreted the Torah – the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The scribes were also copied manuscripts and worked in administrative roles. Many scribes belonged to the party of the Pharisees and had significant social status and…
The Bible does indeed teach that local churches should be led by a plurality of elders. This model of church leadership can be seen in several places in the New Testament. Here is an overview of the biblical evidence for a plurality of elders: Evidence from the Book of Acts The book of Acts shows that the early church appointed elders (presbyteroi in Greek) in each church. For example: Acts 14:23 – Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches they planted. Acts 20:17 – Paul summons the elders of the church in Ephesus. The consistent use of the plural…
Theodore Beza was an important Protestant reformer and theologian who lived from 1519 to 1605. He was born in France and studied law before converting to Protestantism. After facing persecution for his faith in France, he fled to Geneva where he became a close friend and successor to John Calvin. Beza played a critical role in spreading and defending Calvin’s theology after Calvin’s death. As a reformer, Beza emphasized the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone through faith. He rejected any human contribution to salvation and opposed the Catholic Church. As a theologian, Beza…
The common phrases “be yourself” and “you do you” have become popular in recent years. They are often used to encourage people to embrace their individuality, follow their hearts, and not worry about what others think. But what does the Bible have to say about this advice? A thorough examination of Scripture reveals that while being our unique selves is good, we must filter our actions and desires through God’s standards, not just follow wherever our hearts lead. The Call to Conformity Right away, the Bible presents a different perspective than “be yourself” and “you do you.” Scripture calls believers…
Hyper-grace is an erroneous teaching that emphasizes God’s grace to the exclusion of other vital biblical truths. It overemphasizes grace while diminishing the need for repentance, obedience, and spiritual growth. Here is a 9,000 word examination of hyper-grace and what the Bible really teaches: Grace is a foundational truth of the Christian faith. The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s grace is His unmerited favor and kindness towards us. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation – it is a free gift of God. However,…
The Bible has a lot to say about individualism and collectivism. At first glance, it may seem like the Bible promotes extreme individualism – telling people they are responsible for their own actions and relationship with God. However, there are also many passages about submitting to authorities, sacrificing for others, and being part of a community. When studied carefully, the Bible shows that there is a balance between individualism and collectivism that honors both personal identity and social responsibility. Individualism in the Bible There are many verses in the Bible that promote individualism and personal responsibility. For example: “So then…
Genesis 6:3 states “Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.'” This verse comes right before the story of Noah and the flood, and raises an important question – what does it mean that God will not strive with man forever? There are a few key things to understand about this verse: It comes in the context of humans sinning greatly on the earth. Genesis 6:5 says “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the…