The scene of Jesus sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane is described in Luke 22:44: “And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” This mysterious event has intrigued Bible scholars for centuries. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible tells us about Jesus sweating blood and the theological significance of this occurence. The Agony in the Garden The context of Jesus sweating blood was during his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before his betrayal and arrest. Jesus took Peter, James, and…
Author: Matt Primack
Pelagius was a British monk who lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD. He was known for his teachings on free will and original sin which were deemed heretical by the early Catholic Church. Pelagius taught that human beings were not tainted by the sin of Adam and Eve but were born essentially good and with free will to choose between good and evil. He rejected the doctrine of original sin as developed by Augustine and affirmed that divine grace assisted humans but was not necessary for salvation. Pelagius’ views were opposed by Augustine and condemned as…
Sin is a major theme throughout the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about sin from the Old and New Testaments: Genesis 3:1-24 The story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden is the original sin that brought death and suffering into the world. “But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'” (Genesis 3:4-5) Genesis 4:7 “If you do well, will you not be accepted?…
The Bible contains many profound truths and insights that are not always apparent on the surface. Here we will explore some of the more esoteric or hidden meanings and keys that unlock deeper understanding of God’s Word. Typology One esoteric technique used in Scripture is typology. This is where people, events, and institutions in the Old Testament prefigure or foreshadow what is fulfilled in the New Testament. For example, Adam is seen as a type of Christ, the first Passover lamb as a type of Christ’s sacrificial death, Moses as a type of Christ the deliverer, and the Tabernacle as…
Prom and homecoming are popular events for many high school students. As fun social events, they provide opportunities to dress up, dance, and spend time with friends. However, for Christian teens, the decision of whether or not to attend prom or homecoming can be complicated. The Bible does not directly address school dances, so Christians need to carefully consider issues like modesty, alcohol use, and romantic entanglements when deciding if attending is a wise choice. Let’s look at some key factors. The Heart’s Motives As Christians, our actions should ultimately be motivated by bringing glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).…
King Manasseh was one of the most well-known and infamous kings of Judah in the Old Testament. He ruled over Judah for 55 years, making him the longest reigning king of Judah (2 Kings 21:1). Manasseh was the only son of righteous King Hezekiah and he began to rule when he was only 12 years old. Despite having a godly father, Manasseh did not follow in Hezekiah’s footsteps and is remembered as one of the most wicked kings in Judah’s history. Here is an overview of King Manasseh’s life and reign according to the Bible: Manasseh’s Wicked Reign in Judah…
Freedom is a central theme in the Bible. God desires for all people to experience true freedom, which comes from knowing Him. Here are some key Bible verses about freedom: Freedom from sin “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Jesus came to set us free from bondage to sin. When we put our faith in Christ, we are liberated from sin’s control over our lives. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that…
Leaving a cult can be an extremely difficult and emotional process. As someone trying to help a loved one exit a cult, it is important to educate yourself, approach the situation with care and patience, provide emotional support, and connect them to resources that can facilitate their transition out of the group. Understand Mind Control Techniques Cults often use manipulative mind control tactics to prevent members from leaving. Learning about common cult retention strategies like fear inducement, information control, isolation, and mystical manipulation can help you understand the hold the group has over your loved one (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Do…
Divorce is a sensitive and complex topic that impacts many people’s lives. The Bible provides guidance on divorce, though interpretations vary across denominations and individuals. This approximately 9,000 word article will explore what the Bible says about divorce, including key passages, theological perspectives, and practical considerations for those facing decisions around dissolving a marriage. Overview of Biblical Teachings on Divorce The Bible addresses divorce in both the Old and New Testaments. Three passages in particular provide a basis for theological understanding and debate around divorce: Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 5:31-32, and Matthew 19:3-9. Deuteronomy 24:1-4, part of the Mosaic law, permitted…
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, has always been active and involved in God’s work throughout history. Even in the Old Testament, before the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was present and working to accomplish God’s divine purposes. Here are some key roles the Holy Spirit played in the Old Testament: Creation The Spirit of God was actively involved in the creation of the world. Genesis 1:2 states “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the…