A profession of faith is when someone openly declares their belief in and allegiance to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is a public acknowledgement and confession of faith in Christ and is often done through baptism, church membership, or standing before the congregation. Here’s a more in-depth look at what the Bible says about making a profession of faith: The Meaning Behind a Profession of Faith At its core, making a profession of faith is verbally stating a belief in and commitment to Christ. It is not simply knowing facts about Jesus, but trusting in Him for…
Author: Matt Primack
The Bible offers guidance for Christians on how to handle conflicts and disputes with others. One approach that is sometimes suggested is mediation – where a neutral third party helps facilitate discussion and negotiation between the disputing parties to reach a mutual agreement. What does the Bible say about using mediation? Let’s explore some key principles. Seek Peaceful Resolutions The Bible encourages seeking peace when disputes arise. Romans 12:18 says “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” And in Matthew 5:9 Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers.” So the goal for Christians should be…
The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of persistence and perseverance. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who persisted in following God, even when it was difficult. We also see commands and encouragement from God to keep pressing on, even when we face challenges and opposition. Here are some of the key things the Bible teaches about persistence: 1. God desires for us to persist in our faith and obedience to Him God does not want us to be people who start out eagerly following Him but then quickly fall away when times get tough (Matthew…
The Catholic Church teaches that through the sacrament of confession, also known as the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, sins committed after baptism can be absolved or forgiven by a priest. This belief is based primarily on John 20:22-23, where Jesus breathes on his disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” Catholics interpret this to mean that Jesus gave his apostles, and thereby their successors, the bishops and priests, the power to forgive sins in his name. However, there are…
Cyprus is mentioned several times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. The island of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of modern-day Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. Here is an overview of the biblical significance of Cyprus: Cyprus in the Old Testament In the Old Testament, Cyprus is referred to as “Kittim” or “Chittim.” This name comes from the name of the Phoenician city Kition, which was located on the southern coast of Cyprus. Some key references to Cyprus/Kittim in the Old Testament include: Isaiah 23:1, 12 – The prophet Isaiah…
Burning coals are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, often carrying symbolic meanings related to purification, judgment, and repentance. Here is an overview of some of the key passages about burning coals in Scripture: Burning Coals as Purification In Isaiah 6:6-7, the prophet Isaiah has a vision of the throne room of God, where a seraphim angel takes a burning coal from the altar and touches it to Isaiah’s lips, saying “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” The burning coal purifies Isaiah by burning away his sin and making him…
The concept of holy ground is an important one in the Bible. Holy ground refers to places that God has set apart as sacred and holy, where His presence dwells in a unique way. Throughout Scripture, certain locations are described as holy ground and set aside for special purposes in God’s kingdom. When God first called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He revealed Himself to Moses in a miraculous way through the burning bush. As Moses approached the bush, God told him, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which…
Micah was a prophet in the Bible who was active during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. His prophecies are recorded in the Book of Micah, which is the sixth book of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. Micah was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah and Hosea. Micah was from Moresheth-Gath, a small town in the foothills of Judah. He prophesied about both judgment and restoration for Jerusalem and Samaria. His messages called out social injustice, idolatry, and empty ritualism. He looked forward to a future King who would reign in justice and…
The phrase “in all your ways acknowledge Him” comes from Proverbs 3:6, which says “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This verse provides an important principle for how we should live as followers of God. But what exactly does it mean to “acknowledge God in all your ways”? Here is an in-depth look at the meaning and application of this verse. The Context of Proverbs 3:6 Proverbs 3:6 falls within the larger context of Proverbs 3:1-12, which contains advice from a father to his son. This fatherly advice emphasizes trusting in the Lord…
This is a deeply profound question that gets to the heart of Christian theology and Christ’s atoning work on the cross. To properly address it, we must first understand the biblical background regarding human sacrifice, God’s abhorrence of it, and yet how Christ’s sacrifice is fundamentally different. The Bible’s Condemnation of Human Sacrifice In the Old Testament, God makes it abundantly clear that human sacrifice is detestable and forbidden. For example, God condemns the false god Molech, to whom the Canaanites burned their children as offerings (Leviticus 18:21). Deuteronomy 12:31 states that human sacrifice is an abomination to the Lord.…