David Hume (1711-1776) was an influential Scottish philosopher during the Enlightenment era. He made significant contributions in the fields of epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Hume’s empirical and skeptical approach to philosophy had profound implications for theology and the Christian faith. One of Hume’s most important critiques related to the idea of miracles. In his 1748 essay “Of Miracles,” Hume argued against belief in miracles on the grounds that they go against human experience and the regularities of nature. According to Hume, a wise person should always base their beliefs on firm and unalterable experience, not on reports…
Author: Matt Primack
A blended family refers to a family where one or both parents have children from previous relationships that are brought together into one household. As divorce rates have increased in modern society, blended families have become increasingly common. Christians seeking to form a blended family face unique challenges and questions on how to do so in a biblical way. Here is an overview of some key principles from Scripture on blended families for Christians: 1. God’s Design for Marriage The Bible teaches that God’s design from creation is for one man and one woman to be joined together in marriage…
Deuteronomy 10:12 says, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?” This verse teaches us several key things that God requires of us: 1. To Fear God The first thing God requires is that we “fear” Him. This doesn’t mean we should be scared of God…
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many people. It involves abuse that takes place between intimate partners, whether they are married, living together, dating, or in another type of intimate relationship. Forms of domestic violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal, spiritual, financial, and other types of abuse. The Bible does not directly address domestic violence as we understand it today. However, it provides principles that can guide Christians in how to view abusive relationships and how to respond. Marriage is meant to reflect Christ’s love for the church The Bible teaches that marriage is meant to…
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is a Reformed evangelical Christian denomination in the United States. The PCA was established in 1973 by conservative members of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (Southern Presbyterian Church) who wanted to maintain a more orthodox Calvinist theology. Here is an overview of the PCA’s history, beliefs, practices, and church government structure. History of the PCA The PCA has its roots in theological controversies within the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) in the early 20th century. Tensions mounted over liberal trends in PCUS seminaries and increased ecumenical participation with non-Reformed churches.…
Andrew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He was the brother of Simon Peter and was called along with him by Jesus to be a disciple (Matthew 4:18-20). Andrew came from Bethsaida along with Peter and Philip (John 1:44). He was initially a disciple of John the Baptist before leaving to follow Jesus (John 1:35-39). Andrew is mentioned several times in the Gospels, but very little is said about him as an individual. He was present at major events in Jesus’ ministry, including the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14), Jesus’ final prophecy about the destruction…
The topic of miscarriage is emotionally difficult yet important to understand from a biblical perspective. Though the Bible does not directly address miscarriage in detail, there are principles and passages that can bring comfort and perspective to those grieving a loss. This 9000 word article will explore the biblical evidence on miscarriage through the lenses of science, theology, and pastoral care. Understanding Miscarriage Medically and Scientifically Miscarriage, medically known as spontaneous abortion, is the natural or accidental termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive independently, generally defined as prior to 20 weeks gestation. Most miscarriages (around 80%) occur…
The issue of birth control is complex and opinions among Christians vary widely. There are a few key principles found in Scripture that can help guide Christians as they make personal decisions about birth control. 1. Children are a blessing from God The Bible makes it clear that children are a gift and blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5, Psalm 128:1-4). God is the author of life and the one who opens and closes the womb (Genesis 29:31, 1 Samuel 1:5-6). Children are to be received joyfully as a reward from Him. However, Scripture does not dictate the timing or…
An antitype in the Bible refers to a person, thing, or event that corresponds to or is foreshadowed by a type or symbol that appears earlier in Scripture. The word “antitype” comes from the Greek word antitupon, which means “corresponding to” or “patterned after.” In biblical interpretation, an antitype is the fulfillment or realization of a previous symbol or type. Some key things to understand about antitypes in the Bible: Antitypes Refer to New Testament Realities Prefigured in the Old Testament Many characters, events, institutions, and rituals in the Old Testament foreshadow greater truths that are revealed and fulfilled in…
The question of whether Jesus himself actually baptized people is an interesting one. The Gospels provide some insight into this topic, though the evidence is not entirely clear cut. Let’s look at what the Bible says about whether Jesus baptized during his earthly ministry. Evidence That Jesus Did Baptize There are a couple passages in Scripture that seem to indicate that Jesus did in fact baptize people: John 3:22 – “After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.” John 4:1-2 – “Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees…