The Book of the Annals of the Kings of Israel is a lost text referenced multiple times in the books of 1 and 2 Kings in the Old Testament of the Bible. It was an official court record that documented the reigns and key events of the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom divided following the death of King Solomon. The Book of the Annals of the Kings of Israel is first mentioned in 1 Kings 14:19, which states: “Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they…
Author: Matt Primack
Prophetic ministry refers to the spiritual gift and calling to boldly speak God’s truth and heart to His people. It is rooted in hearing from the Holy Spirit and sharing what He reveals for the purpose of edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Those operating in prophetic ministry exercise discernment, wisdom and sensitivity to correctly handle God’s word and avoid manipulation, control or seeking self-glory. Biblical Examples of Prophets Throughout Scripture, we see God raising up prophets at pivotal moments to speak on His behalf. Here are a few key examples: – Moses: Led the Israelites out of Egypt…
This is a common saying that many Christians are familiar with: “God will not give you more than you can handle.” But where does this idea come from, and is it biblical? Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible really says. The Origin of the Saying The saying “God will not give you more than you can handle” does not originate from a specific verse in the Bible. In fact, there is no verse that expresses this sentiment verbatim. However, there are a few possible Bible passages that may relate to this idea: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No…
The biblical account of Noah’s Flood in Genesis 6-8 has sparked much discussion over the years about the impact it had on sea creatures and aquatic life. While the Bible does not explicitly state whether fish and other marine animals were killed off, it provides some clues that can help us reason through what likely happened. First, the Bible says that the Flood wiped out “all flesh” that was on dry land and “everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life” (Genesis 7:21-22). This indicates that air-breathing land creatures were destroyed, but does not specifically…
In Matthew 26:22, we read that during the Last Supper, as Jesus predicted that one of His disciples would betray Him, the disciples each asked, “Is it I, Lord?” This question reveals much about the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, and shows how even Jesus’ closest followers were still struggling with sin and doubt. Here is an in-depth look at this important moment: The Setting of the Last Supper To understand the disciples’ question, it’s important to look at the context. Jesus and the twelve disciples were gathered together to eat the Passover meal (Matthew 26:20). This Passover celebration…
The story of the Israelites being in Egypt for 400 years is a pivotal one in the Old Testament. In Genesis 15:13, God tells Abram (who would later become Abraham), “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.” This verse alludes to the future enslavement of Abraham’s descendants in Egypt and their eventual exodus under the leadership of Moses. To understand why God sent the Israelites to Egypt for 400 years of affliction and servitude, we have to…
The issue of whether Christians should celebrate holidays or not is a complex one that requires careful examination of scripture. There are good arguments on both sides of this debate among believers. Ultimately, celebrating holidays is a matter of personal conviction that each Christian must decide for themselves before God. However, there are some biblical principles that can help guide our thinking on this matter. Old Testament Holidays In the Old Testament, God instituted specific holidays that the nation of Israel was commanded to observe. These included festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23). These were…
The question of whether Christian women should wear pants is one that has been debated for many years. Those who believe women should not wear pants often point to verses in the Bible that emphasize modesty, gender distinctions, and women submitting to male headship. However, there are alsoreasonable arguments on the other side. Ultimately, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit women from wearing pants. Those who argue against women wearing pants cite verses like 1 Timothy 2:9, which instructs women to dress modestly and discreetly. They contend that pants, especially tight-fitting pants, are inherently immodest on a woman. However, modesty…
The coherence theory of truth states that the truth of any proposition consists in its coherence with some specified set of propositions. According to this theory, a proposition is true if it coheres or fits in with a broader system of propositions and false if it contradicts or conflicts with that system. The coherence theory differs from the correspondence theory of truth, which holds that true propositions correspond to facts about the world. While the correspondence theory focuses on the relationship between propositions and objective reality, the coherence theory emphasizes the relations between propositions. A coherentist holds that propositions are…
The “mystery of faith” refers to the sacrament of the Eucharist in Christian tradition. It speaks to the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine consumed during Communion. Though the specifics of this belief vary between denominations, the mystery underscores the supernatural and ineffable nature of this ritual. When celebrating the Eucharist, many Christian priests or ministers will say the words “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.” This cue indicates that the most sacred part of the liturgy is about to take place: the consecration of the Eucharistic elements. It is meant to focus the congregation’s attention…