The term “incarnate” refers to something that has taken on flesh or has become embodied in human form. When we say that Jesus was God incarnate, we mean that God took on human flesh and became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. This is a central doctrine in Christianity, that the eternal Son of God took on humanity in order to accomplish our salvation. The Bible teaches that Jesus existed eternally as God (John 1:1), but at the appointed time He also took on human flesh (John 1:14). Philippians 2:5-8 describes this incredibly humbling act – though Jesus…
Author: Matt Primack
In John 3:14, Jesus makes a reference to an important event that was prophesied in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah. He states, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” This verse points to the crucifixion of Jesus and the purpose behind His death on the cross. By exploring the background of this statement, we can gain a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission and why He willingly laid down His life. The Background Story in Numbers 21 To comprehend Jesus’ words in John 3:14, we must first look…
The question of who will go to hell is an important one for Christians to consider. The Bible has a lot to say on this topic, though interpretations vary. At a basic level, hell is a place of eternal separation from God and torment for those who reject Christ and do not repent of their sins. However, the specifics of who will end up there are more complex. According to traditional Christian theology, those who do not put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are destined for hell. This includes nonbelievers, followers of other religions, and even…
The question of why God sends people to hell is a difficult one that many struggle with. At its core, this issue reflects the deep chasm between God’s perfect holiness and humanity’s sinful nature. The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23). Even one sin is enough to separate us from a holy God (Isaiah 59:2). God’s justice and wrath demand that sin be punished. Therefore, apart from Christ, we stand condemned and destined for hell. However, God’s greatest desire is that all would come to salvation through Christ (1 Timothy…
The practice of shunning, also known as social exclusion or ostracism, involves deliberately avoiding association with or actively excluding an individual or group. In a biblical context, shunning often refers to avoiding fellowship with a church member who is under church discipline. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about shunning: The Purpose of Church Discipline The Bible teaches that one purpose of church discipline is to keep sin from spreading in the church. Passages such as 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 use the metaphor of yeast spreading through dough to illustrate how sin can permeate the church. The goal…
The phrase “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking” is found in Romans 14:17, which states: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This verse provides insight into the true nature of God’s kingdom – that it is defined by spiritual realities, not physical practices. In the broader context of Romans 14, Paul is addressing issues causing division in the early church regarding religious practices like dietary restrictions. Some believers felt free to eat anything, while others only ate vegetables to…
The International Church of Christ (ICOC) is a religious movement that arose from the Churches of Christ. It originated on the campus of the University of Florida in 1967. The ICOC is part of the Restoration Movement, which seeks to restore the practices and governance of the early church as described in the New Testament. Here is an overview of the ICOC’s history, beliefs, and practices: History of the ICOC The ICOC was founded by Kip McKean, who was converted while a student at the University of Florida. McKean believed that the Churches of Christ had strayed from the biblical…
The Bible has a lot to say about our feelings and emotions. On one hand, God gave us feelings and emotions for a reason. They help us experience the full spectrum of what it means to be human. Feelings like love, joy, happiness, and peace are good gifts from God when experienced properly. On the other hand, the Bible warns us about being led astray by unchecked emotions. Feelings like lust, envy, anger, and hatred can lead us into sin when not controlled and submitted to God. The key is balance and wisdom in how we respond to our feelings.…
The second commandment given by God says, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4-6).…
Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm written by King David that depicts the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross. Though written approximately 1000 years before the birth of Jesus, Psalm 22 contains vivid and specific details that align with the gospel accounts of Jesus’ death on the cross. In Psalm 22:12, David writes “Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me.” This poetic imagery points to the enemies of Christ who surrounded Him as He was crucified. Here are a few key insights into the meaning of the “strong bulls of Bashan” in Psalm 22:12:…