Choosing a church home can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know what to prioritize in your search. Here are some key things to look for when evaluating potential churches based on biblical principles: Sound doctrine and teaching A church’s teaching should align with biblical truth (2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9). Look for a church that takes the Bible seriously and preaches the gospel message faithfully. Be wary of churches that let culture dictate their message rather than God’s Word. Ask questions about what the church believes regarding major doctrines like the Trinity, the…
Author: Matt Primack
The passage in 1 Corinthians 11:10 that says a woman should cover her head “because of the angels” has puzzled many Bible readers over the years. What does covering a woman’s head have to do with angels? In order to properly understand this verse, we must look at the larger context of the passage in 1 Corinthians 11 about head coverings for men and women. The Context of 1 Corinthians 11 In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul is addressing issues of propriety in worship gatherings of the church in Corinth. He talks about head coverings for both men and women, and…
Romans 8:28 is one of the most well-known and cherished verses in the Bible. In the English Standard Version, it reads: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This verse promises that God has a purpose for those He calls, and that He works all things together for the good of His people. But what exactly does it mean to be “called according to His purpose”? Let’s explore this powerful verse in more detail. Context of Romans 8:28 Romans chapter 8 comes in…
The Bible has a lot to say about keeping secrets. Though the word “secret” is not frequently used, there are many stories and verses that deal with the concept of keeping confidential information private. Overall, the Bible seems to take a balanced approach – there are times when keeping secrets is wise and encouraged, and other times when revealing secrets is presented as the better course of action. As with most areas of life, discerning when to keep confidences and when to make things known requires prayerful wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Times When Keeping Secrets is Encouraged…
The role of women in church leadership and ministry has been debated throughout church history. One particular point of discussion is whether women can serve as deacons. Let’s look at what the Bible says about this topic. In the New Testament, the word “deacon” comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant” or “minister.” The role of deacon involved practical service and ministry to help meet the needs of the church (Acts 6:1-6). Two passages give qualifications for deacons: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3. The qualifications focus on character traits such as dignity, not being double-tongued, not addicted…
Objectivism is a philosophy developed by the Russian-American writer Ayn Rand in the 20th century. It advocates reason as the only means of acquiring knowledge and rejects all forms of faith and religion. Objectivism upholds the concepts of objective reality, reason, individualism, egoism, capitalism, and laissez-faire government. The Bible, being a religious text centered on faith in God, offers a very different worldview than objectivism. According to objectivism, reality exists independently of human consciousness and perception. Everything in the universe has specific identity and properties that are intrinsic to its nature. Reason is the faculty that identifies and integrates the…
The messianic age, also known as the messianic kingdom, refers to a future period of time on earth when Jesus Christ will reign over all nations. The concept of a messianic age originated in Judaism and is found in the Hebrew Bible. The New Testament develops this idea further, portraying Jesus as the promised Messiah who will one day return to establish God’s kingdom on earth. The messianic age is anticipated as a time of universal peace, righteousness, justice and prosperity. Governmental authority will rest upon the shoulders of the Messiah, the descendant of King David. Jesus Christ is identified…
False doctrine refers to teachings that contradict or distort biblical truth. Scripture warns against false teachers who promote heresy and deny sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:3). Here is an overview of what the Bible says about false doctrine and how believers can identify and respond to it: Characteristics of False Doctrine False doctrine often has the following characteristics: Contradicts the Word of God – Any teaching that denies or twists clear biblical truth is false (Isaiah 8:20; Galatians 1:6-9). Adds to or takes away from Scripture – False teachers may try to add extra rules, rituals or requirements…
The phrase “God of the hills and valleys” comes from 1 Kings 20:28, which says: “And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Because the Syrians have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,’ therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”'” This verse refers to a battle between Israel and Syria. The Syrians believed that the God of Israel had power in the hills, where Israelite…
The Bible provides guidance on the qualifications and responsibilities of elders in the church. Elders are spiritually mature men who oversee and shepherd the local congregation. According to Scripture, there are certain character qualities an elder must demonstrate, as well as duties he is called to fulfill. Qualifications of Elders 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 outline the biblical qualifications for elders. An elder must be: Above reproach – He has a good reputation and is free from patterns of sin (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7) Husband of one wife – If married, he is devoted to his wife (1…