The topic of homosexuality and the Christian faith is complex and nuanced. Here is a 9000 word examination of what the Bible says and means regarding homosexuality and same-sex relationships. First, it is important to note that the Bible was written long ago in ancient cultural contexts very different from today. The Biblical authors had no knowledge of sexual orientation as we understand it now. The concept of committed, loving same-sex relationships did not exist in their time and place. The few Bible verses that directly mention homosexuality are often cited today without consideration of their historical and literary context.…
Author: Matt Primack
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is one of the most intriguing symbols in the Bible. God placed this tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden, and He forbid Adam and Eve from eating its fruit. Yet the presence of this mysterious tree raises some profound questions. Why would a good God put a potentially dangerous tree in the perfection of Eden? What was its purpose? And what can this tree teach us about human nature and our relationship with God? The Gift of Free Will Most fundamentally, the tree of knowledge gave Adam and…
The phrase “the eyes of the Lord” is used numerous times throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is a metaphor that speaks to God’s watchful care, omniscience, and omnipresence. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this important biblical theme. God Sees and Watches Over All One of the primary meanings behind the “eyes of the Lord” is that God sees and watches over all. Several verses communicate this idea: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3 ESV) “The eyes of the Lord…
Here is a 9,000 word article on the kings of Israel and Judah: The Kings of Israel Israel was originally ruled by judges appointed by God until the people demanded a king like the other nations (1 Samuel 8). Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel around 1050 BC. He ruled for 40 years but was disobedient to God, so God rejected him as king and chose David to replace him (1 Samuel 13:13-14). David was Israel’s greatest king and ruled for 40 years, from about 1010-970 BC. Under David, the kingdom was united and he captured Jerusalem…
The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek word leitourgia, which means “public service” or “public work.” In the Christian tradition, liturgy refers to the prescribed forms and orders of public worship, especially the Eucharist service of Holy Communion. The Bible does not use the specific word “liturgy,” but it contains many references to public worship practices that became part of liturgical traditions. Old Testament roots of liturgy In the Old Testament, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the tabernacle, the portable place of worship used by the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 25-31). These instructions cover everything from the design…
The Granville Sharp Rule is a principle in biblical interpretation that deals with the use of the Greek definite article (“the”) in the New Testament. It is named after Granville Sharp, an 18th century British scholar and abolitionist, who first observed and formulated this grammatical rule. The rule states that when two nouns of the same case are connected by the word “and”, and the first noun has the definite article while the second does not, then the two nouns refer to the same person or thing. For example, in Titus 2:13, the phrase is “the glory of the great…
The Bible has a lot to say about personal responsibility and accountability. As human beings created in God’s image, we have been given faculties of reason, conscience, and free will that make us morally responsible agents. How we exercise these faculties has eternal consequences. Throughout Scripture, there are calls for people to take ownership of their thoughts, words, and actions rather than blaming others or circumstances. One of the most fundamental principles is that each person will stand before God one day and give an account for their life. Romans 14:12 declares, “So then each of us will give an…
In the Gospels, there are several references to two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus Christ. They are most commonly referred to as the “Penitent Thief” and the “Impenitent Thief.” Though not named in the Bible, tradition has bestowed the names Dismas and Gestas upon these two men. The story of the crucifixion is told in all four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. However, only the Gospel of Luke specifically mentions the interaction between Jesus and the criminals crucified on either side of him (Luke 23:39-43). Matthew and Mark briefly state that two criminals or “robbers” were crucified…
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is one of the most unique books in the Bible. On the surface, it appears to be a poetic depiction of romantic love between a man and a woman. However, many scholars believe the Song of Solomon is an allegory that symbolizes God’s love for Israel and/or Christ’s love for the Church. In this approximately 9,000 word article, we will explore the various interpretations of the allegorical meaning of the Song of Solomon. Summary of the Literal Meaning The Song of Solomon tells the story of a romantic relationship…
The Bible refers to elemental spirits or elemental forces a few times, especially in the New Testament letters. These mysterious entities are likely related to ancient pagan beliefs about spirits associated with natural elements like air, earth, fire, and water. The Bible warns against worshiping or venerating such spirits rather than God alone. One mention of elemental spirits is in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Galatians 4:3 says “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.” The Greek word translated here as “elementary principles” is stoicheia, which refers to…