Saint Nicholas, also known as Nikolaos of Myra, was a 4th century Christian bishop who lived in the Greek city of Myra, located in modern-day Turkey. He was known for his generosity and acts of giving, which led to the tradition of Santa Claus associated with Christmas. Though details of his life are uncertain, he likely lived from around 270 to 343 AD and was noted for his care for the poor and underprivileged. Some key facts about Saint Nicholas include: He was born to a wealthy Christian family in Patara, Lycia, which was a province of the Roman empire…
Author: Matt Primack
The Bible is a collection of sacred texts or scriptures that Jews and Christians consider to be a product of divine inspiration and a record of the relationship between God and humans. With estimated total sales of over 5 billion copies, it is widely considered to be the most influential and best-selling book of all time. But where exactly did the Bible come from? How did we end up with the version of the Bible that exists today? To understand the origins of the Bible, we need to go back to the very beginning. The Old Testament/Hebrew Bible The first…
1 John 5:16-17 says, “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” This passage has puzzled many Bible readers over the centuries. What is the “sin leading to death” and the “sin not leading to death”? Let’s explore this topic in detail. Two Categories of Sin…
Godliness is an important theme throughout the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about godliness from the English Standard Version (ESV): 1 Timothy 4:7-8 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” This passage emphasizes the value and importance of godliness for both this life and the eternal life to come. Pursuing godliness should be a core part of our training and discipline as…
The phrase “fervent in spirit” comes from Romans 12:11, which says in full: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” To understand what it means to be “fervent in spirit,” we need to examine the verse in context. 1. The broader context of Romans 12 Romans 12 comes right after the theological treatise of chapters 1-11. In this famous section, Paul lays out the gospel message of justification by faith alone. Now, in chapter 12, Paul shifts to explaining the practical implications of the gospel for the Christian life. He is transitioning from doctrine…
Budgeting one’s money and resources wisely is an important topic in the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about budgeting and financial stewardship: Proverbs 21:20 “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” This verse teaches that a wise person saves and budgets well, while a foolish person quickly spends whatever he has. Proverbs 27:23-24 “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?” These verses instruct us to carefully manage and be…
The Bible has a lot to say about pagans and paganism. As Christians, it is important we understand what God’s Word teaches us about those who do not worship the one true God. This article will examine key Bible passages that address pagans and pagan practices. Old Testament Verses About Pagans In the Old Testament, God makes it clear that the pagan gods are false idols and worthless constructs of human imagination. For example: “For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” (Psalm 96:5) “Those who make them become like them, so…
The idea of the kingdom of God is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the overall message of the Bible. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss the kingdom of God and what it means: Old Testament Verses About Kingdom While the concept of the kingdom of God is emphasized more fully in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, the idea has its roots in several Old Testament passages: Psalm 145:11-13 – This psalm describes the eternal reign of God’s kingdom: “They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your…
James 1:2 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds”. This verse encourages us to respond with joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances. But what does it really mean to “count it all joy” and why does James tell us to do this? The Context of James 1:2 To properly understand this verse, we first need to look at the context. James 1:2-4 says: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have…
The Secret Gospel of Mark is a hypothesized gospel mentioned exclusively in a letter attributed to Clement of Alexandria, an early Christian writer and theologian. The letter is the sole source of information about this gospel, as the text itself has never been found. The letter refers to a “more spiritual gospel” allegedly written by Mark and kept at the Alexandrian church for initiates into certain mystery religions. This secret gospel contained additional episodes involving Jesus’ interactions during his ministry. The contents of the Secret Gospel of Mark have been a source of much debate and controversy among scholars. The…