The book of Ruth in the Old Testament tells a beautiful story of redemption through the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. At the heart of this story is the concept of the “kinsman-redeemer” – a close relative who has the privilege and responsibility to redeem a fellow relative who has fallen into difficult circumstances. In Ruth’s case, the two potential kinsman-redeemers were Boaz and another unnamed relative. By looking closely at their actions, we can determine who the true redeemer was. Naomi’s tragic circumstances The story begins by introducing us to Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons…
Author: Matt Primack
The term “Leviathan spirit” refers to a demonic spirit mentioned in the Bible that brings division, pride, and rebellion against God. The name comes from the Hebrew word “livyathan” which means “twisted, coiled.” This spirit is depicted in the Bible as a dangerous sea creature or serpent-like monster that wreaks havoc. Understanding the characteristics and influence of this spirit can help believers recognize and resist it. The Leviathan in the Bible There are a few key passages in the Bible that mention Leviathan: Job 41: The book of Job describes Leviathan as a fearsome, fire-breathing sea creature with impenetrable scales…
Dealing with annoying people is an inevitable part of life that all Christians will encounter. Even though it can be extremely frustrating, God calls believers to respond in love, patience and forgiveness – not anger or resentment. The Bible provides clear principles on how Christians should handle these challenging relationships in a Christ-like manner. Be Slow to Anger Human nature instinctively wants to retaliate when someone irritates or provokes us. However, the Bible advises against reacting in anger. Proverbs 14:29 states, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Losing your…
Romans 8:31 says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” This verse comes in the context of Paul explaining the security believers have in Christ. Even when difficult circumstances come, God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Paul then explained that believers are predestined, called, justified, and glorified by God (Romans 8:29-30). After laying this theological foundation, Paul declares that if God is for us, who can successfully be against us? The statement “if God is for us, who can be against…
C.S. Lewis’ novel The Horse and His Boy, part of The Chronicles of Narnia series, contains several important Christian themes that resonate with biblical teachings. At its core, the story is one of salvation, redemption, and relying on God even in the darkest of times. Salvation and Redemption One of the central themes is salvation and redemption. The main characters, Shasta and Aravis, are both running away – Shasta from a life of hardship and servitude, and Aravis from an arranged marriage. As they journey through trials and learn to have faith, they find freedom and a new life. This…
Jesus Christ brought immense joy to the world in many ways, according to the Bible. As the Son of God, Jesus came to earth to reveal God’s love, forgive sins, offer salvation, and exemplify a life of servanthood that brings joy to others. By revealing God’s love One of the primary ways Jesus brought joy was by revealing the depth of God’s love for humanity. Jesus taught that God deeply cares for each person and desires a personal relationship with them (John 3:16, John 15:9-17). Through his teachings, miracles, and interactions with society’s outcasts, Jesus demonstrated that God loves unconditionally…
The name Jacob is used over 300 times in the book of Genesis, while the name Israel is used less than 100 times. So why does the Bible sometimes refer to the same person alternately as Jacob or Israel? Jacob was born as the son of Isaac and Rebekah and given the name Jacob, which means “one who grasps the heel” or “supplanter” (Genesis 25:26). He was given this name because he was grasping his twin brother Esau’s heel when he was born. Jacob’s name suits his character – he was a trickster who schemed and manipulated to obtain things,…
Machiavellianism is a term used to describe a person’s tendency to be manipulative, cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous in pursuit of their goals. The concept is named after the 16th century Italian philosopher and writer Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote about the strategies rulers can use to acquire and maintain power in his famous work The Prince. Though Machiavelli did not explicitly endorse immoral behavior, his writings have often been associated with a philosophy of “the ends justify the means.” In other words, Machiavellianism implies achieving objectives by any means necessary, with little regard for morality or ethics. This stands in clear…
The verse in question, 1 Corinthians 2:9, states: “But as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” This verse points to the incredible blessings that God has in store for those who love Him, blessings so wonderful that they are beyond our human comprehension. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this verse and what it tells us about God’s plans for His people. The Context of 1 Corinthians 2:9 To properly understand any…
Deuteronomy 22:9-11 contains three laws that prohibit mixing different things: Not Sowing Different Kinds of Seed (v. 9) Verse 9 states: “You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole yield be forfeited, the crop that you have sown and the yield of the vineyard.” This law prohibited sowing different kinds of seed together in a vineyard. The concern was that mixing seeds would result in a hybrid crop that was neither one kind nor the other, and the entire crop would become unusable or defiled. Some suggest this law was intended to preserve the…