The Bible contains many powerful testimonies from people whose lives were transformed by encountering God. These testimonies serve as an encouragement to all who read them, showing how God can take broken and sinful people and make them new creations in Christ. Here is a survey of some of the most significant testimonies found in Scripture. The Apostle Paul One of the most dramatic testimonies in the Bible is that of the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. As a Pharisee, Saul was a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church, overseeing the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58)…
Author: Mike Solis
Despair is a feeling of complete hopelessness or lack of hope. In moments of despair, we may feel depressed, anxious, and unable to see any light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully, the Bible offers us many verses that can encourage and uplift us when experiencing despair. Here are some key Bible verses about overcoming and finding hope in times of despair: Psalms 34:17-18 “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This verse reminds us that…
Taking a verse of Scripture out of its proper context is a common occurrence today. With social media and soundbites, it’s easy to share a Bible verse separate from the surrounding verses and overall biblical narrative. But is this practice appropriate for Christians seeking to properly understand and apply God’s Word? The short answer is no, it’s never advisable to take a single verse out of its full context. The Bible itself speaks against mishandling Scripture in this way. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul urges Timothy to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker…
How should we live in light of God saying, “Be holy for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16)? God’s command to “Be holy, for I am holy” appears twice in Scripture – first in Leviticus 19:2, and again quoted by Peter in 1 Peter 1:16. This divine call to holiness is challenging and life-changing. What does it mean for us, and how should it impact how we live our lives? To properly understand this command, we must first grasp what “holy” means. In Hebrew, the word translated “holy” is qadosh. It conveys the idea of being set apart,…
The question of whether everyone is born an atheist is an interesting one that the Bible does not directly address. However, there are some biblical principles that can provide insight into this topic. We are born with a knowledge of God The Bible indicates that human beings are created with an inherent sense of the divine. Romans 1:19-20 states that “what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what…
The Bible has a lot to say about prophecy and prophets. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about prophecy: Old Testament Prophecies Much of the Old Testament consists of prophecies made by prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and others. Here are some key Old Testament passages about prophecy: – Isaiah 53 – This famous chapter prophesies the suffering and death of the Messiah for the sins of the people centuries before Jesus Christ. – Jeremiah 23:5-6 – Jeremiah prophesies that God will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign…
The verse “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” comes from Isaiah 55:2 in the Bible. This verse speaks to a spiritual truth that is just as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel when Isaiah first penned these words. In its immediate context, this verse is calling out the people of Israel for wasting their efforts pursuing things that don’t ultimately satisfy. They labor and spend their money on temporary pleasures or material possessions that leave them empty inside. Isaiah warns them that they…
Honor is an important concept in the Bible that relates to giving respect, esteem, and reverence to God, authority figures, and fellow human beings. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about honor: Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” This verse comes from the Ten Commandments and highlights the importance of honoring parents. Leviticus 19:32 states, “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God:…
The Bible has a lot to say about fruit, both literal and figurative. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about fruit: Fruit in Genesis In the creation account in Genesis, God creates fruit trees and gives mankind dominion over them: “Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw…
The term “swag” or “swagger” often refers to a style, attitude, or confidence that projects a bold, self-assured persona. When considering this topic from a biblical perspective, there are several factors to weigh. On the positive side, the Bible encourages confidence and boldness, in the right context. For example, Proverbs 28:1 states, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” And the apostle Paul wrote, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).…