Pacifism is the belief that violence and war are unjustifiable and that all disputes should be settled peacefully. This belief is held by some Christians who interpret certain Bible passages as prohibiting the use of force or violence in any circumstance. However, there are differing views within Christianity on whether complete pacifism is the appropriate response in all situations. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical passages regarding peace, nonviolence, self-defense, and serving in the military that inform this debate. Old Testament teachings The Old Testament includes some passages that appear to endorse or accept war and…
Author: Mike Solis
The blasphemy challenge refers to an online campaign started in the mid-2000s that encouraged people to record videos of themselves denying or blaspheming the Holy Spirit, purportedly as an act of defiance against Christianity. The name comes from the biblical passage in Mark 3:29, which states: “but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”. This has been interpreted to mean that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin. The origins of the blasphemy challenge can be traced back to atheist groups and internet forums where the idea was proposed…
This is a complex question that many Christians wrestle with when considering their political affiliations and voting decisions. There are thoughtful Christians on both sides of the political aisle who base their views on biblical principles and sincerely seek to honor God through their involvement in politics. Ultimately, the Bible does not explicitly endorse any particular political party or system. Christians should thoughtfully apply biblical values as they weigh the platforms and positions of various parties and candidates. Here is an overview of some key considerations. Biblical Principles to Consider There are a number of biblical principles and values that…
Imputed sin, also known as original sin or ancestral sin, is a Christian doctrinal concept regarding sin and its consequences. It refers to the inheritance of the sin of Adam by all humans descending from him by ordinary generation. According to this doctrine, all people inherit Adam’s guilt and are held accountable for the original sinful inclination within all. As a result, humanity bears the corruption of Adam’s sin and guilt for the sin of Adam. The concept of imputed sin is derived from Biblical scriptures such as Romans 5:12-21, Psalm 51:5, Job 14:4, and Ephesians 2:3. These verses indicate…
The issue of whether a Christian should co-sign on a loan is one that requires wisdom and discernment. The Bible does not explicitly prohibit co-signing on loans, but it does provide principles that can guide Christians in making wise financial decisions. Here are several factors for Christians to consider when deciding whether to co-sign on a loan: 1. Is it enabling irresponsible financial behavior? If the person requesting the co-sign is seeking a loan for unnecessary luxuries they cannot afford or has a history of unpaid debts, co-signing may enable irresponsible spending. Christians are called to pursue financial responsibility and…
Community Bible Study (CBS) is an interdenominational Bible study program that brings people together to study God’s Word. The purpose of CBS is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ through an in-depth study of the Bible and committed relationships between members of the class. CBS classes meet weekly and are led by trained discussion leaders. Each class follows the same curriculum, which is developed by CBS and focuses on books or sections of the Bible over the course of 30-week studies. The studies alternate between Old and New Testament books each year. Leaders guide participants through the study…
The circumstances surrounding the death of Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites during the Exodus, have intrigued bible scholars for centuries. The bible itself gives only a brief account of Moses’ death, stating that he died on Mount Nebo after God showed him the promised land that the Israelites were about to enter (Deuteronomy 34:1-7). However, the lack of detail provided in this passage has led to much speculation and debate over the years. Here are some of the key mysteries and questions surrounding Moses’ passing: Where exactly did Moses die? The bible states that Moses died…
The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – each provide accounts of Jesus calling His first disciples. However, the order in which the disciples are called differs between the Gospels. This has led some to question the reliability of Scripture. However, there are reasonable explanations for these differences that do not require denying the inerrancy of God’s Word. The Calling of the First Disciples in the Synoptic Gospels The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) have much in common in their narratives, likely because of their reliance on shared sources. However, there are differences in order between their…
This is a common question that many people ask themselves at some point in life. Though it may seem like God is distant or has abandoned you, the Bible teaches that God loves all people unconditionally. Here’s an overview of what the Bible says about God’s love and how to know you are loved by Him. God’s Unconditional Love The Bible makes it clear that God loves humanity. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse highlights…
Quail are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, primarily in relation to God miraculously providing them as a food source for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Here is an overview of the key passages that mention quail in the Bible: Exodus 16 In Exodus 16, a month after leaving Egypt, the Israelites were complaining to Moses and Aaron about not having meat and bread to eat (Exodus 16:3). God heard their grumbling and told Moses He would rain down bread from heaven (manna) and would provide quail in the…