Loneliness is a universal human experience. At some point in life, everyone will feel lonely or isolated. God created us for community and relationships. When we lack meaningful connection with others, we suffer. Loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and physical health problems. The Bible has much to say about loneliness and offers hope and comfort for those feeling isolated. From Genesis to Revelation, scripture shows that God sees and cares for those who are lonely. He promises to be present with those who trust in him, even in the darkest valley of isolation. Examples of Loneliness in the Bible…
Author: Mike Solis
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are both vitally important events in God’s plan of salvation for humanity. However, if forced to choose which one is “more” important, a strong case can be made that Christ’s resurrection holds greater significance. Here are 9000 words explaining why the resurrection could be considered more important than the crucifixion: The Resurrection Validated Christ’s Identity The resurrection provided proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be – the Son of God and Messiah. By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated Christ’s deity and confirmed His authority (Romans 1:4). Without the resurrection,…
Freemasonry, also known as Masonry, is a fraternal organization that traces its origins back to the local stonemasons guilds that were formed in medieval Europe. The basic unit of Freemasonry is the Masonic lodge, and Freemasons meet in lodges to conduct rituals and business. Freemasonry has a moral code and a complex set of initiation rituals, signs, and symbols that its members must learn. It utilizes the allegory of stonemasons building Solomon’s temple to convey moral lessons. Freemasonry teaches moral lessons through rituals and allegory and does require its members to believe in a Supreme Being. However, beyond requiring a…
Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture. This can include everything from fashion, music, language, customs, and more. In recent years, cultural appropriation has become a hotly debated topic, with some viewing it as problematic while others see it as a natural byproduct of cultural exchange. The Bible does not directly address cultural appropriation. However, there are some biblical principles that can provide wisdom when thinking about this issue. Value and respect all cultures The Bible teaches that all people are created in God’s image and have equal value…
A Third Way church refers to a church that seeks to chart a middle course between conservative and liberal theology. The term ‘Third Way’ implies an alternative path that avoids the extremes of both the theological right and left. Some key characteristics of Third Way churches include: An emphasis on issues of social justice and caring for the poor and marginalized Inclusion and affirmation of women in leadership roles Openness to diversity in sexual orientation while upholding biblical standards of marriage and sexuality A thoughtful approach to interpreting the Bible that avoids strict literalism but affirms scriptural authority An emphasis…
Evangelism is the act of spreading the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ to unbelievers with the goal of converting them to Christianity. The Bible provides guidance on how Christians should approach evangelism in a godly and effective manner. Here is an overview of the key biblical principles for evangelism: Pray for opportunities to share the gospel Believers should pray regularly for open doors to share their faith with others (Colossians 4:3). Pray for boldness, wisdom and the right words when opportunities arise. Ask God to prepare the hearts of unbelievers to be receptive to the gospel message. Depend on…
Trusting in Jesus means placing our faith and confidence in Him as the Son of God and Savior of the world. It involves believing that Jesus is who He claimed to be, that He died on the cross for our sins and rose again, and that salvation is found through faith in Him alone. Trusting Jesus encompasses both belief in the truth about Him as revealed in Scripture, as well as personal reliance upon Him and commitment to Him as Lord. Here is a more thorough overview of what it means to trust in Jesus: Believing Jesus is the Son…
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or command the use of honorific titles like “reverend” for church leaders. However, there are some principles and examples that can help guide Christians on whether using the title “reverend” for church leaders is appropriate. The Meaning and Origin of “Reverend” The word “reverend” comes from the Latin word “reverendus” which means “to be revered or respected.” It is used formally as a courtesy title for members of the clergy in many Christian denominations. The term signals that the person bearing the title is deserving of respect due to their ordained role as a…
A votive offering is a gift or offering made in fulfillment of a vow or pledge to God. In the Bible, votive offerings were common practices in both Old and New Testament times. Here is a 9000 word overview of what the Bible teaches about votive offerings: Votive Offerings in the Old Testament In the Old Testament, the law of Moses provided regulations for various types of votive offerings that could be made to God. Vow Offerings One common votive offering was the vow offering. A vow was a voluntary promise or pledge made to God. According to Leviticus 27:2,…
A spiritual father is someone who provides spiritual guidance, care, and direction to another person, similar to how a biological father cares for his children. The concept of spiritual fatherhood is found in the Bible and important in many Christian traditions. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul refers to himself as a “spiritual father” to the churches he established and nurtured. For example, in 1 Corinthians 4:15 he tells the Corinthian church “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” He says similarly to the Galatians in Galatians 4:19, “My dear children, for whom I am again…