As believers in Christ, we can often face difficult circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, the apostle Paul encourages us to “not lose heart” even when going through trials. This verse reads: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” How can we put this verse into practice and not lose heart as followers of Jesus? Remember that our suffering is temporary Paul contrasts our “outer” and “inner” selves in this verse. Our outer self refers to our physical bodies which decay…
Author: Mike Solis
Why do many white supremacists claim to be Christians? Introduction The Bible has a lot to say about racism, equality, and justice. Unfortunately, throughout history, some groups have tried to twist Scripture to justify racist ideologies like white supremacy. This article will examine what the Bible really teaches about these topics and why white supremacist views are incompatible with biblical Christianity. What is White Supremacy? White supremacy is the belief that the white race is inherently superior to other races and deserves to dominate them. White supremacists advocate for the preservation and protection of a white European cultural and national…
The Bible has a lot to say about zeal and being zealous. At its core, zeal is about having passion, eagerness and enthusiasm for something. When it comes to zeal in our spiritual lives and relationship with God, the Bible encourages zeal but also warns against misdirected zeal. Being zealous for God and spiritual things The Bible encourages us to be zealous and passionate in our love for God, in obeying his commands, and in doing spiritual good. Here are some verses that talk about having zeal and being zealous in a positive way: “Never be lacking in zeal, but…
In 2 Corinthians 4:17, the apostle Paul refers to the struggles and trials of this life as a “momentary, light affliction.” This verse comes in the context of Paul discussing the glory that awaits believers in heaven. Even though Christians face difficulties in this life, Paul wants to remind them that these troubles are temporary and insignificant compared to the eternal glory that God has prepared for them. Paul describes our afflictions in this life as “momentary” and “light.” The struggles we face now are only for a short time compared to eternity. No matter how difficult they may seem…
The verses Matthew 7:21-23 say: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” This passage has led some to believe that it’s possible for genuine believers to lose their salvation…
Jesus only / oneness Pentecostals are a branch of Pentecostalism that believe in the oneness doctrine – that there is only one God, not a trinity, and that Jesus Christ is the one God incarnate. Here is an overview of some of their key beliefs according to the Bible: Oneness of God Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the Trinity – that God exists as three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Rather, they believe that there is only one God who manifests Himself in different modes or roles. God is absolutely one indivisible being (Deuteronomy 6:4).…
Clement of Alexandria was an early Christian theologian and philosopher who lived from around 150-215 AD. He was likely born in Athens, Greece and had extensive education in Greek philosophy and literature before converting to Christianity as an adult. Clement headed the famous Catechetical School of Alexandria, Egypt which was a major center of Christian scholarship and teaching in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries. Clement viewed Greek philosophy and literature favorably, seeing much truth and wisdom in it that could be harmonized with Christian teaching. He aimed to provide educated pagans a way to Christianity through philosophy. Clement…
Spiritual development refers to the process of growing in one’s relationship with God. It involves deepening our understanding of who God is, developing Christ-like character, and living out our faith in obedience to God’s word. The Bible has much to say about how we can grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Studying and Applying God’s Word One of the primary ways we develop spiritually is by studying and applying God’s word in our lives. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,…
It is not uncommon for some people to claim they have seen visions or appearances of Jesus Christ. As Christians, how should we respond when someone says “I saw Jesus”? Here are some biblical principles to keep in mind: Test the spirits 1 John 4:1 tells us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” We are instructed to test and examine any spiritual claims carefully rather than blindly accepting them. Visions and supernatural experiences can sometimes be false or deceptive…
The conquest of Canaan was a pivotal event in Israelite history that occurred after the Exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Joshua. God had promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants hundreds of years earlier (Genesis 12:1-7). Now, after 40 years of wilderness wanderings, the Israelites were finally ready to take possession of the Promised Land. The book of Joshua records how the conquest unfolded over a period of 5-7 years. After crossing the Jordan River and establishing a base at Gilgal, the Israelites marched on the city of Jericho. At God’s command, they marched around…