The word “selah” appears frequently throughout the Book of Psalms and in some other parts of the Bible as well. It appears 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in the Book of Habakkuk. But what exactly does this mysterious word mean? The exact meaning and purpose of “selah” is somewhat uncertain. However, most Bible scholars believe it was likely a musical or liturgical notation used in temple worship. Some key insights about “selah” in the Bible include: 1. It was connected to music and singing The Psalms were songs used in worship, accompanied by musical instruments. Since selah…
Author: Mike Solis
This is a common question that many Christians struggle with when sharing their faith or speaking truth into someone’s life. On one hand, we want to show love and grace to others. But on the other hand, the Bible calls us to point out sin and confront it. So how do we balance both? First, it’s important to understand what sin is. The Bible defines sin as any thought, attitude, action, or inaction that goes against God’s commands and standards. Sin separates us from a holy God (Isaiah 59:2). All people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans…
The phrase “a city on a hill cannot be hidden” comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14. In the broader context of this passage, Jesus is teaching his disciples about being salt and light in the world. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says “You are the salt of the earth.” He is calling his disciples to be salt that flavors and preserves the world. Then in verse 14 he continues, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of a city on a hill that shines…
The word “Corban” appears in Mark 7:11, which says “But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)…” (ESV). This verse is part of a broader discussion Jesus was having with the Pharisees about traditions, commandments, and honoring parents. In this context, “Corban” refers to something that has been dedicated or vowed to God as an offering. Under Jewish law at the time, a person could declare that their money or possessions were “Corban”, meaning they were set apart and dedicated to God.…
The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is the archbishop of Constantinople–New Rome and ranks as the primus inter pares (first among equals) among the heads of the several autocephalous churches that make up the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is widely regarded as the spiritual leader of the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians. The term “Ecumenical” dates back to the 6th century AD, when it originally referred to a patriarch with jurisdiction over the entire Byzantine Empire. After the East–West Schism in 1054, which divided the Church into Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) branches, the patriarch of Constantinople remained the nominal head…
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a conservative Lutheran denomination based in the United States. It was founded in 1850 by German immigrants seeking to preserve confessional Lutheranism and has roots in Lutheran Pietism. The WELS emphasizes biblical inerrancy, justification by faith alone, and close adherence to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the 1580 Book of Concord. Here is an overview of the WELS and its key beliefs and practices: History and Background The WELS traces its origins back to a group of Lutheran settlers from Saxony, Prussia and Pomerania who immigrated to Wisconsin in the 1840s. Many of…
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. His birth is recounted in Genesis 29:32: “Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, ‘Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.’” Reuben’s name means “Behold, a son” in Hebrew. As the firstborn, Reuben had privileges and responsibilities as head of the family when Jacob died. However, Reuben lost this birthright through his sinful actions. Here is an overview of Reuben’s story in the Bible: Reuben’s Birth and Status as Firstborn As…
Pessimism is a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe the worst will happen. It is a mindset of doubt, gloom, and negativity. While the Bible does not directly address pessimism, it provides many truths that can help us overcome a pessimistic attitude. God is in Control One major cause of pessimism is feeling like life is out of control. When we focus on problems and trials, it can seem like bad things randomly happen without reason. But the Bible teaches that God is actively involved in this world and has a purpose for everything that occurs.…
The judgment seat of Christ is a biblical doctrine that refers to the future judgment of believers in Jesus Christ. It is also sometimes called the “bema seat judgment” based on the Greek word βῆμα (bēma) meaning “judgment seat.” This judgment will take place after the rapture of the church and will determine rewards believers will receive in heaven. Several key passages in the New Testament mention this coming judgment for Christians: Romans 14:10 – “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of…
The Bible does not directly address the practice of ghost hunting, which involves investigating locations believed to be haunted by spirits of the dead. However, the Bible provides principles that can guide Christians in thinking about ghost hunting and the paranormal. The Reality of Spiritual Beings The Bible affirms the existence of spiritual beings besides God and humans. Angels, for example, are mentioned nearly 300 times in Scripture. Satan and demons are also described as active spiritual forces opposing God and His people (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 10:17-20). The Bible warns believers not to communicate with spirits other than God (Leviticus…