Perea is a region east of the Jordan River that is mentioned several times in the Bible. Here is an overview of the significance of Perea in the biblical narrative: Location and Geography of Perea Perea refers to the territory located east of the Jordan River, opposite the region of Judea. It covered parts of what are now the modern day countries of Jordan and Israel. Major cities in Perea included Pella, Gerasa, Philadelphia, and Gadara. The land was fertile and suitable for agriculture and grazing. The climate was generally more tropical than the west side of the Jordan. Biblically,…
Author: Mike Solis
The phrase “a root out of dry ground” comes from Isaiah 53:2, which says “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” This is a prophecy about Jesus Christ, describing his humble origins and lack of worldly attractiveness or status. So what does it mean that Jesus was like “a root out of dry ground”? A root growing out of dry, arid soil faces difficult conditions. The ground is hard,…
How are children a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)? Children are a blessing from the Lord in many ways, as described in Psalm 127:3 and throughout Scripture. Here are 9000 words on how children are a blessing: To start, children are a blessing because they are created by God and made in His image. Genesis 1:27 states “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Each child bears the imago dei, reflecting the creativity, rationality, morality, and relationality of God. What an incredible privilege it…
The Bible has a great deal to say about the vital role of mothers within the family and society. While the cultural expectations of mothers have changed over time, the Bible presents timeless principles regarding a godly mother’s character, responsibilities, and influence. A Mother’s Character The Bible emphasizes that a mother’s inner character is far more important than her outward appearance or abilities. A godly mother cultivates virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). She lives with integrity and grace, setting an example of godliness for her children to follow (Proverbs 31:25-26). A…
The story of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss is found in all four Gospels (Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-45, Luke 22:47-48, John 18:2-9). This dramatic moment occurred just after the Last Supper, when Judas led a detachment of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. But why did Judas specifically betray Jesus with a kiss? In ancient Near Eastern culture, greeting someone with a kiss was a common way to show honor, respect, and affection. For a disciple to greet his master with a kiss would have been perfectly normal.…
Infertility can be a devastating trial for any couple desiring children. For Christians, it raises difficult questions about God’s will, His sovereignty, and His goodness. Though infertility is painful, Scripture offers comfort, wisdom, and hope for walking through it. This article will explore what the Bible teaches regarding infertility, providing guidance for those struggling to make sense of it biblically. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty A foundational principle is acknowledging God’s sovereignty. He exists outside of time, beholding all things past, present, and future. Scripture testifies that God actively orders the universe according to His perfect will (Ephesians 1:11). Nothing escapes His…
Accountability is a vital concept in the Bible. At its core, it refers to being responsible for one’s actions and being willing to submit to evaluation or judgment. The Bible makes it clear that all people are accountable before God for their thoughts, words, and deeds. As human beings created in God’s image, we have a moral duty to do what is right and just. The Bible lays out many principles regarding accountability and how it should function in daily life. One of the clearest calls to accountability in Scripture is in Romans 14:12, which says “So then each of…
Divorce and separation are difficult times for any family, but especially for children. Deciding custody arrangements can be one of the most challenging aspects of the process for parents. The Bible does not provide direct advice on legal child custody matters, but it does offer principles to guide Christian parents seeking biblical wisdom. By focusing on the wellbeing of the children, resolving conflicts peacefully, and acting justly and compassionately, parents can make decisions that honor God. Prioritize the Child’s Wellbeing The most important factor in any custody decision should be the wellbeing and best interests of the child. Parents should…
When Should a Christian Try to Correct Another Christian? Introduction The Bible offers guidance on when and how Christians should try to correct fellow believers who are engaged in sinful behavior or false teaching. This is an important issue that requires wisdom, humility and grace. As followers of Christ, we are called to help each other pursue holiness while avoiding self-righteousness and harsh judgment. Confronting Sin Gently If a fellow Christian is clearly engaged in a sinful lifestyle, it may be appropriate to humbly confront them. Paul writes “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual…
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and plays a vital role in the life of every believer. The Bible has much to say about the power and work of the Holy Spirit in equipping, empowering, guiding, and transforming the people of God. The Person of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a person. Scripture refers to the Holy Spirit with personal pronouns like “He” and “Him” (John 14:26; 16:13-14). The Holy Spirit has attributes of personhood, including intellect (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), and will (1 Corinthians…