Saint Patrick was a 5th century Christian missionary and bishop who is best known for bringing Christianity to Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. When he was about 16 years old, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his 6 years in captivity, Patrick turned to his Christian faith for comfort. He later wrote that he prayed up to 100 times a day. After having a vision, he escaped from captivity and traveled back home to Britain. Then he experienced another vision calling him to return to…
Author: Mike Solis
How does psychology work with Christian counseling? Christian counseling integrates psychology with biblical principles to help people deal with mental, emotional, and spiritual issues from a Christian perspective. Here’s an overview of how psychology and Christian counseling work together: The Role of Psychology Psychology provides insights into human behavior, development, relationships, and mental health issues. Counselors can draw on psychological theories and research to understand their clients better. For example, knowing about psychological concepts like attachment styles, cognitive distortions, defense mechanisms, etc. can aid counselors in identifying issues clients are facing. Psychology gives counselors tools and knowledge to understand the…
Ephesians 3:20 is an incredible verse that describes the power and ability of God. It says “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This verse teaches us that God’s power working in and through us is beyond anything we could ever think up or request on our own. To fully understand this verse, we first need to look at the context. Ephesians 3 opens with a prayer from Paul on behalf of the Ephesians. He prays that they would be strengthened…
Archaeology provides valuable evidence that supports and complements the Bible’s historical accounts. Here are some of the key ways archaeology backs up the Bible: 1. Confirmation of Key Figures Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of many biblical figures that skeptics once claimed were mythical. These include: – King David: In 1993, archaeologists found the Tel Dan Stele, an inscription referring to the “house of David.” This provided the first extra-biblical reference to David. – King Solomon: In the ruins of Gezer, archaeologists found a six-chambered gate similar to those described in 1 Kings 9 during Solomon’s reign. Many other…
Christian archaeology examines material remains connected to Christianity and the Bible. This field provides tangible evidence that confirms biblical accounts and expands our understanding of the ancient world that Scripture describes. Here are some key reasons why Christian archaeology is so important: It Affirms the Historicity of the Bible When archaeological discoveries match up with biblical narratives, it shows that the Bible is grounded in real history. For instance, the names of over 50 biblical characters have been found in ancient inscriptions outside the Bible. These include figures like Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, David, and even Jesus (see Matthew 27:37; John…
Fashion is a big part of our culture and society. As Christians, how should we think about the clothes we wear and the way we present ourselves? Here is a biblical overview of how Christians can view fashion in a God-honoring way. Fashion is a Gift from God The Bible tells us that God is the ultimate designer and creator. He made the universe and everything in it, including mankind (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16). God is also the one who designed the very first piece of clothing for Adam and Eve after they sinned and realized they were naked (Genesis…
Having close friendships with unbelievers is a complex issue that Christians must carefully consider. On one hand, we are called to be set apart and not conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). We are told not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) and that bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). However, we are also called to be light and salt in the world, ministering to unbelievers and being witnesses for Christ (Matthew 5:13-16). What does the Bible teach about having close friendships with unbelievers? Let’s explore this topic in more depth. The…
The Bible does not directly address the theory of directed panspermia, as this is a modern scientific theory that was developed long after the Bible was written. However, the Bible does have some relevant things to say about the origins of life on earth that may relate to this theory. The theory of directed panspermia proposes that life on earth originated from microbes that were intentionally sent here by an intelligent extraterrestrial civilization. The goal was for these microbes to “seed” life on our planet. The theory argues that the earliest lifeforms on earth are too complex to have arisen…
Polycarp was an important early Christian bishop and martyr. He lived from around 69 AD to 155 AD and served as the bishop of Smyrna, an important early church located in modern day Turkey. Polycarp is best known for his martyrdom, which was described in a letter from the church of Smyrna recounting his death. He is also noted for his connection to the apostles, particularly John, and his role in defending orthodox Christianity against early heresies. Polycarp was born in the first century AD and lived to an old age. Not much is known about his early life, but…
Holy laughter refers to outbreaks of spontaneous and uncontrollable laughter that are seen as manifestations of the Holy Spirit among some Christians. It is associated with the charismatic renewal movement and denominations like Pentecostalism that emphasize experiences of the Holy Spirit like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing. The term “holy laughter” comes from Scriptures like Psalm 126:2 which says “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'” The idea is that joy unspeakable and divine laughter are gifts from God…