The name Jehovah-Rapha means “The Lord Who Heals” or “The Lord our Healer” in Hebrew. This name for God appears in Exodus 15:26, where God reveals Himself to the Israelites as the one who brought them out of Egypt and will heal them from the diseases inflicted on Egypt. The background of this name comes after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and entered the desert of Shur. They traveled for three days but could not find water. When they did find water at Marah, it was too bitter to drink. The people grumbled against Moses, but he cried out…
Author: Mike Solis
The Pauline Epistles, also known as the Letters of Paul, are writings in the New Testament that are attributed to the apostle Paul. These letters were likely written between AD 50-60 and addressed to both churches and individuals. In total there are 13 Pauline Epistles that vary in length, tone, and topics addressed. The letters provide instruction, encouragement, corrections, and theological expositions to their intended audiences. Together, they offer invaluable insight into the spread of early Christianity, church organization, ethical teachings, and theological beliefs. The 13 Pauline Epistles are: Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians…
The verse “He gives more grace” from James 4:6 is packed with deep theological significance and practical application for the Christian life. At just six words, it encapsulates profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with His people. Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this compact yet rich statement. 1. The Context of James 4:6 To properly understand any verse, we must first consider its context. James 4:6 reads in full: “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” This verse concludes a section in which James is…
Federal Vision theology is a recent theological movement within conservative Reformed and Presbyterian churches that seeks to re-envision the doctrine of salvation. The name comes from the emphasis on “covenantal federalism” – the idea that God relates to humanity through covenants. The key distinctives of Federal Vision theology include: Covenantal Language Federal Vision proponents use covenantal language to speak about salvation. They reject the traditional Reformed distinction between the covenant of works (made with Adam) and the covenant of grace (made after the fall). Instead, they see salvation as taking place within the context of the covenant God makes with…
The “spirit of the law” is a concept that refers to the underlying purpose and intention behind laws, rules, or commandments, beyond just the literal words. In the Bible, Jesus often emphasized the spirit of the law over the legalistic following of the letter of the law. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about the spirit of the law: The Purpose Behind God’s Laws The laws and commandments given by God in the Bible are not arbitrary or meant to restrict, but have a loving purpose. For example, the Ten Commandments were given to promote love for…
The Parable of the Vineyard is one of the parables of Jesus found in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 20:1-16), Mark (Mark 12:1-12) and Luke (Luke 20:9-19). In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a landowner who plants a vineyard, leases it to tenants and goes away. When it is time to collect the fruits, he sends servants to collect it, but the tenants beat and kill the servants. Finally, he sends his own son, but the tenants also kill him. Jesus ends the parable by asking what the owner of the vineyard will do, implying that God will…
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including every detail of our lives. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” This verse reminds us that God ordains and orders our steps as part of His perfect plan for our lives. What does it mean that God orders our steps? First, it means that God is in control over where we go and what we do. The events and circumstances of our lives are not random or outside of God’s sovereignty. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “The…
The Pool of Bethesda is mentioned only once in the Bible, in John 5:1-15. It was located in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, surrounded by five covered porches. The pool was known for its healing powers – it was believed that occasionally an angel would stir the waters, and the first person to enter the pool after the stirring would be healed of whatever disease they had. One day, Jesus encountered a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years lying near the pool, hoping to be healed when the water was stirred. Jesus asked the man if he wanted…
Prayer is vital to the Christian life. God calls us to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18). Two important times for prayer are in the morning and evening. Morning and evening prayers help bookend our days with God, allowing Him to guide and direct everything in between. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about morning and evening prayers. The Biblical Basis for Morning and Evening Prayers The Bible provides a solid framework for consistently praying in the morning and evening. Psalms 5:3 states, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in…
Finding a Godly husband is one of the most important decisions a Christian woman will make. The Bible provides clear guidance on the characteristics that a husband should possess. When looking for a potential spouse, there are several biblical qualities that should be top priorities. A Man Who Loves God The most important trait for any Christian is a dedication to following God. A potential husband should have a close relationship with God that is evident in his words and actions. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;…