In the Bible, we see that God sometimes changed a person’s name, usually to signify a new calling, purpose or identity for that person. The new name reflected the new spiritual reality that God was bringing about in that person’s life. Let’s explore some examples of name changes in the Bible and what they can teach us. Abram to Abraham When Abram was 99 years old, God appeared to him and said, “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:5).…
Author: Nicole Sands
The common phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” is often used when discussing how Christians should view and treat those who engage in sinful behaviors. This phrase affirms the need to balance both grace and truth when interacting with others. However, it lacks nuance and can be interpreted in contradictory ways. A thorough examination of Scripture reveals a more complex perspective on relating to sinners that goes beyond just loving them while hating their sin. The call to love others There are numerous verses in the Bible that command Christians to love others, even those considered enemies or outsiders.…
The phrase “to call evil good and good evil” comes from Isaiah 5:20 which says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” This verse is a stern warning against moral relativism – the idea that morality is not fixed but defined by individuals or cultures. When people “call evil good and good evil,” they are deliberately obscuring or even reversing objective moral standards set forth by God. So what are some specific ways this shows up today? Calling Sin…
The concept of our sins being “washed away” is a metaphor used in the Bible to describe God’s forgiveness and cleansing of our sins through Jesus Christ. When we repent and put our faith in Christ, accepting His sacrifice for us, God forgives us and cleanses us from the stain of sin. Let’s explore this powerful concept further. Sin as a Stain The Bible often uses the metaphor of sin staining our lives. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Sin is like a deep red stain that permeates our lives.…
The Bible does not give direct commands about hair length. However, there are some principles and examples that can give insight into how God views this topic. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about hair length: In the Old Testament, there was a Nazirite vow that involved letting one’s hair grow long (Numbers 6:5). This special vow of consecration and separation unto the Lord included not cutting one’s hair. So uncut hair was associated with a special vow of dedication to God. The New Testament speaks of how nature teaches that it is a shame for a…
The topic of curses and Christians is one that generates a lot of questions and confusion. At the heart of it is whether a genuine born-again believer in Jesus Christ can be impacted by curses, hexes, spells, or witchcraft. To find the answer, we need to see what the Bible says about this issue. First, it’s important to understand what constitutes a curse biblically. A curse is the opposite of a blessing. While a blessing brings favor, protection, and benefits, a curse brings misfortune, harm, and adversity. In the Bible, curses came in different forms, but often involved invoking higher…
Being called by God is a profound and life-changing experience. In the Bible, God calls certain people for special purposes and missions. When God calls someone, He summons them to fulfill a divine plan and walk in obedience to Him. Here is an in-depth look at what it means to be called by God according to the Bible. God’s Calling Begins with Salvation The first and most fundamental calling from God is the call to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will…
The verse “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” is found in 1 Corinthians 15:26, which says: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” This verse comes in the midst of Paul’s extensive teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. To fully understand what this verse means, we need to understand it in its context. The Context of 1 Corinthians 15 In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is addressing questions and confusion among the Corinthian Christians regarding the resurrection. Some were denying that there would be a future physical resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12). Others misunderstood the nature of…
Isaiah 11:6 is a well-known messianic prophecy about the future reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It reads: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.” This verse paints a beautiful picture of harmony and peace in the animal kingdom under the rule of the Messiah. But what does it mean that “a little child shall lead them”? Let’s explore a few key points: 1. It signifies the gentle, peaceful reign of the…
Christian Dream Interpretation Dreams have been a subject of fascination and mystery for humankind throughout history. In the Christian tradition, dreams are thought to offer insight, revelation, and direction from God. Here is an overview of Christian perspectives on dream interpretation according to the Bible. God Speaks Through Dreams in the Bible There are numerous examples in the Bible where God speaks to people in dreams. Genesis 20 tells the story of Abraham and Abimelech, when God appears to Abimelech in a dream to warn him about taking Abraham’s wife Sarah. In Genesis 31, Jacob has a dream where God…