Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and carry out His will. Though there are many references to angels throughout the Bible, their duties and responsibilities are not always specifically laid out. Based on the various passages that mention angels, we can piece together an overview of their general roles and activities. Messengers One of the most common roles for angels is as messengers or intermediaries between God and humans. The word “angel” itself means “messenger” in both Hebrew and Greek. There are many examples of angels appearing to people in Scripture to deliver revelations or announcements…
Author: Nicole Sands
Being human is a complex and multifaceted experience. According to the Bible, humans are created in the image of God, which gives us inherent value, dignity and purpose. However, the Bible also teaches that humans are fallen and sinful, which leads to brokenness in our relationships with God, others and creation. Through faith in Jesus, God redeems and restores humanity, giving us hope for the future. Let’s explore in more depth what the Bible teaches about key aspects of our shared human identity and experience. Made in God’s image A fundamental truth about humanity that the Bible teaches is that…
The American Standard Version (ASV) is an English translation of the Bible originally published in 1901 by Thomas Nelson & Sons. The ASV was intended to be a very literal, word-for-word translation that precisely followed the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Here are 9000 words explaining what the ASV is and what it offers in understanding the Bible: The ASV was created in response to concerns over revisions made in the Revised Version of the King James Bible published in 1885. A group of American scholars felt that additional changes to the King James Version made in the Revised…
Laminin is a protein that is an integral part of the extracellular matrix in humans and other animals. The extracellular matrix is a complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural support to surrounding cells. Laminin has a crucial role in cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell differentiation. Laminin is a heterotrimeric protein composed of three chains – α, β and γ chains. These three chains assemble to form a cruciform structure. Each laminin molecule has one α, one β and one γ chain. The most common isoform of laminin contains the α1, β1 and γ1 chains. However, different…
King Solomon is well known for his wisdom, yet he failed to follow his own advice when it came to relationships with women. Though Solomon warned about the dangers of folly, lust, and foreign wives, he ultimately allowed his heart to be led astray. Examining Solomon’s teachings alongside his life provides insight into the difficulty of living out one’s convictions and the tragic consequences of moral compromise. Solomon’s Wise Teachings Early in his reign, Solomon received great wisdom from God, which he shared in writings like Proverbs. He warned about the temptations of sexual sin, saying “Drink water from your…
Dependability is an important character trait that is valued in the Bible. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles related to being dependable: 1. God is dependable and faithful One of the central themes in Scripture is that God is dependable, faithful, and keeps His promises. For example: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9) “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”…
The Bible has much to say about modesty in dress. While the specific standards of modesty can vary somewhat across cultures and eras, the Scriptures lay out some clear principles for dressing in a way that honors God and shows respect for others. At the heart of modest dress is humility rather than sensuality, self-control rather than self-indulgence, and focusing on that which is inside rather than flaunting outward appearance. The Bible instructs believers, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning…
The Apostle Paul is a controversial figure in Christianity. Some have accused him of being a false prophet who corrupted the original teachings of Jesus. However, a careful examination of Scripture shows that while Paul had his flaws, he was indeed a genuine apostle called by God. The Case Against Paul Those who claim Paul was a false prophet make several arguments: Paul never met the historical Jesus and received a vision on the road to Damascus instead of being directly chosen by Jesus like the Twelve. Paul disagreed and argued with the other apostles, suggesting he was teaching something…
Shittim is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in Numbers and Joshua. It was an important location for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt and as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Here are some key points about the significance of Shittim in the Bible: 1. Location of Israelite camp Shittim was one of the stopping places for the Israelites after their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The Book of Numbers records that the Israelites set up camp in the plains of Moab near the Jordan River, across from Jericho. Shittim…
The human condition is a complex topic that the Bible addresses in depth. At 9,000 words, this article will provide an overview of key biblical teachings on the human condition, including humanity’s created nature and purpose, the fall into sin, and God’s plan of salvation and restoration. Humanity’s Created Nature and Purpose According to the Bible, human beings are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). As image-bearers, humans have a unique capacity for relationship with God, moral discernment, creativity, and stewardship over creation. God created people for fellowship with Himself and gave them dominion over the…