This statement by Jesus in Matthew 10:34 is often confusing or troubling to readers of the Bible. At face value, it seems to contradict Jesus’ reputation as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). However, when studied in context, Jesus’ words serve as a sobering reminder that the gospel message, while ultimately leading to peace, has the potential to be divisive and disruptive in a fallen world. In Matthew 10, Jesus is instructing his twelve disciples before sending them out to preach, teach, and heal. He warns them that they will face persecution and opposition, even from family members. Then he…
Author: Nicole Sands
The Bible warns us that in the end times, right before the return of Jesus Christ, there will be a great falling away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3). This falling away refers to a massive rejection of Christianity and biblical truth by those who once professed to believe. It will be a departure from sound doctrine and godly living, led by false teachers and ungodly influences. This falling away is already underway to some extent, but will greatly accelerate as we approach the end times. Let’s take a closer look at what 2 Thessalonians 2:3 teaches and what a…
Church bells have been an important part of Christian worship and culture for centuries. The ringing of bells has served many purposes, from calling worshipers to service, to denoting times of day, to announcing special occasions. While the exact origins of church bells are unknown, they appear to have emerged sometime between 400-600 AD as Christianity spread throughout Europe and the need grew for calling monastic communities together for prayer. The earliest church bells were relatively small, hung in a simple open framework known as a bellcote. As bellfounding technology advanced, larger, more ornately decorated bells became common fixtures in…
The story of Joseph is one of the most well-known in the Bible. Joseph was the favored son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. In Egypt, Joseph gained favor with Pharaoh by interpreting his dreams, predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him to oversee food storage during the plentiful years and distribution during the famine. Joseph ended up becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:37-45). But why did Pharaoh entrust so much responsibility to a foreigner and a…
The story of Joseph and his brothers is told in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph was the favored son of his father Jacob, being born to Jacob’s favorite wife Rachel in his old age. Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors, signifying his favored status. This caused great jealousy among Joseph’s older brothers, who were born to Jacob’s first wife Leah and their handmaids. One day when Joseph was 17 years old, his brothers had gone to tend the flocks and Jacob sent Joseph to check on them. When the brothers saw Joseph coming, they plotted to kill him. However,…
Jacob, also known as Israel, had twelve sons who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Before Jacob died, he gathered his sons together and gave prophecies regarding their futures and the futures of their tribes (Genesis 49). Examining the biblical record surrounding Jacob’s sons allows us to see how and when these prophecies were fulfilled. Reuben Jacob said of Reuben, “Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence” (Genesis 49:3-4 ESV). As Jacob’s firstborn, Reuben would normally have received a double portion of the inheritance and leadership over the family after Jacob’s passing. However, Reuben lost those…
Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This first verse of the Bible lays the foundation for everything that follows. Here are 9000 words explaining what this profound verse means: First, “In the beginning…” indicates there was a starting point to creation. Contrary to some other worldviews that teach the universe has eternally existed, the Bible teaches the universe had a beginning. God created the heavens and the earth; they did not emanate from Him or spontaneously come into existence. The universe and all it contains were brought into existence by God (Hebrews 11:3).…
Throughout the Bible, God’s chosen people are referred to by several different names. These names reveal important truths about Israel’s identity and relationship with God. Here is an overview of the major names for the Israelites and their meanings: Israelites The most common name is “Israelites”, derived from the name “Israel”. Israel was the new name God gave to Jacob after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:28). The name Israel means “he struggles with God.” This points to how Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes, had a profound encounter with God that changed his life. The name “Israelites” identifies…
How can a Christian stop fearing God’s wrath and punishment? Introduction Fear of God’s wrath and punishment is a common struggle for many Christians. Though God is loving, merciful and gracious, His holiness and justice can cause believers to worry about facing His judgment for their sins. This article will explore what the Bible teaches about God’s wrath, punishment for sin, and how Christians can find freedom from fear through faith in Christ. The Reality of God’s Wrath The Bible clearly teaches that God is holy and righteous, meaning He cannot tolerate sin or evil (Habakkuk 1:13). His wrath is…
The economic Trinity refers to the three distinct roles that the one God plays in relation to humanity and creation. While God is one divine being, He relates to us in Scripture as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Trinity has a distinct role in God’s plan of redemption and relationship with humankind. God the Father’s Role in the Economic Trinity God the Father is the first person of the Trinity. Though all three persons of the Trinity are co-equal and co-eternal, the Father is described in Scripture as the source and initiator of creation and salvation:…
