A mikvah is a ritual bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion and purification in Judaism. The word “mikvah” comes from the Hebrew word for “collection” or “gathering”, as it is a pool of water collected for this purpose. The mikvah has been an important part of Jewish tradition and practice since ancient times. According to the Bible, immersion in a mikvah was required for purification from certain types of ritual impurity. For example, the Torah specifies that anyone who came into contact with a human corpse would be ritually impure for 7 days, and must immerse in a…
Author: Nicole Sands
Michael the Archangel is one of the most mysterious and intriguing figures in the Bible. Though he is mentioned only a few times by name in Scripture, he plays a vital role in God’s plans and purposes. Let’s explore what the Bible reveals about this powerful angelic being. Michael’s Name and Role The name Michael means “Who is like God?” This rhetorical question emphasizes Michael’s role as a defender of God’s holiness and authority. He is described in the Bible as the “great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people” (Daniel 12:1). Michael is the only angel…
The verse Romans 14:23 states “But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” This is a challenging verse that requires some explanation to properly understand its meaning and application. Context of Romans 14 First, it’s important to understand the broader context of Romans 14. In this chapter, Paul is addressing issues related to Christian liberty and conscience. Specifically, he discusses matters like eating meat, observing holy days, and drinking wine. At that time, some Christians felt complete freedom in these areas, while others…
The Bible does not directly mention the term “white magic,” but it has much to say about magic and sorcery in general. The predominant view among Christians is that all magical arts, whether labeled “black” or “white,” are prohibited and in opposition to God. References to magic and sorcery appear dozens of times in the Bible, mostly in the Old Testament. The Hebrew words translated as “magic,” “sorcery,” and “witchcraft” refer to attempts to manipulate natural forces or evil spirits in order to influence events or people. Practices like divination, necromancy, spell-casting, and communicating with spirits are universally condemned. Two…
The Bible does not explicitly state what age people will be in Heaven. However, based on several biblical principles, we can develop a general understanding of what to expect regarding our ages in the afterlife. We Will Have Glorified Bodies The Bible teaches that when believers in Christ die, their earthly bodies which are subject to decay are replaced with glorified, imperishable heavenly bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 50-55). These new resurrection bodies will be physical and recognizable but free from the effects of sin and the curse. This implies believers will likely appear similar in Heaven to how they did…
The Bible has a lot to say about motives – why we do what we do. Our motives reveal the true desires of our hearts and what we value most. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles about motives: 1. God looks at the heart and motives, not just outward actions Humans tend to judge by outward appearances, but God looks deeper (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for appearing righteous on the outside but being full of greed and wickedness within (Luke 11:39). We may be able to fool others, but we can never fool God,…
This is a complex theological question that has been debated for centuries. While Jews and Christians share some fundamental beliefs about God, there are also significant differences in how He is understood and worshipped within the two faiths. Shared Beliefs About God Jews and Christians both believe in one omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God who created the universe. This sets them apart from polytheistic faiths that believe in multiple gods. The God of the Hebrew Bible known as YHWH, or Yahweh, is recognized by both Jews and Christians as the one true God. Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham, the patriarch…
Can faith change God’s plan? The question of whether faith can change God’s plan is an interesting one that many Christians ponder. At around 9000 words, this article will provide an in-depth look at what the Bible says about God’s sovereignty, human free will, prayer, and how our faith may or may not impact God’s predetermined plan. To start, it’s important to understand two key truths about God that the Bible clearly teaches: First, God is sovereign. This means He is supremely in control and his will cannot be thwarted (see Isaiah 14:27, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:35, Romans…
The idea of a cashless society, where physical money is no longer used and all financial transactions are digital, has gained traction in recent years. Some view this development as a sign of the end times as foretold in the Bible. But what does the Bible actually say about a cashless society? Does it have anything to do with the end times? There are a few key passages in the Bible that discuss a “mark” connected to buying and selling in the end times. The most well-known is Revelation 13:16-17, which states: “Also it causes all, both small and great,…
What does it mean to find God? Finding God is a profound and deeply personal experience that can happen in many different ways for different people. At its core, finding God means encountering the divine presence and developing a real, lasting relationship with our Creator. This begins the journey of truly knowing God, which transforms our lives from the inside out. For some, finding God may happen in a single, memorable moment of sudden insight or revelation. They sense God speaking to their spirit or feel overcome by His love and grace. This can lead to profound experiences of conversion,…