The book of Revelation in the Bible contains rich symbolic imagery that has sparked much discussion and debate over the centuries. One particularly intriguing feature described in Revelation 21 is the New Jerusalem, depicting the holy city where God will dwell with his people after the old order passes away. This magnificent city has twelve gates, each made of a single pearl and bearing the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve gates first appear in Revelation 21:12-13, which states: “It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and…
Author: Nicole Sands
The Process Church of the Final Judgment was a religious movement that originated in England in the 1960s. It was founded by Robert De Grimston and Mary Ann MacLean, who were former members of the Church of Scientology. The group taught a unique theology that blended ideas from Christianity, Gnosticism, and the occult. Here is an overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of the Process Church. History Robert De Grimston was born in Shanghai, China in 1935. Mary Ann MacLean was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1931. They met in London in the early 1960s while taking classes at…
The topic of whether mothers should stay at home to raise their children rather than work outside the home is one that elicits strong opinions on both sides. What does the Bible say about this important issue? A comprehensive examination of Scripture reveals principles that can help provide guidance for mothers seeking God’s direction for their lives. The Cultural Context of Biblical Times First, it is important to understand the cultural context in ancient Israel during biblical times. In Old Testament days, most mothers did not have the option of working outside the home. The predominant vocation for women was…
Raising teenagers can be an incredibly challenging and stressful time for parents. The hormonal and emotional changes teenagers go through as they transition from childhood to adulthood can lead to moodiness, risk-taking behaviors, and conflict within the home. As a parent trying to raise a teenager, it’s important to rely on God’s wisdom and grace to help you through this season. The Bible offers encouragement and practical advice for navigating the ups and downs of parenting a teenager. Trust God’s Plan for Your Teenager As a parent, it’s natural to feel anxious about your teenager’s future. But remember that God…
Child abuse is a grave sin that deeply grieves the heart of God. The Bible makes it clear that children are a precious gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5), and Jesus showed special care and concern for children, even stating that the kingdom of God belongs to them (Mark 10:13-16). However, the Bible also reveals the tragic reality of child abuse and exploitation happening in a fallen world marred by sin. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about this difficult subject: The Old Testament Law sought to protect children and the vulnerable in society. Laws were put…
The verse in question, James 5:20, reads “let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” This verse points to the immense spiritual value and reward for those who help turn others away from sin and back to God. To properly understand this verse, we need to first understand the context. James 5 discusses having patience in suffering, not grumbling against one another, and praying for and confessing sins to each other. Verses 19-20 serve as the concluding remarks, emphasizing the blessings for turning…
The verse 1 Timothy 2:5 states, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” This important verse teaches that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity. As the only mediator, Jesus provides the way of salvation for sinful mankind to be reconciled with a holy God. To understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to first explore the background. The book of 1 Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to his understudy Timothy, who was pastoring the church at Ephesus. In chapter 2, Paul…
The Presbyterian Church (USA), abbreviated PC(USA), is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the United States. With over 1.3 million members as of 2022, it is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century Protestant Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin. Presbyterianism gets its name from the representative form of church governance practiced by Presbyterian churches, which is led by elected elders known as presbyters. This stands in contrast to episcopal church governance with rule by bishops. The PC(USA) was formed in 1983 as a result of a merger between the Presbyterian…
The Bible provides valuable guidance on setting proper priorities within our families. When we put God first, then our spouse, then our children, we establish a solid foundation for a God-honoring home. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about getting our priorities aligned in the family: Put God First The most important priority for any family must be growing in our relationship with God. As Jesus said, we are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Everything else flows out of our…
As Christians, we believe that God loves us deeply and desires the very best for us. However, because He is holy and righteous, God cannot tolerate sin or allow it to go unaddressed in our lives. The Bible makes it clear that the Lord will at times discipline us, His children, when we choose to sin and live outside of His perfect will for us. In this article, we will explore what the Bible teaches about how, when and why God disciplines us due to sin in our lives. Understanding the biblical principles behind God’s fatherly discipline can help us…