The topic of the shape of the earth is not a major focus in the Bible. However, there are some passages that indicate the earth is round, while others may seem to suggest it is flat. Understanding the context and genre of these passages is important when evaluating what the Bible teaches about this topic. Passages suggesting a round earth Several verses point to the earth being round or spherical in shape: “It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them…
Author: Nicole Sands
Churchianity is a term used to describe a form of Christianity that places more emphasis on church traditions, denominationalism, religious rituals, and institutionalism than on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The term is sometimes used pejoratively to criticize practices or beliefs seen as paying lip service to Christianity without genuinely embracing the teachings of Jesus. Here is an overview of what the term churchianity means and where it comes from: Origins of the Term Churchianity The term “churchianity” is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century among more evangelical and non-denominational Christian groups. It was used to…
Stepparenting can be a challenging yet rewarding role. When taking on the responsibility of raising a child who is not your own biologically, it’s natural to have questions about what the Bible says on the matter. Though the Bible does not directly address stepparenting, there are many biblical principles that can guide stepparents as they nurture their stepchildren. Love and Acceptance One of the most important things the Bible emphasizes is the need for unconditional love and acceptance (John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 15:7). As a stepparent, it’s vital to love your stepchildren as your own, regardless of any…
The phrase “yoke of bondage” appears in Galatians 5:1, where Paul writes: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” To understand what Paul means by this metaphor, we need to explore the meaning of the word “yoke” in the ancient world. In the ancient Near East, a “yoke” was a wooden beam that joined a pair of oxen or other animals to a plow or wagon. The yoke was fastened over the necks of the animals so they could work together to bear the burden of pulling.…
A glory cloud, also known as the shekinah glory, is a visible manifestation of God’s presence described in the Bible. The glory cloud appears in both the Old and New Testaments at pivotal moments in biblical history. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the glory cloud and its significance. Appearances of the Glory Cloud in the Bible Here are some key appearances of the glory cloud in Scripture: The glory cloud filled the tabernacle after it was constructed according to God’s instructions (Exodus 40:34-38). This signified God’s presence dwelling among His people. The glory cloud appeared as a pillar…
The Mishnah and Midrash are important texts in Judaism that provide insight into the early Rabbinic understanding and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. Here is an overview of what they are and their significance: What is the Mishnah? The Mishnah is an early Jewish text that contains the first written recording of the oral traditions and interpretations of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) by early rabbinic sages. It was compiled around 200 CE by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi and contains six orders or sedarim, divided into 63 tractates covering various topics like agriculture, festivals, family life,…
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert back to Judaism. The author encourages them to persevere in the faith by highlighting the supremacy of Christ. In chapter 6, the author urges them to press on to maturity and not lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God (Heb 6:1). In verse 19, the author uses an anchor as a metaphor for the hope believers have in Christ: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Anchors in ancient times…
This is a complex question that has been debated by scholars and theologians for centuries. There are some practices and traditions in Christianity that do appear to have origins or connections to pagan religions and cultures that predated Christianity. However, determining the exact origins and influences for any tradition or practice can be quite difficult given the limited historical evidence available. When examining this issue, it is important to first define what is meant by “pagan.” In this context, pagan refers to polytheistic religions and belief systems that existed prior to the advent of Christianity, such as those of ancient…
How is God’s Word a lamp to my feet (Psalm 119:105)? God’s Word is described as a lamp that illuminates our path in Psalm 119:105, which says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This verse uses the imagery of a lamp to illustrate how Scripture provides guidance, wisdom, and direction for how to live. Just as a lamp lights up a dark room or lights the way on a dark path, God’s Word sheds light on the right way to go in life. What are some ways God’s Word serves as a…
Jesse is an important figure in the Old Testament, most known for being the father of King David. Here is an overview of Jesse’s life and significance: Jesse’s Family and Ancestry Jesse was from the tribe of Judah and lived in Bethlehem. He was the son of Obed and the grandson of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:17-22). Jesse had eight sons total (1 Samuel 16:10-13): Eliab Abinadab Shammah Nethanel Raddai Ozem David (the youngest) He also had two daughters, Zeruiah and Abigail (1 Chronicles 2:13-16). Jesse’s ancestry went back to Abraham through the line of Judah (Ruth 4:18-22). Jesse in…