Gender dysphoria refers to the distress or discomfort that arises when someone’s gender identity does not align with their biological sex assigned at birth. The Bible does not directly address the modern concept of gender dysphoria, but it does speak to themes of gender, identity, and human dignity in ways that can inform a compassionate Christian response. Old Testament Perspectives on Gender and Identity The Old Testament reveals that God created humanity as male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27). Yet there are also examples of gender fluidity, such as eunuchs occupying honored positions in society (Isaiah 56:3-5). Eunuchs…
Author: Nicole Sands
The topic of whether there will be a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem during the end times is one that has generated much discussion and debate among Bible scholars. The Bible contains prophecies that point to a future temple being constructed in Jerusalem, leading many to believe that this will ultimately come to pass prior to the return of Jesus Christ. However, there are also differing viewpoints on how literally to interpret these prophecies. This article will examine the relevant biblical passages and scholarly perspectives to provide an overview of what the Bible suggests regarding a future end times temple in…
The identity of the “restrainer” mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:6 has been a source of much debate and speculation among Bible scholars over the years. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul is writing to correct a misunderstanding among the Thessalonian believers that the day of the Lord had already come. He assures them that two things must happen before Christ’s return: the rebellion and the revealing of the “man of lawlessness.” In verse 6, Paul says “And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.” This verse indicates that there is a force…
Receiving Jesus Christ means accepting Him into your life as your Lord and Savior. It involves recognizing your sin, repenting, and believing in who Jesus claimed to be – the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again. When someone receives Christ, they enter into a relationship with Him and begin the process of being transformed into His image. Recognizing Your Sin An important first step in receiving Christ is recognizing your sin. The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from a holy…
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned from the 14th to 17th centuries, beginning in Italy and spreading across Europe. It was characterized by a revival of classical learning and values. This period marked a major turning point in history that profoundly impacted many facets of society, including the church and Christianity. Some of the major impacts the Renaissance had on Christianity include: Challenging Church Authority – During the Renaissance, the absolute authority of the Roman Catholic Church was increasingly challenged. Reformers like John Wycliffe and Jan Hus criticized church practices and taught that the Bible, not the church…
The verse about casting our crowns before the feet of Jesus refers to Revelation 4:10-11 which states: “the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”” (English Standard Version) This verse occurs in the midst of Revelation’s vision of the heavenly throne room. John sees God seated on his throne, surrounded by…
The Lion of the tribe of Judah is a powerful symbol found in the Bible that refers to Jesus Christ. It highlights Christ’s role as the promised Messiah who would come from the tribe of Judah and establish God’s kingdom on earth. The image of the lion represents majesty, strength, courage, and authority – all fitting descriptions of the reign of the Messiah. Origins of the Title The title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” first appears in Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his son Judah and prophesies that his descendants will be rulers and that the scepter will not…
In the Quran, Jesus is referred to as Isa ibn Maryam, or Jesus son of Mary. He is considered one of the most important prophets in Islam. However, there are some key differences between the portrayal of Jesus in the Quran versus the Bible. On day 7 of this Bible study, we will explore what the Bible teaches about who Jesus is. Jesus is God One of the most fundamental differences between Islam and Christianity is that Christians believe Jesus is God, while Muslims consider this to be blasphemy. However, there are many verses in the Bible that point to…
Sexuality is a complex and multifaceted topic that the Bible addresses in various ways. At a fundamental level, the Bible affirms that sex and sexuality are part of God’s good creation, given for human flourishing and enjoyment within certain boundaries. However, due to human sinfulness, sexuality has been distorted and often misused. A biblical view seeks to recover an understanding of healthy sexuality according to God’s original creative intent and design. Marriage and Sexuality The Bible reserves sexual intimacy for marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Marriage reflects God’s larger purpose of bringing unity and fruition out…
Neurotheology is the study of the relationship between the brain and religious or spiritual experiences. It seeks to understand the neurological basis for religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. The term was coined in the 1980s by neuroscientist James Ashbrook, who sought to integrate neuroscience and theology. Neurotheology explores questions like: How does the brain facilitate religious experiences? What brain regions are involved in spiritual states? How do spiritual practices like prayer and meditation affect brain function? While a controversial field to some, neurotheology aims to use science to shed light on questions that have long been pondered in the…