Terah was an important biblical figure who is mentioned in the book of Genesis. He was the father of Abram, who later became known as Abraham, one of the most significant people in the Bible. Here is an overview of what the Bible tells us about Terah: Terah’s Family According to Genesis 11:26-32, Terah was the son of Nahor and lived in Ur of the Chaldeans. He had three sons: Abram, Nahor, and Haran (Genesis 11:27). Genesis 11:29 tells us that Abram and Nahor both married – Abram married Sarai while Nahor married Milcah. Haran had a son named Lot…
Author: Nicole Sands
The spiritual gift of miracles is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10. This gift involves God’s power working through a believer to perform supernatural wonders that reveal God’s truth and glory. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about this spiritual gift: Definition of the Gift of Miracles The Greek word translated “miracles” in 1 Corinthians 12:10 is dunamis, which refers to deeds of power. The spiritual gift of miracles is God’s power working through a believer to authenticate the truth of the gospel and glorify Christ. Miracles transcend the laws…
Christianity, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, does involve some rituals and religious practices. However, rituals and religious observances are not the core focus of the Christian faith. The Bible emphasizes having a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ over adhering to strict rituals or religious requirements. That said, the Bible does mention some practices that Christians partake in, including baptism, communion/the Lord’s supper, worship, prayer, fasting, and giving. The purpose and meaning behind these rituals is more significant than the rituals themselves. Christians believe participating in these practices helps them draw closer to…
The book of Ruth in the Bible tells a remarkable story of faithfulness, kindness, and redemption. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man named Mahlon. After her husband died, Ruth chose to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi and accompanied her back to Bethlehem. There, Ruth worked tirelessly to provide for Naomi, gleaning in the fields during the harvest. She caught the eye of a well-respected man named Boaz, who showed her great kindness. Eventually Ruth and Boaz married, giving Ruth a new husband and Naomi a redeemer. Their son Obed was the grandfather of King David. Here…
The concept of federal headship refers to the theological teaching that Adam acted as the covenantal representative of the entire human race. This means that when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, the consequences of his disobedience were imputed not just to him as an individual, but to all of his descendants as well. The doctrine of federal headship is closely related to the Christian teachings on original sin and total depravity. The basis for the doctrine of federal headship is found in several biblical passages. In Romans 5:12-21, the apostle Paul draws a parallel between Adam and Christ…
Christian mysticism refers to the development of mystical practices and theory within Christianity. It has a long history with many mystics such as Gregory of Nyssa, Bernard of Clairvaux, Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross playing important roles. Christian mystics emphasize union with God and living in the presence of God. The experience of Christian mysticism typically involves visions, voices, and other mystical experiences that provide direct connection to the divine. Some key aspects of Christian mysticism include: – Seeking direct personal communion with God – Christian mystics seek intimate, personal experience of…
How Far is Too Far? An Examination of Biblical Principles on Acceptable Behavior The question of “how far is too far” is one that many Christians wrestle with when it comes to relationships and physical intimacy. The Bible does not give direct answers on specific acts and where the line should be drawn, but it does provide principles and values that can guide believers in making wise decisions. This article will explore what the Bible teaches about sexual purity, self-control, fleeing temptation, and honoring God with our bodies. Sexual Immorality The Bible consistently condemns any sexual activity outside of marriage…
Christadelphianism is a Christian denomination that formed in the 19th century as the result of the teachings of John Thomas. The name “Christadelphian” comes from Greek and means “brethren in Christ”. Some key beliefs of Christadelphians include: The Bible is the only source of true knowledge about God and His purpose. Christadelphians reject extra-biblical ideas such as the immortality of the soul and the Trinity. God is one indivisible being, not three persons in one (the Trinity). Jesus Christ is the Son of God, not God himself. Jesus had to be fully human in order to save mankind. He was…
The Council of Constance was a 15th-century Catholic Church council held from 1414 to 1418 in the German city of Constance. This council was significant for ending the Western Schism, where rival popes challenged the authority of one another. The council helped resolve this crisis by deposing two rival popes and electing a new consensus pope. Some key events and outcomes of the Council of Constance included: Ending the Western Schism At the start of the council, there were three rival popes claiming authority over the Catholic Church – Pope Gregory XII, Pope Benedict XIII, and Pope John XXIII. A…
The book of James in the Bible contains practical instructions on living a life of faith. In chapter 4, verse 14, James asks the rhetorical question “What is your life?” This question is meant to provoke self-reflection and point us to the fleeting nature of life. Here is James 4:14 in context: What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14 ESV) By asking “What is your life?” James aims to shake us out of complacency and remind us that life is brief, like a vapor that appears for…