Archangels are one of the highest rankings and most powerful angels that serve God. The word “archangel” comes from the Greek word arche plus angelos, meaning “chief angel” or “principal angel.” The Bible specifically names only three angels as archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. However, there are other archangels not named in Scripture. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about these magnificent angels: Michael Michael is called the “archangel” in Jude 1:9 and is the only angel given that specific title in Scripture. His name means “who is like God?” Michael is described as leading God’s armies…
Author: Nicole Sands
The sacrificial system was a key part of Israel’s worship of God. It involved bringing animal sacrifices to the tabernacle/temple and offering them to atone for sins or as expressions of thanksgiving and devotion to God. Though this system was given specifically to Israel, the Old Testament records instances of non-Israelites participating in it as well. There are several reasons why non-Israelites were permitted to take part in offering sacrifices: 1. The sacrificial system was open to foreigners who converted to faith in Yahweh Though the sacrificial system was intended for Israel, provisions were made for foreigners who converted to…
Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, launching, and running a new business. As a Christian, how should we view entrepreneurship? Here is a biblical perspective on this topic. Entrepreneurship as Stewardship The Bible teaches that God has entrusted resources to us, and we are to be good stewards of what we have been given (Matthew 25:14-30). As entrepreneurs, we have opportunities to use our gifts, talents, ideas, time, relationships and finances wisely for God’s purposes. Starting and running a business is one way we can create value in society while honoring God with what He has placed in our hands.…
Christmastide is the historic Christian liturgical season celebrating the Nativity of Jesus Christ, also known as Christmas. It begins on Christmas Day (December 25) and lasts 12 days, ending on January 5. This 12-day period represents the time between the birth of Jesus and the coming of the Magi to visit the Christ child, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. The word “Christmastide” comes from Middle English Christemasse, meaning “Christ’s mass.” It refers specifically to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ through worship services and festivities. Other names for Christmastide include Yuletide and the Twelve Days of Christmas. Christmastide…
Koine Greek, also known as Alexandrian or Common Greek, was the common supra-regional form of Greek spoken and written during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. It evolved from the spread of Greek following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, and served as the lingua franca of much of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East during the subsequent centuries. The word “koine” means “common” in Greek. Koine Greek arose as a result of the mixing of multiple ancient Greek dialects and became the dominant form of Greek in the ancient world. It was based mainly…
The phrase “not go beyond what is written” comes from 1 Corinthians 4:6, where Paul writes, “that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” In the broader context of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing divisions and quarrels in the Corinthian church. Different factions were forming around different leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter. Paul rebukes this divisiveness, emphasizing that the Corinthians should…
The Bible does not directly address pedagogy, which is the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept. However, there are principles and examples in Scripture that relate to effective teaching and discipleship that can inform a biblical perspective on pedagogy. At its core, Christian pedagogy recognizes that true wisdom comes from revering and obeying God (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Teachers and students alike must approach education with humility, acknowledging their dependence on God’s grace and illumination (James 1:5). Scripture also admonishes teachers to provide sound instruction with patience and care (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy…
The verse Romans 13:8 states, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” This verse provides an important principle for Christians to follow – that the only debt we should have towards others is the debt of love. Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this verse in more detail: 1. Paying our debts The first part of Romans 13:8 tells us to “Owe no one anything.” As Christians, we are called to live responsibly and ethically in regards to our financial debts. We should strive to pay back…
The Bible contains many warnings from God about the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness. When God made a covenant with Israel, He promised great blessings if they obeyed, but also curses if they turned away and broke the covenant. Here is an overview of some of the main curses found in Scripture that God said He would bring upon Israel for their disobedience: Exile from the Land One of the most frequently repeated curses was that Israel would be exiled from the Promised Land if they persistently broke God’s laws. They were warned that disobedience would lead to destruction and…
The passage in 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” This verse comes in the context of Paul discussing a “thorn in the flesh” that he begged God to remove. God’s response was that His grace was enough to help Paul through it. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of God’s sufficient grace. The context of Paul’s thorn and plea for its removal In 2…