Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient healing practices that originated in China thousands of years ago. They involve stimulating specific points on the body, often by inserting thin needles (acupuncture) or applying pressure (acupressure), in order to improve the flow of energy (qi) and promote healing. For Christians who are considering acupuncture or acupressure treatment, an important question arises: Is this practice compatible with biblical principles? There are several factors to consider when evaluating these alternative therapies from a Christian perspective. Origins and Philosophical Foundations Acupuncture and acupressure are key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has roots in Taoist…
Author: Nicole Sands
What is a Congregational Church / Congregationalism? Congregationalism is a system of church governance in which each local church is independent and autonomous. Congregational churches embrace the ideas of the priesthood of all believers and the autonomy of the local church. The History of Congregationalism Congregationalism has its roots in 16th century Puritanism in England. Dissatisfied with the Church of England, early Congregationalists sought to reform the established church by forming their own congregations. These early Congregationalists became known as Separatists or Independents. In the early 1600s, many of these Separatists emigrated to North America, establishing the first Congregational churches…
The Last Reformation movement, started by Torben Søndergaard in Denmark in 2011, has gained popularity in recent years. However, there are concerns about whether some of its teachings and practices align with Scripture. This approximately 9000 word article will analyze the main components of the Last Reformation movement from a biblical perspective. The Last Reformation focuses heavily on returning to the ministry methods of Jesus and the apostles described in the book of Acts. This includes an emphasis on healing, deliverance, water baptism, and making disciples through relational evangelism. Healing and Deliverance Ministries A core component of the Last Reformation…
Sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in life. However, as Christians, our response to sadness should be shaped by biblical truths. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about dealing with sadness and sorrow: Sadness is a natural part of life in a fallen world Since the Fall in Genesis 3, pain, suffering and sadness have entered the world. We live in an imperfect world marred by sin, and as a result, all humans inevitably experience sadness (Genesis 3:16-19). Jesus himself was prophesied as a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief”…
The names “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus” both refer to the same person – Jesus of Nazareth, who Christians believe to be the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. However, there is a slight difference in emphasis between these two names. “Jesus Christ” places more emphasis on His name “Jesus”, highlighting His humanity and historical existence as a man on earth. Jesus was a common name at the time, so saying “Jesus Christ” identifies Him as a specific person named Jesus who is the Christ (Messiah). On the other hand, “Christ Jesus” places more emphasis…
Busyness is a huge issue for many people today. Our lives are filled with work, family responsibilities, church activities, hobbies, and more. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all we have to do. So what guidance does the Bible offer on this topic? The Bible doesn’t explicitly use the word “busyness,” but it has a lot to say about living wisely and setting proper priorities. A major theme is the importance of putting God first in our lives rather than letting other things crowd Him out. The dangers of busyness Being too busy can be spiritually dangerous. When we fill…
The Q gospel, also called the Q source or Q document, is a hypothetical collection of Jesus’s sayings that some scholars believe was used as a source by the authors of the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The name “Q” comes from the German word Quelle meaning “source.” The Q gospel is thought to have contained a collection of quotations and stories about Jesus, but no narrative framework like the gospel accounts in the New Testament. The concept of a lost sayings gospel called Q was first proposed in 1838 by Christian Hermann Weisse. He theorized that the authors of…
The Bible has a lot to say about caring for orphans and widows. In ancient Israelite society, orphans and widows were among the most vulnerable groups, as they often lacked the protection and provision of a male head of household. God calls His people to look after the needs of orphans and widows repeatedly throughout Scripture. Here are some of the key passages in the Bible that address how God’s people should treat and care for orphans and widows: Old Testament Instructions to Care for Orphans and Widows “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do…
Trusting in God can be challenging, especially when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. Yet the Bible offers guidance and reassurance about how to develop faith and reliance on God. By spending time in Scripture, praying, and participating in Christian community, we can grow in trusting God more fully. Recognize God’s Sovereignty and Goodness The first step in learning to trust God is recognizing that He is sovereign over all things. God upholds and sustains all of creation by His mighty power (Hebrews 1:3). Nothing takes Him by surprise, because He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Though we…
The phrase “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” comes from Matthew 6:3-4 in the Bible. In context, Jesus is teaching his followers about how to give to the needy and practice righteousness. Specifically, he says: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4 ESV) There are a few key points we can draw from these verses about the meaning behind Jesus’…
