The Illuminati conspiracy theory purports that a secret society called the Illuminati controls world affairs and events. This theory claims the Illuminati aims to establish a New World Order through various means such as influencing governments, education, media, science, religion and other areas of society. The Bible does not specifically mention the Illuminati by name. However, it does warn about secret societies and hidden agendas against God’s kingdom. Scripture teaches us to be alert and sober-minded, but not given over to sensationalized conspiracy theories that breed fear, suspicion and division. As Christians, our focus should be on God’s truth and…
Author: Richard Curi
Submission is a theme that comes up frequently in the Bible. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about submission: Wives submitting to husbands Multiple passages instruct wives to submit to their husbands, treating them with respect and following their leadership. These include: Ephesians 5:22-24 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to…
The Bible contains many powerful testimonies that demonstrate the transformative work of God in people’s lives. A testimony is a personal account of an individual’s experience that relates to God. Testimonies can encourage and strengthen the faith of other believers by showing how God intervenes and shapes lives. Here is an overview of some of the key testimonies featured in the Bible. The Apostle Paul One of the most dramatic testimonies in the Bible is that of the Apostle Paul. Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul zealously persecuted the early Christian church, believing it to be a dangerous heresy…
The Bible has much to say about the connections and relationships between Christians. As followers of Christ, we are called to unity and fellowship with one another, reflecting the unity within the Trinity. At the same time, we are warned against forming inappropriate links with nonbelievers or false teachers that could lead us astray. Let’s explore some key biblical themes around Christian links: Unity of Believers Jesus prayed that all who believe in him would be one, just as he and the Father are one (John 17:20-23). This oneness comes from our shared identity in Christ and the indwelling of…
Confessing our sins to God is an important part of the Christian life. However, a common question that arises is how detailed we need to be in confessing our sins. The Bible does not give an exact formula, but looking at principles in Scripture can help guide us. A Sincere Heart Matters More than Details First, Scripture emphasizes having a sincere, repentant heart as most important when confessing sin. For example, in Psalm 51 David cries out to God for forgiveness and cleansing from sin. He does not go into specific details about his adultery and murder, but rather expresses…
The mention of hidden manna in Revelation 2:17 has sparked much interest and speculation among Bible scholars over the years. This verse comes from Jesus’ letter to the church in Pergamum in the book of Revelation, where He says, “To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17 ESV). So what exactly is this “hidden manna” that Jesus promises to give to those who overcome? Let’s explore some…
The Epistle of Barnabas is a Christian text written between 70-135 AD that was originally attributed to the New Testament figure Barnabas. Modern scholars largely agree that the epistle was likely not actually penned by Barnabas himself, but instead by an unknown early Christian teacher. The epistle provides important insights into early Christianity and has value as a source for understanding Christian thought in the late first and early second centuries AD. The epistle purports to be a private letter written by Barnabas to an area of Alexandria, though this claim of origin is doubtful. Nonetheless, the work provides a…
C.S. Lewis was one of the most influential Christian authors and thinkers of the 20th century. He was born in 1898 in Belfast, Ireland and grew up in a religious family. As a young man, Lewis became an atheist but later reconverted to Christianity as an adult. He went on to become a prolific writer, publishing works of fiction, poetry, philosophy, and Christian apologetics. Some key facts about C.S. Lewis: His full name was Clive Staples Lewis. He was born on November 29, 1898 in Belfast, Ireland. He was raised in a religious family that attended the Church of Ireland.…
A homily is a speech or sermon given by a priest or minister during a Christian church service. The purpose of a homily is to offer explanation, reflection, and application of the scripture readings in a way that connects them to the lives of the congregation. Here is a more in-depth look at what a homily is: Definition of a Homily The word “homily” comes from the Greek word homilia which means “discourse.” A homily is often based on a passage from the Bible and seeks to explain the meaning of the passage and how it applies to daily life.…
Peacemaking is an important theme in the Bible. Scripture encourages believers to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in relationships and society. Several Bible passages discuss the qualities of peacemakers and the blessings they receive from God. Old Testament Verses on Peacemaking In the Old Testament, peacemaking is associated with righteousness, justice, and acting faithfully towards God. Here are some key verses: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV) “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV) “Do not say, “I…