Gossip is defined as idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. The Bible has a lot to say about gossip and warns against engaging in it. When it comes to gossiping about church leaders like pastors, there are several dangers that must be avoided. It Sows Discord and Divides the Church Gossiping about the pastor breeds disunity, conflict and distrust within the church body. The Bible calls such division a work of the flesh that displeases God (Galatians 5:19-21). Paul exhorted the Corinthians against such dissension: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name…
Author: Richard Curi
The Bible has a lot to say about healing and offers hope, comfort, and practical guidance for those seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages on healing: Old Testament Verses on Healing In the Old Testament, God is portrayed as the healer and restorer of Israel. Psalms 103:2-3 says “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.” Exodus 15:26 states “I am the Lord who heals you.” God also promises healing to the Israelites if they follow His…
The question of whether Christians should go to nightclubs is an important one for believers who want to live according to biblical principles. The Bible does not specifically mention nightclubs, as they are a modern invention, but it does provide guidance on related issues that can help Christians think through this issue wisely. Those who believe Christians should not go to nightclubs make several arguments. First, nightclubs often promote an atmosphere of sensuality and unrestraint that conflicts with Christian values of modesty and self-control. Loud music, dancing, alcohol, and immodest dress can combine to create an environment that encourages immoral…
The genetic fallacy refers to rejecting an argument or claim based solely on its origin rather than its merits. In other words, dismissing something because of where it comes from rather than evaluating the evidence and reasoning. This fallacy gets its name from the idea of focusing excessively on the “genesis” or origin of an argument, while ignoring whether the argument is actually true or reasonable on its own merits. The term was coined in the late 19th century. There are several ways the genetic fallacy can manifest: Attacking the Source One form is attacking the source of an argument…
The concept of having faith like a mustard seed comes from Jesus’ own words in the Gospels. On a couple of occasions, Jesus used the mustard seed analogy to teach his disciples important spiritual truths about faith. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus told his disciples, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” In this verse, Jesus uses the tiny mustard seed to make a point about the power of faith. Even though a…
Stalking is the act of harassing or persecuting someone by maintaining unwanted contact or surveillance on them. While the term “stalking” is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, there are several principles and passages that speak to this behavior. Love Your Neighbor One of the fundamental teachings of the Bible is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Stalking shows a blatant disregard for this command, as it seeks to make someone else uncomfortable and unsafe for one’s own gratification. The Bible calls us to treat others with the same care and concern we would want to receive. The…
What is the New International Version (NIV)? The New International Version (NIV) is a popular English translation of the Bible. First published in 1978, the NIV aims to balance word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation philosophies. The goal of the NIV translators was to produce an accurate, readable, and clear translation suitable for public and private reading, teaching, preaching, memorizing, and liturgical use. History of the NIV Translation The New International Version project was initiated in 1956 by a small group of scholars at an evangelical conference. They recognized the need for a new translation in contemporary English to replace the existing…
The Bible has a lot to say about the relationship between faith and works. One of the most well-known verses on this topic comes from James 2:17, which states “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This verse, along with the surrounding context, provides critical insight into the important role that works play in conjunction with genuine saving faith. To understand why faith without works is dead, it is helpful to first define what true, saving faith is according to the Bible. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “Now faith is the assurance of things…
The term “Shiloh” appears several times in the Bible and has different meanings in different contexts. At its core, Shiloh refers to a city located in the land of Ephraim in ancient Israel. It was an important religious center for the Israelites for several centuries. The meaning and significance of Shiloh evolved over time, taking on additional symbolic and prophetic meanings. Here is an overview of the main ways “Shiloh” is used in the Bible: 1. As a City in Ancient Israel The first mention of Shiloh in the Bible identifies it as a city located north of Bethel in…
The Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights, is an 8-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. Here is an overview of the biblical background and traditions associated with this special festival: Biblical Background The events behind the Feast of Dedication took place during the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments. In the 2nd century BCE, the Seleucid Empire ruled over Judea and sought to impose Greek culture and religion on the Jews. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king, outlawed Jewish religious…