The verse 1 Corinthians 11:28 says, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” This verse comes in the context of instructions from Paul to the Corinthians regarding the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Here Paul emphasizes the importance of self-examination before partaking in the bread and cup that represent Christ’s body and blood. But what exactly does it mean to “examine yourself”? Looking at Your Spiritual Condition To “examine yourself” means to take an honest look at the condition of your heart and life in Christ. It involves: Assessing your relationship…
Author: Richard Curi
Chedorlaomer, also known as Kedorlaomer, was an ancient king mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 14. He was the king of Elam, an ancient kingdom east of Babylon in what is now modern-day Iran. Chedorlaomer is described as having subjugated several peoples in the Transjordanian region, including the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, the Bible records that he was later defeated by Abraham and his allies when attempting to put down a rebellion by the conquered kingdoms. The story of Chedorlaomer and his defeat by Abraham provides important context for understanding the geopolitical situation of the ancient Near East…
The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 has puzzled many readers of the Bible. Why did God accept Abel’s offering but reject Cain’s? A close look at the biblical text provides some helpful insights. First, it is important to note the different offerings brought by Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:3-4 tells us: In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain…
The kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a small round cap traditionally worn by Jewish men during prayer, religious study, and other sacred occasions. The wearing of the kippah is an ancient tradition that originated over 2,000 years ago as a sign of respect and reverence before God. Though the specifics of how and why this tradition began are not entirely clear, the kippah has become an enduring symbol of Jewish faith and identity. The Hebrew word “kippah” literally means “dome” and refers to the round shape of the cap. “Yarmulke” comes from the Polish/Ukrainian word “jarmulka” which also…
Splankna therapy is a relatively new form of inner healing prayer ministry that combines Christian principles with neuroscience. The goal of splankna therapy is to bring healing to emotional wounds and trauma by identifying negative beliefs, renouncing lies from the enemy, and renewing the mind with biblical truth. The name “splankna” comes from the Greek word for intestines or bowels, which in ancient cultures was seen as the seat of emotions. During a splankna session, the therapist will use a combination of prayer, psychotherapy techniques, and emotional decoding exercises to identify emotional wounds, lies, vows, and bitter-root judgments that the…
Deborah and Barak are two important figures in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. Their story is told in Judges chapters 4 and 5. Here is an overview of the key events: Background on Israel’s Situation At this time, Israel had no king and the people repeatedly sinned against God. God allowed them to be oppressed by Jabin, a king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Jabin had a powerful army commander named Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots. For 20 years Jabin cruelly oppressed the Israelites. Deborah the Judge Deborah was a prophetess and the only female…
The Bible was written in patriarchal societies where men held more power and influence than women. This is reflected in the amount of text focused on men versus women. However, the Bible still contains invaluable narratives about influential women of faith. While quantity of text does not equate to value or importance, the Bible’s male focus stems from cultural context. First, women in ancient biblical cultures were often confined to domestic roles or treated as property. They did not hold religious leadership positions. Most authors of biblical texts were male. These factors resulted in more narrative attention on male figures.…
This is an important question that many have wondered about. At first glance, it may seem puzzling how Jesus could be God while also praying to God the Father. However, when we examine what the Bible teaches about the nature of God, we find that this is not actually a contradiction. The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). Yet, the Bible also teaches that God exists as three co-equal and co-eternal Persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This is known as the Trinity. The…
Whether or not God exists is one of the most fundamental questions a person can ask. For many, it shapes their entire worldview and provides meaning and purpose. According to the Bible, here are some key reasons why the existence of God matters: Our Origin and Identity If God does not exist, then humans are merely the result of time and chance acting on matter. We would simply be highly evolved animals with no ultimate purpose or meaning. However, the Bible teaches that we are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This gives humans unique value,…
The Bible makes a claim to being the very word of God – not just containing the words of God, but being the perfect revelation of God Himself. The Bible says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The phrase “God said” occurs over 3800 times in the Old Testament alone. The apostle Paul calls the Scriptures “the oracles of God” in Romans 3:2. The author of Hebrews calls God’s word “living and active” in Hebrews 4:12. Jesus Himself recognized the absolute authority of the Old Testament and submitted His life to it. In John 10:35, He…