The Bible has a lot to say about the importance and purpose of procreation. Here is an overview of the key biblical teachings on this topic: 1. The command to “be fruitful and multiply” In Genesis 1:28, God blesses the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, and commands them to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.” This establishes procreation as part of God’s creative purpose for humanity. God desires for humans to participate in creation by bearing children and filling the earth. Having children is therefore seen as a blessing and mandate, not merely…
Author: Richard Curi
The ACTS formula for prayer is a popular framework that many Christians use to structure their prayers. ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Here is an overview of what each component involves: Adoration Adoration is expressing love, awe and praise to God for who He is. It’s recognizing God’s attributes and character. Adoration might include praising God’s love, faithfulness, goodness, grace, mercy, wisdom, power, holiness, etc. Adoring God reminds us of how amazing He is. Psalms 145-150 provide many examples of adoring God. Confession Confession involves honestly admitting our sins to God and asking for His forgiveness. It’s…
Native Americans have a rich diversity of spiritual and religious beliefs that are deeply tied to their history and culture. Here is an overview of some of the main religious and spiritual traditions found among Native American tribes: Animism A common thread among many Native American religions is animism, or the belief that all living and non-living things have a spirit. Native Americans worshipped the spirits that they believed resided in animals, plants, trees, mountains, bodies of water, and other parts of the natural world. Rituals and ceremonies were focused on respecting these spirits. Shamanism Shamans played an important religious…
The Bible provides insight into why unbelief seems to be on the rise in modern times. Here are several biblical reasons that may explain this trend: Prophesied Increase in Wickedness Jesus himself prophesied that prior to his return, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). The book of 2 Timothy also warns, “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,…
This is a common question that many people have when learning about the origins of Christianity. Jesus, the founder of Christianity, was ethnically Jewish. He was born into a Jewish family, raised in the Jewish traditions, and observed the Laws of Moses his entire life. All of Jesus’ early followers were Jews as well. So if the founder and earliest adherents of Christianity were Jewish, why aren’t Christians today also Jewish? The short answer is that while Jesus was Jewish, he came to start a new spiritual movement that would include both Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). This was very controversial…
The baptism of love refers to experiencing God’s love in a transformative way that immerses us in His grace. This concept comes from several biblical passages that use water imagery to describe God’s spiritual cleansing and renewal. When we open our hearts to truly receive God’s sacrificial, unconditional love shown through Christ, it can feel like being plunged into a fresh baptism of love. The idea of a baptism of love is not about a specific ritual or sacrament. Rather, it is the ongoing experience of being flooded and renewed by God’s amazing love. As we grow in understanding divine…
The Bible does not explicitly state that not reading it is a sin. However, the Bible does emphasize the importance of reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about the importance of engaging with Scripture: The Bible is God’s revelation to us The Bible claims to contain God’s very words and teachings for humanity. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The Bible is how God has chosen to reveal Himself and His plan…
Jesus’ statement that “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) provides critical insight into the nature of His mission and ministry during His time on earth. This verse comes amid Jesus’ teaching to His disciples about true greatness in God’s kingdom. After overhearing the disciples arguing over which of them would be the greatest, Jesus makes it clear that those who wish to be great in God’s eyes must be servants of all (Mark 10:42-44). He then offers Himself as the ultimate example of this upside-down kingdom perspective, saying, “For even the…
Grace is a central concept in the Bible that refers to God’s unmerited favor and blessing towards humankind. The word “grace” comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, goodwill, and lovingkindness.” Grace is often contrasted with law and works in the Bible. While the law demands obedience, grace offers forgiveness and restoration. While works attempt to earn salvation, grace freely gives salvation as a gift. Grace is at the heart of the gospel message. God’s Grace in Giving Salvation The Bible teaches that all people are sinful and separated from God (Romans 3:23). However, God showed His grace…
Haran was an important figure in the early parts of the Bible. He was the son of Terah and the brother of Abram, who later became known as Abraham. Haran’s story sheds light on the origins of the Jewish and Muslim faiths, as he was an ancestor of both Moses and Muhammad. The Bible first mentions Haran in Genesis 11:26, which states: “When Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.” This verse establishes Haran as one of three sons born to Terah in his hometown of Ur of the Chaldeans, in modern-day Iraq.…