The Bible has a lot to say about prosperity and success. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that relate to this topic: Old Testament Verses on Prosperity In the Old Testament, prosperity was often seen as a blessing from God for those who were righteous and obedient to Him. For example: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…he is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3) “I have…
Author: Tim Collings
The Bible presents a complex picture regarding slavery that requires deep study and wisdom to properly understand. Overall, the Bible appears to regulate, restrict, and reform slavery without expressly condemning it. However, there are also verses that reveal God’s concern for justice and compassion for the vulnerable. Interpreting and applying biblical teachings on this sensitive topic demands humility, nuance, and care. In the Old Testament, slavery was a common and accepted institution in ancient Near Eastern societies and cultures. The Law of Moses provided legal protections for Hebrew slaves that sought to humanize the practice and prevent some of its…
# What is the spiritual presence view of the Lord’s Supper? The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is a sacred ritual practiced by Christians to remember and celebrate the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It involves consuming bread and wine (or juice) that represent the body and blood of Christ. There are differing views among Christians regarding the precise meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper. One perspective is the spiritual presence view. ## Overview of the Spiritual Presence View The spiritual presence view holds that while the bread and wine do not actually become the…
The question of whether regeneration comes before faith or faith comes before regeneration has been debated by theologians for centuries. At the heart of this debate is the issue of how salvation occurs – does God regenerate us first so that we can respond in faith, or do we first respond in faith and then God regenerates us? Both sides can make reasonable biblical arguments, so Christians have disagreed on this. Let’s look at what the Bible says on this topic. The Case for Regeneration Preceding Faith Those who believe regeneration precedes faith point to several biblical passages: John 6:44…
Predestination is a theological doctrine that asserts God has foreordained all events throughout eternity. It is one of the most controversial and debated doctrines in Christian theology. At its core, predestination refers to the idea that God, in His sovereign will, determined in advance who would be saved and condemned. There are differing views on predestination among Christians, but it is most closely associated with Calvinism and the Reformed tradition. The doctrine of predestination finds its roots in biblical passages that speak of God’s sovereign election. Verses such as Romans 8:29-30 lay out what is often called the “golden chain…
Snitching, or being a snitch, is the act of informing on someone or revealing their wrongdoing to authorities. It often carries negative connotations of betrayal and dishonesty. Though the Bible does not directly address “snitching” by that term, it does have much to say about matters of truth, justice, loyalty, and living in community that can inform a Christian perspective on this issue. Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament law placed great importance on truth and justice in legal matters. Witnesses were required to give truthful testimony and not show favoritism (Leviticus 19:15). Giving false testimony was prohibited (Exodus 20:16).…
Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their lawful spouse. It is repeatedly condemned throughout Scripture as a grievous sin. The Bible speaks clearly about the sanctity of marriage and the wrongfulness of adultery. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that address adultery: Exodus 20:14 – “You shall not commit adultery.” This commandment given to Moses on Mount Sinai plainly states that adultery is forbidden. It is part of God’s universal moral law. Breaking this commandment damages marriages, families, and society as a whole. Leviticus 20:10 – “If a…
Samson was one of the judges of Israel mentioned in the Book of Judges chapters 13 to 16. He was given supernatural strength by God to help deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. However, Samson was also known for his spiritual compromise and moral failures. Samson’s story begins when an angel of the Lord appears to his previously barren mother and tells her she will have a son who will “begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5). The angel gives instructions that Samson is to be a Nazirite from birth, which meant he could…
The phrase “Daughter of Zion” appears several times in the Bible, primarily in prophetic and poetic passages. But what exactly does this term mean and why is it used? In a literal sense, “Daughter of Zion” refers to the city of Jerusalem. The name comes from Mount Zion, one of the mountains upon which Jerusalem was built. Zion was the location of the Jebusite fortress that King David conquered and made into his royal residence (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The Temple of God was eventually built there as well. So calling Jerusalem the “Daughter of Zion” indicates its close connection to…
Mount Nebo is a mountain located in modern-day Jordan that is significant in the Bible as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Though Moses led the Israelites for 40 years through the wilderness, he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land himself due to an earlier act of disobedience against God. The name “Nebo” comes from the Babylonian god of wisdom and writing. The mountain is located about 10 miles west of the ancient city of Jericho and rises over 2,600 feet above sea level. From the top of Mount Nebo, expansive views of…