The word “christening” is not found in the Bible. However, the ritual of christening does have its roots in several biblical principles and practices. At its core, a christening ceremony is about dedicating a child to God and welcoming them into the Christian church. Let’s explore what the Bible does say about these related topics. Dedication of Children There are several examples in the Bible of parents and families dedicating their children to the Lord. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to the service of God by bringing him to the temple as a young boy to…
Author: Tim Collings
Infatuation is an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone. It’s often characterized by an overwhelming preoccupation and obsessive thoughts about the person. Infatuation is commonly mistaken for true love, but they are quite different. The Bible does not directly address infatuation, but it does warn against lust and uncontrolled passion. It promotes self-control, patience, and true godly love that goes beyond emotions. Here’s an overview of relevant biblical principles regarding infatuation: Infatuation is selfish and obsessive Infatuation focuses on how the other person makes you feel and what they can do for you. It’s largely based on physical…
The topic of prosperity preaching is a controversial one among Christians. On one side, there are those who believe that God wants all believers to be materially prosperous and that prosperity is a sign of God’s blessing. On the other side are those who argue that a focus on material wealth is unbiblical and that prosperity preachers are peddling a false gospel. So what does the Bible actually teach about prosperity and wealth? And are all prosperity preachers necessarily false teachers? This article will examine what Scripture says about money, greed, generosity, and trusting in wealth versus trusting in God.…
Why do so many Christians fail the “practice what you preach” standard? Introduction The Bible teaches that Christians should live according to the truths and principles found in God’s Word. However, many Christians struggle to fully apply biblical teachings to their lives. This article will examine 9 reasons why Christians often fail to meet the “practice what you preach” standard. 1. Hypocrisy and Legalism One of the biggest reasons Christians fail is that they can be hypocritical and legalistic. Jesus strongly condemned religious hypocrites who imposed strict rules on others without obeying them themselves (Matthew 23:1-4). Legalism involves focusing on…
The concept of time in heaven is a fascinating topic that many Christians ponder. Though the Bible does not provide definitive answers about the nature of time in the afterlife, there are some clues we can piece together from Scripture. First, it helps to understand that our current perception of time is very much tied to our physical existence on earth. We mark time by days, seasons, and years on this planet rotating around the sun. So leaving this realm necessarily means leaving our constructs and experiences of time behind. The Bible tells us that with God, time as we…
Nagging is the act of continually harassing someone to do something. It often involves repeating requests, complaints, or demands in an annoying, persistent manner. The Bible does not directly address nagging, but it offers principles that can guide Christians on this issue. The Bible encourages patience and gentleness Several Bible passages encourage patience and gentleness rather than demands and persistence. Ephesians 4:2 says “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 adds that “Love is patient.” This suggests Christians should express requests calmly and graciously, not in a nagging way. Jesus provided…
The word “infidel” comes from the Latin word “infidelis” which means “unfaithful.” In a religious context, an infidel is someone who does not believe in a particular religion or who has rejected the tenets of that religion. The term has often been used pejoratively to refer to people whose beliefs differ from the dominant religion. In Christianity, the word “infidel” has been used to refer to non-Christians, particularly Muslims. Some key points regarding infidels and Christianity: The Bible does not use the term “infidel” directly. However, there are verses that refer to non-believers or people who reject God. Jesus commanded…
Anxiety is a common struggle that many people face today. Feelings of worry, fear, and being overwhelmed can consume our thoughts and affect our everyday lives. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about this issue and offers hope, peace, and encouragement to those suffering from anxiety. Here are some key Bible verses about anxiety: Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is…
King Lemuel is mentioned only once in the Bible, in the introduction to Proverbs chapter 31. The chapter introduces “the sayings of King Lemuel, an inspired utterance his mother taught him” (Proverbs 31:1). Beyond this brief introduction, nothing more is known about King Lemuel from Scripture. There are several theories about who King Lemuel might have been: A pseudonym for Solomon. Some scholars believe “Lemuel” may be another name for Solomon, since Proverbs 31 bears similarities to other wisdom writings attributed to Solomon. A foreign king. Lemuel may have been a foreign king unknown to Israel whose wisdom writings were…
The verse Philippians 2:12 says “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This verse has led to much discussion over what it means to “work out your salvation” and do it “with fear and trembling.” Here is an analysis of this significant verse: Context of Philippians 2:12 To properly understand any verse, it is important to understand the context. Philippians 2:12 comes in the midst of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter,…