What happened on Paul’s first missionary journey? Paul’s first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13-14. This journey lasted approximately 2 years, from 46-48 AD. Here is an overview of the key events that occurred: Paul and Barnabas Sent Off From Antioch (Acts 13:1-3) Paul’s first missionary journey began from the church in Antioch. Several prophets and teachers were ministering there, including Barnabas and Paul. As they fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Paul for the work He had called them to. After more fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands, the church…
Author: Tim Collings
Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind, is a religious movement that was founded in the 1920s by Ernest Holmes. It promotes a spiritual philosophy that views humans as spiritual beings with unlimited potential to create their reality through intentional thoughts and beliefs. The core teaching is that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and by transforming our thinking, we can transform our lives. Religious Science draws inspiration from various religious and spiritual traditions, as well as New Thought and metaphysical movements of the 19th century. At the heart of Religious Science is the belief that God is…
The relationship between science and faith has long been debated. Quantum physics in particular has raised interesting questions about the nature of reality and our understanding of God. While some view science and faith as incompatible, many scientists and theologians find ways to reconcile their beliefs with scientific discoveries. When examining if belief in God is compatible with quantum physics, there are a few key things to consider. First, it helps to understand some of the basic concepts of quantum physics. At the subatomic level, particles behave in strange ways that defy our intuition and everyday experiences. Things like wave-particle…
The concept of being “absent from the body” is found in 2 Corinthians 5:8, which states “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” This verse points to a key Christian belief – that when believers in Christ die, their spirit goes to be with God, even though their earthly body remains behind. To unpack this idea more fully, it’s important to understand the biblical teaching about the composition of human beings. According to Scripture, humans have both a physical body and an immaterial spirit (Genesis 2:7,…
At first glance, the birth narratives of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke seem to contradict each other. Matthew states that Mary and Joseph lived in Bethlehem, then later moved to Nazareth after returning from Egypt. Luke, on the other hand, says Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, then traveled to Bethlehem shortly before Jesus was born. However, a deeper look shows there are reasonable explanations for these differences. One solution is that Matthew focuses on the story from Joseph’s perspective while Luke focuses on Mary’s. Joseph may have considered Bethlehem his family’s home, even though he and…
The Bible has a lot to say about false witnesses and false testimony. According to Scripture, a false witness is someone who gives false testimony or spreads lies about other people. This is considered a very serious sin in the eyes of God. Here are some key things the Bible says about false witnesses and false testimony: 1. False witnesses are condemned and forbidden Exodus 20:16 declares plainly, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This commandment forbids making false accusations or spreading lies about others. Deuteronomy 19:16-19 condemns false accusers and perjurers and says their punishment should…
Sports betting is a complex issue that Christians must carefully consider in light of Biblical principles. On one hand, gambling can become addictive and promote greed. The Bible warns against loving money (1 Timothy 6:10) and getting rich quick (Proverbs 13:11). Christians are to avoid greed and seek contentment (Hebrews 13:5). On the other hand, freedom in Christ allows for some gray areas not directly forbidden. The Bible does not specifically prohibit all forms of betting or gambling. First, it is important to understand what sports betting is. Sports betting involves wagering money on the outcome of sporting events. A…
The question of whether the apostle Thomas brought the gospel message to India in the first century A.D. has been debated for centuries. On one side are traditions from ancient Christian communities in India that claim their church was founded by the apostle Thomas himself. On the other side are scholars who argue the evidence is too scanty to support this belief. While the Scriptures do not provide definitive proof either way, examining the evidence can give us insight into this fascinating chapter of early church history. Biblical background on the apostle Thomas First, what do we know about the…
The question of whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God is a complex one with arguments on both sides. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible says on this topic: On the surface, it may seem that Christians and Muslims do worship the same God. After all, both faiths are monotheistic and trace their spiritual lineage back to Abraham. The God of the Bible and the God of the Quran share certain attributes as well – both are described as omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and as the sole Creator of the universe. Jesus is revered as a prophet…
The Bible has a lot to say about solidarity, which is standing in unity with others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical themes related to solidarity: Caring for the poor and needy God calls his people to show compassion and justice for the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner. For example: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31) “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s…