The concept of a multi-site church, where a single church has multiple campuses in different locations, has become increasingly common in recent years. However, some Christians question whether this model aligns with biblical principles for the church. Here is an overview of what the Bible says related to this issue: The unity of the church The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity within the church. Jesus prayed that his followers “may all be one” (John 17:21). Paul instructed the Corinthians that there should be “no division” among them and that they should be “united in the same mind and the…
Author: Tim Collings
The Bible has much to say about heaven, the dwelling place of God and the final eternal home for all who have accepted Christ as their Savior. While we cannot know everything about this glorious place, Scripture provides glimpses of the joy, peace, and beauty that await believers after death. A Place Prepared by God Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house (John 14:2-3). Heaven is described as God’s dwelling place, the source of all goodness, and the reward for those who trust in Christ. It is a holy…
Proverbs 6:10 says, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” This verse warns against laziness and a lackadaisical attitude that can lead to poverty. To understand this verse fully, we need to look at the surrounding context. Proverbs 6 is part of a larger section (Proverbs 1-9) that contains many short, pithy sayings that teach wisdom for living well. In chapter 6 specifically, the topic is diligence and avoiding folly. Verses 6-8 use the example of the ant,…
The concept of vicarious atonement refers to the belief that Jesus Christ died on the cross as a substitute sacrifice for humanity’s sins. The word “vicarious” means “performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another.” So vicarious atonement means that Christ suffered death in humanity’s place, as a sacrifice for their sins. The foundations for this doctrine are found throughout the Bible. A key Old Testament passage is Isaiah 53, which prophesies a suffering servant who “was pierced for our transgressions” and “bore the sin of many” (Isaiah 53:5,12). The New Testament affirms that Jesus fulfilled this…
The book of Proverbs in the Bible offers profound insights into why fools despise wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse provides a foundational understanding of the difference between the wise person and the foolish or simple person. At the core, the difference comes down to one’s relationship and reverence for God. The wise person recognizes God as the source of true wisdom and humbly seeks after it. The fool, in contrast, has little regard for God and does not value what He offers through wisdom…
Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah who lived around 600 BC, during a time of great trouble and turmoil for the nation of Israel. Though he started out questioning God about the injustice and violence he saw around him, Habakkuk learned to trust God fully by the end of his book. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, the prophet lays out a powerful testimony of trusting God no matter the circumstances. Even if all the familiar sources of stability and security – food, livestock, livelihood – are stripped away, Habakkuk declares he will still rejoice in the Lord. He resolves to find strength…
The Bible contains many idiomatic expressions that were common in the languages and cultures in which it was written. An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning separate from the literal meaning of the individual words. Some examples of idioms found in the Bible include: Idioms about righteousness and wickedness “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33) – Associating with unrighteous people can negatively influence even righteous people. “White as snow” (Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:7) – Perfect purity, righteousness, and forgiveness from sin. “Blackened pot” (Matthew 23:27) – A person appears righteous on the outside…
The Bible does not directly address “self-help” methods per se, as that is a modern term. However, there are many principles and passages in Scripture that relate to the motives behind self-help and the methods employed. Here is an overview of some key biblical themes regarding self-help: Reliance on God, Not Self The Bible emphasizes that meaning, purpose, and change must ultimately come from God, not our own efforts. Verses like “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) and “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides…
The biblical phrase “the wages of sin is death” can be found in Romans 6:23, which states “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse succinctly captures a key teaching that runs throughout Scripture – that sin leads to death. But thankfully, God offers salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this important phrase. The Wages or Payment for Sin is Death To properly understand this phrase, we first need to examine what “wages”…
The verse in Malachi 3:8 states “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.” This verse raises an important question – what does it mean to rob God? Tithes in the Bible To understand what it means to rob God, we first need to understand what tithes are in the Bible. The word “tithe” literally means “a tenth.” Tithing was an important practice in the Old Testament law in which the Israelites were commanded to set aside a tenth of their produce or livestock to support…