Spiritual dryness, also known as spiritual desolation, is a common experience among Christians where one feels distant or disconnected from God. It is often characterized by a lack of desire for prayer, loss of joy in worship, doubt, and difficulty feeling God’s presence. Overcoming spiritual dryness requires recognizing it for what it is, reflecting on possible causes, utilizing spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture reading, receiving care from others, and trusting in God’s presence and promises. The term “spiritual dryness” comes from Catholic mysticism but is used more broadly today to describe the experience of God feeling distant. Spiritual writers…
Author: Tim Collings
The city of Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back over 11,000 years. Damascus is the capital of Syria and is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, often in prophecies related to judgment and destruction. Some key Bible passages have led many to believe that the Bible predicts a future destruction of Damascus. Isaiah 17 The prophecy in Isaiah 17 is one of the main Biblical passages used to argue that Scripture foretells the destruction of Damascus. Isaiah 17:1 states: “Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and…
Homelessness is a tragic reality that many people face. In the United States alone, over half a million people experience homelessness on any given night. For Christians seeking to understand how to respond, the Bible provides guidance and insight into God’s heart for the homeless. Old Testament Teachings on Homelessness In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to care for the poor and needy in their midst. Passages like Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instruct God’s people not to harden their hearts against those in need: “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren…you shall not harden your heart…
John 1:1 and John 1:14 are two pivotal verses in the Gospel of John that reveal profound truths about Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God made flesh. In these verses, John establishes Christ’s deity and incarnation – that He is fully God and yet took on human flesh to dwell among us. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) This verse teaches us several key things about Jesus as the Word: He is eternal – “In the beginning was the Word” – He existed…
The statement “Behold, I make all things new” spoken by Jesus in Revelation 21:5 is incredibly significant and reveals key truths about God’s plans for the future. This verse comes after John’s vision of a “new heaven and a new earth” in Revelation 21, pointing to God’s promise to restore and renew creation from the effects of sin and death. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this powerful statement: The Context of Revelation 21 To properly understand this verse, we first need to look at the broader context of Revelation 21. In this chapter, John sees a vision of…
The triumphal entry refers to the event described in the Gospels where Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, with crowds welcoming him and laying down palm branches and cloaks in his path. This took place in the final week before his crucifixion and resurrection. The triumphal entry has great significance for understanding Jesus’ mission and identity. First, it fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a…
Deuteronomy 10:20 says “You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.” This verse comes within the context of Moses reminding the Israelites of God’s commandments and exhorting them to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Let’s explore what it means to “hold fast” to God according to this passage. The Context of Deuteronomy 10:20 Moses was addressing the new generation of Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. He reviewed how God had miraculously delivered their parents from Egypt and called them into a special…
The question of whether all people are born good is an age-old one that the Bible addresses in various ways. At creation, God made humans in His image and called His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31). However, sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience and corrupted human nature (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). As a result, humans are born with a sinful nature that inclines them toward evil (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23). Does this mean people are inherently evil from birth? Not exactly. On one hand, the Bible teaches that people are shaped by sinful desires and tendencies from a young…
Temptation is a common struggle for many Christians. We live in a fallen world filled with sin and temptation can feel inescapable at times. However, God does not leave us without hope in the face of temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers an incredible promise from God that with every temptation, He will provide a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may…
The Bible has a lot to say about health, covering topics like diet, exercise, rest, mental health, healing, and more. Here’s an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding health and wellness: Caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit Our bodies are not just physical vessels, but are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As such, we have a responsibility to care for our bodies and honor God with them. This includes making wise choices when it comes to what we eat, how we exercise, getting proper rest, avoiding unhealthy habits, etc. Moderation…