The modern perception of prayer often presents it as a one-way street: a list of requests addressed to God. However, a deeper look at its Hebraic context and Jesus’s teachings reveals a more intimate and conversational interaction. This raises profound questions for believers: Does the world need our prayers? If every Christian stopped praying, would the world fall apart? This […]
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The concept of the human-trinity—that a person is composed of a body, soul, and spirit—is widely taught in theology, but does the Bible actually endorse this idea? A closer look at Scripture reveals that the distinction may not be as clear as some believe. The only instance where the combination of “body, soul, and spirit” is mentioned together is in […]
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Understanding our Old Covenant heritage is crucial for grasping the identity and purpose of Christianity, which, despite appearing as a new religion, is deeply rooted in its Jewish origins. The question remains: did God envision a church without Israel? As we explore the connection between Christianity and its Jewish roots, it’s essential to examine what Jesus came to do and […]
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Worshipping God in Spirit and Truth Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well reveals a profound truth about worship. In John 4:24, He declares, “God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship Him according to the truth.” This statement holds the key to authentic worship. The Greek word for “worship,” proskyneō, […]
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Syncretism, the blending of different religious practices and beliefs, has been a part of the Christian Church’s history from its earliest days. As Christianity spread throughout the world, it encountered various cultures and religions, leading to a natural fusion of traditions. Early Christianity (1st-3rd centuries) The apostles and early Church Fathers faced the challenge of presenting Christianity to diverse audiences. […]
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We eagerly cling to the cross of Jesus for salvation, forgiveness, and healing, yet often overlook the daily cross He commands us to bear. We hastily condemn others to eternal damnation, deciding who deserves God’s mercy. But does salvation only mean escaping Hell? Who appointed us judge, jury, and executioner of others’ eternal destinies? And if God were to spare […]
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Have you ever wondered what happens when we die? Many Christians take comfort in the idea that loved ones go to be with the Lord in Heaven. But what does the Bible really say? Let’s Take a Closer Look Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 sheds light on death: “We’re all made of dust, and to dust we’ll return.” And “The […]
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Divorce can be one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. Our Heavenly Father hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and desires to protect every marriage. However, human nature and circumstances can hinder a happy marriage, leading to divorce. Even God Himself divorced Israel (Jeremiah 3:8), and many people find themselves divorced despite not choosing or deserving it. Marriage was […]
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How Does Being Rich or Poor Influence Our Eternal Destination? Jesus describes a scenario in Luke 16:19-31 that is often used as strong evidence for eternal torture and paradise. However, there is more to this parable than initially meets the eye. Is this a true story, or is it a teaching tool, since Jesus mentions the beggar by name – […]
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Unpacking Biblical Authority The concept of the “keys of the kingdom” is a fundamental Christian doctrine, often associated with eternal church authority. However, its interpretation and application have been debated throughout history. Biblical Origins Jesus introduced the concept of the keys in Matthew 16:19 and 18:18, granting authority to His disciples to “loose and bind” things on earth, echoing in […]
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The Refining Fire of God: Purifying Faith and Works In Matthew 3:7-12, John the Baptist confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance. He warned that true faith produces lasting fruit, while false faith yields worthless chaff. John’s message highlights the refining fire of God, which purifies believers’ lives and works. Is John referring to people or […]
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Rethinking Jesus’ Teaching on Taxes For centuries, Christians have interpreted Jesus’ response in Matthew 22:21, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (AMP), as an endorsement of paying taxes. However, this interpretation overlooks the historical context and Jesus’ subtle yet powerful message. In 6 AD, Rome imposed a census tax on […]
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Armour of God – Roman or Priestly? The Armor of God: Uncovering the Priestly Truth Behind the Biblical Armor Introduction The passage in Ephesians 6:10-18 emphasizes the vital need to tap into God’s immense power and strength to resist evil. It’s not about our ability to put on the armor, but rather understanding and utilizing it as God intended. The […]
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The Scripture teaches that death is not the end of existence, but rather a transition to everlasting life (John 11:25-26). The Bible says that the soul of humans can exist forever, raising questions about immortality. If humans are going to live forever, does this mean they are immortal, and if so, were they born immortal? Is immortality the same as […]
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Is baptism the new covenant equivalent of circumcision? Baptism, a practice used by John the Baptist, has its roots in Jewish tradition, not Christian innovation. In fact, Jews practiced baptism (or mikvah) as an act of purification or completion long before the coming of the Messiah. The origins of baptism can be found in Leviticus, where Levite priests underwent symbolic […]
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The Rapture: A Misconception? The term “rapture” is often associated with the Second Coming of Jesus, but it’s not found in the Bible. Common church ideology defines the rapture as a two-stage event: a secret rapture of the saved to heaven at the beginning of a seven-year tribulation, followed by Jesus’ return to Earth in triumph and glory. However, this […]
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Differences in major christian bibles The Different Faces of the Christian Bible As Christians, many of us assume that the Bible is a single, unified text. However, few realize that various Christian denominations have distinct versions of the Bible. While the majority of the books are shared, the differences are noteworthy. – Catholic Bible: 73 books, including 7 deuterocanonical books […]
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The Flaws of Replacement Theology: A Biblical Examination Replacement Theology, also known as Supersessionism, is a doctrine that posits God’s covenant with Israel has been revoked due to their rejection of Jesus Christ, and the church has replaced Israel as God’s people. However, this doctrine contradicts the biblical revelation of the Abrahamic Covenant as an everlasting covenant with Israel (Genesis […]
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The Role of Angels: Understanding Their Ministry and Our Relationship with Them Angels are often misunderstood as being at our beck and call, ready to obey our every command. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals a different reality. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,” but nowhere […]
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Two pivotal councils in the early Christian Church played a significant role in shaping its doctrine, practices, and organizational structure. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Council of Laodicea (363-364 AD) addressed various issues, from Christological debates to liturgical practices, leaving an enduring impact on the Church. The Council of Nicaea Held in Nicaea, Turkey, this ecumenical council […]
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The Sabbath: A Day of Rest The Sabbath, a day of rest and restoration, has been a cornerstone of religious observance for thousands of years. In the Bible, God commands us to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). However, over time, the day of observance has shifted from Saturday to Sunday, leading to confusion and debate […]
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The Evolution of Passover to Easter: A Historical Analysis The celebration of Easter has its roots in the biblical Passover, but over time, it has evolved into a distinct holiday with its own customs and traditions. This article explores the history of how Passover became Easter, and the implications for Christians today. Origins of Passover Passover, also known as Pesach, […]
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In Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 2:13-14, we see Jesus calling His first disciples, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. But what was really happening in these encounters? How can two simple words like: “Follow Me” drive men to abandon everything? To understand, we need to delve into the world of first-century Judaism and the concept of rabbinic discipleship. […]
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The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel refer to the ten tribes that, under Joshua’s leadership, conquered Canaan, the Promised Land, after Moses’ death. These tribes were Asher, Dan, Ephraim, Gad, Issachar, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, and Zebulun, all descendants of Jacob. In contrast, the House of Judah consisted of Judah, Benjamin, and parts of other tribes like Levi and Simeon […]
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The term ‘Jew‘ originates from the name Judah, one of the twelve tribes of ancient Israel. The first biblical usage of the term appears in 2 Kings 16:6. According to Genesis, Judah (Yehudah) was the fourth son of Jacob, and his descendants formed the Tribe of Judah during the Exodus. Initially, the name Judah referred to the tribe and its […]
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After their miraculous rescue from Egypt, God’s people embarked on a journey through the wilderness to Mount Sinai, where they would meet with God and enter into a covenant relationship with Him. This covenant was akin to a marriage, with God becoming their Husband (Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 31:32). At its core, the Bible story is a love story. At Mount […]
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בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃ Bereshit bara’ ‘Elohim et(את) hassamayim v’et(ךאת) haaretzBeginning create(shape) GOD AlephTav heavens(sky, 2nd water) VavAlephTav earth(land) וְהָאָ֗רֶץ הָיְתָ֥ה תֹ֙הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵ֣יתְהֹ֑ום וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם׃ ‘Erets hayetah tohuw tavohuw vechoshek al penei tehom veRuach‘Elohiym merachefet ‘al penei hamayimEarth(land) formless(confusion) emptiness(void) darkness(obscurity) upon(over)face(presence) deep(grave) Spirit(breath) GOD hover(grow soft, relax) upon(over)face(presence) water(urine, violence) וַיֹּ֥אמֶר […]
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When churches discuss money, they often quote Malachi 3:8-12, emphasizing the importance of giving 10% of one’s income to the place of worship. However, what does the Bible truly teach about tithing? Let’s delve into Malachi 3:10 and explore the concepts of “all the tithes” and the “storehouse.“ In Malachi 3:10, God instructs, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, […]
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In Micah 4:8, the prophet speaks of the “tower of the flock” and the “hill of the daughter of Zion,” referring to Bethlehem, where Jacob buried Rachel “beyond the tower of Eder” (Genesis 35:19-21). This same area, known as the Shepherd’s Field, was where Ruth and Boaz gleaned wheat and married (Ruth 4:11-13), and King David was born and crowned […]
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For centuries, the traditional location of Mount Sinai has been widely accepted as being in the Sinai Peninsula. However, this notion is based on tradition and dreams attributed to Constantine and his mother, rather than concrete biblical evidence. A closer examination of the Old Testament reveals a different story. In Exodus 19:1, we learn that Israel arrived in the Sinai […]
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When we think of idols, we often imagine physical statues or objects of worship. However, idols can take many forms, including spiritual ones that are just as dangerous. In Exodus 20, God defines Himself and warns us against creating idols, which can be anything that takes His place in our lives. Here are five potential spiritual idols that can creep […]
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Jesus’ First Message: Restoring the Father’s Name When Jesus began His ministry, He preached a message that would change the course of human history. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a foundational teaching that reveals the heart of God and the nature of true discipleship. In this sermon, Jesus addresses the manipulation of truth, which has been the […]
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The Bible’s enduring authority and relevance in modern times are a testament to its profound impact on human history. Despite skepticism and misconceptions, the Bible remains a vital source of guidance and wisdom. However, its true intent is often obscured by ignorance and preconceptions. As we delve into the Bible’s secrets, several questions arise: – Why are there an Old […]
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Genesis 46:8-27 lists the descendants of Jacob who journeyed to Egypt, including all his grandchildren. However, this presents a challenge when calculating the duration of Israel’s stay in Egypt. The lifespans of Levi, Kehath, Amram, and Moses total only 350 years, leaving a 80-year gap in the supposed 430-year sojourn mentioned in Gen 15:13, Ex 12:40 & Acts 7:6. The […]
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As European descendants, we are accustomed to thinking in terms of form and structure, often focusing on physical appearance and literal interpretations. However, this mindset can limit our understanding of biblical texts, which were written from a Hebrew perspective that emphasizes function and purpose. In this article, we will explore the difference between form and function thinking, and how adopting […]
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In Caesarea-Philippi, a city steeped in pagan rituals and worship, Jesus poses a pivotal question to His disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13). This inquiry sets the stage for a profound declaration that would shake the foundations of their understanding. Surrounded by the temple of Pan, a hub of debauched worship, Jesus asserts, “You are Peter, […]
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In Ephesians 5:27, Paul paints a vivid picture of the church, the bride of Christ, presented to Him in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle. But what lies beneath these two seemingly simple words? A closer examination of the Greek and Hebrew texts reveals a profound message about the character of the bride. The Spot: A Moral Blemish The Greek […]
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In many sermons, churchgoers are cautioned against being “lukewarm” Christians, but what does this term truly mean? To understand its significance, let’s delve into the message to the church in Laodicea, as recorded in Revelation 3:15-16. The Context of Laodicea Laodicea was a thriving trade center, nestled between two cities with distinct water sources. Hierapolis, to the north, boasted warm, […]
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In John 8:1-11, Jesus faces a trap set by the Pharisees and Scribes, who bring a woman caught in adultery to test His allegiance to the Law of Moses. However, Jesus’ response, writing on the ground with His finger, has puzzled scholars for centuries. What did He write, and why? The Context: A Setup for Entrapment The Pharisees and Scribes, […]
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