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10 Things Your Bible Wants You to Know About It
Hello, it’s me, your Bible. I’m glad you’ve taken some time out of your day to hear what I have to say, because I think many people don’t really understand me. But because you are curious enough to listen, here are 10 things I want you to know about me. 1. I am a book, and books are meant to be read. I know I look very neat and tidy on the shelf, but I was not made to be a shelf ornament. I am supposed to be read! The only way I fulfill my purpose is if you read me. That’s what books are for! 2. I am a book, and should be read as a book. Why am I the only book that you open to read just one or two verses? I don’t see you taking your other books and only reading one sentence. I am a…
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The Historic Connection between the Easter Celebration and Baptism
Easter is one of the most significant celebrations for Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This celebration of Christ’s resurrection is arguably the centerpiece of the Christian life. After all, if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (1 Cor 15:17). It is no wonder that Easter is one of the most joyous occasions of the Christian life! A lesser-known part of the Easter celebration is its historic connection to baptism. Traditionally, Easter was recognized as a prime time for the baptism of new converts. The association between a believer’s baptism and Christ’s resurrection was viewed as central. But, it was not an issue that was without differing opinions. The Easter Baptism Debate in the Early Church Leo I was the bishop of Rome from 440 to 461 AD. Also known as Leo the Great, Leo exercised his…
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What Does Being Filled with the Spirit Mean?
Ephesians 5:18 commands believers to “be filled with the Spirit.” But what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? This phrase has been understood in a variety of ways. Some have interpreted it as a spiritual manifestation of speaking in tongues. Others have said being filled with the Spirit is the same as being filled with Christ. Although there are many notions as to what being filled with the Spirit means, if we pay attention to the grammar and broader context of Ephesians, we can understand this passage. Understanding the “With” Preposition First, there is the problem of what it actually means to be filled “with” the Spirit. Many of the English versions (NASB, ESV, KJV, etc.) choose this translation, but it is slightly ambiguous. Although it could take a variety of nuances, two different options are primary. As it turns out, this is probably a more important…
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Does 666 refer to Nero in Revelation 13:18?
Revelation 13:18 says that the one who “has understanding” should calculate the “number of the beast.” This number is then further identified as the “number of man,” specifically, 666. Preterists often say that 666 refers to Nero in Revelation 13:18, but is that what John means when he says that the mark of the beast is 666? Symbolism and the Mark of the Beast Not everyone sees 666 as a reference to Nero. Many notable scholars have read the mark of the beast symbolically. Beale, for example, argues in his commentary that the mark of the beast is 666 because six is the number of imperfection. Thus, when six is used three times as the mark of the beast, it emphasizes the completeness of imperfection. Although this view is possible, it is unlikely. John’s command to “calculate” (ψηφισάτω) the number of the beast is a term that was used for…
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Socialism vs. Scripture: Understanding the Spiritual Danger of This Ideology
As the 2024 American election approaches, voters face a stark choice: the survival of a nation built on individual freedom or the allure of socialism, which is increasingly creeping into the American mainstream. What people don’t often realize, is that this isn’t just a political debate—it’s a spiritual and moral one. Socialism, once synonymous with failure and oppression, now finds support among a growing segment of Americans, especially the younger generation. One poll I read noted that 61% of those between the ages of 18 and 24 thought positively of socialism. Another poll said that 43% of Americans thought some form of socialism would be a good thing for the United States. The popularity of socialism in the United States is due in part to the political popularity of politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but it is also clear that many young people embrace socialism without really understanding…
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The Premillennial Prophecy of Hosea
One of the most compelling aspects of premillennialism is its ability to weave together the prophecies of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament into a unified, consistent narrative of the future. Far from being a patchwork of disconnected predictions, the Bible’s message offers a clear and cohesive vision of what lies ahead. While major prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah often take center stage in this discussion, the prophet Hosea offers a profound yet underappreciated glimpse into Israel’s future—a future marked by exile, repentance, and ultimate restoration. Hosea’s message may be lesser-known, but it holds vital insights into God’s plan for His people in the latter days. The Context of Hosea 3 Hosea 3 starts with a command to Hosea: “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress” (v. 1). Although some scholars think this refers to a different…
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Soul and Spirit: Is There a Difference?
Human beings are made in the image of God and are often referred to in terms of the physical (body) and the spiritual (soul and/or spirit). With regard to the spiritual realm, a pertinent question is whether soul and spirit refer to the same thing. Are humans made up of three parts: body, soul, and spirit? Or are human beings made up of two parts: body and soul and/or spirit? This is a difficult question, and I know people who hold different views. To discuss this issue, we must begin by surveying the biblical usage of these terms. Looking at Spirit in the Bible In the OT, the word for spirit (רוּחַ) can mean the following: In the NT, the Greek word for spirit (πνεῦμα) has virtually the same meanings: In comparing the OT and NT usage, the word for spirit is used similarly. It appears that when spirit denotes…
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The Red Herring Fallacy and the Christian (with Examples)
Much like the broader society around them, many believers have become careless in their reasoning. I think this is obvious to everyone, but few are willing to claim they are susceptible to faulty logic. But logical fallacies are widespread, and we all are susceptible to poor thinking. It takes a wise and humble Christian to be willing to take steps toward growth in these areas. When talking about logic, a logical fallacy is a defect or mistake in reasoning that undermines an argument, rendering it unsound or invalid. We have covered two previous fallacies. The first fallacy was the “Either-Or Fallacy,” where we examined how Christians frequently oversimplify issues into a binary choice when, in reality, they are more nuanced. We also discussed the “Straw Man Fallacy,” which happens when someone distorts or alters an opposing argument to make it easier to defeat. Today, I want to delve into the…
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How Many Resurrections are there in Scripture?
Easter weekend is upon us, and so we celebrate the most important part of Christianity—the fact that Jesus is alive! This is the essence of our hope as believers. Because of Christ’s resurrection we have hope of our own resurrection. But understanding the timing of future resurrections can be tricky. How many are there? I saw an online discussion recently about how many resurrections there are in Scripture, and a question was asked about when OT believers are resurrected. I think it is a worthwhile discussion to have, and I think we can accurately observe four resurrections in Scripture. (This is of course assuming that the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11 and the saints in Matthew 27 are temporary and they die again). But, if you are interested, I have tried to compile a complete list of all the resurrections in the Bible. The Foundation for ALL Resurrections: Christ…
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Rethinking Political Anxiety: God isn’t Limited by Evil
Election season 2024 is ramping up in the United States, and thus Christians will be faced with many occasions to be anxious about who will be in charge of the nation. This is certainly not a phenomenon limited to Americans. It is a very human reaction to worry about who is in charge. It is also a good desire to want a good, just, and wise ruler. But as Christians, it is important to remember that God doesn’t need a Christian in the White House to accomplish what He wants to do. Or to put it another way, God can just as easily direct through unbelievers as believers. Our Desire for Righteous Rulers We rightfully desire righteous rulers. In fact, Proverbs 29:2 says that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice! It is easy to see how justice can be administered by those who hold to God’s righteous…