What does it mean to be created in the image of God? When God made man, he said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26). “Image” comes from the Hebrew term tselem, which has to do in this context with having a resemblance with someone. “Likeness” comes from the Hebrew term demuwth, which likewise… Read More Bible Q&A: What Does It Mean To Be Created in God’s Image?
Last Thursday was Thanksgiving. All of us have much for which to be thankful to our God and Creator. There is a hymn which says, “Count your many blessings/name them one by one/and you’ll be surprised at what the Lord has done.” When we all stop and do just that – when we count all the good things in our lives – it really does bring a needed perspective. This new outlook is essential to improving our lives and avoiding stress and anxiety.… Read More Stressed? Change Your Perspective!
Here is how sin develops. It starts with “(our) own lust” (v. 14), “lust” having far more to do with sexual desire; it refers to having a strong desire for anything. Temptation comes “when (we are) carried away and enticed by (our) own lust.” Think about it. When was the last time you were tempted to sin concerning something about which you had absolutely no desire at all to have or do?… Read More James: How Sin Develops
If God has revealed all things we need, does that mean that all discussion God had with prophets are recorded? If not, then does this lend way for the concept that God is still speaking through prophets? A prophet by definition is a spokesman, an oracle (1 Pet. 4:11), someone who speaks on behalf of… Read More Bible Q&A: A Very Good Question About God Speaking Through Prophets
What can we do to obtain relief from these burdens and pressures we feel every day? The answer to this question is found in the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6-7. In these two verses of Scripture he writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” From these two brief verses come three principles that will help to alleviate the burdens we bear in life.… Read More Replacing Anxiety With Thanksgiving
Christians should always keep God’s numerous blessings in mind and be thankful for them, if for no other reason than to avoid stress and burnout. During times of being stressed out and worried over things, it’s easy to forget that God ultimately provides and protects; this may lead the beginning of doubt over either God’s ability to care for us or His love for us. I believe this is why Jesus told us three times in the Sermon on the Mount to not worry (Matthew 6:25, 31, 34) and the Holy Spirit inspired the Old Testament psalmist to tell us three times in one psalm to not worry (Psalm 37:1, 7, 8). This particular psalm – Psalm 37 – tells us exactly how to avoid stress by recognizing how good God truly is.… Read More Trust in the Lord
Chapter 7 is one of the more misunderstood chapters of Revelation. Even though the book says it is “signified” (Revelation 1:1), many take what is written in the book literally instead of figuratively. For example, I’ve talked to some who read chapter 7 and conclude there will be only 144,000 souls in heaven when all is said and done. I’ve talked to others who think that in the end only 144,000 from the nation of Israel will be saved. Such is not the case.… Read More Are You Part of the 144,000?
If we are created in the image of God, why can’t we be jealous and seek vengeance? “For I the Lord your God am a jealous God” (Ex. 20:5) has been described as an anthropomorphism, where God describes himself with human characteristics so that we may understand him. Therefore, we should not view his “jealousy” as… Read More Bible Q&A: If We Are Created in God’s Image, Why Can’t We Be Jealous and Vengeful?
Pre-Denominational Christianity 