according to the bible

Racism. People talk about it constantly. What is it? How can we overcome it biblically? Racism: 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others. 2. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races. The idea that one ‘race’ is greater than another is diametrically opposed to the Gospel. While God had a covenant with the Hebrew people for thousands of years, it was always in his will to save all nations (Genesis 5, Psalm 86:9,). God shows no partiality with persons (Romans 2:11). Jesus died for the sins of all nations (2 Corinthians 5:15, John 3:16), not just Israel. There are several ways to talk about racism. One is to the non Christians, and another is to Christians. First let me address everyone in the room. To Everyone: Racism is Sin Sin...

Introduction One of if not the most important things to understand while reading the bible is this; Read everything in the proper context ! Many bible verses are slapped on bumpers, tshirts, and on laptops. I have no problem with this! However, it makes it very easy to read them out of context. Context Matters In order to read bible passages in the correct context, you have to make sure you understand the culture of which it was written, who wrote it, who it was written for, and what happened before / after it was written. You should never just cherry pick bible verses, because that strips them of any intended meaning and leaving people to make up what they think the text means. Judge Not One of the most egregious examples of this would be with the bible passage on “Judge not”. I’ve heard this passage used by mostly non-christians saying that the bible says don’t judge others. This passage is in Matthew 7. Here’s what the passage says: “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. ...

The song Reckless Love has been a favorite of the church for well over a year now. It was a massive success and has changed the way a lot of people view God’s love. There has been some backlash from Christians as well saying that the term “Reckless” is sacrilegious and not an adjective we should use to describe God or his love. What does this word mean, and should it be used to describe God’s love? Let’s find out: God’s Love The word of God has been around for thousands of years. Judaism, the precursor to Christianity, has hundreds and hundreds if not thousands of words describing God and his love.  One of the most popular descriptions of his love is found in the book of Exodus: Exodus 34:6  The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,  This phrase is repeated throughout, even in subtler forms like in Psalm 23:  Psalm 23:6 ...

One of if not the most important things to understand while reading the bible is this; Read everything in the proper context ! Many bible verses are slapped on bumpers, t-shirts, and on laptops. I have no problem with this! However, it makes it very easy to read them out of context. Context Matters In order to read bible passages in the correct context, you have to make sure you understand the culture of which it was written, who wrote it, who it was written for, and what happened before / after it was written. You should never just cherry pick bible verses, because that strips them of any intended meaning and leaving people to make up what they think the text means. The passage we’re talking about here is this: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV) This verse is prayed when people bet in the lottery, want to win their baseball game, or simply as an encouraging word. But what does it mean in context? Philippians The author of this ...

Foundation (God’s Word over Tradition) The Bible is a very nuanced book. There are many things that the bible teaches to different audiences over the course of thousands of years. One teaching that Christians have had a lot of differing views on has been the topic of Alcohol. To preface this conversation, I must first talk about how we should handle the teaching of Scripture. Oftentimes, we import our own teachings and beliefs onto the Word of God, which is called eisegesis. This is very common, which is why it’s so important for us to value the Truth of God’s Word above all. If the bible teaches one thing, but our tradition teaches another, the obvious thing to do would be to follow the Word of God. The Bible is the Bible so let it speak for itself. Jesus actually addressed this very thing in the Gospel according to Mark: Mark 7:1–23 Traditions and Commandments Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that som...

The phrase “we are all children of God” has been echoed in and outside of christian circles. Is there truth in this statement? If so, what are the implications. Let’s find out below. Who Created us? In the bible, the Lord God, Yahweh, created the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. John 1 says that Jesus is God, and is at the center of it all. John 1:2–3 [Jesus] was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (ESV) Psalm 139:13–14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (ESV) Jesus created you and me; he formed us in the womb of our mothers, and for his children, he makes a plan for us( Jeremiah 1:5 ). But that’s the key part, isn't it? What does it mean to be a child of God? In the beginning, Adam and Eve were made as God’s children. He wal...