The work of the Holy Spirit is evident throughout the Old Testament, yet His relationship with humanity differed significantly from the New Testament era. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would come "upon" individuals, empowering them for specific tasks or roles. For example, in Judges 6:34, we read, “But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.” Similarly, in 1 Samuel 10:10, the Spirit came upon Saul, enabling him to prophesy. This empowerment was not permanent; the Spirit's presence could depart. Psalm 51:11 captures...
The Gospel: The Good News of Salvation by Faith
What Does the Gospel Mean? The word “gospel” comes from the Greek euangelion, which translates as "good news" or "glad tidings." It is the proclamation of the greatest news humanity has ever received. However, to fully grasp why this news is so good, we must first confront the bad news: we are all sinners under the righteous wrath of God. As Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our sin separates us from our Creator, and we are incapable of saving ourselves. Isaiah 59:2 declares, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins...
The Number Seven: God’s Number of Completion
Throughout Scripture, the number seven is repeatedly used as a symbol of perfection, completion, and divine order. It reflects God’s sovereignty and purpose in creation, redemption, and judgment. The recurrence of this number throughout the Bible serves as a reminder of God’s meticulous plan and His control over all things. Let’s dive into the rich tapestry of biblical references to the number seven, exploring its significance in creation, worship, prophecy, and divine judgment. Seven in Creation The first and most foundational appearance of the number seven occurs in the creation...
Right Hand vs. Left Hand: Honor and Judgement
The Bible frequently uses "right hand" and "left hand" symbolically to convey deeper spiritual truths. The right hand represents honor, authority, power, and favor, while the left hand often symbolizes judgment or lesser status. Let’s explore this concept in Scripture, revealing its profound significance, and conclude with a thought-provoking reflection on its application today. The Right Hand: Honor and Authority Scripture is clear that the right hand holds a place of honor and power. Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to the right hand of the Father, signifying His authority and...
Imago Dei: Made in God’s Image
The word "image" in Hebrew is "tselem", which refers to a representation or likeness. Being made in the image of God means that humanity uniquely reflects God’s character, attributes, and authority. It does not mean we are divine or possess God’s infinite qualities, but it does mean that we were created to mirror aspects of His nature. Relationality: God is a personal and relational being. As humans, we reflect this by our ability to form relationships—with God and with one another. Rationality: God is a God of order and reason, and we reflect this through our capacity for thought,...
In the Beginning: Six Literal Days of Creation and a Day of Rest
The Bible begins with one of the most profound and foundational truths of all time: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). The account of creation in Genesis 1-2 is clear, straightforward, and powerful, revealing God’s intentional design of the universe in six literal days, followed by a seventh day of rest. Let’s delve into the text and the implications of a literal six-day creation, as the Bible declares. "Yom" Means a Literal Day The Hebrew word for "day" used in Genesis 1 is "Yom", which throughout Scripture, when paired with a number or described with...
The Armor of God: Equipped for Victory
This is one of the most practical and powerful teachings in Scripture: the armor of God. Found in Ephesians 6:10-18, this passage paints a vivid picture of how we, as believers, are equipped to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Let’s walk through each piece of armor, explaining its meaning, its Old Testament roots, and how we can apply it in our daily lives. The Belt of Truth Paul starts by saying, “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth” (Ephesians 6:14). The belt was essential for a Roman soldier; it secured all the other pieces of armor and held everything...
Heaven: What Heaven is Really Like
Lets talk about what the Bible says about Heaven, the new creation, and the life to come. We’re not going to base this on cultural images of harps and clouds, but on the truth of God’s Word. Let’s explore the biblical use of "Heaven," "Heavens," and "Heavenly," as well as the incredible promise of the new Heavens and new Earth. Understanding “Heaven,” “Heavens,” and “Heavenly” The Bible uses the word "Heaven" in different ways, so we need to be clear. The Sky (Atmosphere) The first use of "Heavens" refers to the sky above us, where the birds fly. Genesis 1:20 describes this: “Then God...
Demons: A Comprehensive Study
This topic is both sobering and crucial for every believer to understand: Demons. What are they? Where did they come from? Are they fallen angels, or are they distinct from angels entirely? Can they possess people today, and more importantly, can they possess Christians? As we explore these questions, we’ll rely entirely on the Word of God as our foundation, but we’ll also briefly touch on historical, extrabiblical texts to provide additional context. Let’s pray for discernment as we tackle this important subject. What Are Demons? The word "demon" comes from the Greek word δαιμόνιον...