UnforsakenNew Testament Studies

Fasting: A Spiritual Practice

The first direct mention of fasting as a spiritual practice appears in Judges 20:26, where the Israelites sought the Lord after suffering defeat in battle: "Then all the children of Israel, that is, all the people, went up and came to the house of God and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord." Here, fasting was tied to deep sorrow, repentance, and a desperate seeking of God’s guidance. Although fasting may have been practiced earlier, this explicit mention provides a foundation for...

The concept of forsaking the fellowship is rooted in Hebrews 10:24-25, where the writer exhorts believers, saying, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." To forsake the fellowship means to willfully abandon gathering with other believers. It is not about occasional absence due to circumstances beyond control but refers to a deliberate rejection of the body of Christ and the communal life we are...

In the New Testament, the breaking of physical chains from Paul serves as a powerful demonstration of God’s deliverance. While this was a historical and miraculous event, it also symbolizes the spiritual reality of being set free from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. The Event: Paul and Silas in Prison In Acts 16:16-34, we see the account of Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi. They were beaten, shackled, and locked in the inner prison. Despite their dire circumstances, they responded with prayer and praise to God: Acts 16:25: “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and...

Many people call the model prayer in Matthew 6 “The Lord’s Prayer,” but if we truly look at Scripture, John 17 contains the Lord’s actual prayer. In John 17, Jesus speaks to the Father in an intimate, heartfelt way. He prays for Himself, for the disciples, and for all future believers. John 17:1 says, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” Here, Jesus prays to the Father concerning His mission on earth and the glory that comes through His obedience. He then prays for the disciples in John 17:15: “I do not pray that You should take them out of...

Apollos is a fascinating figure in the New Testament, known for his eloquence, fervent spirit, and role in the early church. Although not a central figure like Paul or Peter, his contributions to the spread of the gospel and his interactions with others reveal significant lessons about humility, teachability, and the importance of sound doctrine. Below, we will explore every mention of Apollos in Scripture and examine why he is significant. Who Was Apollos? Apollos is first introduced in Acts 18, and his background and characteristics immediately set him apart. He was a Jew from...

The concept of being filled with the Spirit is essential to the Christian life. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul commands believers, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” The Greek word for "filled" here is plēroō, often used to describe filling to capacity, such as wind filling the sails of a ship. This imagery beautifully illustrates how the Holy Spirit empowers and directs us, moving us in alignment with God's will. The Command to Be Filled Being filled with the Spirit is a command, not a suggestion. Paul contrasts this filling with...

Romans 9:13 is a deeply discussed passage, often misunderstood. Paul quotes Malachi 1:2-3: “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” This verse is not about God arbitrarily deciding individual salvation. Rather, it is a declaration of God’s covenantal purposes for nations and His plan to bring salvation to the whole world, including the Gentiles. This study will focus on the biblical context of Romans 9, its connections to Israel and the Gentiles, and its ultimate conclusion in Romans 11, showing that God’s goal is to provoke Israel to return to Him. Love and Hate: A Contextual...

The seven trumpets of Revelation unveil a series of God’s judgments upon the earth during the tribulation, demonstrating the severity of His wrath against sin and rebellion. These judgments are both terrifying and purposeful, highlighting God's sovereign justice and calling for repentance even in the midst of devastation. Throughout Scripture, trumpets often serve as harbingers of significant events, whether to declare war, announce God’s intervention, or call people to attention. The connection between the seven trumpets and other biblical uses of trumpets, such as the fall of Jericho,...

The act of Jesus "pouring Himself out" has been a topic of significant theological discussion, often leading to misunderstanding. Some Bible translations use phrasing that has caused confusion, leading some to believe that Jesus set aside His deity during His earthly ministry. However, Scripture is abundantly clear: Jesus never ceased to be God. Instead, He willingly took on the form of a servant, coming in the likeness of man while retaining His full divine nature. The theological term often associated with this topic is kenosis, derived from the Greek word ἐκένωσεν (ekenōsen), meaning...

Jesus introduces the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13, saying, “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” These virgins symbolize believers awaiting Christ's return, just as the Church awaits her Bridegroom. This imagery echoes Revelation 19:7–9, where we see the marriage supper of the Lamb and the bride (the Church) clothed in fine linen. The lamps in their hands signify their outward profession of faith, visible to the world as they prepare to meet the bridegroom. However, the group of virgins is...

Fasting: A Spiritual Practice

Forsaking the Fellowship

Chain Breaker: Paul and Silas in Prison

The Real Lord’s Prayer: John 17

Apollos: A Servant of God

Being Filled with the Spirit: Moved by the Wind of God

Romans 9: Jacob I Loved, but Esau I Hated

The Seven Trumpets of Revelation: Seven Earthly Judgments

Jesus Poured Himself Out: The Humility of Christ

Parable of the Ten Virgins: Be Prepared

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