The statement “I have never seen the righteous forsaken” in Psalm 37:25 has caused some confusion among Bible readers. At first glance, it may seem unrealistic or exaggerated. After all, every Christian can likely recall times when righteous, godly people have experienced great hardship, suffering, or tragedy. So how could the psalmist make this absolute-sounding statement? When we examine the context and meaning of the verse more closely, several insights emerge that help explain what the psalmist meant. The Broad Context of Psalm 37 Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David. The overall theme is an encouragement to…
Author: Erin Weitzman
The Bible speaks out clearly against violence against women. All people are made in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (Genesis 1:27). However, due to sinful human nature, violence against women has been a tragic reality throughout history. The Bible prohibits violence against women in many passages. Old Testament Teachings In the Old Testament, the law provided various protections for women. For example, rape was strongly condemned and punishable by death (Deuteronomy 22:25-27). Assault leading to miscarriage brought heavy fines (Exodus 21:22). Adultery was forbidden and punishable by death for both parties involved (Leviticus 20:10).…
In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” This passage provides important insight into how we should approach God in prayer and seek to grow closer to Him. The Context of Ask, Seek, and Knock To properly understand what Jesus meant, it’s important to look at the context surrounding this passage. In Matthew 7, Jesus is teaching His disciples as part…
The Bible has much to say about the existence and role of angels. Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and carry out His will. Though there are many references to angels throughout Scripture, much mystery and misconception surrounds these heavenly beings. What does the Bible really teach about angels? Are they actively at work today? Let’s explore what God’s Word reveals. The Nature and Role of Angels The Bible tells us that angels are immortal spirits created by God (Psalm 148:2-5; Hebrews 1:14). They do not marry or reproduce (Matthew 22:30). Angels are servants of God…
The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings about friendship. One well-known verse on friendship is Proverbs 17:17, which states: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This profound verse teaches an important truth about the meaning of true friendship. In this verse, Solomon contrasts two types of relationships – friends and brothers. Brothers share a natural familial bond. But true friends choose to love each other freely. This choice to love through good times and bad is what sets friendship apart. True friends are committed to the relationship not by…
The saying “so help me God” has biblical origins and is commonly used when taking an oath or making a solemn vow. Here is a 9000 word article explaining the significance and meaning behind this phrase: The saying “so help me God” dates back to the 16th century and has been used when swearing an oath of truthfulness or sincerity. It is commonly associated with courtroom proceedings, inauguration ceremonies, and other formal settings where an oath or sworn testimony is required. The phrase implies that the person swearing the oath is making an appeal to God as a witness to…
The phrase “grieve the Holy Spirit” comes from Ephesians 4:30, which says “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” To understand what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit, we must first understand who the Holy Spirit is and what His role is in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4). After Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell…
Every church has its own unique culture that is shaped by a variety of factors. The culture of a church refers to the beliefs, attitudes, customs, social practices, and overall feel of a congregation. There are many elements that contribute to forming the culture within a church community. Leadership One of the biggest determinants of church culture is the leadership. The pastor, elders, deacons, and other leaders set the tone and vision for the church. Their teaching, priorities, personalities, and leadership style filter down into the congregation and inform the culture. For example, a pastor who emphasizes sound doctrine and…
Sharing one’s Christian faith with others is an important part of following Jesus Christ. However, sharing faith with someone of the opposite gender can raise additional questions and concerns. This article will examine what the Bible teaches about sharing faith across gender lines, considerations for doing so appropriately and effectively, and biblical principles for healthy cross-gender relationships. The Call to Share the Gospel The Bible makes it clear that followers of Jesus are called to share the message of salvation with others. Jesus commanded his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in…
Studying God’s word is an essential part of the Christian life. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This verse encourages us to diligently study the Bible so that we can understand it accurately and live it out faithfully. Here are some key principles for studying the Bible to show yourself approved: Read the Bible Regularly We cannot get to know God’s word if we do not spend consistent time reading it. Having a plan to read…
