The letter to Philemon ends with a list of supporting players who send their greetings and implicitly endorse Paul’s missive of reconciliation. First up is Epaphras, who by being singled out, stands alone in noteworthy acclaim. Simply and succinctly, Paul notes that Epaphras is “my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus.” The Bible only contains two […]
6 Things to Avoid Today’s passage: Ephesians 5:1–4 Focus verse: Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4) In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he tells them to follow Father God’s example as his dearly loved children. Furthermore, they are to […]
We talked about the four times Paul said to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” In another curious reference, mentioned only once, he mentions receiving “the right hand of fellowship.” In modern day context, this phrase seems like a euphemism for a handshake, but I doubt they did that two thousand years ago. With […]
Acts Bible Study: Day 33 Today’s passage: Acts 22:23–29 Focus verse: The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. (Acts 22:29) After Paul says that God would send him to the Gentiles, the people go berserk. They scream and throw dust in the air. The commander […]
Explore the History of All Hallows’ Eve Did you know Halloween started as a Christian holiday? It marked the beginning of a three-day celebration called Hallowtide. For centuries Christians celebrated Hallowtide as a reminder that Jesus defeated death and our future home is with him in heaven. Hallowtide Here’s the breakdown of this three-day event: […]
Eve (along with her husband, Adam), is a well-known biblical figure. I’m surprised she’s only mentioned by name four times in the Bible, twice in Genesis and twice in the New Testament. I’ve never understood why Eve bears the heaviest criticism for disobeying God. Adam is likewise culpable, and he could have—and should have—put a […]
Psalm 205 from Beyond Psalm 150 Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth are far beyond their childbearing years, yet Zechariah prays for the impossible. An angel shows up and tells Zechariah that God has heard his prayers and will answer them by giving him a son. The Holy Spirit will fill the boy, who will point […]
Money: How Much is Enough? How much money is enough when you give to charity? When considering gifts to God, that is a difficult question to answer. This is because God’s economy functions differently than ours. This is aptly illustrated in the following story: Jesus notices the rich people giving gifts to the temple treasury. […]
Acts Bible Study: Day 32 Today’s passage: Acts 21:37 to Acts 22:22 Focus verse: “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 22:21) After arresting Paul, the soldiers carry him away. He asks to speak to their leader. The guy thinks Paul’s an Egyptian rebel who leads […]
Embrace the Beauty and Power of Having a Sanctuary What’s a stronghold? Do you have one? Does it really matter? A stronghold is a physical refuge. It’s a well-fortified dwelling, a fortress. In short, it’s a safe place. We all need a safe place, one that protects us from the assaults of life and […]