Sexual intercourse between persons too closely related for normal marriage. The twofold theological rationale for the prohibition of incestuous unions is the divine claim “I am the Lord your God” (Lev 18:2,4,6) and the note that such behavior characterized the Egyptians and
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (INCEST)
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of how God’s people came home form Babylon. They had spent man years there because they had disobeyed God. Now that they were home, they wanted to let God know how bad they felt about making him unhappy.
Continue reading DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE TORE THIER CLOTHING TO SHOW THAT THEY WERE SORRY FOR SIN?
Paul sent greetings in this verse to the believers who met in Philemon’s house. Groups of believers in New Testament times did not have church buildings, so they usually met in private homes.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (PHILEMON’S HOUSE CHRUCH)
Place and agency for education, particularly of children. The word “school” is not mentioned in the OT and only once in the NT where the reference is to a Greek school (Acts 19:9). Until the exile in Babylon (586 B.C.), the education of children was like the of all ancient peoples: it was centered in the home. The main concern of the Jewish people was for religious education in the home.
Continue reading DEFINITON OF THE DAY (SCHOOL)
A field we do not value goes to weed; a room we do not value never gets a fresh coat of paint; scrap metal is left to rush-but gold is so valued that we pass it through a refining fire to purify it.
Continue reading HOW IS FAITH LIKE PRECIOUS METAL?
The Bible say why God selected Abraham to serve as the progenitor of this people, the “father of all who believe” (Rom 4:11). But it’s likely that the man’s willingness to obey, regardless of circumstances, played a role in the Lord’s decision. Abraham’s bold faithfulness and fearless approach to serving God certainly set him apart from his contemporaries.
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (ABRAHAM “BOLD AND FAITHFUL”)
It’s impossible to think of Priscilla apart from her husband, Aquila. In six New Testament mentions, they are always named together. And while we don’t have a lot of information about them, some “forensic Bible study” uncovers one of the more fascinating and inspiring couples in Scripture
Continue reading WOMEN OF THE BIBLE (PRISCILLA “A MARRIAGE WITH A MISSIOIN”)
This amazing event began when the people of Judah were threatened by armies from three countries. After God told King Jehoshaphat that he would protect Judah, the king planned for battle. He decided that a choir should go in from of the army, singing a hymn. When the enemy soldiers heard the choir, they began fighting among themselves and destroyed each other!
Continue reading DID YOU KNOW THAT A CHOIR ONCE WON A BATTLE?
The woman guilty of sexual misconduct was to lose her capacity for childbearing. This was a fearsome penalty indeed, for women in the ancient Near East established their sense of personal value and esteem on one activity only-bearing and raising children. Education, business, military status, community leadership-none of these were open to women; motherhood was everything.
Continue reading WHAT IS THE SICKNESS THAT PUNISHES ADULTEROUS WOMEN?