What Is Religious Trauma?According to a paper published in the Socio-Historical Examination of Religion and Ministry (SHERM), “Religious trauma results from an event, series of events, relationships, or circumstances within or connected to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that is experienced by an individual as overwhelming or disruptive

1. Devoted to Biblical TeachingThe biblical model for what the Church should look like as the body of Christ is best shown in Acts 2 with the early Church. After receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Peter gave his famous Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:1-40). Over 3,000 people placed faith in Christ and were baptized as a result of that sermon, ad

Postmillennialism had its heyday in the nineteenth century when many believed in the possibility of ongoing societal progress and moral improvement. However, the turbulent twentieth century (including two world wars and an economic depression) caused a decline. Postmillennialism's optimism appeared at odds with the reality of widespread global conf

3. It can allow someone to have a testimony through persecution or difficulties so other people can come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. (2 Timothy 1:3-14)4. It can spare them the consequences of foolish, hasty, or sinful decisions made in an effort to end or escape the affliction. (Psalm 34:17-20)These are just a few of the ways being patien

What Can We Learn from Ahaz’s Life?More than ancient history, there are nevertheless several important lessons that can be derived from the life and leadership of King Ahaz.1. Do Not Rely on Earthly PowersIn his attempt to secure political power and defend himself against the threat of invasion, King Ahaz sought to ally with a known enemy of God an

Lutheran churches also practice infant baptism and teach that baptism is connected to regeneration. The infant is cleansed of original sin when baptized. Lutherans believe that baptism is the work of God as reflected in the following statement. “In summary, infant baptism is a significant practice within Lutheran belief, reflecting the understandin

1. Not Reading the BibleOne way most Christians are unprepared for spiritual battles is because they are not reading the Bible. Bible reading is the main way the Lord talks with us. If we are failing to go to Him in His Word, we will not be prepared for when spiritual battles arise. If we start reading the Bible daily and study it, we will be more

We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control what comes out of us in response. Mary was trusting God to work it out on her behalf, and Joseph acted with kindness and mercy towards her. So God sent the angel Gabriel to speak to Joseph and explain the new plan:“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord a

What Is Freedom in Christ?5 Warning Signs of JudaizingRequiring or encouraging the celebration all of the Levitical feastsRequiring or encouraging the celebration Jewish holidays including Yom Kippur or ChannukahFollowing some or all of the food restrictions outlined in the Levitical lawRequiring or encouraging grown men to be circumcisedStating th

The First Betrayal It’s surprising that there is not more teaching in the body of Christ on the subject, especially when you consider the fact that the Bible itself is full of the accounts of betrayal.As a matter of fact, the record of God’s creation begins with a vicious betrayal by one of God’s most beautiful and powerful angels. Ezekiel describe

Another possibility is that the spirit represents a testing or sifting process. As seen in the book of Job, even evil spirits have the freedom to enter the heavenly courts and address God (Job 1:6-7). By allowing a deceitful influence among Ahab’s prophets, God may have exposed the true hearts of these prophets willing to deliver false messages for

Does What the Enemy Meant for Evil Mature Joseph?The words 'and Joseph was put in charge' throughout his story reflect his growing wisdom, discernment, leadership abilities, and righteous heart.Some believe that God using what the enemy meant for evil focuses solely on the brother's actions that drove Joseph to Egypt. Arriving in Egypt allowed him

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).How to Apply These Principles to YogaWe can start by taking a look at the concerns some Christians have had with the practice of yoga. And before we attend a class, or even as we’re going through one, we can ask ourselves some questions.1. Am I Se

Related Questions and TopicsWhy is cleanliness important in Christianity?Cleanliness is important in Christianity because it reflects our respect for God's creation, including our own bodies and the environment around us. It is also a way to honor God and create a welcoming atmosphere for worship and fellowship.How can Christians maintain both phys

It could potentially be argued that Deuteronomy 10 is talking about asylum-seekers. But again, the LORD connects it to their identity in Egypt. Deut. 10:18-19 says, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you y

Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our citizenship is in heaven and if we are awaiting a savior in the government, then we are going to face a lot of disappointment. Only Jesus can be the true leader that we desire.Living Out the Fruits of the SpiritOne of the

If you are tracking with Proverbs 13:12 that “hope deferred makes the heart sick,” you’ll have your fair share of sickness within your heart as this story comes to a close. But that’s really the point of this. They are back in the land, but ultimately they aren’t reformed. Their hearts have not been transformed. You can change the outward circumsta

After the passing of their father, Joseph’s brothers came to him asking for his forgiveness. Instead of exacting revenge against the years of trials and turmoil his brothers had caused him, Joseph explained how God had used these situations for good. “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about a

“Why are we counted as cattle? Why are we stupid in your sight?” (Job 18:3).6. Knowing When to Stop a Conversation Is ImportantSometimes the best thing to do between two people, especially if they’re close, is to know when to put a pause in a heated disagreement. At several points Job pleads with his friends to stop trying to get him to confess to

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).4. One Word for Victory“That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth;L