what does the bible say?The significance of the crown of thorns is rooted in biblical prophecy and historical events. From the Old Testament, Genesis 3:18 foretells that thorns are a consequence of sin, a curse that Jesus, the Messiah, would bear. Isaiah 53:5 prophecies that the Messiah would be pierced for our transgressions. This was fulfilled th

what does the bible say?The Stations of the Cross, or Via Dolorosa, are a series of fourteen representations of Jesus' final journey from His condemnation to His burial, although several stations are not directly mentioned in the Bible. The Scriptural Way of the Cross refines the tradition of the Stations of the Cross by focusing solely on New Test

what does the bible say?Honor is a topic that we find discussed throughout the entire Bible, and it is of great importance to God and our walk with Him. The dictionary defines honor as: "honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions." To honor someone is to hold him in high respect or to treat him with honor. God wants us to honor th

what does the bible say?A hobby is something we pursue or engage in apart from our regular occupation that is meant for enjoyment and/or relaxation. Certainly God promotes rest and there is nothing wrong with engaging in non-work related things for enjoyment. Along with considering hobbies that are not sinful, we also need to consider our attitude

what does the bible say?Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, played a crucial role in the Israelites' victory over the city, hiding their spies and securing safety for her family through her faith in God. Despite her unlikely background, Rahab's belief in the Israelite God led her to take bold actions, ultimately leading to her and her family's salvatio

what does the bible say?Gaza, a city along the Mediterranean Sea, was a significant fortified port on trade routes between Africa, Europe, and Asia, originally part of Canaanite territory before being ruled by the Philistines. Despite attempts by the Israelites to conquer it, Gaza remained under Philistine rule, featuring prominently in biblical st

what does the bible say?The cities of refuge in the Old Testament provided protection for those who unintentionally committed murder. These cities, administered by the Levites, offered a safe haven until a fair trial could be conducted. If found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, the individual could remain in the city until the high priest

what does the bible say?Spiritual gifts are talents and abilities given to Christians by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. In a body made of individual believers, it doesn't make sense for each person to have the same gift—a church made of all teachers, and no servants, would be ineffective. So the Holy Spirit distributes the different gifts so

what does the bible say?Meribah, meaning "quarrel, provocation, strife," in Hebrew, signifies the locations where the Israelites disputed with God over their need for water in the desert. The first incident occurred at Meribah near Mount Horeb (Exodus 17), where the Israelites accused Moses of leading them into the wilderness to die of thirst. Mose

what does the bible say?The virginity test in Deuteronomy 22:13–21 was aimed at protecting women in a patriarchal society. If a man falsely accused his wife of not being a virgin, her parents could provide proof of her virginity, and the man would be punished, fined, and prohibited from divorcing her. This law was intended to protect the woman's ho

what does the bible say?The land of Goshen, where the Israelites dwelled in Egypt, illustrates God's provision and protection throughout history. Goshen, a fertile land separated from Egyptian influence, became a place of prosperity for God's people. However, it also became a temptation for them to rely on earthly comforts rather than trusting God.

what does the bible say?Christians use the word "legalism" to describe the belief that rule-following is necessary for salvation and sanctification. A legalist is someone who depends upon good behavior, rather than God's grace, for assurance of their own salvation and that of other people. The Bible condemns legalism. Legalism shifts focus from God

what does the bible say?The Bible has much to say about how God views widows and how His people are to treat them. It emphasizes the importance of treating widows with compassion and respect, viewing them as valuable members of the community. God provided instruction for His people to care for widows, ensuring they were included in community celebr

what does the bible say?Kadesh-barnea, an oasis in northern Sinai, served as the Israelites' camp after leaving Egypt, where they stayed for thirty-eight years until the old generation perished. Significant events occurred there, including sending spies to Canaan and Moses striking the rock for water. Despite their lack of faith, God provided for t

what does the bible say?The Bible cautions against self-absorption and selfishness, highlighting the importance of considering others alongside ourselves (Proverbs 18:1; Philippians 2:3-4). Appropriate self-love results from understanding ourselves rightly. Acknowledging our unique identity and God's plan for our lives fosters a balanced self-perce

what does the bible say?The Bible does not say that drinking alcohol is inherently sinful, but it warns against drunkenness and addiction. Throughout Scripture, alcohol is often portrayed as a gift from God that can bring joy, yet it also carries the potential for abuse and harm. Old Testament and New Testament verses alike caution believers to be

what does the bible say?Within the last one hundred years, people around the world have reported a glittery cloud that sometimes appears in worship services—from house churches in Brazil to mega-churches in California. The cloud is described as a glittering swarm of gold-like particles which settles downward on people, then vanishes upward. It cann

what does the bible say?The term “lukewarm” is often used to refer to someone who seems indifferent or apathetic about their faith, neither fully committed to God nor openly rejecting Him. Apathy is something that can settle in anyone’s life, including believers, and in His message to the church at Laodicea, Jesus calls the believers to repent from

what does the bible say?Millions of people, including Christians, suffer from depression. Depression can manifest as sadness, low energy, frustration, numbness, and extended misery. Depression is a complicated, multifaceted condition. Being depressed is not inherently sinful, and depression is not always caused by sin, nor does it indicate a lack o

what does the bible say?Baal, the main god of the Canaanites, was worshiped in Israel and Judah, leading to moral decline and divine judgment. Despite God's warnings, Baal worship persisted, even involving child sacrifice. In a famous showdown, God proved His supremacy over Baal through Elijah. Similarly, Pharisees accused Jesus of demonic power, b