what does the bible say?The Bible tells us that Abraham had eight biological sons. Abraham fathered Ishmael with Hagar, his wife's maidservant, and later Isaac, the child of promise, with his wife Sarah. God established His covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars, with Isaac as the chosen heir. After Sarah's death,

what does the bible say?Cultural relativism is the principle that a person's beliefs and practices should be understood and evaluated based on their own cultural context, rather than judged by the standards of another culture. The Bible doesn't directly address cultural relativism, as the concept emerged long after Scripture was written. However, i

what does the bible say?Epaphroditus is a New Testament believer who exemplifies devotion, selflessness, and resilience amidst adversity. Referred to as a brother, worker, soldier, and messenger by Paul, his profound commitment to spreading the gospel shines through. Despite facing near-death illness, Epaphroditus remained steadfast, living a life

what does the bible say?The Bible acknowledges that demonic or satanic miracles are real, as seen when Egyptian magi mimicked God's miracles but ultimately failed to counteract His power (Exodus 7:8–12). These miracles can deceive, as Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and performs false signs and wonders to mislead

what does the bible say?God created the world good (Genesis 1). However, sin changed everything (Genesis 3). Sin separated us from God and brought death and destruction for all mankind (Romans 5:12; 6:23). Yet, God declared the plan of salvation immediately after Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3:15), and He unfolded this plan throughout human history

what does the bible say?The significance of God saying "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26) lies in the implications it has for humanity to be made in God’s image. God purposed to create humanity in His image and according to God's likeness. Human life is distinct from everything else that was created both in the way God created humanity (

what does the bible say?In Genesis 3, the serpent is identified as Satan. The serpent speaks to Eve, deceiving her into eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which leads to the fall of humanity. This serpent is later explicitly identified as Satan in the New Testament. Revelation 12:9 refers to "that ancient serpent, who is called

what does the bible say?The Bible presents a worldview that starkly contrasts with Hinduism’s beliefs. Scripture reveals one personal and knowable God, distinct from His creation (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:5-6). Humanity is uniquely created in God’s image, not as an illusion or a manifestation of a universal spirit (Genesis 1:27). Sin is rebellion aga

what does the bible say?The Bible does not provide a direct explanation for why people before the flood lived such long lives. Scholars have proposed many theories, ranging from physical environment to spiritual reasons. Certainly, one effect of those long lives was that people could more quickly populate the earth, as God commanded in Genesis 1:28

what does the bible say?The life of Joseph is found in Genesis 37—50. It reveals his journey from favored son to despised brother to powerful ruler in Egypt who saved his family and brought good to many others. Joseph's special coat from his father and his prophetic dreams fueled his brothers' jealousy, leading to them selling him as a slave. Despi

what does the bible say?Demon oppression, or more properly demonization, as described in the Bible, is a real and multifaceted issue. Both the Old and New Testaments confirm the existence and activity of demons, with instances ranging from severe possession to more subtle forms of influence. Major demonization, as seen in the man with the legion of

what does the bible say?The Hittites, an ancient people descended from Heth, son of Canaan, ruled areas of Syria and eastern Turkey during biblical times. They are mentioned in various contexts in the Old Testament, including interactions with figures like Abraham and Esau. The Hittites were among the groups promised to be removed for the Israelite

what does the bible say?The Ishmaelites are the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar, Sarah's handmaiden. After being sent away by Sarah, Ishmael's descendants grew into a significant group. They were often associated with the Midianites and were known for trading, including the sale of Joseph into slavery. The Ishmaelites were also inv

what does the bible say?Agabus was a true prophet who prophesied about a famine and about suffering that would come to Paul. He faithfully shared what God had shown him, even when that message was unfavorable. In both cases, Agabus’s prophecy helped Paul prepare for the realities that lay ahead. Biblically, prophets have a responsibility to speak w

what does the bible say?There has been much debate regarding the identity of the angel of the Lord in the Bible. At times, Scripture refers to the "angels of the Lord" or "an angel of the Lord." However, on other occasions "the angel of Lord" speaks as God Himself. These appearances are a Christophany (pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) or a theop

what does the bible say?Jairus was an official in the synagogue in Galilee who came to Jesus in faith and asked Him to heal his dying daughter. Most synagogue leaders were opposed to Jesus at that time. Jesus disregarded their strict Sabbath practices, cast out demons no one else could, and seemed to attract crowds everywhere He went. A few leaders

what does the bible say?God sent Jesus at the precise moment in history to fulfill His promises at a time when the world was ready. Throughout the Old Testament, God had been preparing humanity for this moment by revealing His holiness and humanity's need for a Savior through the law and prophetic promises (Galatians 3:24, Hebrews 10:1-4). He prepa

what does the bible say?Human beings unquestionably have a will, as we make decisions all the time. When the word "free" is added, however, it carries the idea of making a decision/taking an action with no outside influence or control. The Bible presents only God as absolutely sovereign and free from outside influence or control. Nothing can happen

what does the bible say?God made Himself known to people before the Bible was completed (around 400 BC for the Old Testament and by AD 100 for the New Testament) through various means, including creation and direct communication. According to Romans 1:19–20, God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceive

what does the bible say?Atheism is the belief that God does not exist. The Bible recognizes this viewpoint, with Psalm 14:1 saying, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" However, Scripture teaches that God revealed Himself through creation (Romans 1:20), conscience (Romans 2:15), and His Word. The Bible emphasizes the importance of faith