Apart from this, scholars don’t have many other reasons for why John called himself by this nickname. John probably doesn’t give much of an explanation because he’d prefer the spotlight on Jesus rather than himself.The Importance of Nicknames in the BibleNowadays we may call our spouse, those we play on sports leagues with, or even coworkers by nic

Quotes about God's Love“But you, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!” - Psalm 109:21“God’s love never wears out.” - Rick Warren“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the w

What Else Does the Bible Say about Love?Love can be found throughout the pages of the Bible, in various stories and verses. Some verses talk about placing love on everything to bring everything into perfect harmony (Col. 3:14); other verses share about loving your fellow brother and sister in Christ (John. 13:34-35; 1 Peter 4:8). Some celebrate the

Are There Multiple Heavens? There are two ways to address this topic: what we know now and what we will know then. Let’s first answer this question in relation to what we know now. Let’s begin with a look at 2 Corinthians. “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body

How Is "Holier Than Thou" Depicted in the Bible?Not much can be found on how the term holier than thou was first created, but according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term was first used in 1859 and means “marked by an air of superior piety or morality.” The words used at the start of this article are secondary words to define the characteristi

1. What Does Sola Scriptura Mean?Sola Scriptura is the Latin translation for Scripture alone. As a whole, the phrase means that God’s Word is sufficient and has the highest authority for all of life. This does not mean that the Bible is clear on every issue or question we have—the Bible has little to say on how to speak Spanish or the scientific in

Is This Verse Translated Differently in Other Versions?“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” is Matthew 5:16 from the New King James Version, which is the same phrasing that can be seen in the King James Version of the Bible.Some translations of the verse have some subtle differenc

It also became the foundation to help in translating more modern versions of the Bible. Regardless, these scrolls gave validity to the messaging of the scriptures and the truth that the word of God remains the same and endures forever.Can We Trust the Dead Sea Scrolls?It is important to understand how the Old Testament was translated from its origi

Perhaps the only time baptism is seen to occur in an individual context is with the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8. Here, Luke records that Philip preaches the gospel to this traveling Ethiopian, who in turn, responds with “Look, here is water, what is stopping me from being baptized!” (8:36). Philip agrees and baptizes the eunuch. The Ethiopian, presu

This wonderful passage in Matthew relates to Jesus’ invitation for us to find rest in him. This rest comes when we accept his authority over our lives and give him control. Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” H

Toward the end of this chapter, God says:“By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow...” (Isaiah 45:23).This “word that will not be revoked” is again confirmed in Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10, and in Revelation 5:13-14. It promises us a time when all will worship th

And in John 14:6, Jesus tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”When we rely on Jesus, we receive rest, peace, mercy. The apostle Paul echoes this in his letter to the early church in Philippi, as he writes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learn

“Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done” (Psalm 9:11).“The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” (Psalm 50:1-2).This precious gift of His presence is not limited to those of Jewish desc

God sees you in the challenges you face too. Bad happens, but it never changes who God is or his love for you. He remains faithful to provide well for you in every circumstance.4 Ways to Live Your Life According to 'For I Know the Plans I Have for You'1. Acknowledge Our Desire to Choose Good for OurselvesEverything changed between man and God when

What Is Happening in Psalm 118? Scholars believe that Psalm 118 was written when David was enthroned at Jerusalem. After all that rejection and fear and struggle, David finally sees the fulfillment of God’s promise and rejoices.Verses 1-4: Give Thanks to the LordDavid is bursting with joy at the goodness of God and urges his people and all who fear

The Berakhot, a Jewish instructional book on prayer, said that “every (Jewish) man is obligated to recite three blessings daily… thank God that I am not a gentile, a woman, or a slave (or in earlier formulations, a boor). This language echoes Greek prayers preserved first by Plato.”The Greek philosophical view of women is seen in a holy book of Jew

Realize We Are Sheep Among Wolves In Matthew 10:16, Jesus warns: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” In Matthew 10, Jesus gives very stark directions to his disciples as he sends them out to preach the gospel. He tells them to be careful and warns of the hard road before them. Je

The Christmastime Season Did you know, based on the Church calendar, Christmas Day is not the conclusion of the celebration of Christ’s birth but the beginning of a 12-day celebration? Deeply rooted in Christian history, the church year, also known as the liturgical calendar, contains six sacred seasons of spiritual formation throughout the calenda

6. 1 Thessalonians 5:18“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”Sometimes it is difficult to thank the Lord. I think of the sicknesses that have no cure, the broken families that seem to have no hope, the painful division in our world. How do we give thanks even then? It’s not that we thank God for the

6. HuldahAfter the priest Hilkiah discovered a book of the Law during renovations at Solomon's Temple, Huldah declared prophetically that the book they found was the authentic word of the Lord. She also prophesied destruction, as the people had not been following the instructions in the book. Yet, she ends with reassurance for King Josiah that he w