Many have questions about the use of alcohol – whether or not a Christian can or should drink and whether we should condone (or even advocate for) the practice. While many might have different opinions about this, we need to know what the Bible says about it. So in this article, we are going to consider what the Bible says about the evils of alcohol.
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“To all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).
One of the terms used in the New Testament to refer to the people of God is saints. This was the term Paul used to address the Christians in Rome (Romans 1:7). It is important that we understand this term and why it was used.
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Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word.Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And Your law is my delight.Let my soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.(Psalm 119:169-176)
This final stanza focuses on the need to praise God because of His word. We noticed this point a little bit in the previous lesson. The thoughts expressed in these verses are a fitting conclusion to the psalm and our study of it. Given all that we have learned about God’s word, we should praise Him.
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Adam was created by God and was the first man to live on the earth. The first three chapters of Genesis record his beginning up until his fall. In these chapters, God made several statements directly to Adam. In this article, we will consider what God said to Adam and see what we can learn from these statements.
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There are several statements in James’ epistle that are contrary to popularly held religious beliefs. Let us briefly consider these passages in light of what many churches teach today.
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Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul observes them.The unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.I opened my mouth wide and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.Turn to me and be gracious to me,
After Your manner with those who love Your name.Establish my footsteps in Your word,
And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.My eyes shed streams of water,
Because they do not keep Your law.(Psalm 119:129-136)
We typically think of grace as a New Testament feature, and it is certainly emphasized there. “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). However, grace still existed in the Old Testament and this passage reminds us of that fact. Let us notice how God’s grace and God’s word are related.
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I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love Your law.You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.Depart from me, evildoers,
That I may observe the commandments of my God.Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love your testimonies.My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.(Psalm 119:113-120)
This lesson will focus on the theme of consistency. Though the word is not used in these verses, the concept certainly is. If God’s word was not consistent, we could not trust it or follow it. But because it is consistent, it provides us with protection, sustenance, and safety if we follow it.
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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