The book of Acts provides detailed accounts of the early New Testament Church, including the dramatic story of Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle. Known as Saul in Hebrew, Paul was a relentless antagonist of the Church, intent on imprisoning believers. His authority from the Sanhedrin extended to Damascus, 140 miles from Jerusalem, where he pursued Christians with zeal, causing widespread fear. On the road…
Story Category: Bible
Melchizedek youtube.com
There is an interesting connection between Jesus and Abraham in Scripture. In John 8, Jesus says, “Abraham rejoiced to see My day,” as though they were friends. Abraham knew of His coming and was glad. But how could Abraham have known Jesus? Let’s go back to Genesis. Abraham meets a mysterious figure: Melchizedek, the “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High.” Melchizedek blesses…
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible? – Tom Clark and Erik Jones lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
3 weeks ago in Bible
In Genesis 14, we meet Melchizedek, the “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High.” He blesses Abram after his victory and receives a tithe from him, offering bread and wine—a gesture echoed in the New Covenant Passover. Though Genesis mentions Melchizedek briefly, his significance unfolds in Psalms and Hebrews. Psalm 110:4 prophesies a Messiah who will be “a priest forever according to the…
What Is Faith? ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
4 weeks ago in Bible
God wants us to know Him and develop a relationship with Him, offering assurance of His plans for us now and in the future. His Word reveals that godliness benefits all aspects of life, both present and eternal (1 Timothy 4:8). Yet, there’s a critical distinction between merely believing in God and truly believing God. Believing in God acknowledges His existence. Many people do this,…
Creation Story youtube.com
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) All that was created was created by the Word, who later became Jesus Christ. (John 1:1) As God laid the foundations of the earth, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” (Job 38:4-7) All was very good! (Genesis 1:31) But then, something happened. The earth became…
Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
4 months ago in Bible
The New Testament Church began with great enthusiasm, adding 5,000 people one day and 3,000 shortly after, as recorded in Acts. However, over time, the Church’s “first love” diminished due to Satan’s influence and false teachers infiltrating the Church. Christ rebuked the Church in Ephesus in Revelation for losing its initial passion, and the Apostle John, writing towards the end of the first century, addressed…
The Magdalene Gospel – Mark J. Hulme vision.org
Ryan Welsh
5 months ago in Bible
Among the women in the Bible, one figure has gained notable attention recently: Mary Magdalene. Known as one of Jesus’ most mentioned female disciples, she appears in all four Gospels. Catholicism honors her as Saint Mary Magdalene, recognizing her both as an apostle and a sinner. Additionally, apocryphal texts like the Gospel of Mary offer intriguing insights into her life and role in the early…
Five Essential Time Management Principles From the Bible – Becky Sweat ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
8 months ago in Bible
In our hectic, fast-paced world, many of us echo these sentiments: “I’m swamped, can’t even catch a break!” “Always battling fires, never feeling accomplished.” “Work’s eaten family dinners, I can’t remember when we last sat together.” “Overwhelmed with tasks, don’t know where to start.” “After work, I just want to veg in front of the TV.” Time is finite, slipping away unnoticed amid our bustle….
You Cannot Serve God and Money – Don Henson lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
10 months ago in Economics
This text emphasizes the contrasting perspectives on wealth, particularly the allure of material riches versus the spiritual treasure advocated by Jesus and the apostle Paul. It addresses the prevalent desire for financial success, exemplified by lottery participation, and challenges the notion that physical prosperity guarantees true satisfaction and security. Jesus’ teachings, especially the analogy of serving God or mammon, underscore the need for a choice…
How to Study the Bible – Mike Bennett lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
10 months ago in Bible
In approaching the Bible, a vast and ancient text, new readers often face challenges. To unravel its wisdom, here are key principles for effective Bible study: Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s guidance in your study. The Bible, inspired by God, is a valuable guide for life. Praying for understanding and wisdom establishes a connection with the ultimate Author. Learn and Obey: Approach the Bible humbly,…
Contradictions in the Bible? – Kevin Epps lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
12 months ago in Bible
The belief in the inerrancy of the Bible asserts that the Scriptures, as originally written, are perfect and free from mistakes. Three foundational scriptures emphasize this belief: 2 Peter 1:20-21: Prophecy is not subject to private interpretation but comes from holy men moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. John 10:35: Scripture cannot be broken. Despite…
Paul and the Road to Damascus – Mike Bennett lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Bible
Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, initially emerged as a fervent adversary of the early Christian community, even participating in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57-60). His hostility extended beyond, causing chaos and imprisonment for followers of the Way in Jerusalem (Acts 8:3). However, the trajectory of Paul’s life underwent a seismic shift during a journey to Damascus. A celestial light enveloped…
What Do I Have to Do to Be Heard? – Jeremy Lallier lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Bible
In this world of complex one-sided conversations, reaching those with real power can seem impossible. With billions of people facing unique issues, direct communication with world leaders isn’t feasible. However, collective voices can’t be ignored. Even though marches and protests can’t guarantee change, they demand attention. But more than being heard, we want to be understood and valued. Yet, the ones in power often can’t…
The Problem of Pride – Gary Petty churchofgodnetwork.org
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Bible
For so many there are times when life can feel exceedingly and unfairly cruel. This Blog highlights one such story of a Continental officer who faced a litany of perceived inequity. Justifying himself through the many personal sacrifices he made, this man turned on the once loved cause that he felt had now betrayed him. When viewing betrayal through pride, regard for others takes a…
“Cults” and Real Christianity! – Dexter B. Wakefield thebiblesaysthat.com
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Gospel, Cult
To be labeled “cultish” today carries a similar stigma as being labeled a “heretic” in the third and fourth century…minus the horrific torture and death. These terrifying labels purposefully sway many from questioning mainstream orthodoxy. Rightly so especially for those living under the fear of torture and death. In today’s world, to be thought of as “part of a cult” or “cultish” carries an extreme…
The Path of Conviction – Tim Vail leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Bible
Many today claim to believe God, but that belief has little influence on their behavior – living by preferences, not convictions. Standing for something because of what others do or don’t do, given to peer pressure, these beliefs are preferences, not convictions. As laid out in this article, belief without action is not conviction, it’s just a type of intellectual righteousness. What is biblical conviction?…
How To Study Your Bible – Richard F. Ames thebiblesaysthat.com
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Bible
Arguably the Bible is the most important book ever written. Within its pages is the meaning and purpose of life, principles for true success, fulfillment, happiness, and health. It explains why our world is in such confusion and danger and reveals the very plan of God. Daniel Webster, congressman and Secretary of State under Presidents Harrison, Tyler and Fillmore made the dire national warning “if…
What Truth Are You Afraid Of? – Carmine Russo churchofgodnetwork.org
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Bible
This author seeks to challenge the reader with facing hard truths. Truth is truth whether we believe it, like it or ignore it and the same could be said of its source. Hard truth, that which challenges you or maybe makes you feel uncomfortable should not be feared. In fact, that is the very truth we should seek out because to avoid it is to…
What is Heaven? tomorrowsworld.org
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Bible
Traditions and fantasy have shaped many opinions about heaven. From the context of the Bible there are three heavens. The first heaven is simply earth’s atmosphere. “let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” (Gen 1:20). Like the first heaven the second heaven is also observable by mankind. It is what we call outer space. “I will surely multiply your offspring…
How do we know that the Bible is the true word of God? thebiblesaysthat.com
Ryan Welsh
4 years ago in Bible
There are many articles that set out to answer “is the Bible true”? Being that there are many “proofs of the Bible” it seems interesting that many articles highlight and focus on what could be seen as opinions. This quick Q&A offers the proofs from a high level, leaving it to the reader to delve into each one. It begins: As an ancient text, the…