Where Does the Bible Say?

What Is Lust in the Bible?

What Is Lust in the Bible?Lust in the Bible refers to an intense and sinful desire, often associated with sexual immorality, greed, or covetousness. It goes beyond normal desires, becoming an unchecked craving that leads to sinful actions and separation from God. The Bible repeatedly warns against lust as a destructive force that corrupts the heart and mind.Warnings Against LustIn Matthew 5:28, Jesus teaches, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." This highlights that lust begins in the heart and is not limited to physical actions. Similarly, in 1 John 2:16, lust is described as one of the things of the world that separates believers from God.Overcoming LustThe Bible encourages believers to flee from lust and pursue purity. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul advises, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace." Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and accountability, believers can resist lust and focus on living lives that honor God.Why This MattersUnderstanding lust in the Bible helps believers recognize its dangers and take steps to guard their hearts and minds. It serves as a call to pursue purity, integrity, and faithfulness in all aspects of life.

Is God Speed’s Lightning Artificial?

Is God Speed’s Lightning Artificial?This phrase appears metaphorical and requires clarification. In Christian theology, God’s power and actions, including His control over nature, are entirely real and not artificial. For example, lightning, as a natural phenomenon, reflects God’s sovereignty over creation. Psalm 97:4 states, “His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.”1. Understanding God’s PowerGod’s power is authentic and boundless. He uses natural forces like lightning to display His majesty and authority. Job 37:3 describes, “He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.”2. Misinterpretation of MetaphorsMetaphors or literary expressions involving God’s speed or lightning often symbolize His swift judgment or intervention. They are not intended to suggest anything artificial but rather to emphasize His unmatched power and immediacy.3. Divine SovereigntyAll natural phenomena, including lightning, operate under God’s design. Colossians 1:17 affirms, “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”ConclusionGod’s power, symbolized by lightning, is real and reflects His sovereignty over creation. The term "artificial" does not align with the biblical portrayal of His authentic and divine authority (Psalm 19:1).

Did Jesus Have Siblings?

Did Jesus Have Siblings?The Bible indicates that Jesus had siblings. These were likely the children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus, as He is described as Mary’s "firstborn son" (Luke 2:7). References in Scripture explicitly mention His brothers and sisters, affirming that Jesus grew up in a family with siblings.Biblical Evidence of SiblingsNamed Brothers: Matthew 13:55-56 states: "Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?"Sisters Mentioned: The same passage refers to Jesus’ sisters: "And his sisters, are they not all with us?" though their names are not given.James and Jude: James and Jude, two of Jesus’ brothers, became prominent figures in the early church and authored the Epistles of James and Jude.Alternative InterpretationsSome traditions, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, argue that these siblings were either cousins or Joseph’s children from a previous marriage. However, the Greek word "adelphos," translated as "brother," typically refers to a sibling.ConclusionThe Bible supports the view that Jesus had siblings, underscoring His full humanity and the ordinary aspects of His family life.

What Does the Bible Say About Pork?

What Does the Bible Say About Pork?The Bible addresses the topic of dietary laws in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites specific dietary instructions that included prohibitions on eating certain animals, including pigs. Leviticus 11:7 states, "And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven-footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you." This verse makes it clear that pigs were considered unclean animals under the Mosaic Law, and therefore, they were forbidden to be eaten by the Israelites.Old Testament Law and Clean vs. Unclean AnimalsIn Leviticus 11:1-47, God gives the Israelites a list of clean and unclean animals. Clean animals were those that could be eaten, while unclean animals were prohibited. The dietary laws were part of the covenant between God and Israel, and they were intended to set Israel apart from other nations. These laws were part of the larger holiness code, which outlined the behavior and practices that distinguished the people of God from the surrounding nations.New Testament TeachingHowever, in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles redefined the concept of clean and unclean foods. In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declared that all foods were clean, saying, "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man." Jesus' statement clarified that food laws were no longer binding for Christians. This is affirmed further in Acts 10:9-16, where Peter has a vision of a sheet with unclean animals and is told by God, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." This vision revealed that the gospel was for all people, and the dietary laws no longer applied to Christians.ConclusionWhile the Old Testament forbids the consumption of pork for the Israelites, the New Testament teaches that these dietary laws no longer apply to Christians. Jesus and the apostles emphasized that faith in Christ, not adherence to food laws, is what makes a person clean before God. Therefore, Christians are not bound by the prohibition of pork, but should follow principles of moderation and respect for their bodies in all things.