During Jesus’ earthly ministry he often communicated through the use of parables, stories used to teach a lesson. Learn about why Jesus used these stories. “Parable” comes from the Greek word which means “to put things together in order to compare them.” Parables are usually short stories told to… Read More
The term paradise appears several places throughout the Old and New Testaments. Find out the background of the word and how it relates to heaven. Topics: Heaven, Paradise, Eternal Life The Hebrew word for “paradise” was borrowed from the Persian word which means a wooded park where everything… Read More
The Old Testament uses several names for God. Read about the significance of the different names and what this implies about God’s character. Of the many words used to name God in the Bible, the following are especially important. The most common is the general noun Elohim, usually translated… Read More
The Greek word for martyr means “witness.” In the New Testament martyrs were individuals were those who bore witness to the life, death and work of Jesus. Two words, “martyr” and “witness,” are translated from the same Greek word, martys. The earliest meaning for the word is probably “witness.”… Read More
Scripture is full of promises that people make to God and that God makes to people. Find out what some of these promises are and how they apply to our everyday lives. Vows are spoken promises made to God, and are often made in response to help received from… Read More
What are the spiritual gifts? How are they supposed to help the church? Learn more about the types of spiritual gifts and their role in the church. The Greek word charisma is most often translated as “spiritual gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12:1 and elsewhere in the New Testament. It… Read More
Many Jewish people thought the Messiah would return as a victorious king. However, four passages in Isaiah discuss a servant who will bring Israel back to God. Four passages in Isaiah are often identified as “the Servant Songs” because they focus on the call and work of “the Lord’s… Read More
Throughout Scripture, hope refers to confident trust in God to provide for the Israelites’ needs. Read more about the theme of hope that is woven through the Old and New Testaments. In present-day society, the word “hope” often refers to wishful thinking or to the expectation that something positive… Read More
In the New Testament, Jesus promises that he will return. Read more about the context of the second coming and what it will mean for believers. This term is used to refer to the future time Christ will return to judge people and establish God’s kingdom. The term, “second… Read More
