Category: Bible Study

Meg

10 Verses to Read When Tragedy Strikes

Tragedy is a prevalent backdrop this side of heaven. Our hearts and minds are scorched with sorrow and drained of comprehension as we scroll through our daily news feeds. For modern generations of children, lock-down drills are as routine as fire and tornado drills. 

John 16:33 assures us that “in this world we will have trouble.” The word “trouble” in this verse is translated from the Greek word thlipsis (a cognate form of the verb thlibō) meaning to “press, squeeze, crush.” (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary.) When we are leveled by tragedy, it’s important to remember that God is not surprised. 

Formed in God’s image, the anguish our souls endure at the sight and sound of human pain is ingrained in us. His promise is to love, and never leave us. Even in a world that is crumbling before us, Christians know that we will make it through into the presence of His face.

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Meg

7 Effective Ways to Memorize Scripture

Memorizing Scripture alludes a lot of us. Why would the Devil want to make it easy for us to carry around the Living Word of God on the tips of our tongues and the top of our minds? Because it’s powerful! 

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). 

The Hebrew word for “word” in this verse is “promise.” David wanted to hold onto God’s promise, knowing that was the only way he stood a chance of resisting sin. This side of the gospel, we cling to the promise of Jesus. We no longer have to worry about the impossibility of avoiding the fall into sin; rather, we hold onto the grace of forgiveness that allows us to repent and keep moving towards holiness … and a heart like His. Jesus is the Word. 

“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:1-6).

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Meg

Who Were Jesus’ Friends

“You are my friends.” (John 15:14)

Jesus had a close circle of 12 on this earth, but He calls us friends, too. The NKJV Chronological Bible Notes for this verse explain,“While He was not implying that His friends were His equals, He was offering to share with them what belonged to Him.” And the second half of John 15:14, “You are my friends, if you do what I command,” gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ perspective of friendship. 

It’s important to consider what friendship meant in Bible times. The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible states that “the language of friendship was applied to patron-client relationships, in which patrons supplied some needs of clients.” NKJV Chronological Study Bible Notes says, “In the Roman world, a ‘friend’ was often a political ally who owed one a favor, or a more powerful patron on whom one could depend.”

But we don’t often think of the friends of Jesus as political allies or business acquaintances. Jesus took a concept familiar to those that surrounded Him at the time, and redefined what it meant to be a friend. “Jesus is our model for love… If believers obey His command to love, they enjoy the intimacy of His friendship. Friendship… is not a once-for-all gift, but develops as the result of obeying Jesus’ command to love” (NKJV Study Bible).

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Meg

What is Love? -Meaning and Biblical Understanding of the Word.

“Live a life of love.” – Ephesians 5:2

“I’m not afraid anymore,” Kevin declared as he bounded triumphantly into the frostbit air with his newfound courage in the movie “Home Alone.” “Did you hear me? …I’m not afraid anymore!” In an instant, he found himself face-to-face with an entirely different fear than the one he had prepared to face, and took off screaming into his house.

How are we supposed to live out the words Paul penned to the Ephesians when there is a new fear, anxiety, pain, or problem lurking around every corner of our lives?

“There is no fear in love.” – 1 John 4:18 NIV

“God is love.” (1 John 4:16) Through Christ, we have access to His wisdom through the living Word of Scripture, providing us wisdom to live out a life of love over fear. Love is always bigger.

“Since we are His children, we must walk in His unconditional love. Love is more than just words; it requires action. God’s unconditional love should characterize our lives. As people who have His love living within us, we need to represent Christ’s authentic kindness and forgiveness to others.” -Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Prinicples BibleNotes

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Meg

Who Was Mary Magdalene in the Bible? -5 Questions Answered

Who was Mary Magdalene? Not every Gospel account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection focus on the same events and details, but all four attest that Mary witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Her connection to Jesus was undeniable. The healing that took place in her life on account of His miraculous presence inspired the rededication of her life to follow Jesus to His burial . . .  until she could no longer physically see her Savior.

Mary’s desperate longing to be close to Christ, to serve Him in any way she could, became the way she lived her life. She knew she would not have a life to live if not for Him. What Mary lived daily is the faith we all strive to achieve. What was so special about Mary Magdalene, that Jesus chose her to walk out such an extravagant story? Who was she, and what happened to her after the resurrection of Christ?

Here are five questions answered about Mary Magdalene in the Bible. 

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