Kingdom Ready

Introduction

One of the events that is well known to students of the Bible is that of the “Babylonian captivity”. The basic points about that event are as follows: First, the Babylonian empire defeated Judah in the late 7th century BC – i.e., close to 601 BC. The majority of the Jewish people were eventually exiled to Babylon – and were kept in captivity there for a number of decades. After that, Babylon itself was conquered by Medeo-Persia; and the Persian king Cyrus subsequently allowed the Jews to return to Judah.

Introduction

One of the previous articles on this site discusses the group of people called the “Nephilim”, who are first referenced in Genesis chapter 6. In particular, that article investigates the origins of that group.

That article puts forth the possibility that the Nephilim were the children of rebellious angels, who mated with human women. As a result, the Nephilim were essentially a race of “superhuman bullies”. Here is the link to that article:

Who were the “Nephilim” of Genesis 6?

As mentioned in that article, it appears that the rebellious angels were “imprisoned” in some way, after they committed the sin of mating with human women. In particular, 1 Peter 3:18-20, 2 Peter 2:4-5,9-10 and Jude 1:6-7 all state that God imprisoned those angels because of their sin.

Introduction

Luke chapter 15 contains the three famous parables about things that are “lost” – the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost (or “prodigal”) son. All three of those parables involve a precious item (or person) becoming “lost” in one way or another – but finally being “found”. When the item in question is found, there is naturally much cause for rejoicing.

The very end of the “lost sheep” parable contains a rather “intriguing” statement from Jesus, however. Here is the verse in question:

Luke 15:7 (ESV):

^7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Introduction

In many places, the Bible states that it contains the information that we need to be saved. In other words, there is nothing “lacking” from the Bible, as far as our salvation is concerned. One of the more explicit examples of this can be found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ESV):

^14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ^15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ^16 All Impotens Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ^17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Introduction Wholesale Minnesota Vikings Jerseys

Every language contains “figures of speech”; that is, methods of speaking that are not literally true, but which are used to convey a point. For example, in the English language, the phrases “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse”, and “He has two left feet”, are very obvious idioms. That is, those statements are not literally true; rather they are colloquialisms used for emphasis.

One figure of speech that is used in Hebrew is called “prolepsis”. With that idiom, events that will occur are spoken of as if they had already occurred. In other words, future events are referred to as if they were past events.

Introduction

Without a doubt, one of the most famous verses in the New Testament is John 14:6. The context of that verse is that Jesus is speaking to his disciples, about salvation. The English Standard Version of the Bible translates that verse as follows:

John 14:6 (ESV):

^6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

That verse is very profound, of course – it tells us that the only way for us to approach God is to go through Jesus. In other words, there are no other ways for people to be saved, other than through Jesus.

Introduction

In many cases, a single word in Scripture can have multiple meanings. That is, the same word can mean different things – depending on the context in question.

One example of a Scriptural term that has multiple meanings is the word heaven. A previous post on this site (found here) provided examples of four separate meanings of the word “heaven”:

– The atmosphere around the earth;

– Outer space;

– The place where God resides;

– God, Himself.

It appears that there are multiple meanings of the term spirit as well.  Of course, one very specific use of the word “spirit” occurs in the phrase Holy Spirit – i.e., the phrase that refers to God’s “power and presence”.

Introduction

One of the rather astounding – and potentially confusing – passages in Scripture is contained in John chapter 14. The context of this passage is that Jesus is speaking with the 11 faithful disciples, after the last supper. Basically, Jesus is giving the disciples information about the things that he will do, after he is crucified and resurrected. Then, Jesus makes these statements:

John 14:13-14 (ESV):

^13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ^14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Introduction

One of the items that Scripture makes abundantly clear is that if we follow God, we will be blessed. Probably the most famous passage which states that fact appears in Matthew chapter 5 – at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV):

5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

^2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

^3  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Introduction

There are a number of specific verses in Scripture, which have enormous theological significance. In other words, those particular verses exert an outsized influence, on our understanding about spiritual matters.

Some examples of these “theologically profound” verses are: Genesis 2:7, Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 26:19, Ezekiel 18:4, Matthew 5:5, Matthew 7:21,  Mark 10:18, Luke 1:35, John 14:6, and – of course – the famous John 1:1.

Another verse which certainly qualifies as being “theologically profound” is Romans 8:28. In fact, not only does that verse have great theological implications, but it also has the potential to affect people’s entire “worldview”.