What are Prayers In the Old Testament?

The history of prayer as it meets us here reflects various stages of experience and revelation. 1. Patriarchal Period Prayer is (1) colloquy with God ( e.g.   Genesis 15:1-2;   Genesis 15:7-8;   Genesis 17:15-16;   Genesis 17:22 ); (2) intercession ( e.g.   Genesis 17:16;   Genesis 18:23 ff.); (3) personal supplication ( e.g.   Genesis 15:2;   Genesis 32:11;   Genesis 43:14 ); (4) asseveration ( e.g.   Genesis 14:22 ); (5) vow ( e.g.   Genesis 28:20). 2. The Law ( i.e. as codified and expanded in later… Continue reading What are Prayers In the Old Testament?

10 Bible verses that show why Christians should live generously

Christians are called to live generously. Jesus lived a radically generous lifestyle – giving freely with his time and gifts. But sometimes it’s hard to be generous, and we need to be reminded to live in a way that honors God not just with our money, but our time, too. Here are 10 Bible verses… Continue reading 10 Bible verses that show why Christians should live generously

What Does the Bible Say About Women in Ministry?

Are women allowed in the ministry? Are women pastors allowed to preach? What does the Scripture say about women in the church? These are controversial questions within Christianity.  A few verses in the Bible forbid women from being active in the ministry. An example of this is 1 Corinthians 14:34-35:  “The women should keep silent… Continue reading What Does the Bible Say About Women in Ministry?

Billy Graham: How to Be Thankful in All Things

Are you thankful no matter what? Look at the story of a man who had every right to be bitter—but wasn’t. The next footsteps in the corridor, he knew, might be those of the guards taking him away to his execution. His only bed was the hard, cold stone floor of the dank, cramped prison… Continue reading Billy Graham: How to Be Thankful in All Things

The grace to try again: Bible verses and inspirational quotes about perseverance

If courage is grace under pressure, perseverance is its cousin. Perseverance is the virtue of trying again, and then trying again, and again, until we achieve our goal.  Nothing great was ever accomplished without perseverance. Some people have marvelous natural gifts and are capable of wonderful things. But they lack staying power. When they meet… Continue reading The grace to try again: Bible verses and inspirational quotes about perseverance

The Prayer of Jabez – Charles Spurgeon Sermon

“Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!”—1 Chronicles 4:10      We know very little about Jabez, except that he was more honorable than his brethren, and that he was called Jabez because his mother bare him with sorrow. It will sometimes happen that where there is the most sorrow in the antecedents, there will… Continue reading The Prayer of Jabez – Charles Spurgeon Sermon