Category: General

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What did Jesus give us Victory over? Part 1 of 7

What did Jesus give us victory over via the cross?

As we celebrate Easter week, it is helpful to consider the impact of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary over 2,000 years ago. His death, burial, and resurrection isn’t just an event we commemorate and celebrate once a year. It is actually a celebration of the greatest triumph in history. It is also a reminder that God is true to His Word because He promised this triumph would occur thousands of years before His only Son would come to live on this earth.
So we thought we would share 7 things (areas) that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross gives us victory over.
Victory over Sin
As a result of Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey God in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), sin has become part of the nature of all humans (Psalms 51:5). Because God is holy and just and cannot be in the presence of sin, He punished and expelled Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24).
In the same way, sin separates us from God.
In the Old Testament, an unblemished lamb was used to atone for sin annually (Leviticus 16). Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God (John 1:29) who shed His precious blood (1 Peter 1:19) to atone for the sin of all humanity once and for all time.
Because Jesus covered our sin, we are free from the power of sin in our lives (Romans 6:14; 8:2).
How do you access this victory for yourself?
Salvation is a free gift that has already been paid for. All we have to do now is receive this free gift by faith. To learn how, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
II Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV.

Did You Know?

Through one man’s disobedience (Adam), many were made sinners. So too by one Man’s obedience (Jesus), many will be made righteous (Romans 5:18-19).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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Was David king before facing Goliath?

david and goliath

True/False: David was anointed king before facing Goliath.

TRUE!

David was anointed king by the prophet Samuel and began serving king Saul as a musician and armor bearer (1 Samuel 16) before he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
It is possible for you to be anointed (or declared to be something) and wait a while before seeing it manifest in your life.
Abraham was called blessed and the father of nations (Genesis 12:2-4) 25 years before he had his promised child, Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7).
Joseph was declared to be a prosperous man, while he was still a slave in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:1-6). He would go on to serve time in prison before he was finally elevated to the #2 man in the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:37-44; 42:6).
David was anointed king after God rejected Saul (1 Samuel 15:10-11,23). But he continued to serve his father and even Saul faithfully even though the former saw little value in him and the latter wanted to kill him. In due time, David met a challenge, Goliath, that elevated his stature in the kingdom and paved the way for him to finally ascend to the throne.
What Goliath (or mountain) are you facing in your life today?
First, find out what God’s Word says about you. Then declare God’s Word over your life and watch it come to pass.

Our Prayer For You

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 NKJV.

Did You Know?

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1 John 4:4 NLT).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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Why should you live righteously?

Why should you live righteously?

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
Matthew 5:6 AMP
I don’t know about you but I want to be blessed (joyful and nourished by God’s goodness). So how do we get to experience this perpetual state of blessing?

By hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

Righteousness indicates a right standing with God. There is nothing we can do ourselves to be righteous in the eyes of God. Our self effort and actions to do good to others, live ethically, etc are not enough. In fact, the bible states that our righteousness is like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6).
The truth is, the only way to really be in right standing with God is to accept His perfect sacrifice on our behalf, Jesus (Romans 3:21-23).
Jesus is the righteousness of God who freely exchanged His righteousness for our unrighteousness (even while we were yet sinners and enemies of God) – Romans 5:6-8 – so that we could become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus invites us to a life of abundance in Him (Isaiah 55:1-2; John 10:10). Jesus is the bread of life that came from heaven to give life to the world (John 6:33-35). Those who come to Him shall never hunger or thirst again (John 6:35,51-58).
Jesus said we are not to worry (be concerned or consumed with) what we shall eat or drink. Our Heavenly Father already knows we have need for those things. But if we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, not only will we receive His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 7:7-8) but we will also have all other things added unto us (Matthew 6:31-33).
How do you live righteously? 
It’s simple really. Just seek the righteousness of God (Jesus) and receive the free gift of His righteousness by faith. To learn how to receive this free gift, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

[We pray that you be] filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:‬11

Did You Know?

It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NLT).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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What characterizes religion that is pure and genuine?

What characterizes religion that is pure and accepted by God?

According to James 1:27, religion that God accepts as pure and genuine involves just 2 things.

1. Care for orphans or widows who need help

Jesus said that when He returns, He will reward His righteous servants who fed the hungry, took the stranger in, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and the imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-40).
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 19:17 NKJV

2. Keep yourself free from the world’s evil influence (and refuse to let the world corrupt you)

The bible tells us not to love the world or the things in it. Because all that is in the world is not of the Father and the world is passing away. If we do love the world, the love of God the Father is not in us. (1 John 2:15-17)

We are also commanded not to conform to (copy the behavior and customs or by shaped by) the world but rather to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

What does your religion command? And how does that compare to God’s standard? 
Here’s God’s command to us:
Learn to do right;
Seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
Plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17 NIV

Our Prayer For You

[We] pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9‭-‬11 NKJV

Did You Know?

God desires the knowledge of Him more than offerings and sacrifices (Hosea 6:6).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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What kind of servant are you?

In Matthew 25:14-30, we read the story of the Parable of the Talents. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man who went on a long journey. Before he departed, he called 3 of his servants and entrusted to them his possessions (v14). The text does not specify that he told them what to do with it (and based on the 3rd servants response, which we will see later, we can assume this to be the case). But it is clear that the master intended the servants to work diligently during his absence. And he gave them the resources to do that work.

What does this story tell us about how we are to live and serve?

This story is symbolic of the gifts and talents that God gives us. Truth be told, everything we receive is from God (James 1:17; John 3:27). He gives us the abilities we have (i.e. gifts and talents), the resources we need (e.g. time or money) and has left us to determine what to do with those things (see Deuteronomy 8:18).
The master gave to each servant “according to his ability” (v15). This suggests that the master had previously observed their work habit and ethics in order to determine their abilities. Were they lazy, excuse prone or complained a lot? Or were they diligent and resourceful in getting their work done? Proverbs 20:11 declares that “even a child is known by his deeds” and Jesus said we will be known by the fruit we produce i.e. the way we act (Matthew 7:16).

Option 1: Apply our talents to God's glory.

The one with 5 talents went and traded with what he had received and doubled the money (100% return). The one with 2 also made a 100% return although it is not clear in what capacity he invested the money.

Truth be told, it doesn’t matter. There are myriad ways and industries for us to be creative in applying our gifts and talents. But the goal ought to be 100% return on the gifts God has given us. Anything less is not ideal. Remember, God already knows what we are capable of and has given us gifts accordingly. So we can’t give Him an excuse as to why we weren’t able to be productive with what He has given us.

Option 2: Bury our talents to our own shame.

The last servant dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s talent. This may be a situation where you have a skill but instead of using it, you cover it up for whatever reason (in the case of the servant, he said it was because he feared his master).

Time to check the results.

After a long time, the master returned from his journey and settled accounts with them (v. 19). God will give us ample time to produce a result but He will show up eventually. We should be prepared to settle our accounts with Him at any time.
The reward for being faithful in little is being made ruler over many things (vv. 20-23). Conversely, if you can’t be faithful with the little, who will trust you with much? (Luke 16:10-12)
The “wicked and lazy servant” thought that giving back exactly what he had received was an acceptable result (vv. 24-27). But it is also telling his perspective and his motivation for what he did. He saw his master as a “hard man” and was afraid of him.
How we see God will impact our relationship positively or negatively.
If anyone should have been afraid, it’s the servant who got more talents not the one who got the least. We are considered wicked and lazy if we do not make the best out of the gifts and talents God has given us.
The talent of the 3rd servant was given to the first servant who had proven he would use it wisely (vv. 28-30). And the “unprofitable servant” was cast out of the master’s house.

Did You Know?

Unlike the master in this story, Jesus left specific instructions for His followers before He departed for heaven. We are to make disciples of all nations and teach them to observere all the things that He has commanded us. This is the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

What are you doing with your God given talents?

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

Purchase BibleStorm Trivia Products
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Have you ever been burdened beyond your abilities?

Have you ever been burdened beyond your abilities?

Have you ever despaired of life? If so, you are in good company. The Apostle Paul experienced these same feelings as described in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,  you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The truth is we all reach the limits of our human capacity from time to time or in particular areas of our life. Apostle Paul was not immune from this and neither are we. In fact, the bible has numerous examples of this. For example, prophet Elijah, after killing 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:22,40) fled for his life at the threat of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3).

Why does this happen and what should we do about it?

Jesus tells us that because we live in a fallen world, we will experience affliction (John 16:33). Trials, difficulties etc also make us realize we can’t do life on our own.
Like Paul, we must learn to “stop relying on ourselves, and learn to rely only on God” (2 Corinthians 1:9 NLT). When we get to the end of our abilities, we need to learn to rely on God’s strength, His grace, and His Holy Spirit to live out the call He has placed on our life.

God is our creator and He created us to be dependent on Him. 

Even as Jesus told us we would have affliction, He also let us know He had already overcome the world through His death, burial and resurrection (John 16:33). When we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our fears (Psalms 34:4).

In our walk with God, we can even get to the point that Apostle Paul did where we can “boast in our infirmities … and take pleasure in [them], in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We can do this because we recognize that our trials and tribulations produce perseverance, strength of character (maturity) and hope in us (Romans 5:3-4).

In what areas of life have you reached the end of your rope? Is it in a relationship – a difficult spouse/marriage or an addicted parent or a disobedient, wayward child? Is it in the area of finances and struggling to make ends meet for yourself or family? Is it in the area of your health where you may be dealing with persistent issues that have you living less than God’s best for you? Or something else entirely?

Take those things to God in prayer. Search His Word for the answers you need. Proverbs 3:5-6 perfectly sums up the response we should have.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6

Did You Know?

“God … comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So be encouraged. Someone is depending on your testimony.

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

Shop BibleStorm Trivia Products
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BibleStorm Makes Bible Trivia Quiz Games With Purpose

What makes BibleStorm bible trivia quiz products unique and different?

After all, there are many bible trivia quiz products out there.

BibleStorm makes bible trivia quiz products with a purpose.

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While learning random bible trivia may be interesting, it doesn’t teach anything of value. You may learn a bunch of facts but miss the context to understand the importance of the scripture. It’s like getting a letter from a loved one and caring more about the number of words, paragraphs and sentences than the content of the letter. That’s why BibleStorm trivia products won’t teach you the number of books in the bible (66), or how many chapters are in it (1189), or the shortest verse (John 11:35), or longest chapter (Psalm 119), or shortest chapter (Psalm 117), etc.

BibleStorm trivia products have one primary purpose – to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word. As such, our foundational scripture is found in Psalm 119:18.

Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.

Psalm 119:18 AMP

Why are we singularly focused on shining a spotlight on the bible?

Because our experience informs us that while many people may be familiar with the Bible and even encounter it on a semi-regular basis, many do not know or understand what it says. And this can have a significant negative impact in our walk with God.

In fact, the bible states,

“My people are destroyed because they don’t know Me”

and “lack knowledge [of My law, where I reveal My will]”

Hosea 4:6

But God has left his Word/law (i.e. the bible) for us to get to know Him. Not being familiar with His Word means that we aren’t familiar with who He is; how He operates; what He has instructed us to do; or even what promises and gifts He has given to us that we are missing out on. The bible is full of interesting information, stories, events, characters, wisdom, knowledge, etc.

What if you could not only learn new information in a fun way but understand the context of it?

At BibleStorm, we believe that trivia is a great way to (re)introduce the bible, biblical themes and concepts. BibleStorm trivia products not only teach you new facts but reveals the application of those facts to our day to day life. It reveals the who, what, why, when, and how questions you may have about a subject, theme, or story.
BibleStorm trivia products are fun, educational, and biblically sound (i.e. based on scripture). Each product contains multiple trivia questions and answers (in various formats – multiple-choice,  true/false, fill in the blank, etc). Each answer is derived directly from God’s Word (i.e. the bible) and we include one or more scripture references so you can confirm the Word for yourself and expand your knowledge further.

Multiple uses and ways to play BibleStorm trivia game products

BibleStorm trivia products can be used in many ways. You can play it like a game among friends and family. Or you can use it as part of personal or corporate bible study. For example, my kids ask all the time can we play BibleStorm Trivia quizzes and my wife and I will compete with them to answer the most trivia questions correctly. We may also use that as an opportunity to expand and share more details on a particular subject based on a simple trivia question.
BibleStorm trivia products can also be used for evangelism. You can ask a trivia question as a way to initiate a conversation about the bible and what it says.
Our desire is that BibleStorm trivia products are a resource to (re)introduce people to the one true God and leads them to Christ. That’s why every product includes a salvation appeal to invite the lost into the kingdom of God. It’s the kind of gift you can give to family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, enemies, whomever.
Our prayer is that these resources help you develop and increase your hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word.

If you “[seek after] knowledge,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives Wisdom;

From His mouth come

knowledge and understanding”

(Proverbs 2:3-6).

Purchase BibleStorm Trivia Products
You can also contact us, like us, follow us, and share our site through your various social media outlets.

Learn more about BibleStorm and check out our blog posts where we address other questions and answers online.

We thank you in advance for partnering with us on this journey.
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BibleStorm Trivia Card 2 Year Vision Anniversary

It’s been 2 years since I received the vision for BibleStorm (our visionversary :)). I thank God for trusting me with this vision and assignment. Entrepreneurship is not something I ever aspired to. And it’s been an interesting journey (to say the least) learning the ins and outs of starting a business and how the ecommerce world works.

I am grateful for every person God has placed in my path who has contributed to the success of this ministry in any way small or large.

So I just wanted to say “Thank You”:
  • For our customers who have purchased trivia card decks and also for those who have shared their positive feedback concerning the product.
  • For friends, family and others who have been a source of encouragement as well as financial support.
  • For co-laborers who have helped with graphics, video editing, marketing and many other aspects of the business for which I have limited to no expertise.
  • For our social media community that follows our work and shares it with their networks.

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word.

Here is to millions of people learning the truth of God’s Word through our trivia cards. Order your game cards today at our online store.

#BibleStorm #anniversary #vision #trivia #purpose #evangelism #kingdom #bible #BibleStormTrivia #quiz #BibleStudy
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The Believer’s Independence Day

God knows the end from the beginning and is all seeing (omniscient). Long before the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, God showed Abraham that his descendants would serve a foreign nation for 400 years and that He would deliver them out of it with His mighty hand (Genesis 15:12-16). In fact, God made provision for the people of Israel to be saved from famine/death by moving to Egypt in the first place through Joseph (Genesis 45:3-8; 50:19-21). And Joseph made mention of the children of Israel departing Egypt before he died (Genesis 50:24-25).

God sees the oppression and suffering of His people, and He is moved by it. Specifically Exodus 3:7,9 shows that:
  1. God sees our oppression
  2. God hears our cry
  3. God knows our sorrows

In response to our oppression, cries, and sorrows, what does God do?

“So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, …”
Exodus 3:8 NKJV

God has a history of raising up people for special times/assignments to deliver His people from whatever oppression they are facing. The book of Judges is filled with these individuals such as Deborah, Gideon, Samson, etc.

This verse however, is also a type and shadow (an allegory) of how GOD deals with us and what He did for all mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ.
  1. God comes down to our level, to our mess.
    • He sent Jesus in the form of a human/man to die for our sins, and take on the punishment that we deserved. John 3:16-17; Philippians 2:5-11
  2. God delivers us out of the hand of our oppressors.
    • The devil only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. From the Garden of Eden to now, his intent is to suppress God’s creation through sin, suffering and death. But Jesus came that we might have life and have life more abundantly. John 10:10
  3. God brings us up and out of our mess (sin condition) into a good land.
    • Those who trust in Jesus are now seated in heavenly places with Him (in spirit). Ephesians 2:4-6. You can’t get any higher than that. In addition, through the renewing our minds (Romans 12:2), we get in a position where our soul (mind) can also prosper (3 John 1:2) and as a result everything associated with us also prospers. For as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you received your independence on the day you confessed Jesus as Lord and accepted the free gift of salvation through His sacrifice on the cross.

PS: If you have not yet received your independence from sin/spiritual death, check out our salvation page and make that confession. Welcome to the Kingdom of God and life everlasting.

Happy Independence Day!

Scripture References:
  • Genesis 15:12-16
  • Genesis 45:3-8
  • Genesis 50:19-25
  • Exodus 3:7-12
  • John 3:16-17
  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • John 10:10
  • Ephesians 2:4-6
  • Romans 12:2
  • 3 John 1:2
  • Proverbs 23:7

#salvation #victory #Savior #Jesus #Redeemer #Deliverer #BornAgain #Sin #Life #Death

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia game cards today from our online store.