Category: Word of God

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God has given His children spiritual gifts

Did You Know?

“God has given each of [His children] a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. [We are to] use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).
As children of God, we all receive at least one spiritual gift. These gifts are given by God so we can use it to minister to each other (and each other’s needs).
Do you know what your spiritual gift(s) are?
Spiritual gifts come in 2 forms – speaking gifts and ministering (or serving) gifts (1 Peter 4:11).
A list of spiritual gifts is provided in Romans 12:6-8. They include:
  • prophecy,
  • ministry/serving,
  • teaching,
  • exhortation/encouragement,
  • giving,
  • leading,
  • showing mercy/kindness
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 1:3 NKJV

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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The Lord daily loads us with benefits

Did You Know?

The Lord is our salvation and daily loads us with benefits
(Psalms 68:19)
What are some of these benefits, you may ask? Psalm 103 has a bunch:
  1. He forgives all our sins
  2. He heals all our diseases
  3. He redeems our lives from destruction
  4. He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies
  5. He satisfies us with good things
  6. He renews our youth (makes us feel young and strong again)
  7. He does not treat (or punish) us as our sins deserve
So when you pray “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3), think about all the benefits God has already promised to provide to us.
Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with  benefits,
The God of our salvation!
Selah
Psalms 68:19 NKJV

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 did Jesus give us Victory over? Part 2 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. Yesterday, we discussed our Victory over Sin.
Victory over Fear
Fear was one of the first responses to sin. When God called to Adam when he was hiding, he said to God “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10). However, the power of Christ’s sacrifice (His love) defeated all side effects of sin in the world including fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts our fear because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 Peter 4:18
In fact, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When fear comes up, you have a choice – to yield to it and let it overtake you. OR reject it knowing that Jesus already won the battle for our peace (John 14:27).
In Jesus, we have peace (John 16:33)
Check out our other posts on the subject of fear.
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

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Did You Know?

(If you) draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
Our response to fear should be to turn towards God’s loving arms; not away from Him.

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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There Is A Time For Everything

Did You Know?

“There is a time for everything:
A time to hug and a time not to hug”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,5).
I know it may be particularly challenging for many of us not to be able to be in physical contact with others during this pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Be encouraged. This season will not last forever. We have other seasons to look forward to (See Ecclesiastes 3:1-8):
  • A time to heal
  • A time to build up
  • A time to laugh
  • A time to dance

God knows we need more of these types of seasons in our nation and the world at large.

In the meantime, let’s pray for wisdom on how to navigate this season, for answers to be released in the earth, and for God’s name to be glorified ultimately at the end of it all. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Why can we have this assurance?

Because God has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

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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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.

Shop Now

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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What are the consequences of fearful thinking?

Scared to death!

The Free Dictionary defines the expression “scared to death” as “hyperbolically alludes to having been frightened so badly as to have died from it.” Can you really be “scared to death”? While the phrase is a colloquialism, “humans can be scared to death. Being scared to death boils down to our autonomic response to a strong emotion, such as fear.” [Encyclopaedia Brittanica]

In the bible, there was a man named Job. In one day he lost everything he had – his livestock was stolen and burned and worst of all, all 10 of his children were killed in one fell swoop.

Here is the interesting thing about his response when he was informed of his great loss. Job said:

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me.
Job 3:25 NKJV

Our thoughts and imaginations are wonderful gifts from God. We can use it to project a better future for ourselves or use it to lock ourselves into a prison of our making.

There is no point in incessantly worrying about (and meditating on) all the possible things that could go wrong during this crises. There is so much that is outside our control and imagining the worst doesn’t help us at all.

Instead, fix your eyes on God and meditate on His Word day and night. In so doing, you replace fear with faith and you make your own way prosperous (Joshua 1:8).

Meditate on God's Word day and night and do all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous and have good success.

 

What are you meditating on?

Remember: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

Trust (in) God. Do not be afraid. Have faith. Encourage yourself.

 

Did You Know?

but of power and of love and of a sound mind (or self control)
(2 Timothy 1:7).
This spirit we have been given is the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He said we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). Also, love and self control are 2 of the 9 fruits of a spirit led life (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

However, this gift of the Holy Spirit is only given to the children of God. And you can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn how, check out our salvation page.

#TrustGod #FaithOverFear #BeEncouraged #FaithStrong

 

Check out more of our blog posts on fear including why fear is ungodly.

 

About 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.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia products today from our online store.
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God has not given us a spirit of fear!

We at BibleStorm feel that it is important for Christians to share their faith and confidence during this season. The reality is the peace we have is found in none other than God and His Word. Our prayer is that these posts will be educational and an encouragement for someone as we individually and corporately deal with the damaging effects of the coronavirus.

Did you know that the first mention of fear in the bible occurred after Adam and Eve sinned and ate from the tree God told them not to (Genesis 3:10)? This spirit of fear (and yes, fear is a spirit) is a consequence of sin and disobedience and is from the devil.

The bible says:

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

As children of God, fear is not our inheritance. We are heirs to the promises God has made to us in His Word. When God says He hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, it means it’s our choice (like Adam and Eve) to either accept or reject the lies of the devil (and the feelings of fear brought on by him).

My pastor says fear is twisted faith. Will you put more confidence in the things you see, hear, or think (or what “they” say)? Or will you believe what God says?

Trust (in) God. Do not be afraid. Have faith. Encourage yourself. And yes, obey the authorities, be wise, and practice social distancing.

Note: The promises of God are for the children of God. You can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn how, check out our salvation page.

#TrustGod #FaithOverFear #BeEncouraged #FaithStrong

About 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.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia products today from our online store.
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10 reasons to have confidence in God through prayer

Jesus said men ought to always pray and not lose heart or give up (Luke 18:1). The Bible also tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to continue steadfastly and earnestly in prayer (Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2).

 

What is prayer? I like this definition from Wikipedia:

 

Prayer “is an evolving means of interacting with God, most frequently through a spontaneous, individual, unorganized form of petitioning and/or thanking”.

 

Prayer then is simply a dialogue between ourselves and our Heavenly Father. It is an opportunity for us to communicate – to talk to Him and to hear from Him.

 

Why then do we have problems praying consistently (and not just when a crisis hits or we have a need that we are unable to meet in our own strength and ability)? I heard a pastor say that he believed prayelessness was an issue of faith and I can see the reasoning behind that. If you had full confidence (faith) in the one you were asking and *knew* you would get what you asked for, I expect most people would definitely ask.

 

So that caused me to wonder – Why can we have confidence in talking to God the Father through prayer?
  1. Our Father is omniscient and knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:7-8). For example, God already knows we need life’s necessities (food, clothing, shelter, etc) (Matthew 6:31-32)
  2. Our Father knows how to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17)
  3. Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name, He will give to us (John 16:23-24; 15:16)
  4. Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name, Jesus will do for us (John 14:13-14)
  5. Everyone who asks receives, who seeks finds, and who knocks the door will be opened to him (Matthew 7:7-11)
  6. If we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us and we have the petitions we asked for (1 John 5:14-15)
  7. Whatever we ask, we receive because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:21-22)
  8. God did not spare His own Son for us. In addition to giving us His Son, He freely give us all things (Romans 8:32). Afterall when you have given your most precious possession, giving anything less is much easier.
  9. God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalms 84:19)
  10. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)

 

The reality is God has already given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). And He has promised to supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

 

So what is the key to having a successful prayer life?
  • Have faith in God (in who He is) (Hebrews 11:6). God is a rewarder of those who diligently (earnestly, sincerely) seek Him. See also James 1:6-8.
  • Seek the Lord (Psalms 34:10). Those who seek Him shall lack no good thing.
  • Seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) and all the other things we want will be added unto us.

 

Most importantly, prayer is a great opportunity to discover who God is and what His will for us is as we develop a relationship with our Heavenly Father. He has said He will not withhold any good thing from us. Conversely, He won’t give us something that will become a weight or stumbling block to us either. So don’t bother asking for anything with wrong motives (e.g. out of selfishness or an unrighteous agenda) because He won’t answer those requests (James 4:3).

 

#prayer #petition #faith #confidence #ask #seek #knock #believe #receive #gift

 

Scripture References:
  • Luke 18:1
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Romans 12:12
  • Colossians 4:2
  • Matthew 6:7-8
  • Matthew 6:31-32
  • Matthew 7:11
  • James 1:17
  • John 16:23-24
  • John 15:16
  • John 14:13-14
  • Matthew 7:7-11
  • 1 John 5:14-15
  • 1 John 3:21-22
  • Romans 8:32
  • Psalms 84:19
  • Ephesians 3:20
  • 2 Peter 1:3
  • Philippians 4:19
  • Hebrews 11:6
  • James 1:6-8
  • Psalms 34:10
  • Matthew 6:33
  • James 4:3

 

References:

 

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.