Tag: Genesis

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What is The Tithe/Tithing All About?

Did You Know?

The first freewill offering of the tithe (one tenth) was given by Abraham to King Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham had just won a huge battle against the King of Elam and other kings (Genesis 14:1-17). Abraham gave Melchizedek (who was also a priest) a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, also made a vow to God to give Him a tenth of all that God gave him (Genesis 28:22).
So tithing was established before the law and was subsequently incorporated into the laws given to the children of Israel in the wilderness after leaving Egypt (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22-29).
Jesus Himself mentioned the tithe when He noted that the Pharisees tithed on even spices that were given to them. He said we were to tithe but also not ignore the weightier matters of the law – justice and mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42).
That said, to those who say that as born again believers, we are not under law but under grace, they are right. But that neglects (or overlooks) the following truths:
  1. Tithing started before the law.
    • If we are Abraham’s heirs of the promise (Galatians 3:29), we should act like our father Abraham to obtain the blessing he did (Hebrew 6:12; Romans 4:12).
  2. Our responsibilities under grace far exceed those under the law.
    • The law says “you shall not commit adultery”. But Jesus said if we look at a woman lustfully, we have committed adultery in our heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
    • The law also says “you shall not murder”. But Jesus said if we speak harsh words to our brother or are angry at him without cause, we are in danger of the fires of hell. (Matthew 5:21-22).
  3. God is a giver. As God is, so should we be (Matthew 5:48)
    • For God so loved the world that He gave (John 3:16).
    • God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:30).
    • As God is, so are we (or so we should be) – Matthew 5:48.
  4. Tithing is a principle that comes with specific blessings of protection and prosperity. Malachi 3:8-12
  5. Tithing is a demonstration of our trust in God (Jehovah Jireh). Malachi 3:10
  6. Tithing can only be understood by spiritually mature believers not babies in Christ or unbelievers. Hebrews 5:11-14
In summary:
  • We are not under an obligation (of law) to tithe in order to be blessed or avoid a curse (Malachi 3:8-9) because Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-14). But the bible is also very clear about the importance of giving (2 Corinthians 8 and 9).
  • Your motive for giving and your heart posture towards God is important. We must also seek God’s input on how much and where to give the resources He has so graciously blessed us with (James 1:5; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
I tithe because:
  • I love God
  • I trust God
  • I prioritize God

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 are the Benefits of God?

What are the Lord’s benefits?

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits–
Psalm 103:2 AMPC
We are called to bless the Lord and not forget his benefits. In the storms and trials of life, it is easy to focus on the challenges ahead and forget about the prior challenges that God has successfully overcome on our behalf.
So what are some of the benefits that God has prepared for those that fear Him and keep his commandments  (Psalms 103:17-18).
1. He forgives our sins.
In the model prayer (Matthew 6:12), Jesus teaches us to forgive others even as we ask for God to forgive our sins.
2. He heals our diseases
God says”He will put none of the diseases He brought on the Egyptians upon us” (Exodus 15:26).
3. He redeems our life from destruction (hell)
Psalm 34:22 says “He redeems the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate”.
4. He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies (compassion)
See story of prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24.
5. He satisfies us with good things
He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. James 1:17 says “every good and perfect gift is from God”.
6. He renews our youth like the eagles
Isaiah 40:31 NIV says “but those who hope in the Lord  will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.
7. He executes righteousness and judgment for all the oppressed
Jesus said come to me all who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:38-30).
8. He makes His ways and His acts known to us
For example, he revealed His plans to Abraham concerning his future (Genesis 12:1-3), Sodom (Genesis 18:17), and even the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt (Genesis 15:12-14).

Our Prayer For You

Father, we pray that your people will not forget all the benefits that you daily give to them (Psalms 68:19; Psalms 103:2). 

Did You Know?

The Lord is our salvation and daily loads us with benefits (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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Why Great Men in the Bible Prayed: Joseph

Why Great Men in the Bible Prayed: Miracle Stories of the Power of Prayer - Joseph

Have you asked yourself why great men and women in the Bible, powerful as they were, still prayed? 

We’ll share stories from three prayerful characters in the Bible:

  • Joseph
  • Daniel
  • Esther

Joseph - Once An "Ambitious" Dreamer

You’ve probably already heard of Joseph “the dreamer.”

He grew up to be his father Jacob’s favorite son. Jacob even made him a beautiful, colorful coat (Genesis 37:3, ESV). Hence, his eleven brothers became jealous of him.

Besides, Joseph would share his dreams, wherein his family would someday worship him. 

For instance, eleven bundles of grain bowed to his pile. Also, the sun (his father), moon (his mother), and eleven stars (his brothers) worshipped him (verses 7-9).

For his brothers, Joseph was a very ambitious dreamer. Would you also call him such?

One day, they plotted to kill him. Specifically, they threw him alive into a well and sold him to the Egyptian merchants as a slave (verses 12-36).

If you were Joseph, what would you do?

Character Tested

Joseph’s life as a slave in Egypt was tough. For instance, Potiphar’s wife imprisoned him for a crime he didn’t commit (Genesis 39).

Can you imagine this?

Nevertheless, Joseph became a blessing to his inmates by interpreting their dreams through prayer and divine wisdom. Significantly, his predictions came true (Genesis 40).

Do you know someone with this God-given talent and wisdom?

Later, one of Joseph’s inmates, who was a cupbearer, was released. When Pharaoh dreamed, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and recommended him to interpret the king’s dream.

Through prayer, Joseph determined the dream’s interpretation (Genesis 41:1-36). Specifically, there would be seven years of abundance and another seven years of famine all over Egypt and neighboring nations.

As such, he advised the king to store up grain in preparation for the famine. Convinced by this counsel, Pharaoh made him governor of Egypt (verses 37-57).

Became The Fulfillment of His Dreams

One day, ten men from Israel came to buy food (Genesis 42-46). Joseph recognized them as his brothers, but they didn’t yet. So, he took the opportunity to test how they had changed through the years.

Convinced by their honesty and sincerity after a series of tests, Joseph finally revealed himself. Can you imagine how dramatic this revelation was?

More so, when he asked his brothers to bring their father and youngest brother, it was an unforgettable reunion.

 

Have you experienced something like this? How much do you think prayer helped Joseph get through all these?

Became The Fulfillment of His Dreams

Joseph, Daniel, and Esther are just a few of the Bible’s best examples of prayer and faith.

In the case of Joseph and Daniel, you can see that prayer was significant in interpreting dreams. As humans like us, they had no power to determine their prophetic meanings.

Hence, they needed God’s wisdom because only He knows the future. He is in control of the universe and everything that happens in it.

Meanwhile, Esther knew she had no power to control her king’s decision. Neither could she convince Haman to take down his deceitful plan.

Thus, prayer was all that she had to get through the trial. As you have seen from her story, she did her part and surrendered the rest to God.

Heroes Bible Trivia Guest Blog Post

Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.

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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 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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How to enter God’s Rest!

How to enter God's Rest!

Labor Day is here again. One day a year set aside to honor the American worker and their contributions to society by granting them a day of rest.
But for the believer, everyday can (and should be) labor day.
In the beginning, God made man on the 6th day. His first experience was the 7th day on which God rested. And man could rest as well because of the finished works of God.
That is what God is calling us to even now – a life of rest in the finished works of His only begotten Son, Jesus. When Jesus said “It is finished” (John 19:30), He meant it. Every trial, tribulation, sickness, lack, trouble, problem – everything that has a name and is contrary to God’s perfect will and way has been finished on the cross of Calvary.
The question is whether we will go on carrying those burdens (that we were never designed to carry in the first place) or whether we will choose to go to Jesus with them.
Jesus said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 NKJV
The world system says we need to work hard to get the things in life we want. But God says His “blessings make rich and adds no sorrow” (Proverbs 10:22). If we seek God first, if we prioritize His kingdom and His righteousness, all the things we need and want will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
Why can we have this assurance?
  • God knows exactly what we need – not what we think we need (Matthew 6:7-8, 32)
  • Jesus told us not to worry – that life consists of more than material possessions and pursuits (Matthew 6:25-31)
So REST!
Release
Every
Single
Thing
Cast all your cares on Jesus because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Strive to enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:11) because that is His very best for you and I.

Did You Know?

There is a rest that has been reserved for the people of God (Hebrews 4:1-11). And as Christians, the bible exhorts us to make every effort to enter that rest.
This promise is for all believers to receive. The first step however, involves accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord over your life. To do so, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

[We pray that you] come boldly to the throne of grace, that [you] may obtain mercy and find grace to help [you] in [your] time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 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 is the greatest expression of God’s love?

What is the greatest expression of God’s love?


The cross!

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 5:6-11

 

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [i.e. atoning sacrifice] for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-11,14

 

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree [cross]’).”

Galatians 3:13-14 [Deuteronomy 21:22-23]

 

“[Jesus] bore our sins in His own body on the tree [cross], that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24

 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

 

God is rich in mercy and loved us so much that He put together a plan to restore us to a right relationship with Him like it was in the garden of Eden before Adam and Eve sinned. This plan was executed perfectly by God’s only begotten Son, Jesus. Jesus bore all the sins of the entire world in His mangled body on the cross at Calvary. He paid a price we could never pay to redeem us from sin we could never overcome on our own.

 

“He [Jesus] who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

 

All we have to do now is receive this free gift by faith. To learn how to receive this free gift, check out our Salvation page.

 

Did You Know?
God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son whom he loved – Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). This foreshadowed what God would ultimately do for all mankind with His only begotten Son, Jesus.

#cross #love #salvation #life #sacrifice

 

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.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia game 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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What Were Israel’s forms of government in the Old Testament?

November 6 is election day in the United States of America. So our trivia question for today is:

Which of the following forms of government did Israel NOT have in the Old Testament?
A. Anarchy
B. Democracy
C. Monarchy
D. Theocracy

The answer is “B” – Israel did not have a democratic form of government during the Old Testament. They started with a Theocracy, went through a period of Anarchy, before choosing a Monarchy.

 

Theocracy

The Israelites initially had a theocracy (ruled directly by God) beginning with God establishing His covenant with Abraham [1] through the days of Moses and Joshua. For example, God led the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the promised land using a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. [2] When the pillar moved, the people moved. God was training the people to follow Him (and for today’s believers, He does that through the Holy Spirit).

 

Anarchy

God told the people of Israel that when they entered the promised land, they were to: [3]
  • Utterly destroy the people living there
  • Not make covenants with them
  • Break down their altars/images
  • Not marry them or allow their children to marry them

However, after entering the promised land, the people did not heed God’s commandments. Because of this, God did not drive out their enemies but left them in place to be a thorn and snare to Israel. [4]

As such, there was a period of anarchy. During this time “every man did what was right in his own eyes” [5] and sin and injustice was rampant throughout the land. Once in a while, the people would cry out to God and He would raise up a judge (such as Gideon and Samson), that He would use to temporarily deliver the people from their enemies. But they would return to their wicked ways. During this time, “the word of the Lord was rare and there was no widespread revelation”. [6]

 

Monarchy

The judge/prophet, Samuel, was the bridge between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy. [7] In fact, Samuel anointed the first [8] and second [9] kings of Israel (Saul and David respectively). God would have established Saul and his descendants to rule Israel forever, but due to his disobedience and unlawful sacrifice, the kingdom was given to David instead. [10]

 

Scripture References:

  1. Genesis 17:1-16
  2. Exodus 13:21-22
  3. Exodus 34:10-17
  4. Judges 2:1-4
  5. Judges 17:6
  6. 1 Samuel 3:1
  7. 1 Samuel 8:1-9
  8. 1 Samuel 9:27-10:1
  9. 1 Samuel 16:11-13
  10. 1 Samuel 13:13-14

 

Other References