Tag: Hebrews

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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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God is an ever-present help in trouble

Did You Know?

There is a popular song with the lyrics “He may not come when you want Him; But He’ll be there right on time”.
But is that statement actually true? What does the word of God say?
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1 NIV)
[God] will not leave you, nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5)
For [God] Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. (Psalms 145:18 NKJV)
But you might ask, what about the time Mary and Martha asked Jesus to come to Bethany because their brother, Lazarus, was sick? (John 11:1-44). Isn’t this an example of God not coming when He was needed/wanted?
Well, 2 things apply to this unique situation. Jesus was in human form and so carried the Holy Spirit within Him, which limited His ability to be in multiple places at once. This is one of the reasons why He said He had to go back to Heaven so He could send the Helper (Holy Spirit) to us directly (John 16:5-11).
Secondly, Jesus intentionally tarried so that God would get the glory and the people would know that God has power even over death (John 11:4-6,40-44). As a result of this miracle, “many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him” (John 11:45).
So be encouraged. God certainly is an on time God. But that’s because He is right there with us no matter what we may face.

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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Have you ever encountered a difficult situation?

Have you ever encountered a difficult situation?

John 11:1-4,38-44 recalls the story of Lazarus, his sickness, death and how Jesus raised him from the dead. It details the expectations of the sisters of Lazarus and their disappoinment that Jesus did not make it to him before he died. But there’s a deeper story here as well.

Perhaps you have received an evil report concerning your health, finances, loved ones, job, etc. This is not the time to panic and become hysterical. Instead it’s a great opportunity to seek God’s Word concerning the situation and the resolution. It’s also a great time to make positive, biblical based confessions concerning the situation.

In John 11:4, Jesus said
“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

That’s how we should look at every situation. That it is for God’s glory so that Christ may be glorified through it.

We can substitute our difficult situation for the word “sickness” in this scripture. E.g. This financial difficulty will not end in foreclosure or bankruptcy. This challenge on my job will not end in job loss or loss of favor. This battle with addicition will not end in defeat. Etc.

Jesus said we should fear not and we should have peace. In this world we will have numerous trials and tribulations but He has already overcome them for our sake (John 16:33).

We already know how the situation with Lazarus turned out.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).

Just as surely as Lazarus was raised from the Lord, we have assurance that if we believe and have faith as little as a mustard seed, all things are possible to those who believes (Mark 10:27).

PS: You may also want to read our blog posts on “the consequences of fearful thinking” and “burdened beyond your abilities“.

Did You Know?

We can hold fast (tightly, unswervingly) to our hope [in God] because He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

Our confidence has great reward, so do not cast it away. (Hebrews 10:35).

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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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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How do we know that God is at work?

How do we know that God is at work?
Because the bible tells us so. 

 

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
John 5:17 NKJV

 

Sometimes it seems as if “God isn’t doing anything, as when Jesus delayed visiting Mary and Martha’s sick brother”, Lazarus (John 11:3-6). Or when Abraham waited 25 years between receiving the promise and when Isaac was actually born (Genesis 12:1-4; 21:1-7).

 

But “our Father has given us the Holy Spirit to help us recognize His presence and handiwork. But discerning God’s work also requires patience since the Lord operates according to His timetable, not ours.”

 

Jesus said
“whatever things you ask when you pray,
believe that you receive them,
and you will have them.”
Mark 11:24 NKJV

 

In between the time we pray for something and when we see the manifestation of it, we should trust in the Lord with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5). Why? Because:
  • God never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
  • His word is always true (Matthew 24:35).
  • God is our helper, our light, our salvation, and the strength of our life (Psalms 27:1)

 

“When we recognize the ways in which God is operating, we will be encouraged and strengthened in our faith.”

 

Be encouraged. Jesus already took all death, sickness and disease in His body upon the cross and by His stripes we are healed and we are healthy (1 Peter 2:24). The coronavirus will be no different.

 

Note: Based on a devotional reading from InTouch Ministries.
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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.
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Fear is ungodly

You may have seen or heard the expression that fear stands for “false evidence appearing real”.

 

Why and what do we fear?

Financial issues, health issues, insecurity about the future, concern for loved ones?

We (as believers) fear because:
  • We do not know how much the Lord loves us.
  • We do not know about our new position in Christ.
  • And we do not know the promises the Lord has made concerning us from the foundation of the earth.

 

God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) and He would be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:5,9). He said He would never let us be tempted above what we can bear but with every temptation will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

When we change our focus from our fears  (which may seem insurmountable or impossible from our viewpoint) and see our fears in the context of our loving Father in heaven, we recognize we have nothing to fear. The bible declares that
“[we] did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but [we] received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15

 

No matter what fears we may have or be experiencing, we have an answer in the bible. The psalmist declared “I sought the Lord and He heard me and He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4). That “when we cry out, God hears us and saves us from all our troubles” (vv6,17).

 

How do we turn from our fears?

By looking to, seeking and trusting God. The Word of God states that:
  • Those who look to the Lord are radiant and their faces are not ashamed (v5)
  • Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (v10)
  • Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord (v8)

 

So what then is the proper application of fear in the believers life?

Psalm 34:9 tells us “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!

 

In a future post, we’ll share the only thing the believer should fear and some of the benefits to this reverential fear.

 

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 as believers 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 mroe about Jesus and how to receive Him as Savior, check out our salvation appeal page. That is the first step towards being delivered from ungodly fear.

 

#Fear #BibleStorm #BibleStormTrivia

 

Check out more of our blog posts on fear including the consequences of fearful thinking.

 

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.