Tag: John

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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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How will the world know we are Christ’s disciples?

How will the world know we are Christ's disciples?

If we have love (and unselfish concern) for one another! John 13:35 AMP
It’s that simple. It’s not by how loud we profess Christ. Or our membership in a local church. Or how much we pray and fast. Or the ability to speak in other tongues or prophesy. Or by our good deeds or charitable giving.
In fact, the Apostle Paul notes that if we have all knowledge and all faith, but don’t have love, we are nothing and have gained nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2-3).
So if we say we love God, we should keep His commandment (John 14:21-24). When we do so, the love of God will be perfected in us (1 John 2:3-6). Then we will exhibit that love by loving one another (John 13:34-35). And the world will see that we are truly Christ’s disciples.
Agape!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34‭-‬35 NKJV

Our Prayer For You

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

Did You Know?

It is impossible for us to love God whom we have not seen, if we do not love our fellow humans who we do see.
1 John 4:20-21.

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 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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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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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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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.