Tag: Matthew

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

How can you get the desires of your heart?

How can you get the desires of your heart met?

There are 3 simple steps according to Psalms 37:3-4
  1. Trust in the Lord and do what is right in His eyes
  2. Fix your heart on the promises of God and feast on His faithfulness
  3. Delight in the Lord
That’s it!
If you do those 3 things, then God will give you your heart’s desire and not withhold the requests you have spoken (Psalms 21:2).
However, there’s an even more direct way.
Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.
Matthew 6:33 NCV

Our Prayer For You

[We pray] that you will find your delight and true pleasure in Yahweh, and he will give you what you desire the most (Psalms 37:4 TPT).

Did You Know?

Jesus Himself said “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Mathew 7:7-8)

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.

Posted on by

What is the Will of God?

What is the will of God?

In the model prayer (commonly referred to as the Lord’s prayer), Jesus taught us to pray for the will of the Father to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
The bible also exhorts not to be foolish with our lives, but to understand the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17).
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17 NKJV
And the Apostle Paul prayed for us that we would know fully (be filled) with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).
In fact, God has made known to us the mystery of His will (Ephesians 1:9).
So, what is the will of God for your life?

What does His Word (aka the Bible) say about it?

Here are a few to ponder:

  • Deliverance from evil – Galatians 1:4; Matthew 6:13
  • Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
  • Transformation – Romans 12:2
  • Do good – 1 Peter 2:15
  • Stand perfect and complete – Colossians 4:12
  • Attitude of thankfulness – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
How do I know God’s will for specific situations?

Through His Spirit (Holy Spirit) Romans 8:26-27

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the  will of God.
Romans 8:27 NKJV

Our Prayer For You

[We pray] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:9‭-‬10 NKJV

Did You Know?

The expression “will of God” or “will of the Lord” appears 18 times in scripture.

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.

Posted on by

The Value of Pleasant Words

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet and delightful to the soul
and healing to the body.
Proverbs 16:24 AMP

Where do words come from?

Jesus said “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 NKJV).
Our words reflect the condition of our hearts. So then, it is impossible to speak pleasant words to others if our heart is not in the right place. In fact, our thoughts determine the condition of our heart and subsequently, the words that we speak.
Be careful what you think,
because your thoughts run your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NCV
What kinds of words should we speak?
  • Words that are wholesome
  • Words that build up and never tear down
  • Words that bless others (Ephesians 4:29)
  • Words that are full of grace, kind and pleasant (Colossians 4:6)
Do you want to speak pleasant words?
  • Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23)
  • Watch what you think about or meditate on (Psalms 19:14)

Our Prayer For You

Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 NKJV

Did You Know?

We will give an account for every (careless or useless) word we speak on the day of judgment.
Jesus said “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.”
Matthew 12:36 AMP

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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
Posted on by

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.