Character Study
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At first glance, Rebekah’s departure from her homeland to marry Isaac may appear to be a simple arranged marriage. But this union is far more than a romantic or cultural arrangement—it is a powerful testimony to God’s providence, faith in action, and the unfolding of His covenant promises. Rebekah does not merely become Isaac’s wife; […]
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When the Israelites camped near the Jordan, approaching Jericho and the territory of Balak, king of Moab, he became fearful. He saw how numerous they were and had heard of their exploits—how they humbled the mighty Egyptian army and had recently defeated the Amorites. Certain that he too would be overcome, Balak turned to Balaam […]
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The Holy Spirit is the paraklētos, and we all know how impossible it is to find an adequate word to translate that rich idea. Often, the word cannot describe the character of God as it is beyond our knowledge and words. But the character of God could be reflected in our lives, so that people may […]
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At the conclusion of the Book of Exodus, the presence of God descended in a cloud, covering the Tent of Meeting and filling the Tabernacle with His glory. This divine presence was so overwhelming that even Moses, who had spent forty days on Mount Sinai, could not enter. The Israelites, having repeatedly demonstrated their inclination […]
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Around the time Abram and Lot had parted ways, a cold war was brewing among the kings of the region. For twelve years, the local kings of the Jordan Valley—Bera (king of Sodom), Birsha (king of Gomorrah), Shinab (king of Admah), Shemeber (king of Zeboyim), and the king of Bela (Zoar)—were subject to Kedorlaomer, king […]
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Jethro was an influential figure in Moses’ life, playing a pivotal role at an important juncture. A priest of Midian, Jethro initially provided Moses sanctuary when he fled Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath, offering him refuge and a fresh start along with his daughter’s hand in marriage. Beyond being Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro may have also […]
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In a world drowning in corruption and violence, one man stood apart while the rest of humanity pursued wickedness without restraint. Noah remained faithful to God, walking in righteousness when the world around him was drowning in revelry. When God looked upon the earth and saw its depravity, He was deeply troubled at how far […]
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Ahaz, son of Jotham, ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of twenty and reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. His reign marked a significant departure from the practices of his forefathers, particularly David. Instead, Ahaz embraced the pagan customs of neighbouring nations and the kings of Israel. He engaged in idol worship, creating images of baals, and shockingly, he even sacrificed his own child in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. The author notes that Ahaz was fervent in offering sacrifices and burning incense in high places, on hilltops, and under every spreading tree. These…
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At the age of seven, Joash rose to the throne, becoming the youngest monarch in the historical record of Israel. However, his reign was far from flawless. His disregard for the LORD’s commandments and his imprudent actions led to his untimely demise, thereby bringing an abrupt end to his reign that spanned four decades.
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In our day-to-day activities with our local church, do we compete with someone? Without understanding their commitment and relationship with God, do we ever force ourselves and our family members to imitate their attitudes? If we continue to do such things, we may face dire consequences like Ananias and Sapphira.
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Some might question the purpose of the story of Ruth in the Bible, but her response to tragedy in her life is something we can learn a lot from. There were two women who were dealt the same hand in Naomi and Ruth. Both responded to it in different ways and Ruth left her comfort zone and moved to Bethlehem to be a comfort for her mother-in-law.
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The Bible portrays Peter, James, and John as the close associates of Jesus. Out of these three disciples, Peter’s inconsistent spiritual growth is a source of encouragement for all of us, as we are also inconsistent in our spiritual walks but the spiritual journey of Peter started when he was only an illiterate fisherman.
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Nehemiah led with his heart rather than listening to the voice of God and always expected God to reward him for the sacrifice he was making in trying to rebuild Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually.
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Even the wisest man in the world was fooled by satan and lured away from God. Is there any hope for us?
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The first recorded Martyr to die for the Jesus movement.
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The life of Jacob takes the twists and turns of a modern potboiler. The cast changes over time but there is sibling rivalry between two brothers, two sisters and among a dozen brothers; parental favouritisms; deceit and betrayals; thirsts for revenge; love and romance; heartbreaks; deaths and family reunions. The cheater becomes the cheated.
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Life lessons from Lot and pondering what could have been.
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In this modern age, many gadgets exist that shorten the time phase in every sphere of our work life. Every day new innovations are coming up to make the older ones obsolete. This has changed our work culture tremendously. In spite of these boons, we are more busier than ever and are not able to find time to look after our own family matters.
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Mentioned only in the Gospel according to John, Jesus’ late night meeting with Nicodemus gave us the most influential verse and the summary of the entire Gospel in John 3:16.
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In the coastal city of Joppa which was about eleven miles northwest from Lydda , resided Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) who was on her death bed. Tabitha Dorcas was a tailor and a follower of the ‘Way’. The origins of her faith are not mentioned in the Bible…
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Jesus was in the district of Judea answering the ensnaring questions of the Pharisees when a young man came to see HIm. In the Gospel of Luke this man is described as a rich young ruler (Luke – 18:18). He had great wealth and power yet when he came before Jesus he fell on his knees. (Mark – 10:17). He presented himself with great humbleness and asked Jesus, “Good teacher what must I do to receive eternal life?”
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Jesus left Galilee and headed north some 35 miles to the gentile occupied port cities of Tyre and Sidon. The purpose of Jesus’ short visit to these cities is not clear. He was not preaching in this region nor was he performing any miracles. Then why did Jesus take his disciples and travel such a long distance to Tyre and Sidon?
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Though his name says Baptist and he even baptized with water but John The Baptist was definitely more than a baptizer. Born in a priestly family and chosen even before birth for the role he had to play as a witness to the Light, though short lived, lived to its full as a lamp that burned and gave light. Jesus himself certified about him that he is more than a prophet (Matthew 11:8-10). Named even before his birth as John (Meaning Yahweh is gracious), his ministry was to testify about the one who is full of grace and truth.
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Deborah is the only female judge of Israel mentioned in the Bible (Judges 4:5). She was a prophetess and the wife of Lapidoth who judged Israel when the they were being oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan (Judges 4:4).
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Ophrah was a small town in Manasseh and was the native place of Joash the Abiezrite. His sons had been put to death on Mount Tabor by the Midianites. His only remaining son, Gideon, was threshing wheat in the winepress for he feared the Midianites. Hardly the great warrior that the Israelites needed to redeem themselves of their oppressors. Gideon found it hard to believe when the Angel of the Lord told him of what God was going to do through him. Little did he know that he would be the greatest Judge that led Israel.
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The baptism of Cornelius is an important event in the history of the Early Church. The gates of the Church, within which thus far only those who were circumcised and observed the Law of Moses had been admitted, were now thrown open to the uncircumcised Gentiles without the obligation of submitting to the Jewish ceremonial laws.- Florentine Bechtel
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Abigail was a woman, beautiful and with understanding (1 Samuel 25: 3), She was the wife of Nabal who was a rich man and who sheared his sheep at Carmel (1 Samuel 25: 3). Knowing that Nabal was shearing his sheep, David sent some young men to talk to Nabal and tell him how well his shepherds were treated when they were with him and that now when they have come on a feast day and be given ..
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Rivalry among brothers is quite common even in the Bible. Brotherly rivalries such as Joseph and his brothers, Jacob and Esau, Solomon and Adonijah and so on, all in some way related to their inheritance share. In the parable of the Prodigal son Jesus illustrates a similar rivalry so that…
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Elijah lived in difficult times when Israel was in spiritual deterioration.The secret of his success was prayer. Elijah was used to turning the hearts of the people back to the Lord (I Kings 18:37). But what was so special about him?
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Eli was a priest, chosen from the priestly clan, who judged Israel for forty years (1 Samuel 1:9; 1 Samuel 2:28; 1 Samuel 4:18). He had two sons named Hophni and Phinehas who did not know God and sinned against Him, they treated Lord’s offering with contempt (1 Samuel 1: 4; 1 Samuel 2: 12, […]
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According to the book of Genesis Adam was created by God out of the soil of the earth and He breathed into his nostrils. Adam became a living person. God created the world and all that is in it by His word and when He found everything was good He created man giving him all […]
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Nineveh is a mere 500 miles from Jonah’s hometown of Gath-hepher but he choose the journey to Tarshish which was about 2500 miles from Joppa. This showed how reluctant he was to go to Nineveh. Nineveh drew comparisons from Sodom and Gomorrah….
The Jordan Valley 