Each week, subscribers to Bible Insights Weekly receive a free email with links to three short articles on a variety of biblical topics. Following is a growing archive of articles previously posted.
Many are not aware that the belief in a "Good Friday" crucifixion and an "Easter Sunday" resurrection is based on tradition, and is without a biblical basis.
Once each year, on the anniversary of the night on which Jesus was betrayed, we should contemplate the meaning of Christ's death by the observance of the Passover service.
Our battle with sin is similar to that of a baseball batter. We don't always do our best when we step up to the plate, and sometimes we are caught off guard.
Hebrew 8:6 tells us the New Covenant is "…a better covenant established on better promises" but why is it better than the covenant God made with the nation of Israel?
The tendency of human beings to disobey God and exalt themselves indicates selfishness and pride are often the primary motives, rather than a desire to obey God.
People who study the Bible are not the only ones concerned about where our world is headed. For thousands of years people have been fascinated with predictions of the end of the world.
How can we remain faithful to biblical teachings when society is becoming increasingly secular and sometimes even hostile towards the God of the Bible?
The historical accuracy of the messages to the seven churches in the book of Revelation is supported by archeological discoveries and the prophecies are also relevant for us today.
Most people accept the Darwinian theory of evolution as fact, but the philosophy behind the theory has contributed to some of the most tragic events of the 20th century.
Many are not aware of the origins of popular religious holidays, while the days observed in the Bible, and kept by Christ and the Apostles, are almost universally ignored.
The account of Noah's life contains a lesson God wants Christians to take to heart. Righteousness and faithfulness save and preserve, but sin destroys.
Much of Bible prophecy is about the period leading up to the return of Jesus Christ, and it has a lot to say about some of today’s most important nations.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15).
When the disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, He delivered a detailed prophecy not only about the future of Judea and Jerusalem, but for all humanity.
For many, death is one of life’s greatest mysteries. Some believe we cease to exist, while others speculate about an afterlife. Do we really die, or do we have a soul that lives on apart from the body?
On the day of Pentecost let us remember the first time mankind as a whole, had access to the mind of God, and a more complete understanding of spiritual things.
ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who landed on April 25, 1915 at the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during the First World War.
If we compare many modern-day Christian beliefs with what Jesus and His disciples taught we could conclude much of mainstream Christianity has lost it way.
Habakkuk lived at a turning point in world history. when God was moving the balance of power among world empires, and setting the stage for end time events.
There are many incorrect ideas taught in Christian churches about hell. It's important to know what the Bible actually says about this important subject.
That a loving, all-powerful God would allow terrible human anguish perplexes many people. Some even see it as justification for denying God's existence.
Christ's disciples lived in a society where ritualistic, recited prayer was common. They asked Christ to teach them how to pray because it was clear to them He did not pray in this way.
Throughout the centuries, man's greatest threat has often not been natural disasters or warfare, but the microscopic creatures with which we share the earth.
A biblical prophecy describing a superpower that will emerge and oppose Christ at His return was foretold by the prophet Daniel in the time of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar.
Historians accept that most of the ancestors of today's Western democracies once lived as nomadic tribes roaming the vast plains of antiquity known as the Eurasian steppes.
In this podcast Victor Kubik and Scott Ashley discuss the background of the people and cultures Jesus encountered during His ministry, particularly the Samaritans.
The Da Vinci Code book and movie, as well as other similar works have, in recent years, raised many questions about the accuracy of New Testament accounts of the early Church.
Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. What lessons can we learn from the life of Jacob and his direct descendants that would apply to us today?
Many think that under the New Covenant, Christians have freedom to worship God however they want, including determining their own rituals and special festivals.
At the time Matthew came into contact with Jesus Christ he was a "publican" or a tax collector for the Romans, a profession his fellow Jews very often detested.
The current pandemic has highlighted the fact that the world can change suddenly. What can we learn from this to prepare us to cope with the prophesied events to occur in the future?
Christianity rightly claims each person is God’s special creation and has value. But if that is the case why do some people commit heinous crimes? Did God create people evil?
The spirit of man, or “our spirit,” gives us the ability to physically function on a level above animals, but we are incomplete without God’s Spirit dwelling within us.
Portraying God with something physical is sternly forbidden by the second commandment, but could some Christians be practicing idolatry without being aware of it?
Many wonder what happens to those who, simply because of when and where they were born, never had an opportunity to hear of Jesus Christ and God's Word?
As the world struggles to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, coping with the resulting social restrictions and changes to daily life can be a challenge.
According to the WHO, at least one new infectious disease has emerged each year since 1980, many of which evade traditional therapies and have no vaccine or cure.
The tolerance and spread of pornography over the last few decades has had far reaching detrimental effects, not only for the person viewing it, but also on society in general.
Sadly, the percentage of professing Christians who engage in extramarital affairs and end their marriages in divorce is just as high, and sometimes even higher, than among non-Christians.
Shocking news reports detailing extreme racial oppression and murder in several countries should prompt us to ask ourselves if we harbour any racial attitudes.
Instead of the once popular idea the universe could be teeming with life, many scientists are now realising the uniqueness of earth. Everything we see around us is carefully designed to sustain our existence.
The passage in Colossians 2:16, probably more than any other in the Bible, is interpreted by those who reject God's festivals as confirmation that the biblical feast days are unnecessary observances.
The study of archaeology has strengthened the faith of Christians down through the centuries and even influenced a famous, avowed atheist to become an ardent believer in the accuracy of the biblical accounts.
The old adage that money is the 'root of all evil' is not necessarily true. Pointers on the appropriate Christian approach to financial management can be found in the Bible.
The Sabbath Day is a time for prayer, study and fellowship. However Christians differ as to whether the Sabbath should be observed on Saturday or Sunday.
Are the festivals of the Bible that Christ observed while on earth relevant for those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ today? What can we learn from them?
Most churches and denominations believe Jesus taught Old Testament laws are no longer binding on Christians today, and that He departed from Old Testament teachings especially in regard to law.
The Day of Atonement is the only annual festival of God when Christians are commanded to fast. Read what pastor, Reg Wright says about the many decades he has observed this fast.
Jesus Christ asked His disciples before He was arrested and crucified, “Who do men say that I am?” The answer is vital to our understanding of our Saviour's message and sacrifice.
The subject of "speaking in tongues" is quite controversial within the Christian community, with some embracing the phenomenon whole-heartedly, and others strongly opposing it.
Bible prophecy shows cataclysmic events will occur just before Jesus Christ returns to directly intervene in human affairs. How should Christians prepare?
Explaining your beliefs to someone who is not a believer takes courage and may not always go to plan. Read what one high school student has to say about her experiences.
Every day tens of thousands of abortions take place around the world. But how does God view the taking of the lives of the unborn? Let's take a look at what the Bible says.
It is becoming less fashionable to speak about “sin”. An emphasis on feel-good themes is even dominating some Christian churches and appealing to many. But is this the message of Jesus Christ?
We should be concerned about what happens in Europe, because Bible prophecy indicates a European union will be at the center of future, end-time world events.
Children's books portraying a fictional young wizard called Harry Potter have become best sellers. Parents are pleased the stories encourage children to read, but are there other factors that need consideration?
A recovered addict reveals the underlying emotions and beliefs that trapped him into addiction at seventeen years of age, in the hope that it will help others.
The sudden destruction of the ancient city of Pompeii is a reminder of the fragility and fleetingness of existence. An entire city and its population was wiped out in one afternoon and centuries later there are still lessons we can learn from this calamity.
Will China or Russia eventually replace the United States as the leading nation or, does the Bible indicate another ancient power will emerge to dominate the world scene?
The continuing abortion debate reveals deep fears and division. The life of a child in its mother’s womb, something that should bring people together, continues to divide and tear the moral fabric of a people.
The coming Kingdom of God was the subject of much of Jesus’ teaching during His ministry. It was the topic of many parables and another way Jesus demonstrated what the Kingdom of God on earth would be like was through His miracles.
The purpose for human beings on earth did not end with the physical creation outlined in the book of Genesis. There are intriguing indicators of an awesome human purpose!
Hundreds of years ago some courageous men risked their lives to bring us the Holy Scriptures in English. Some had to flee their homes and countries and others died as martyrs to produce an English translation of the Bible.
The "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" is synonymous with frightening prophecies, but there's a fifth Horseman who brings the promise of a far better age to come.
Many people today believe Noah’s ark could not have carried all of its intended cargo. They're convinced it would have had to have been of gargantuan proportions—far exceeding the dimensions recorded in Genesis or the supposedly primitive technology of that time.
Steven Britt and Victor Kubik talk about the detrimental assumptions made by prominent scientists that lead the world away from understanding the truth.
The 10 commandments were given by God at Mt Sinai, but the Bible shows that these same commandments were known and in effect long before Moses or a people known as the Jews existed...
“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). So what about those who die, having never even heard of Jesus Christ? Are they forever cut off from God, or damned to indescribable torment?
The laying on of hands is listed in Scripture as one of the fundamental doctrines of Christ. Yet, to many, it is an obscure practice and its significance is not understood.
The Tenth Commandment forbids us to covet what belongs to others - our neighbour's house, wife, servant, ox, donkey or "anything that is your neighbour's" (Exodus 20:17).
About 1,000 years before the life and death of Jesus Christ, a remarkable psalm was written by King David, giving precise details of the greatest event in history.
God offers us two gifts that are the most important any human being can receive. The first is the forgiveness of sins, and the second is the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit.
The author grew up in a typical Protestant religion, then switched to Roman Catholism, but finally discovered he was still not aware of some critical biblical truths.
The Feast of Tabernacles is followed by the Last Great Day, the final Holy Day of the fall festival season, symbolising the concluding step of God’s plan of salvation.
Most of us have heard the protest: “Jesus said not to judge so why are you judging me?” Understanding what Jesus actually taught about judging is important.
When the geologic strata and fossil record are assesed from a biblical perspective, it is clear the layered sedimentary rocks were deposited in rapid succession and not over eons of time.
Christians can learn vital lessons from the life of King Jeroboam, who was initially courageous in carrying out God-given responsibilities, but eventually his weakness became apparent.
One way to gain a better understand of faith is to consider the men and women of the Bible who trusted and obeyed God, placing their lives in His hands.
The 20th century saw dramatic changes in attitudes toward what is considered to be proper sexual behaviour, aided by easy availability of birth-control pills.
The biblical account of the years leading up to defeat and deportation of the ten tribes of Israel by the Assyrians is recorded as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.
The Star Wars movie series tells of the struggle to overthrow a seemingly invincible evil force. A similar story has been told for some 2,000 years in the pages of your Bible.
Adultery is nothing new. Throughout the ages men (with the complicity of women) have tried to justify sex outside of marriage, sometimes even to legalize it.
Many aspects of traditional Christianity, including holidays and doctrines, have their origins in ancient pagan religious practices instead of the Bible.
Luke, the ‘beloved physician’ (Colossians 4:14) not only wrote two books in the New Testament, but also supported and encouraged the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in Rome.
Most people understand Jesus died for our sins, and the details of His illegal crucifixion are well known. But few realise after Jesus' death His identity was stolen!
A study of archaeological discoveries in the areas of Nazareth and Capernaum confirm biblical details surrounding the early years of Christ's ministry.
The history of humanity is highlighted by our inability to get along with each other. The primary focus of the Fifth Commandment teaches the importance of learning to respect others.
Satan is often depicted as a fairy tale creature with horns and a pitchfork. Even some Christians doubt he is a real, powerful spirit being who influences us to drift away from God.
Penance – according to the dictionary – is “any act of self-punishment for a sin or wrongdoing.” Penance is not mentioned in the Bible, but repentance is.
Some, who are familiar with Bible prophecy, may be asking themselves if the Coronavirus pandemic might be a fulfilment of the end-time prophecy of the four horsemen.
Modern advances in meteorology mean we are very good at predicting the weather, but how accurate are we in identifying the prophetic signs heralding the end of this age and the return of Jesus Christ?
The Apostle Peter's journey of faith and conviction culminating in his bold sermon on the Day of Pentecost is as an example to Christians for all time.
Not only religious leaders, but politicians, educators and scientists have worried about the potential destruction of our world from a number of causes.
With the Feast of Pentecost being observed on Sunday, May 31, Darris McNeely shows how its observance helps us see hope for the future in spite of current trials.
One day Pompeii was a thriving city; the next a steaming mound of smouldering volcanic ash. Are there lessons to be learned from Pompeii's tragic fate?
The George Barna research company on religious matters suggests that even people with no specific religious affiliation still pray to God on a regular basis.
The Apostle John was personally taught by Jesus Christ and was an eyewitness of many of His miracles. In His Gospel He refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 20:2).
Dying is an inevitable part of human life. The Bible reveals God's plan for all humanity that has ever lived, but it may not coincide with what you have been taught.
It's nearly Christmas time again and most Christians take part in the celebration knowing it's pagan roots. Is this something we should be concerned about?
Life is about choices. Perhaps none is so great as whom we will ultimately serve—God or ourselves. Let's take a look at the example of the Apostle Paul.
On the surface Hallowe'en can seem like some good fun for our children, but it's worth taking a closer look at the origins of this strange celebration.
Are the festivals of the Bible that Christ observed while on earth relevant for those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ today? What can we learn from them?
You may be able to handle a flat tyre on your vehicle but more importantly, are you prepared to handle a “spiritual flat tyre” on the road to eternal life?
Why are today's supposedly Christian holidays observed with so many rituals and customs that are not sanctioned anywhere in the Bible? Read how Roger found the answer.
Many legends have sprung up about the early life of Jesus Christ during the 2,000 years since His birth. Can the Bible help us separate fact from fiction?
The story of Joseph is an example of enduring faith. Although God allowed Joseph to be severely tried, He also abundantly blessed him and his descendants.
As you consider the veracity of newspapers reports, or information from television news programs and social media be sure to ask who's subtly influencing your beliefs and attitudes.
If you were accidentally responsible for the death of a family member, how would you deal with the grief and guilt , as well as comfort other family members? John Miller reveals some insights based on his experience.
We live in a promiscuous society where confusion and misinformation about sex is rife and biblical instruction on the subject is ignored and ridiculed.
The Bible does not support the commonly held belief of the immortal soul. God's purpose for humanity is that we be given the opportunity for eternal life through a resurrection.
James, the half brother of Jesus Christ, became a loyal believer and follower of the Messiah after His resurrection and is the author of the book of James in the Bible.
Our relationship with our Father in Heaven should be our first priority, but often we all struggle to fit an effective spiritual life into our busy 'to do' list. Here's some good advice.
Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers who protested the teachings of the Catholic Church had enormous influence on the development of Christianity.
The tendency of human beings to disobey God and exalt themselves indicates selfishness and pride are often the primary motives, rather than a desire to obey God.
For people who observe Easter it might come as a surprise to learn that Paul, the Apostle sent to the Gentiles, gave instructions to a mostly Gentile church in Corinth to keep festivals generally regarded as Jewish and not for Christians.
Longsuffering is no longer an everyday word, but it's needed more than ever when impatience, intolerance, oversensitivity and impulsive anger are so prevalent.
Bible prophecy talks about a mysterious, end-time figure who will teach lies deceiving nearly everyone and will also oppose Jesus Christ at His return.
A remarkable series of prophecies spanning hundreds of years predicted the fate of the rebellious nations of Israel and Judah, who refused to follow God's way of life.
Christianity is under increasing assault, but a brief look at historical facts shows that inspite of the lapses of some so-called followers it has had a most beneficial influence on humanity.
A United Europe will soon emerge as a global superpower upstaging the United States in might and influence. You can read about it in the pages of your Bible.
For thousands of years people have challenged God's guiding presence in the world He created and there is growing cultural pressure to erode the knowledge of God from all public discussion.
Millions believe they have an immortal soul destined at death for heaven or hell. Yet surprisingly, not only is the idea not found in the Bible, it obscures its most precious promise.
Prayer is conversing with God, and He hears, is interested in and answers us, as we strive to develop our relationship with the Creator of the universe.
How do sincere Christians express their love to God? Is it done in the way specified in scripture or is there often something vitally important missing?
Australia Day is a time to relax, spend time with family, and also to reflect on the blessing we enjoy. Is there a reason we are so blessed and does the Bible reveal that reason?
Many think that under the New Covenant, Christians have freedom to worship God however they want, including determining their own rituals and special festivals.
Many biblical characters fasted, that is went without food and drink for a period of time. The Bible has much to say about this important but often-neglected spiritual key.
Some have taught that scriptures in Genesis 6 refer to fallen angels interbreeding with human women to produce evil giants. But there’s a more rational explanation.
The Bible contains no record of the New Testament Church observing Easter or Lent during the time of the apostles, nor does it contain any direction for their observance.
The right kind of confidence is based on an accurate perception of our self-worth, and the Bible has a great deal to say about how we are to think of ourselves.
If you are involved with children as a parent, friend or relative, you may be wondering how to effectively teach them to love and obey the Word of God.
On February 14 each year millions of people exchange tokens and messages of love and affection on Valentine's Day. But where and how did these customs begin?
This well known story is a warning to encourage us not just to pay attention to obvious threats or influences, but also to the subtle, more slowly developing ones.
The Roman emperor Constantine the Great convened and played a major role in the Council of Nicaea, which laid the groundwork for acceptance of the Trinity doctrine.
Sincere study of God’s Word, coupled with a strong desire to yield to His will, helps us to understand the selfish desires dominating our behaviour and thoughts.
In contrast to its meaning today, the term ‘grace’, springing from a translation of the Greek word charis, held quite a different meaning during Greco-Roman times.
The first three of the horsemen of the book of Revelation represent religious deception, war and famine, with the fourth, pale green horse signifying disease pandemics.
Simon, the Magician claimed he was god. His followers practiced strange, secret rituals for centuries after his death and his teachings still influence us today.
While James grew up in the same house with Jesus in Nazareth, he was not a follower of Jesus for the early part of his life and did not understand who Jesus was.
Did you know it’s a crime to destroy an eagle’s egg in the United States? Yet killing an unborn child is permitted. Society today is completely mixed up!
Jesus Christ warned about the need for Christians to prepare for the difficult and perilous times ahead and, for many, the Corona virus pandemic has served as a wake up call.
Esther's life demonstrates how fear and indecision can be overcome by resolutely seeking God's intervention with the courage and conviction that God will never let us down.
Faced with the onslaught of the information age, providing both helpful and harmful influences, the author compares the fragility of an egg to our susceptibility to succumb to the wrong influences.
The seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, which begins with an annual Holy Day, pictures the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ over the earth after His second coming.
The Feast of Trumpets is an annual Holy Day commemorating the return of Jesus Christ to establish His government and bring this present evil age to an end.
US Pastor, Randy Stiver, takes us on a tour of the Bible to discover what is actually taught about hell and the fate of those who ultimately reject God.
The parable of the sower gives three reasons why some who hear God’s truth fail to respond. It also reveals the state of mind of those who respond to God's calling and produce spiritual fruit.
Nehemiah is one of the lesser known leaders of the Bible. The book bearing his name documents a faithful man, leading by example, during turbulent times.
Great Britain and the United States have been the dominant world powers for decades. What many do not realise is that this development was prophesied centuries ahead of time.
The account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego is recorded in the Bible as a witness to the kind of unflinching faith we should have in the face of persecution and temptation.
The great universe scientists view through powerful telescopes, humanity and all life on earth could not have come into exist without a master planner.
Many people came to the knowledge of God’s way of life, not only through Barnabas’ preaching, but also because of his outstanding example of encouragement.
It may surprise some sincere Christians to learn that the days labeled by many as “Old Testament Jewish days” are part of the legacy left to us by Jesus Christ and the apostles.
Saint Patrick's Day is observed in many countries, but what do we really know about him, and is it possible to separate the truth from myth and legends?
Most of the ancient biblical nations mentioned in the Bible still exist today with different names. To properly understand Bible prophecy these historical peoples should be correctly identified.
David captured Jerusalem, reunited the nation and controlled an empire. He was the most renowned of Israel’s kings and the Bible describes him as a man 'after God's own heart'.
The observance of the annual Feast of Trumpets represents the culmination of the present age of man and the beginning of a remarkable time during which God will play a much more direct role in world events.
Many believe a God of love would be bound by His own character and principles to prevent suffering in the world, so why doesn’t God intervene to prevent human anguish and pain?
The prophetic book of Daniel foretells of a coming superpower, referred to as “Babylon the Great,” which will rise to dominate global events just before Jesus Christ returns.
By teaching your children to pray, you are giving them a tremendous gift in setting their feet on a path towards a relationship with their heavenly Father!
One of Jesus Christ's parables shows it's crucially important for Christians to be wearing the right kind of wedding garments — but what does that mean?
In a world of broken relationships and shattered families, the story of the prodigal son illustrates the positive outcomes resulting from reconciliation and forgiveness and also helps us learn more about our Father in heaven.
Many of us have an incorrect view of angels and some even pray to angels. What can we glean from our Bibles about angels and how we should relate to them?
Robert Jastrow, former Director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, is quoted concerning the flaws in the scientific approach to theories concerning the origins of the universe.
Pentecost is the annual observance of the anniversary of the beginning of Christianity under the New Covenant and, according Jewish tradition, this was also the day God gave the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
The prophet Isaiah foretold the complete destruction of the magnificent city of Babylon 200 years before it actually occurred. Even today it is a city of empty ruins, just as the Bible predicted.
The Ten Commandments have been a guide for life for the patriarchs of the Old Testament, the apostles and disciples of the New Testament and Christians today.
The traditional family structure is breaking down, with society and the media redefining the definition of ‘family’ and moral behaviour. In spite of these negative influences most parents want to ensure their children lead happy and secure Christian lives, eventually maturing to wisely nurture their own families.
The scientific community has reacted to the growing weight of evidence against the theory of evolution by denying the issues and accepting the unsupported suppositions without adequate proof.
Most people get their ideas of God from other people, yet it is the Bible that has been preserved by God to teach us about Him, and the only inspired record we can rely on. How biblical are your ideas of God?
When you’ve devoted a lifetime to arguing against the existence of a divine Creator, it can be hard to admit you were wrong. So what compelled one of the world’s leading atheists to do just that?
It's Christmas season again. Christian families take for granted that Christ was born on Christmas day (25th December) and honour God by observing this special event. As a thinking Christian, some years ago, I made a daring decision not to.