Title September 2019

What is the Bible?

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a collection of sacred books that reveal His plan for humanity. The name Bible comes from the Greek word Biblia, meaning “books.” A single book is called Biblion, but when referring to multiple books, the term Biblia is used.

It is not just an ordinary book—it is the divine revelation of God’s will, character, and redemptive plan for mankind. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) affirms this:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Who Wrote the Bible?

The Bible was written over a span of approximately 1,500 years by more than 40 authors from different backgrounds, including kings (David, Solomon), prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah), doctors (Luke), fishermen (Peter, John), and tax collectors (Matthew). Despite their differences in time, culture, and profession, their writings carry a unified message—God’s love and plan for salvation.

Though human hands penned the words, the Holy Spirit inspired them, ensuring that every message was according to God’s will (2 Peter 1:20-21, NKJV).

The Structure of the Bible

The Bible is divided into two main parts:

  1. The Old Testament (39 books) – Also known as the First Covenant, it details creation, the history of Israel, God’s laws, and prophecies about the coming Messiah. It includes:

    • The Law (Torah/Pentateuch) – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

    • Historical Books – Joshua, Judges, Ruth, etc.

    • Wisdom Literature – Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes

    • Prophetic Books – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc.

  2. The New Testament (27 books) – Also called the Second Covenant, it fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the birth of the Church. It includes:

    • The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (life and teachings of Jesus)

    • Acts – The history of the early Church

    • Epistles (Letters) – Written by Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude

    • Revelation – A prophetic book about Christ’s second coming

The Central Message of the Bible

At the heart of the entire Bible is one person—Jesus Christ. In John 5:39 (NKJV), Jesus Himself said:

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

From Genesis to Revelation, every book either foreshadows, proclaims, or explains the work of Christ. In the Old Testament, He is prophesied as the coming Savior. In the New Testament, He is revealed as the Son of God who fulfilled these prophecies.

Why is the Bible Important?

  1. It is God’s direct revelation to humanity – Unlike any other book, the Bible is the primary way God speaks to His people today.

  2. It is a guide for life – Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

  3. It contains the only way to salvation – Jesus said in John 14:6 (NKJV), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

  4. It is spiritually alive and powerful – Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) states, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”

  5. It prepares believers for eternity – The Bible not only teaches us how to live but also reveals God’s eternal plan for His people.

Conclusion

The Bible is more than a religious book—it is the living Word of God. It reveals His will, teaches His truth, and leads people to eternal life through Jesus Christ. No other book in history has changed lives, shaped nations, and stood the test of time like the Bible.

To understand God and His plan, one must study His Word, believe in Jesus Christ, and follow His teachings.

 
 
 
 

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Are Tattoos Biblically Acceptable?

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos? Is Getting a Tattoo a Sin?

Answer: The Bible gives clear instructions regarding how we should treat our bodies. In Leviticus 19:28, God commands:

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

This command was given to the Israelites at a time when surrounding pagan nations practiced body cutting and tattooing as part of rituals to honor their gods and the dead. God set His people apart, instructing them not to imitate these customs. This shows that body markings were not just physical decorations but carried deeper spiritual meanings.

The Biblical Purpose of Our Bodies

Our bodies are not just shells for existence—they are meant to be temples of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

A temple is a place of worship, sacred and dedicated to God alone. If our bodies are truly temples of the Holy Spirit, they should not be used as canvases for worldly symbols but should reflect purity and holiness.

The Origin of Tattoos and Their Spiritual Implications

Many people today get tattoos for fashion, personal meaning, or self-expression. However, the origin of tattooing is deeply tied to spiritual and ritualistic practices. In ancient times, tattoos were used for:

>> Pagan Worship – Many cultures believed that tattooing certain symbols or names of gods would grant them protection, power, or favor.

>> Ritual Initiations – Some tribes marked their bodies to dedicate themselves to spirits or deities.

>>> Spiritual Protection – People believed tattoos could protect them from evil spirits or curses.

Because these practices were driven by beliefs in supernatural forces outside of God, those who engaged in them unknowingly invited spiritual influences into their lives. Even today, many tattoo designs—such as serpents, skulls, or mysterious symbols—still carry deep spiritual connotations.

The Bible warns against unknowingly participating in practices that have hidden spiritual dangers:

Hosea 4:6

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

When we act without understanding the origins of certain practices, we can unintentionally open spiritual doors that do not align with God’s will.

Does Having a Tattoo Affect Your Spiritual Life?

Many people may argue that their tattoos are harmless, especially if they were done without any spiritual intent. However, it is important to understand that:

Tattoos can carry unseen spiritual weight – Just as charms and amulets can carry spiritual significance, so can markings on the body.

They do not align with God’s call for holiness – God calls us to be set apart, not conforming to the patterns of the world (Romans 12:2).

–They can serve as a permanent reminder of past beliefs or mistakes – Even if a tattoo was done innocently, it still carries a representation that may not glorify God.

While having a tattoo does not make someone evil or beyond redemption, it is important to assess whether it truly honors God.

What Should You Do If You Already Have a Tattoo?

If you got a tattoo before knowing these biblical principles, do not feel condemned. God’s grace is sufficient, and His power to cleanse and renew us is greater than any mistake we have made.

If possible, consider removing tattoos that represent things that contradict your faith. The goal is to ensure that every part of your life, including your body, reflects Christ.

If removal is not an option, rededicate your body to God, asking Him to remove any spiritual connections linked to the tattoo and to use your life as a testimony of His grace.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Holiness

As believers, our focus should always be on glorifying God in everything we do. Before making any decision regarding tattoos, ask yourself:

Does this honor God?

Does it align with Scripture?

Would Jesus have done this?

God calls us to be separate from the world and to walk in purity:

2 Corinthians 6:17

“Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Rather than following cultural trends, let us seek to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including how we treat our bodies.

Be blessed in the Lord!

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Why does God allow suffering and evil?

ANSWER:
First, we must understand that it is not God’s will for us to experience suffering or evil. However, there are challenges and hardships that God allows for a purpose. These may be to teach us, show us His glory, or warn us. Ultimately, these hardships can lead to a good outcome, which is why the Apostle Paul wrote in

2 Corinthians 12:9:
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

There are also troubles caused by humans themselves. These are choices we make, and God cannot prevent all of them because He has given us free will. Just like a wise parent may give advice to a child who is about to make a wrong decision, but cannot force them to listen, God allows us to make our own choices. Even though He sees the consequences, He does not force us to obey. If we choose wrongly, He may warn us, but He respects our freedom to choose.

This is the same with God. He sees the harm that could come to us and wishes to prevent it, but the decision to follow or not is ours. God will warn us and show us the potential outcomes of our choices, but the decision to listen or ignore that advice is ultimately up to us.

God has given us the ability to choose. If a person chooses to continue in sin despite God’s warnings, He cannot force them to stop. For example, if someone continues in sinful behavior like adultery, even though God has clearly said that such people will not inherit the kingdom of God, He allows them to make that choice. While God knows the end result of their actions, He does not force them to change.

Even when Satan turned away from God, God warned him but did not force him to repent. Satan’s decision to rebel was his own choice. And similarly, we have the freedom to choose whether to follow God’s guidance or not. God does not force us.

God created us with the ability to make decisions. He gives us the option to accept or reject His advice. He is always there to warn us, guide us, and help us avoid the consequences of evil, but He will not force us to follow Him.

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Where did Cain find his wife after killing his brother Abel?

QUESTION: After Cain killed his brother Abel, he fled to the land of Nod. I would like to understand, where did he find a wife and have children with her? (Genesis 4:16).

ANSWER: If you read Genesis 5:1-5 (NIV), it says:

“1 This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God.
2 He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them ‘Mankind’ when they were created.
3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.
4 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.
5 Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.”

If you carefully examine verse 4, you will see that, in addition to Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters. This means that Cain likely married one of his sisters or possibly a niece, as the Bible does not mention any other people being created by God at this point. The assumption that Cain married a wild animal or a non-human being is not supported by Scripture. Instead, it appears Cain took a wife from his own family.

In the early days of human history, there were no prohibitions against such marriages. The idea that one should not marry close relatives, such as siblings, came much later in the history of humanity. This leads to another important question: Was it lawful for Cain to marry a close relative, such as his sister?

ANSWER: Remember, Adam himself did not take a wife from another family, but from his own side. The Bible records that Eve was taken from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-23). In terms of kinship, Adam and Eve’s relationship was more akin to a deep unity than the relationship between a brother and sister. Early on, God allowed such unions for the purpose of procreation, as humanity was still in its infancy and needed to multiply and fill the earth. The first humans were created to populate the earth, and there were no other people available at the time for marriage.

However, as humanity grew, the need for such unions decreased, and God later issued commandments forbidding incestuous relationships. This is seen in the Levitical laws given to the Israelites much later, after the human population had expanded significantly.

Leviticus 18:6 (NIV) says: “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord.”

Additionally, Leviticus 18:9 (NIV) states: “Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.”

These laws were given to protect human health, moral integrity, and to establish a clear social structure for the growing human population. In the beginning, though, God allowed for such unions to ensure the survival and expansion of mankind.

To clarify, marrying a close relative was not uncommon in the early days of humanity, as there were no other options. But with the passage of time and the growth of the human race, God’s laws evolved to prohibit incest and ensure the well-being of future generations.

In summary: Cain most likely married one of his sisters or a close relative, as Adam and Eve had many other children. This practice was permissible early on, but later, God gave explicit commandments forbidding marriage between close relatives, which are still relevant today.

Blessings to you.

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