Author: Reverend Michael Johnson

In the Bible, “established” often refers to something that has been firmly set up or confirmed by God, indicating stability, permanence, and divine authority. It can pertain to covenants, kingdoms, or individual lives that are grounded in faith and obedience to God’s will. Scripture 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you…

Deuterocanonical books are texts included in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Old Testament but considered apocryphal by most Protestant denominations. They are part of the canon of scripture for these traditions and include books such as Tobit, Judith, and Maccabees, emphasizing themes of faith, morality, and God’s covenant with His people. Scripture 1 The…

In the Bible, particularly in Leviticus 19:19, the prohibition against wearing mixed fabrics (such as wool and linen together) is seen as a symbol of maintaining purity and separation in various aspects of life, reflecting God’s command for holiness and distinction among His people. This guideline served to distinguish the Israelites from other nations and…

In the Bible, “Jewry” refers to the collective group of Jewish people or the Jewish community, particularly in relation to their cultural, religious, and ethnic identity as descendants of the ancient Israelites. It often signifies a sense of belonging to the covenant established between God and the people of Israel. Scripture 1 Now the Lord…

In the Bible, continence refers to self-control and restraint, particularly in relation to sexual desires and impulses. It is often associated with virtue and the ability to remain chaste or temperate, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 7:9, which speaks to the importance of self-mastery. Scripture 1 Now concerning the matters about which you…

In the Bible, “filthy lucre” refers to ill-gotten gain or money obtained through dishonest or immoral means. It emphasizes the negative connotation of greed and the unethical pursuit of wealth, as seen in passages like 1 Timothy 3:3, which warns against such practices for those in leadership. Scripture 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone…

In the Bible, “meddling” generally refers to interfering or prying into someone else’s affairs without invitation or authority. It is often viewed negatively, suggesting a lack of respect for boundaries and can lead to conflict, as seen in Proverbs 26:17, which warns against meddling in disputes not one’s own. Scripture 17 Whoever meddles in a…

In the Bible, “abstain” refers to refraining from certain actions or behaviors, particularly those deemed sinful or unclean. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises believers to “abstain from all appearance of evil,” emphasizing the importance of avoiding even the slightest engagement with wrongdoing. Scripture 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain…

In the Bible, “exploit” often refers to taking advantage of others for selfish gain or to manipulate situations for personal benefit, contrasting with the ethical principles of justice and compassion emphasized throughout scripture. It suggests a misuse of power or resources, highlighting the importance of integrity and righteousness in human interactions. Scripture 22 Do not…

In the Bible, an undershepherd refers to a leader or pastor who serves under the authority of Christ, the Chief Shepherd. The term emphasizes the role of caring for and guiding the flock (congregation) with humility and accountability (1 Peter 5:1-4). Scripture 5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and…