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David Jeremiah Blog

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Bible teacher and pastor Dr. David Jeremiah provides practical tools to study the holy Scriptures and meditate on timeless truths.

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Bible Reading Plan for 2023

2023 Bible Reading Plan

This downloadable reading plan will guide you through the entire Bible in one year. Effective Bible Study On February 28, 2016, Aleix Segura Vendrell claimed a Guinness World Record by holding his breath for 24 minutes and 3 seconds. Survivalists and scientists have determined that most humans can survive a few days without water and perhaps a month or … [Read more...] about Bible Reading Plan for 2023

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Even Jesus’ closest friends didn’t get it. Why didn’t He overthrow the Romans and establish His Kingdom? Why was He rejected? Why did He have to die? So many details of His life did not make sense except for one thing: prophecy. Jump to an Article Topic:   Prophecies Fulfilled by the First Coming • The Virgin Birth Prophecy • The Davidic Prophecy • The Bethlehem … [Read more...] about Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

The Book of Revelation Explained

Open Bible to the beginning of the book of Revelation

The last book in the Bible is one of the most misunderstood. Because of its complexity, some Christians avoid Revelation, leaving the weightier matters of end-time prophecy for Bible scholars and theologians. But 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, … [Read more...] about The Book of Revelation Explained

How Do We Know Jesus Is the Son of God?

How Do We Know Jesus Is the Son of God?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see God face to face? To walk with Him and talk with Him? Moses was someone who enjoyed a unique relationship with God. The Lord spoke to him through a burning bush (Exodus 3), commissioned him to challenge the ruler of Egypt, empowered him to perform signs and miracles, and appointed him as a spokesman, prophet, and leader of the … [Read more...] about How Do We Know Jesus Is the Son of God?

Why Are There Four Gospels? Portraits of Jesus Christ

Why Are There Four Gospels? Portraits of Jesus Christ

If four of your closest friends wrote a biography about you, they might tell some of the same stories, but each description would be different. One friend might focus on your sense of humor, while another would emphasize your integrity. It is the same with the Gospels. Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, each of the Gospel writers highlights a different aspect of the life of … [Read more...] about Why Are There Four Gospels? Portraits of Jesus Christ

Why Did Paul Write Colossians?

Why Did Paul Write Colossians?

During Paul’s prolonged ministry in Ephesus, a man named Epaphras planted the Colossian church. Some years later, Epaphras grew distressed when error crept into the church. Paul was imprisoned in Rome by that time, so Epaphras visited him to share his heartache. In response, Paul wrote a letter to the Colossian church, defending sound theology, defining Jesus Christ in all His … [Read more...] about Why Did Paul Write Colossians?

What the Book of Psalms Is All About

What the Book of Psalms Is All About

At the very heart of the Bible lies the book of Psalms. The word Psalms comes from a Greek word meaning “to pluck the strings,” indicating the 150 units in the book of Psalms are songs. They are poetical, theological, and emotional, covering every aspect of life. In some of the psalms, the writer battles despair; in others, he shouts from the heights of joy. Many of the psalms … [Read more...] about What the Book of Psalms Is All About

Who Were the Old Testament Prophets?

Who Were the Old Testament Prophets?

At a time when the Bible was not yet complete, the Old Testament prophets communicated God’s messages to His people. Whenever a prophet appeared, it usually signified a moral failure on the part of Israel and their king. The Old Testament prophet’s role was to warn the people of the judgment that would follow their disobedience and teach them how to live during times of crisis … [Read more...] about Who Were the Old Testament Prophets?

Bible Overview: A Simple Introduction to God’s Word

Bible Overview: A Simple Introduction to God’s Word

In 2019, Ancestry.com surpassed 15 million customers in its DNA database. According to their blog, “It is a true sign of how deeply important it is for people to connect and learn about their past.” Indeed, something deep inside drives us to discover our roots and understand who we are. While we can learn a lot from genetic testing, only the Bible reveals our origins, … [Read more...] about Bible Overview: A Simple Introduction to God’s Word

Introduction to The Jeremiah Study Bible

An Introduction to the Jeremiah Study Bible

Have you noticed something different about today’s Bibles? The text of Scripture has not changed, but various resources accompany the biblical text. After years of being asked to create such a study Bible, I finally felt the time was right to consolidate my life’s work into a single resource. Since 2013, The Jeremiah Study Bible has helped everyday students of the Word … [Read more...] about Introduction to The Jeremiah Study Bible

Why Study the Bible

Why Study the Bible

The Bible was written in three languages over a span of fifteen hundred years by more than forty human authors from all walks of life. Hailing from the Middle East, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Southern Europe, these men were kings, farmers, historians, fishermen, prophets, apostles, free men, and slaves. For all their differences, they shared a distinctive connection: The … [Read more...] about Why Study the Bible

4 Lessons From Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

Fire coming from the sky

1 Kings 18:1-40 Have you ever felt as if everyone is against us, as Christians? You’re not the only one. The prophet Elijah felt the same way. During his life, King Ahab and Queen Jezebel ruled Israel and “did evil in the sight of the Lord (1 Kings 16:30; 21:25). In fact, "Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were … [Read more...] about 4 Lessons From Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

Who Was Elijah in the Bible? Meet God’s Prophet of Fire

The word Elijah against a fiery colored background

The Bible says, "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours" (James 5:17); it also says he confronted idolatry, performed miracles, spoke God's judgment, and changed his world. This may seem like a tall order, but today's believers have a similar opportunity. Just as God spoke to Elijah in the Bible for the benefit of many, His Spirit of truth resides in us so that we may … [Read more...] about Who Was Elijah in the Bible? Meet God’s Prophet of Fire

All the Women in the Bible

All the Women in the Bible

Quick—name three well-known women from the early days of American history and three from the modern era. Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Betsy Ross might come to mind from America’s early days. (Can you name more? See the book Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation by Cokie Roberts.) From the modern era, let’s list Madeleine Albright, Oprah Winfrey, and … [Read more...] about All the Women in the Bible

Life Lessons From Deborah in the Bible

Life Lessons From Deborah in the Bible

The idea that any family is just one generation away from decline needs no other example than the children of Israel. When Deborah rose to prominence as a prophetess and judge, the rebellious generation of Israelites that fled Egypt had died in the wilderness. A new generation traveled with Moses to the plains of Moab, and he taught them how to follow the Lord. Everything … [Read more...] about Life Lessons From Deborah in the Bible

How to Become a Christian

How To Become a Christian

A Note From Dr. David Jeremiah: I know God is real, and I know He loves me. I know that He loves you, too, whoever you are, whatever your circumstances may be. I’ve been through the good times and the bad times of life, and God has always been there for me. He has never failed me. But neither has He kept me free of problems or heartbreak. In this world, we must contend with … [Read more...] about How to Become a Christian

Will Elijah Return During the Tribulation?

Will Elijah Return During the Tribulation?

Someone has said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. It also can be a form of deception. Ever since Satan’s fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15), he has counterfeited God’s power in an attempt to deceive mankind. During the End Times, Satan’s deception will escalate to include imitation of God’s signs and prophecies. The prophet Elijah will return, but a con man also … [Read more...] about Will Elijah Return During the Tribulation?

Who Are the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation?

Who Are the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation?

Like much of Revelation, mystery surrounds the 144,000 Tribulation witnesses. Who are they? What will be their objective? Will they be protected? Will they have any effect on the lost people of the Last Days? Although we do not know everything about the events that will take place and those involved, the Bible describes the 144,000 in some detail. Fast Facts on the 144,000 … [Read more...] about Who Are the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation?

What Does the Bible Say About Socialism?

What Does the Bible Say About Socialism

Few passages of Scripture stir as much political controversy as Acts 2:44-45. It says, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” Someone will likely tell you the Bible teaches socialism here and that the Early Church was communist. I will tell you this is a story of … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About Socialism?

Turning Point: Dr. David Jeremiah’s Global Ministry

Turning Point: Dr. David Jeremiah's Global Ministry

When you were growing up, what would you have given for the ability to binge-watch your favorite show on a rainy afternoon? Could you have imagined your mom ordering groceries through an online portal? What would your parents have said if you told them you wanted to make some extra cash by picking up strangers in the family car? They probably would have taken away the … [Read more...] about Turning Point: Dr. David Jeremiah’s Global Ministry

Is Jesus the Son of God or the Son of Mary?

Is Jesus the Son of God or the Son of Mary?

Of all the titles attached to Christ, perhaps the most poignant is “Son.” The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). The Gospel of Matthew opens with the words, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). And at the Lord’s baptism, a voice burst from heaven like thunder … [Read more...] about Is Jesus the Son of God or the Son of Mary?

Shattering the Myths of Predestination

Shattering the Myths of Predestination

Trekking through Romans 8:28-29 is one of the most perilous journeys in the book of Romans. In just a few words, these verses contain a doctrine that has become the watershed between two different groups of Christians: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also … [Read more...] about Shattering the Myths of Predestination

What Is the Greatest Promise in the Bible?

What Is the Greatest Promise in the Bible?

Let’s face it: bad things happen to people. Some are the result of poor decisions and improper conduct. Some are the result of national or international crises—like pandemics. No matter how carefully we live, we cannot avoid the pain of unwelcomed interruptions. But Romans 8:28 provides Christians a unique way of processing life when bad things happen to them. Let’s explore … [Read more...] about What Is the Greatest Promise in the Bible?

Seven Churches of Revelation Bible Study

A map of modern day Turkey with seven Churches marked on map

Rome and the surrounding territories became increasingly hostile to Jesus’ followers after His death. According to tradition, every disciple, except one, was martyred for his faith, and that disciple’s fate wasn’t much better—John was exiled to a rocky, inhospitable island called Patmos. During this exile, Jesus Christ spoke to John in a vision. He revealed far-off future … [Read more...] about Seven Churches of Revelation Bible Study

Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?

Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?

Because of the prevalence of coal mines in West Virginia, that state has been in the news many times due to mining disasters. The thought of going several miles underground to work is a scary thought to most of us, but the hardworking people of West Virginia have learned to live with the dangers involved. Jesus’ death was the most significant event in history. It fueled a … [Read more...] about Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?

Gratitude for Christians: A Thanksgiving Bible Study

Gratitude for Christians: A Thanksgiving Bible Study

Human beings are wired to be grateful. Whether we receive a kiss from a grandchild, a compliment from a stranger, or a lovingly prepared gift, we instinctually feel a sense of appreciation. Then, of course, there are other times. Gratitude comes less naturally in seasons of loss, but the Word of God gives Christians clear instructions: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for … [Read more...] about Gratitude for Christians: A Thanksgiving Bible Study

What Does the Bible Say About Heaven? 65 Passages to Get You Started

What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?

Find Verses About: God's Dwelling Place Our Inheritance Christ's Presence Longing for Heaven The Hope of Heaven Resurrection Bodies The New Heaven and New Earth Living With a Heavenly Perspective The Bible contains nearly seven hundred references to the word heaven, and many more passages describe our eternal home using other terms and titles. Here is a collection of 65 … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About Heaven? 65 Passages to Get You Started

Making Sense of God and Politics in America: A Bible Study for the Christian Voter

Making Sense of God and Politics in America: A Bible Study for the Christian Voter

Sometimes we take the blessing of our freedom for granted, but each election reminds us of the privileges of living in a free country. At its core, America was founded on the principles of liberty and was shaped by Christian thinkers. In his inaugural address as the first President of the United States, George Washington remarked, “No People can be bound to acknowledge and … [Read more...] about Making Sense of God and Politics in America: A Bible Study for the Christian Voter

What Does the Bible Say About the Origins of Angels, Demons, and Lucifer?

What Does the Bible Say About Lucifer, Demons, and the Nephilim? Understanding the Origins of Evil

In This Article: What Are Demons? Who Do Demons Work For? What Do Demons Do? Origins of the Nephilim Good News About Demons What Can I Do About Demons? C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence, and the other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About the Origins of Angels, Demons, and Lucifer?

What Does the Bible Say About Angels? Understanding Heaven’s Mighty Warriors

What Does the Bible Say About Angels? Understanding Heaven’s Mighty Warriors

Most of us will never see an angel nor a demon as long as we walk this earth. These spirit beings live in heavenly realms, tending to matters outside of our sphere of experience. Supernatural appearances are rare, yet throughout history, there have been fascinating stories of angel encounters and terrifying tales of demonic activity. Some of these stories reek of self-serving … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About Angels? Understanding Heaven’s Mighty Warriors

10 Bible Contradictions About Jesus Explained

Scriptures That Reveal the Jesus You May Not Know

1. Is Jesus From History or Eternity? Jesus was born to a young Jewish couple in the first century A.D. and spent His life in the Middle East. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was … [Read more...] about 10 Bible Contradictions About Jesus Explained

Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?

Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?

It’s been said that a picture’s worth a thousand words, and that’s probably accurate. If you had never witnessed a sunset, I could spend hours describing one, and your mental picture might still be inadequate. In the absence of the real thing, it would require a picture for you to appreciate the immensity and beauty of a sunset. But then there are abstract concepts, like … [Read more...] about Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?

Meet The Jesus You May Not Know

Meet The Jesus You May Not Know

I want to introduce you to the Man who has rescued me from death, filled me with hope, directed me in the decisions that have shaped my destiny, employed me in His global work, and is currently preparing a new home for me in a place where I’ll never grow old. He is my Mentor and Master; and it’s a joy to introduce you to the Jesus you may not know. None of us know Him … [Read more...] about Meet The Jesus You May Not Know

5 Takeaways From the Life of Daniel

5 Takeaways From the Life of Daniel

At some point in our life, we long for a mentor—someone who can wisely mold and shape our thoughts and habits, who can give us insights and help us find our way through life. You may not have a mentor right now, but there’s one very close to you—as close as your Bible. Think of the prophet Daniel as a personal mentor. God placed his remarkable story in the heart of the Bible to … [Read more...] about 5 Takeaways From the Life of Daniel

30 Reassuring Promises From God's Word

30 Reassuring Promises from God's Word

We’re living in unsettling times. Politics and economies are volatile; natural disasters and disease outbreaks are affecting millions; fear is a pandemic. It’s time for a change! While we cannot always alter our circumstances, let’s determine to transform our hearts, minds, and relationships through a renewed perspective of Christ’s imminent return and eternal promises. These … [Read more...] about 30 Reassuring Promises From God's Word

The Undeniable Proof of Jesus’ Resurrection—Bible Study

The Undeniable Proof of Jesus' Resurrection - Bible Study

If anyone ever lived in a day when people were blind to the meaning of life, it is today. That is one explanation for our culture’s inclination toward the many self-destructive activities that are prevalent in our world. The other reason, of course, is they are blinded by sin and have not found their purpose for living through Christ. Recognizing that this is the kind of … [Read more...] about The Undeniable Proof of Jesus’ Resurrection—Bible Study

Feeling Powerless? Discover 4 Power Principles in Daniel’s 70-Weeks Prophecy

Feeling Powerless? Discover 4 Power Principles in Daniel's 70-Weeks Prophecy

Throughout history, God has raised up men and women to be world changers. Some people, like Daniel, make such an impact on society that they continue to be well known beyond their lifetime. Have you ever wondered what sets them apart? How does God select individuals for such important work? Sometimes God appoints powerful people to serve Him, but He often chooses more … [Read more...] about Feeling Powerless? Discover 4 Power Principles in Daniel’s 70-Weeks Prophecy

Decoding Daniel’s Seventy-Weeks Prophecy

Decoding Daniel's Seventy-Weeks Prophecy

When Robert Louis Stevenson introduced the world to Treasure Island in 1883, he kindled something deep in the imagination of readers young and old. Thoughts of ruthless pirates, sea-swept islands, and buried treasure stretched readers’ minds to envision unknown places—and clues that might be hiding right under their noses. Newer adventure stories like Raiders of the Lost Ark … [Read more...] about Decoding Daniel’s Seventy-Weeks Prophecy

3 Reasons to Study the Book of Daniel

3 Reasons to Study the Book of Daniel

(Including Interesting Facts About the End of the World) If you spent any time in Sunday school as a child, you know about Daniel. You may have been treated to a flannelgraph presentation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego emerging from the fiery furnace or a rousing reenactment of Daniel proclaiming God’s deliverance on his way out of the lions’ den. You may even be aware … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons to Study the Book of Daniel

Why Was Daniel Taken to Babylon?

Why Was Daniel Taken to Babylon?

When we think about the future of our children, our thoughts tend toward things like their education, their future spouse, and their walk with the Lord. Long hours are invested as we encourage them to obey God, hoping they learn from our mistakes rather than making their own. We imagine them enjoying the same comforts we have and maybe a few more. Certainly, Daniel’s … [Read more...] about Why Was Daniel Taken to Babylon?

5 Psalms for Hope in Hard Times

5 Psalms for Hope in Hard Times

We all encounter difficult seasons and circumstances in our life. Perhaps the desires of our heart long to be fulfilled. Perhaps we are struggling through family or financial difficulties. Perhaps we’ve been confronted with a sudden loss or diagnosis that has shaken our world to its core. When we face difficult times, how do we hold on to hope?   King David knew a … [Read more...] about 5 Psalms for Hope in Hard Times

15 Benefits to Reading Psalms and Proverbs

15 Benefits to Reading Psalms and Proverbs

Change the oil in the car. Cook at home more often. Get adequate sleep. Play with the kids. Balance the budget. Walk the dog. Read the Bible. With so many worthwhile things to do, we often struggle to fit everything in. According to LifeWay Research, most Americans have a favorable view of the Bible, but only 57% say they’ve read at least half of it.1   We may feel … [Read more...] about 15 Benefits to Reading Psalms and Proverbs

40 Bible Verses for Navigating God's Promises and Blessings

40 Bible Verses for Navigating God's Promises and Blessings

Second Peter 1:3-11 is a remarkable passage of Scripture. It starts with a promise, ends with a blessing, and lists eight things we need to add to our faith to move from the promise to the blessing. What is this promise? Peter vows that those who intently pursue spiritual growth “will never stumble” on their journey “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus … [Read more...] about 40 Bible Verses for Navigating God's Promises and Blessings

What Does the Bible Say About God's Promises?

What Does the Bible Say About God's Promises

We’ve all done it. Maybe we promised to take the kids to the movies, but the show they wanted to see was sold out. Perhaps a traffic jam caused us to miss an important celebration. Or maybe a long overdue coffee date had to be rescheduled because of an illness. We don’t intend to break our promises, but sometimes unforeseen obstacles make it impossible to keep … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About God's Promises?

Daily Scriptures for Finding Inner Peace

The word "Peace" in a forest setting

Samson was betrayed by a beautiful woman. David was hunted by Saul and eventually by his own son. Job lost his family and fortune. All but one of the disciples were martyred. It’s no secret: God’s people experience pain and hardship.   How can we be at peace when our world is crashing in around us? The Bible offers wisdom that has the power to steady us in any … [Read more...] about Daily Scriptures for Finding Inner Peace

Is There a Sin God Cannot Forgive?

Big image of the letter Q with the question in the middle

One of the questions I’m regularly asked is, “Pastor, can I commit a sin that God cannot forgive?” Jesus addressed the topic in Mark 3:20-30. According to Jesus, there is one thing a person can do for which there is no forgiveness either in this age or in the age to come: blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. But what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? Let’s look … [Read more...] about Is There a Sin God Cannot Forgive?

The True Meaning of Easter and Seven Signs That Jesus Rose From the Dead

The word Easter over a sunrise picture

Every year thousands of people travel to the Italian Alps to ascend a mountain which passes through the “stations of the cross.” Eventually they come to the foot of an outdoor crucifix, and there they meditate on their faith. One day a tourist noticed a trail leading away from the cross. Determined to find out where it would lead, he fought through all the … [Read more...] about The True Meaning of Easter and Seven Signs That Jesus Rose From the Dead

4 Steps to Spiritual Awakening From Revelation

Looking out on a window with the word faith in big letters

Relying on past success is a recipe for destruction—just ask the city of Sardis. Strategically located on the banks of the gold-laden Pactolus River, Sardis was once the prosperous capital of Lydia’s empire. At its peak, history suggests Sardis’s king Croesus financed construction of the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Croesus’s father, … [Read more...] about 4 Steps to Spiritual Awakening From Revelation

4 Lessons From the Philadelphia Church in Revelation

4 Lessons From the Philadelphia Church in Revelation

Modern church life is quite different from life in the early Church, but today’s believers have much to learn from the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia. Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church … [Read more...] about 4 Lessons From the Philadelphia Church in Revelation

3 Ways to Read Your Bible

Open Bible with yellow highlighted verses

The American philosopher Mortimer Adler (d. 2001) wrote and edited scores of books, including the 60-volume Great Books of the Western World series. So no one questioned his qualifications when he wrote one of his most popular volumes, How to Read a Book—a guide to getting the most out of any book. If it helps to have a plan for reading books written by human authors, how … [Read more...] about 3 Ways to Read Your Bible

What Is the Millennium? 7 Answers to 7 Questions

The Millennium

Can you imagine a world with no fear? No disease? No pain? No worry? That is what the Millennial Kingdom will be like. For a thousand years, there will be peace—we will live in a perfect world with Christ as our ruler. It is something we can look forward to when our lives are difficult and when our world is filled with chaos, immorality, and despair. As we go through hard … [Read more...] about What Is the Millennium? 7 Answers to 7 Questions

Benefits of Biblical Prophecy in the World Today

Doom and gloom? That’s how many think of the book of Revelation. Oftentimes, Christians shy away from the study of prophecy because they believe it is too complex or irrelevant to spend time examining. But this is not true. Revelation gives us insight into things that will come to pass and helps us understand the things that are happening in our world. It gives us heavenly … [Read more...] about Benefits of Biblical Prophecy in the World Today

What Does the Bible Really Say About Guardian Angels?

Clouds behind an angel statue

Is there one particular angel whose God-given assignment is serving me—just me? One of the most common beliefs about angels is that each of us has a guardian angel. But the Bible does not explicitly state this. As far as I can determine, there are just two verses in the Bible that indicate there might be guardian angels in the world today: The first is Matthew 18:10 and the … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Really Say About Guardian Angels?

The Tower of Babel Story for Kids

The Airship Genesis Legendary Bible Adventure characters

Genesis 11:1-9 Do you know what happened in the book of Genesis when people thought they could build a tower to the heavens and show God and others their greatness? Keep reading to find out... After the flood, God told Noah and his family to have children and spread out around the world. But instead, the people settled in one place. Then, they began building a tower so … [Read more...] about The Tower of Babel Story for Kids

Bible Verses About the Assurance of Eternal Life

A cross with bright lights behind it

Have you ever doubted your salvation? Perhaps your bad habits have caused you to wonder if God will change His mind about you. Or maybe you’ve made one life-changing mistake, and it seems there could be no way to get right with God. The good news is that eternal life is a gift we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Our assurance of salvation does not depend on who we are or … [Read more...] about Bible Verses About the Assurance of Eternal Life

10 Bible Verses Every Kid Should Know

Opened Bible with pages bookmarked

It’s not unusual to sing along to our favorite songs or say our favorite lines from movies. Maybe you can say your favorite book or bedtime story by heart because you love it so much. While it’s fun to have all those things we love in our mind, it’s even more important to memorize the Word of God. The Bible says its words are living and active. That means the Bible can … [Read more...] about 10 Bible Verses Every Kid Should Know

Understanding the Book of Hebrews

Magnifying glass looking at the book of Hebrews

The president of a Christian university was famous for telling discouraged students: “It’s always too soon to quit.” Those words ring true for all of us, because life is difficult and we sometimes want to give up. Hebrews was written to tell us to persevere, to keep going, to focus on our great high priest, and to run with patience the race before us. According to … [Read more...] about Understanding the Book of Hebrews

4 Answers to Your Questions About Salvation

Crosses on a hill with a sunrise

Can a saved person ever be lost? Can you lose your salvation after you’ve become a Christian? No. But you can lose the joy of it, can't you? You can lose the productiveness of it. If you aren't living for the Lord, your salvation is "like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames" (1 Corinthians 3:15 NLT). Who would want to do that? Let's go on. Let's be the people … [Read more...] about 4 Answers to Your Questions About Salvation

4 Answers to Questions About King David

A meadow with a harp leaning on a tree

Why did God anoint David, a shepherd boy, as king? As a young boy, David spent time in the hills of Bethlehem watching over the sheep for his father. This may seem like an insignificant, quiet occupation for a young boy, but that's where God prepared David for his future role as king of Israel. As he learned what it meant to be responsible for the sheep in his fold and to … [Read more...] about 4 Answers to Questions About King David

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Dr. David Jeremiah

About Dr. David Jeremiah

Dr. David Jeremiah is one of America’s most trusted Bible teachers. For more than 40 years he has helped millions deepen their understanding of the Bible through 4,552 daily Turning Point Radio releases and a daily Turning Point Television program that reaches millions of people globally.
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  • Finding Courage in God's Love for Us
  • Has Your Love for God Grown Cold?
  • God's 6-Point Plan for Success This Year
  • Do Your Priorities Align With God’s Will?
  • Bible Reading Plan for 2023

About Dr. David Jeremiah

Dr. David Jeremiah is one of America’s most trusted Bible teachers. For more than 39 years he has helped millions deepen their understanding of the Bible through 4,552 daily Turning Point Radio releases and a daily Turning Point Television program that reaches millions of people globally.
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Creation Care

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:28

Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. Many countries’ coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an “island” of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed.

Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. Though mankind was given the mandate to “have dominion over” (that is, to care for) all of creation, we have not done a good job. When God’s mandates go unfulfilled on earth, God’s glory is diminished. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body.

When you see opportunities to care for creation—nature or your own body—do so as a way of glorifying the Creator.

The creation is both a monument of God’s power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom.
Thomas Watson

Steadfast

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul’s letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. The church in Corinth was an undisciplined church, and he was letting them know that even though the culture around them was in flux, their faith in Jesus Christ needed to remain focused and sure. It is true for us today also. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? By devoting time each day to the study of God’s Word.

As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in God’s truth and character, our lives are changed—we become more like Him. God’s Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith.

Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead God’s people into the Promised Land because He believed in God’s promise and presence. We serve the same God who said: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

You can place your steadfast trust in Him.

When we find a man meditating on the words of God, my friends, that man is full of boldness and is successful.
Dwight L. Moody

Ready and Willing

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

A leper approached Jesus and said, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus touched the man, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed”—and he was healed (Mark 1:40-42).

That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, “I am not willing.” There is a place where the Bible says God is “not willing,” and that is 2 Peter 3:9. In writing about the timing of the Day of the Lord (the end of the age), Peter says God is waiting for all who will be saved to come to Him. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Said another way, God is willing for any who want to be saved to come to Him (John 6:37; 7:37). The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing.

Have you responded to God’s willing invitation to come to Him?

God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved.
J. C. Ryle

Treasure!

I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure.
Psalm 119:162

Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The volunteer decided the dilapidated volume wasn’t worth saving and was about to throw it away when she thumbed through it and found a hidden chamber. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. Inside was $4,000!

That’s nothing compared to the treasure you’ll find when opening the covers of the Bible. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. Think of every promise as a precious stone. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold.

The treasury of Scripture will enrich your mind, refocus your goals, replace your doubts, and redirect your path—but only if you read it and heed it. Start today!

To get the best use out of [the Bible] for daily life,...Give it the best and freshest, not the most tired and dull, hour of the day.
M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893

Hello Heaven!

I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside.
2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV

Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. He wasn’t discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. He spoke of “looking forward to these things.” and “[looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13-14).

Life is full of hardships and heaviness. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. We have a purpose for being here—to refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. But we’ll soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Goodbye hardship and heaviness. Goodbye trials and troubles. Hello Jesus! Hello heaven! Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem!

During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. If you’re prone to worry yourself to sleep each night, turn your thoughts upward and close your eyes thinking of heaven and its eternal throne.

A tent or a cottage, why should I care? They’re building a palace for me over there.
Harriet Buell, in her hymn “A Child of the King”

Overcoming Temptation

Temptation. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. Consider these verses:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full–grown, brings forth death (James 1:13–15).

Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. The apostle Paul addressed that question in 1 Corinthians 10:11—"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition." To what things was Paul referring? He listed them in verses 7–10. They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty.

Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is.

With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites made—not to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). There are no "new" temptations in life.

The apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:13–15). God doesn't tempt us, but He may allow temptation to enter our lives in order to give us opportunities to make obedient and mature choices.

Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and He took the same means of escape that is available to us—obedience to God's Word (Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 5:8). Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it.

Victory in Him

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

To first-century leaders in the Roman world, the imagery was familiar: A victorious Roman general returning from battle leading his soldiers and their captives into the city. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Paul uses that image to say that Christ leads His followers in a victory procession through every difficulty in life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

The Christian’s victory is through Christ. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. As Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, the life we now live is the life of Christ in us as we keep our faith in Him.

If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized.

The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world.
Francis Schaeffer

Faithful Fathers: Abraham

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
James 2:23

We can imagine a child writing an appreciative and sentimental memoir about her “perfect father,” understanding that “perfect” was not intended to be taken literally. But how about a book titled The Righteous Father? The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham.

Righteous doesn’t mean sinless, of course. We know that Abraham wasn’t perfect. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). And when he believed God, “[God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. Second, as a result of Abraham’s trust in God, he became a “friend of God” (Isaiah 41:8). Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? Living in right standing with God? That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises.

Follow Abraham’s example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God.

Friendship is the marriage of affections.
Thomas Watson

Modern Idolatry

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:5

Colossians 3:1 tells us to “seek those things which are above, where Christ is.” In verse 5 we’re told to put to death the passions that come from below—"fornication, uncleanness, passion, and evil desire.” Then the Lord added the sin of greed or covetousness to the list, calling it idolatry.

That verse changes our view of idolatry. It’s not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. It’s the act of becoming too attached to the material things of the world—falling more in love with the things on earth than on things in heaven.

This has nothing to do with how much money you do or don’t have—a poverty-stricken person can covet just as much as a billionaire. It has everything to do with what’s at the center of our affections. Is it Christ? Is it things above? Or is it things below?

Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else!

You don’t have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. America is full of them…. Whatever you love more than God is your idol.
D. L. Moody

New Beginnings: Ezekiel

In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
Ezekiel 1:1, NIV

We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalem’s temple. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. But when he was about twenty-five, Ezekiel was seized and taken to Babylon, and he never saw the temple again. When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of “why” and “if only.”

That’s just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of God—the throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet.

Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. When we think life has collapsed around us, the God of glory appears above us. God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts.

Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord…. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow.
J. Vernon McGee

The Conspicuous Hand

The Lord your God cares.
Deuteronomy 11:12

In a letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, George Washington marveled at how God’s hand had protected him and given success to the cause of liberty: “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and… has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”

In the middle of life’s battles, we’re tempted to question God’s ordering of our circumstances, but every follower of Christ can look back and see the conspicuous hand of God’s Providence. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will.

Moses reminded the Israelites that God was taking them into a land of hills and valleys, of water and streams, “a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year” (Deuteronomy 11:11-12).

That’s the way He cares for us too—every day, all year long, always.

[The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side… taking care of us in life when we can’t take care of ourselves.
W. A. Criswell

God of Second Chances

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”
Jonah 3:1-2

It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for “the word of the Lord” to come to God’s prophets again and again. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). With the other prophets, the “second time” meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. But with Jonah, the “second time” was because Jonah had failed to speak God’s word the first time. Jonah was a disobedient prophet.

God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. You know the story—Jonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. God gave him a second chance.

Don’t let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. The God of grace loves to forgive.

Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins.
G. Campbell Morgan

All You Need Is Love: Forgiveness

When Jesus saw [the friends’] faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Mark 2:5

The hardest part of forgiving another person is acting like the offense never occurred. But that is what forgiving someone means—restoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. It’s one thing to say, “I forgive you,” but it’s another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words.

Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sins—something only God can do. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, “I forgive you,” by doing something harder. He healed the man’s paralysis. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11).

We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Look for opportunities to do both.

Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins.
G. Campbell Morgan

A Whole Person

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.
Titus 2:7

In mathematics two of the basic kinds of numbers are integers and fractions: 2, 100, and 56 are integers, while ½, ¼, and 2.5 are fractions. Integers, from a Latin root meaning “whole” or “entire.” The word integrity comes from the same root; a person with integrity cannot be divided in beliefs or morality based on varying circumstances.

When the apostle Paul wrote to his young pastoral protégé, Timothy, he told him to show “integrity” in doctrine, to be incorruptible in belief and in actions. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Daniel’s three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. That is integrity.

Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word.

Integrity of heart is indispensable.
John Calvin

New Earth

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.
Revelation 21:1

A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere “up there” in the heavens. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. As Peter wrote, we look for a “new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

In his vision of the future, the apostle John saw that “new heaven and a new earth,” our new domain being pictured as the New Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:1-2). Somehow, at the end of the age, when Christ has returned to reign and inaugurate the eternal state, this earth will be renovated and a new earth will be the result—a new earth full of righteousness in which pain and sorrow will be absent. The beautiful imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 lets us know that the new earth will be a place that reflects the glory of God throughout.

Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place.

Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death.
William Gurnall

The Conspicuous Hand

The Lord your God cares.
Deuteronomy 11:12

In a letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, George Washington marveled at how God’s hand had protected him and given success to the cause of liberty: “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and… has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”

In the middle of life’s battles, we’re tempted to question God’s ordering of our circumstances, but every follower of Christ can look back and see the conspicuous hand of God’s Providence. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will.

Moses reminded the Israelites that God was taking them into a land of hills and valleys, of water and streams, “a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year” (Deuteronomy 11:11-12).

That’s the way He cares for us too—every day, all year long, always.

[The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side… taking care of us in life when we can’t take care of ourselves.
W. A. Criswell

The Need for Prayer

Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:12

Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. The first, the First Council of Nicaea, met to agree on the nature of Jesus of Nazareth as both Son of God and Son of Man, as both fully divine and fully human.

The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. But thankfully, Scripture gives us illustrations: Like us, Jesus suffered, experienced hunger, required sleep, ate food, and had limits on His knowledge (Mark 13:32). One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus’ humanity was His prayer life. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means.

If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to go to His Father in prayer for strengthening and guidance, how much more do we (Psalm 32:6)?

Prayer and a holy life are one.
E. M. Bounds

What Is Humility?

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5, NIV

What is humility? Is it the opposite of pride? If pride expands one’s importance, does humility deflate one’s importance? That’s the view given by most English dictionaries—a deemphasis on one’s own importance. But what is the biblical view of humility

If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? Or do you graciously say, “Thank you,” in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? In Romans 12:3 Paul exhorts the believers not to think of themselves pridefully but rather to think of themselves “soberly”—that is, realistically or accurately. Paul’s topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. We should neither overestimate the gift of God’s grace or underestimate it. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realistically—humbly—and minister accordingly. To think less of God’s gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly.

How do you view yourself? With pride? With false humility? Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life?

A really humble man…will not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all.
C. S. Lewis

The Power of Confession

For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer.
Psalm 32:4

California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the state—shorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall.

Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32—a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his “bones grew old” and he groaned “all the day long” (verse 3). It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10).

Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. Hiding sin does not remove it from God’s sight; but when we seek God’s forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restored—that is the power of confession.

The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession.
Richard Sibbes