All my life, I have been surrounded by the bible. Since a child, my grandmother laid the foundation. Still remember my first children’s bible story book she gave me. What struck me was the pictures and the stories. Will never forget how scared I was seeing Lot, his wife and family fleeing from a burning city. The terror across their faces.  What is going on? 

I sat down and asked my grandmother. I listened as she explained what every part meant. What a wake up call. This is also the case with other stories and parts of the bible.  She didn’t play when it came to the bible. She didn’t play with all areas of her life. Academia, work, volunteer and social life. She worked her way up to be one of the top director’s in a mental health facility. She was the one to turn to for any health or medical advice. A true role model indeed. She was a masterful storyteller. I remember how her eyes would light up as she explained the stories.

 As a woman with a strong sense of humor, it was always a riot as she carefully crafted each detail. Satan watch out, lol. Not a favorite of hers, lol.  She also had a gentle serious tone as well. What does this word mean? If you don’t know, look it up. She wouldn’t let you proceed unless you knew what that word meant, lol. Grab the dictionary and concordance. It’s just her teaching spirit. She loved helping people and always did her best. She never slacked. She has helped so many people; you can’t even count. 

 She also focused on the message God is telling with each story. How God is talking to each person. These stories are all examples of how God works and His expectations for us. How He is a loving and forgiving God, He is also a just God, He has to correct where warranted. The beauty of it all, God is love. With everything He does it is out of love. He wants to have a relationship with us. This is one message my grandmother hounded me about. God wants to have a relationship with us. You have no life without Him! 

That is why each person was created. He is there, but are we listening? What strikes me the most is how God is in all of us, it’s just a matter of activating him. He is watching every second. There is nothing you can hide from Him. The cool part, His sense of humor. You always hear about Him being loving and disciplinarian. The sense of humor can get hip to. We were created in His image. All of our personality and being comes from God. 

The greatest gift and arguably the best stories in the bible, are about Jesus Christ. You have major holidays that are about him. You ever analyze the word Christmas. You guess it, Christ. The celebration of Jesus being born. Passover, about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem before he is set to death. Easter. You guessed it, it’s about Jesus. It revolves around him rising from the dead and ascending into Heaven. What is a crazy fact, that Jesus is God. As a child, it took a while to understand. Through my grandmother’s stories and teachings, I caught on pretty quick. 

This is just a tip of the iceberg. Will get into some bible stories that will stay in your heart. Just gave a brief synopsis of the bible which to sum up, God speaking to us. Every word is God. The bible is God. You want to know Him, study the bible. The bible is all about examples for us to follow. His instructions, His guidance, His expectations, His love and what is to come in the future. What’s to come in the future is important and we all want to be prepared.

There are so many fascinating stories in the bible, it’s hard to narrow them down. I will cherry pick a few. Will have a series of articles about more bible stories. Stay tuned for them. For now, 

 Let’s get into some amazing bible stories that will touch your heart. 

Adam & Eve, The First Parents

The first man and woman, our foreparents. We all originate from them. It is hard to sum this story in short but will do my best. God thought it would be best to create humanity. Humans, who would be created in His image. This brought forth God creating Adam, the first man. He forms Adam out of dust of the earth and in His image. How cool to know we are all made from the dust of the earth!  He then breathes life into Adam. God also thought Adam would need a helpmate. What comes next, the creation of Eve. The first woman. Now before we go on, let’s talk about an issue that happened in Heaven before the creation….

The Story Of Satan, aka Lucifer Or The Devil

Here we are in Heaven. God’s prime dwelling place. His home. Yes, God dwells in Heaven but He also, everywhere. In Heaven, God created beings called Angels. Angels are messengers of God. They all have different rankings and positions. There was one Angel who was captivating, handsome and had the best voice of them all. His name, Lucifer. Also goes by the name Satan or devil. He was one of the top Angels. 

What is perplexing about Lucifer, rebelling against God. What got in his nature to want to do this? One thing about God, He gives everyone a choice. No robots. Either to serve Him or not. You have the freedom and liberty to live your life, it’s all about choice. The same goes for his Angels. One day, Lucifer decides to lead a rebellion against God. Of Course, God knows this was going to happen.  A war ensues in Heaven. A battle not won by Lucifer. He is soon kicked out of Heaven. God also kicks out Angels who are in allegiance with Lucifer. You may know them as demons.  

A dwelling place for Lucifer and demons is created, called Hell. Where nothing but torture and pain happens. 

I will now refer to Lucifer as Satan. Satan, wanting to be His own God makes a plan. To be the very opposite of all of God’s attributes. This is where sin comes into play. Swearing, gluttony, selfishness, anger, laziness, all are attributes of Satan. When man is created, what better way to play God and go against God than to mess with His plans. Let’s get humanity on my side, not God’s. 

Back To The Story Of Adam & Eve 

We will now go back to the story of Adam & Eve. He creates Eve with one of Adam’s ribs. He tells both Adam & Eve you are one. To love and support each other equally. He also tells them to be fruitful and multiply. He also tells them about their dwelling place, the Garden of Eden. He also puts them to a test. Circling back to war in Heaven with Satan. God gives everyone a choice. He is giving Adam & Eve the freedom to live their life. To love and serve Him or not. 

To put them to the test, He lets them know there are two trees. Tree of Knowledge and Tree of Good and Evil. Not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. This is where the choice comes into vogue. God also gives them guidance on His principles and life. 

The First Temptation

Satan, making His way to earth, puts together a plan. To tempt Eve. If he can get Eve to rebel against God, it’s a win in his book.

 The whole goal of Satan is to kill,steal and destroy. Anything to boost his ego. One thing about Satan, he knows his time is limited. Also, he can only be in one place at one time. Unlike God who is everywhere. That is why he has his demons doing his dirty work. He also knows he can’t defeat God. No one can. The best he can do is to try to get people on his side. To join him in hell. He knows God is love and created humanity to live forever. Satan doesn’t like this at all. He wants to bring as many people with him to hell. He doesn’t care about humanity, he just cares about going against God. Being his own God. 

Knowing all of this, let’s bring my principles into the world, sin. Satan, acting as a serpent speaks to Eve. Tempts her to eat from the tree of knowledge. She does, eating an apple from it.

You ever wonder where Adam’s apple comes from, here you go. The clincher, she also persuades Adam to eat as well. He does. 

Immediately, God chastises them about eating from the tree. They feel ashamed. They realize they are naked. Something that was pure and natural, turned for this worse. This is symbolic because it shows how ashamed you’re when God exposes your sin. Also, how damaging Satan and sin is.

God asks them to leave the Garden of Eden and to journey on in life. The clincher here, they are also now giving a time limit in life. Before, they had nothing to worry about. They had the gift of eternal life. No end date. Now that sin has been brought into the world, there is an end date to live on earth. In the biblical times, people live up to 300 or 500 years old. Methuselah lived to be around 1,000 years old. 

 As time has gone by and sin has proliferated, the life span has shortened. The average human now lives to around 90-95 years old. 

They also had to work to survive. It was easy for Adam & Eve as they had to pay for their consequences for rebellion against God. God is loving but He stands to correct. It’s all because He loves us. Just like you correct your child, you do it out of love. He wants what is best and not to be on the same side as Satan. He doesn’t want us to join Him in hell. Like a loving father, God is there. If you ever heard any prayers, you may hear some say, Heavenly father. That is because He is. He created us. No life without God. 

Through this Adam & Eve also multiplies. Producing Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel is a separate story I will talk about in the future.

You have a round up about our birth parents and how humanity was started. Fascinating. Let’s head into another story. 

Sarah & Abraham, Birth Of A Nation

When you think of men of true faith, I think of Abraham. Abraham was a man who truly loved God. God notices and blesses Abraham. He also tests Abraham as well. Both him and his wife Sarah. See, both him and Sarah wanted children. One thing that was an issue for Sarah, age. She didn’t believe she could conceive. One day God speaks to them, saying she will conceive. Being around 90, Sarah scoffs at this. No way God, you got to be kidding me. 

Sarah also tries to entice Abraham to be with one of the younger handmaidens. He does and a child is produced, spurring a famous lineage. That child, Ishmael. Where Muslim originates. Even though this is wrong in God’s eyesight; He treats the handmaiden with love and respect. He asks both Abraham and Sarah to treat her with respect as well. No jealousy or dissension in His eyes. 

Although Sarah displays lack of faith, God still blesses Sarah with a child. This also produces a lineage through this child. The child, Isaac. Originator of Jewish lineage. In the future, these two lineages conflict. Will talk more about these Isaac and Ishmael in a separate article. 

The message of the story, faith. How God can help you no matter the circumstances. Even with age, Sarah was able to conceive. A true inspiration for anyone who is looking to strengthen their faith turn to this story. He knows humans and are imperfections. He knows our weaknesses as well. It doesn’t mean He won’t still bless us. Keep the faith, no matter if you stumble. God knows what you need, not what you want. Turn it over to Him and He will take care of you. 

Sodom & Gomorrah, Tale of the turn

Have to get into a story that sent tingles down my spine as a kid. Yes, Sodom & Gomorrah, the burning city. This takes place during a time where sin was so rampant on earth. Everywhere you turn, it was a free for all. The top place where this was happening, the city of Sodom & Gomorrah. Hands down the most sinful place on earth. No matter the vice, it was going on in this city. Hell on earth to sum up. Within this city lived Lot. Nephew of Abraham, man of faith. Along with his family, they were the only people of faith in this city. The draw of Sodom & Gomorrah for Lot. The trade. Life was good for them. Talk about comfort zone. As much as God is a loving and patient God, He only has so much patience for sin. He definitely doesn’t want it to spiral out of control. Yes, He gives us a choice, but He also has His rules. At this time, sin needed to be wiped out. An example needed to be set for the rest of the world. There are consequences for rebelling against Him. He knew the hearts of those in the city. Each day, they had plenty of times to turn from their wicked ways. They didn’t. They wanted the sinful lifestyle. God knew. It pains Him but He has to put a stop to this. They gave Him their choice. 

God decides to destroy Sodom & Gomorrah by fire and brimstone. Before He does, He tells Lot about the plan. By way of two handsome Angels. Now the crazy part, these angels draw a crowd. A crowd that bangs on Lot’s door. “Let us lie down with these men.” The angels strike the crowd with blindness, sending forth a message. 

These angels tell Lot about the plan.  For him and his family to leave the city. To pack up all their things and to never turn back. Filled with compassion, Lot tries to bargain with God. God replies, “if you can find at least 3 others with faith, I will not destroy the city.” Lot takes on this challenge and fails to find anyone. Only his family. 

The plan for Sodom & Gomorrah is enacted. The city is destroyed by fire and brimstone. Women, men and children are screaming everywhere. Nowhere to turn. Meanwhile, Lot and his family are fleeing by foot. Having what God stated in mind (never to turn back), the family looks straight ahead. Now can you imagine explosions going on behind you as you’re running. I would’ve fainted. How can your heart not race? 

As they’re fleeing, a prolific act happens. Lot’s wife fails to remember the advice and looks back. Immediately, she is turned into a pillar of salt. Got to hit the pause button. Yup, a pillar of salt. A human being just turned into salt. Crazy. As a husband, can imagine how Lot felt. Devastated at the sight of losing his life. How much his heart must of broken. 

The deeper message, how Lot’s wife had an inkling to stay in that lifestyle. To sin. Things were good for them. Why she turned back. The next part of the story gets really interesting and shows how much patience God has with Lot. lol. Talk about this story at another time. 

The message of this story, to never turn back into sin. Why? It is easy to sin. We were born into sin; it’s in our nature. Sin has a drawing affect. Sin is a separation from God. You don’t want to turn back. It may be harder to get out of it. Also, it shows that your heart still longs to sin. Telling God who you’re choosing. This was the message of the story. God knows if we are truly for Him or not. He gives us chance after chance after chance. He knows our heart. If you have any issue, tell him about it. He can change it. He can renew you like an eagle. He knows, He is just waiting for you. It’s all about honesty. Talk to Him. Pray. Praise Him. Sing. Just communicate with Him, He will do the rest. He dwells within us. Through His Holy Spirit. He speaks in a still quite voice. Also through His living word, the bible. Why do I harp on “living” word? The bible is God and Him speaking to us. The only way you can have life is through His word. Through accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. It’s all in His word. It will never change. 

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David & Goliath, A Giant Surprise

I think this story is read the most, lol. It’s due to the sheer shock factor of one human taking down a giant with a simple weapon. Here you have David going against a Philistine army that includes giants. The sticking point, a giant named Goliath. As you can imagine, there wasn’t any major artillery during this time. You have an average human going against beasts.  What is most mind boggling about this story, how a small pebble can take down a 10 ft giant. Which it did, perplexing the Philistine army. Who is David? What is his faith?  It just goes to show how God works. When he is truly on your side, the battle is won. You will never lose. There is nothing that is too hard for him and he can’t do. 

Wisdom Of Solomon, The Tale Of Two Mothers And A Baby

Solomon is an interesting character.  The wisest man to ever live. Son of David. Handsome, powerful, faith, king, all point to Solomon. God blesses Solomon with wisdom and no better story does this takes place than between two mothers. 

Two mothers are standing before king Solomon. One mother accidentally rolled on top of her baby, suffocating him. Panicking, she takes a baby from another mother. Can you imagine how you would feel? Waking up to see your baby was missing?

The case was brought before Solomon. The judgment, award the real mother with the baby.  As the case was being presented, Solomon speaks up. All a test to find out who the real mother was. To come to an agreement, we will split the baby in half. Each of you will get an equal share of the baby. 

The real mother screams and pleas with Solomon to not proceed. Filled with tears and compassion, she cries out to Solomon. To let the other mother have the baby. if that prevents from killing the baby. 

Solomon recognizes she is the real mother, and she gets her baby back. The other mother, standing cold and aloof, receives nothing. 

God shows us how He blesses His people with wisdom. To make sound judgments at all times. If this was presented before any other king, would they have been able to spot the real mother. The answer, a loud no! Solomon was the only king on God’s side. An amazing tale that never get old. One of my all time favorites.

The Birth Of Jesus, The Greatest Gift

The greatest story ever told. Yes, right here. If this didn’t happen, we would all be doomed. God coming down in human form, Jesus. It had to be done. Adam & Eve brought sin into the world. God made a plan to fix this. It’s only through Jesus. A perfect sacrifice had to be done. To take on all the sins of the world, to banish them for good. Only one who is perfect is God. Since humanity mess things up, they had to atone for this. Why God had to come down in human form. 

The scene. Mary. A strong woman of faith. God chose her because of her purity. The immaculate conception takes place. Mary is the only human to experience this.Now as a human, this perplexes her husband Joseph. Is she cheating on me? What is going on here? Questions swirling through the mind. God speaks to them both about the plan. This rectifies the situation. Joseph is set at ease. Can you imagine the pressure and responsibility?

At the same time, her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant. Little does she know her child will be the forerunner for his cousin Jesus. May I introduce John the Baptist. “Look, the Messiah has come.” An amazing scene. Will talk more about it in a future article. 

Of Course there is word about this messiah and king who will lead the jews. A threat is posed to the democracy of the Romans. Whoever this person is, has to be stopped. Can’t take away from our labor and tax money. God knows and tells Mary and Joseph to make haste. They do and travel by way to Bethlem. This is where Jesus is born. Our Lord and Savior. The only way to eternal life is born. Three kings present gifts as a symbol of Jesus being our ultimate gift. The ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The only one who can take our sins away to make us whole .To make us pure. Born again. 

There are other bits to this story but I don’t want to overwhelm you. When you analyze the story, you notice the deep profoundness of it. Everything is symbolic and represents who God is, love. The entire Old Testament points to this birth. Which is cool about the bible. I love stories and symbols, it’s just intriguing. 

The bible is centered around Jesus. The first verse in the bible is about Jesus. “In the beginning was the word, the word was with God, the word is God”. The middle part, “the word was with God”, is about Jesus. This is before Jesus and humanity is even created. God knows everything that was going to happen. There is no beginning or end with Him. 

Let me get off my soapbox and cut into a few more great stories. Let’s continue with Jesus.

Jesus And Mary Magdalene, Cast The First Stone 

I don’t want to get off track and present every story in the bible. I will break them up in future articles.

The scene. Mary Magdalene had a reputation as a prostitute.This was a big no among the culture. Primarily, with the ritualistic Pharisees. I talk more about them (below) under the stoning of Stephen. She is set to be stoned because of her profession. A crowd surrounds her. A judgement is presented by the Pharisees about her injustices. Jesus makes his way to the scene with love and compassion for Mary. He also has it for the Pharisees as well. What a man! 

Jesus recognizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. If they know His word, God is life. He isn’t about taking it away. Also, only He has the right to judge. The Pharisees were just as guilty and with sin. Distorting and taking bits of His word, God doesn’t like! Also, using him for selfish popularity and monetary gain. God doesn’t measure sin.

Jesus knows all of this. Without going into a long speech, Jesus makes one of the most intriguing statements ever. “Ye without sin, cast the first stone.” This stops the Pharisees. I know this man didn’t just blow our cover. There is also a little wrestle in the Pharisees heart over Jesus. They have respect but at the same time contempt. They immediately drop their stones and walk away. Saving Mary from her unwarranted death. 

Mary is grateful and can’t thank Jesus enough. They have a heartwarming exchange. She asks Jesus what she should do. He simply states, go and sin no more. What love. He didn’t judge her or make her feel bad; he just made a simple statement. 

That is how God is. He loves us. If you turn your sins over to Him, He will wipe them clean! He isn’t like humanity who likes to hold things over your head. He wants the best for us. To live a loving, happy, productive and fulfilling life. He’s the only one that can provide us with this life. He is speaking, are we listening?

A great story of how God loves everyone. No matter your background or past, we are all equal in His eyes. He doesn’t judge. He is there to help us overcome our weaknesses. We are all born into sin, we all have vices about us. These vices make up our weaknesses. He is there to help us, to wipe them completely away. Turn them over to Him and He will. He wants us to strive for perfection. He is there to strengthen us during our times of need. 

Mary And Martha, Are You Listening?

This is a story of great conflict for me. I understand the morale of it, it just sets a little conflict, lol. Not in a bad way. Let’s get into it. Hospitality was a way of culture during these times. When someone was sojourning, the host usually prepared a meal for those in route. This includes making sure everything was tidy. 

We have two sisters, Mary and Martha. They are preparing for a visit for Jesus, who they consider a friend. Martha is busy, going to town, cooking and cleaning the house. Mary on the other hand was concentrating on the teachings of Jesus. Also, a custom during that time footwashing.

Footwashing

A little background on footwashing. During the biblical times, you either travel by means of horse or donkey. You also travel by foot. The trend, sandals. As you can imagine, the buildup of debris and roughness on the feet. Callouses and bunions beware! Hospitality was the norm, with guests opening their doors for food, rest and foot washing. Foot washing help to put the traveler at ease. Ridding unnecessary dirt and debris, preventing health complications. We all need hygiene.

Once Jesus arrives, he notices the differences between the two. Martha being a busy bot, having her mind set on her tasks over Jesus. He notices Mary being the opposite, having her focus on him. The next act leaves Jesus with a lasting impression of Mary’s heart. Mary thought it would be an honor to wash Jesus’ feet. She loved and appreciated all that Jesus has done for her. The best she can do is extend humility, hospitality and compassion by washing his feet. She had her full concentration on Jesus. Wanting to be in his presence, wanting to touch him. Wanting to know Jesus. Jesus recognizes this. How this was more than a foot washing but an extension of Mary’s heart. The clincher, she wanted to know Jesus. She truly believed in him. It also displayed when she listens closely, as he talks and teaches her and Martha.

Jesus notices and ask Martha, are your tasks more important than me. He knows Martha’s heart and the customs of the time. He also wanted her to realize how important it was to know Jesus. He was there for a reason. To spread His message, that He is the only way to eternal life. How God is real, how much He loves you, how He is there for you, your father. That He has plans and work for you to do. 

In the beginning, I go on about conflict. When reading I somewhat take sides with Martha. Come on Jesus, cut her a little slack. She means well. She loves and respects you just like Mary. At the same time, I fully understand Jesus’ point to her. Never become too busy for God. You will always have time for your earthly tasks but Jesus must come first. He is the only one that can give you strength and life. Let him work through you. 

Circling back to the foot washing. It is also symbolic of how Jesus can make you clean. How he can uncover any dirt and completely wipes it away. Making you clean, refreshed and pure. He is the only one that can wipe way all our sin and weaknesses in life. How he does it? Through the Holy Spirit. You know, the personality of God. Part of infamous triune God head. There is God the father. God the son, Jesus Christ. God the spirit, the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is God spirit within each human. Set to love, lead, guide, protect and make you pure. Never leading you astray. Always with the right direction. Be holy as God is holy. Striving for perfection as God is perfect.

I always have fun with this story. Always a deeper message with every bible story. All pose as examples for us to follow. Interesting one that I often reflect upon. 

Satan Tries To Tempt Jesus, A Mountainmental Experience

One of the boldest movements in history. If Satan can lead a rebellion against God, he can try to pull a fast one on Jesus. Yes, Jesus is both God and man. The only perfect human. He also has to go through what humans’ face. That is tests and temptations. During this time, Jesus is undergoing a fast. As you can imagine, hunger, faintness, deliriousness are all there. Satan recognizes this might be a good chance to swoop in on his number one target. 

He does, bringing Jesus up on a mountain. Talking and giving “promises” to Jesus. If you bow down to me, I will give you the world. I can give you life! Are you ready to be on my side? 

Back to Satan. No one knows God more than Satan. No one has more power than God and Jesus. After comes the angels. Then Satan and demons. Satan also knows Jesus is a big monkey wrench to his plan. The Lord and Savior who has come down to take on all the sins of the world. Atoning for all the sins, reconciling us back to God. The only way to eternal life is through Jesus. If Satan can stop this plan, he has won! 

Ofcourse, going against God is a losing battle. He has never lost a battle. Through all the talking, Jesus doesn’t waiver. He is strong and courageous. Although he is God, his humanity is as play here. He simply tells Satan to make haste. You can’t give me something that is already mine. Satan, defeated, simply flees and leaves Jesus alone. God immediately comes in, ministering to Jesus. Restoring his strength. 

I always ponder, what has gotten into Satan to want to rebel? Why did he think he could change Jesus? It also shows how he works. How dangerous he is. If he is bold enough to go against God and Jesus, what about us. He is, everyday. Through different means, Satan is always after us. Him and his demons are always plotting. It is up to us to put on our shield of protection against his attacks. He likes our mind and our heart. If he can capture these areas, the battle is won. This is the message of the story.

 It also tells how much love Jesus has for humanity. He knows his plan. He came to die. To be our ultimate sacrifice. His willingness to lay down his life so that we can have eternal life. This is the plan he is set on fulfilling. Satan couldn’t stop this plan, what greater display of love from Jesus. He has us in his heart the entire time. 

Stoning Of Stephen, A Smile To Remember

Man of faith indeed. Stephen is a New Testament hero. During times of conflict and widespread persecution of Christians, Stephen kept the faith. He would talk about Jesus. letting everyone know about his love. How Jesus is the way to eternal life and how he would one day return as our King. Stephen would spread this message in the streets and everywhere he went. Introducing a missionary. Full of personality and charisma, Stephen made his mark. Stephen also made his mark as a threat to the Pharisees. So, before I proceed… let’s learn a little about the Pharisees. 

Who Are The Pharisees? 

So, who are these Pharisees? They were ritualistic religious leaders who were anti Jesus. What is mindboggling, they knew the commandments and God’s principles and didn’t believe. Here the living word is all pointing to Jesus and they didn’t believe.  Why? They didn’t believe Jesus would come into this world as a humble servant and would soon die. They were looking for a conquering king who would take down the enemies of the Jews. They had their own specific dogma about God. Also, they were selfish and had their own hidden agenda. To rise in popularity for selfish and financial gain. 

Now that you have an understanding of the Pharisees, we will get back to the story. Stephen’s rise in popularity posed a threat to the Pharisees following. They noticed his message and following was growing at a rapid rate.  Threatening their agenda. An order to persecute Stephen was his message and following was growing at a rapid rate. They set up to have him stone. 

If your heart doesn’t break for Stephen. Imagine knowing you’re about to die. Innocent and not harming anyone, just spreading love. Knowing a bunch of people have so much built up resentment that they want you to die. Talk about strong. 

Back To Story Of Stephen 

Now we are at the climax. The stage is set and Stephen is about to be stoned. What sticks out about this story is how the entire time, Stephen is praying to God. He is looking straight up to Heaven with a smile. Stones are casted at Stephen. The moral of the story, he died smiling. He knew his mission and he completed it. He never waivered or complained. This story shows how much love and faith Stephen had for God. He knew it was important to spread the message of Jesus and eternal life. Despite persecution, Stephen kept the faith. God was with him, strengthening him every step of the way. 

Stephen is a great heroine and example in the bible. Can compare him to Paul. all men of true faith. Before his last breath, Stephen knew he was going to be with God. If anything, this story is a message of sacrifice and strengthening faith. Stephen knew Jesus was going to the sacrificial lamb. What love laying down your life for me. This all played apart in Stephen evangelizing in the streets about Jesus.Let this be an example of strengthening your faith. With God by your side, he lead, guide, protect, and love you. Nothing he will do. He will hold to his promise. You will be with him in eternity. As long as you stick to the faith and have a personal relationship with him, he will be inside you!

Paul On The Damascus Road, The Rise 

Everytime this story is read; I also picture it in my mind. When I think of Paul, automatically think of my grandmother. Her favorite. I usually tease her and say every part of the bible is your favorite. It isn’t a surprise he is a favorite. Why? Faith, faith, and you guess it, faith! 

Paul comes with an interesting background. As I briefly explained about the Pharisees, Paul was one of them. Yes, plotting and scheming to stop Christians talking about Jesus. Walking around with scrolls dangling from their head and prayers that bounced off the ceilings, Pharisees were masters of deception. Ofcourse, God doesn’t like this at all. With God’s message, it isn’t to be misinterpreted or distorted. This is what the Pharisees were doing. Acting as they were in allegiance with God, when they truly weren’t. Deceiving their following with their own dogma. 

Paul was one of the Pharisees top leaders and persecutors of Christians. When a Christian saw Paul, pure terror would cross their heart. He had a reputation. He had no qualms about killing Christians and missionaries. He was ruthless, cunning, and articulate. Lead writer you may state. As pointed out before, God sees and knows everything. He also has a plan. Paul was about to be apart of a beautiful master plan. 

Now before you stop me. How is this man, who kills thousands of Christians, about to be in partnership with God? One thing about God, he can use anyone. He loves everyone, no matter what you may done. He is a loving and forgiving God. key word, forgiving. He erases everything, if you let him. By turning over your wrong doings to Jesus. This sets the plot for Paul. 

Paul, on his donkey, is on his way to persecute more Christians. He is traveling by way of Damascus Road. While riding, the donkey stops, startled by the site of two angels with swords drawn. Can you imagine the site, chilling. Paul, not recognizing, starts tapping on the donkey to proceed. The donkey isn’t budging. Why? God is right there stopping this from happening. God strikes Paul with temporary blindness, knocking him off the donkey. “Why do you persecute me?”  God says to Paul.  When God states” persecute me’, He is referring to Christians Paul has killed. This dumbfounds Paul. He realizes God is really talking to him. The one and only true God is talking to me, it just got real! 

This interaction with God turns Paul right around. He recognizes persecuting Christians is wrong. He immediately repents. God sends him on his way to heal his blindness. From there, Paul turns around to be one God’s leading evangelist. He goes on to spread His message everywhere. 

Paul’s start was quite interesting as many Christians were skeptical. He still had a bad reputation lingering. Little did they know, he was different. He was no longer the persecutor but God’s true messenger. He tells his testimony and soon wins over the audience. He amasses a following and goes on to write a series of letters. He writes and addresses specific issues going on within different groups. little marketing in the making. These letters will go on to be books in the bible. Romans, Thessolians, Philippians, Corinthians, all Paul’s writings. Talk about a complete turnaround. Went from God’s enemy to one of His lead writers of His living word. 

This story speaks volumes. It shows how much love God has for us. Paul went from leading persecutors of Christians to God’s top messenger.  Also, how God is forgiving. He never got on Paul or turned his back on him. What He did was turn Paul around to work for the greater good. Paul recognizes this fact. God could’ve immediately struck him dead or punished him, but He didn’t.

 This isn’t God’s nature. He loves every human He has created. He knows every hair on our head and everything about us. He knows what we will do before we do it. He knows our beginning and our end. What a loving God we serve. It’s amazing when you think of it. Somewhat scary. How God knows everything and knows us better than ourselves. We can’t breathe or live without Him. He’s our creator, He created us for a purpose. To love, serve others and have a relationship with Him. We are created in His image and to be with Him in eternity. Examine yourself today and reflect upon the wonderment of God. 

Paul’s First Conversion, The Roman Centurion 

Have to circle back to Paul and tell another story. There are so many but will keep it to a few. Will have more articles about other profound bible stories. The scene, Paul is sent to prison. The irony, for spreading God’s word. He is put in stockades in a dungeon. Now, can you imagine having to stand up with your head, hands and feet completely constrained. Let alone, the whole 24 hours in a day. Talk about torture to your mental and physical health. Paul did it. He prayed and praised God the entire time. Not once did he complain.

 A Roman centurion noticed this. How is this man having a good time in torture? Who is this God that he consistently goes on about? The beauty, this was all part of God’s plan. The centurion also notices how Paul treats them. Paul could’ve given them a hard time and been mean but he wasn’t. He treated them with love and compassion. Also, the glow on Paul. Paul told his story and about God’s love to the centurion. All of this won over the centurion. The centurion became a Christian and went on to know more about God. 

The morale of the story, anything can happen. God can use anything for the greater good. You never know who is watching you. How important it is to lead as an example. Showcase the fruit of the spirits everywhere you go. Never know what impact you will make in someone else’s life. How they can also know God. Know God’s love, forgiveness, happiness, patience and peace. The key, God doesn’t give 

anything empty. It is everlasting, perfect and the best. You can’t get anything better than God. 

Conclusion

If you ever watch your favorite action movie, you will see a glimpse of subtle references from the bible. Everything originates from the word so it isn’t a surprise. One thing about the bible, you always learn something different every time. Never gets old. To know all of these stories really happened, it just blows my mind. 

It is so hard to narrow down, more stories to come. My finger was itching. What about Isaiah, Moses, Joseph, Noah, Jacob and Esau, Queen Esther, Lydia, 12 disciples, and can go on. 

I want you to reflect upon these stories. See how you can relate. Also, see how God is talking to you in each of them. How each of the characters must have felt in the situation. Their personality. The symbolism. The message. The circumstances at hand. 

Let these stories resonate with you.  Make them part of your life. If you are ever feeling down, lonely, afraid, disheartened, weak, disinterested, circle back to these stories. These characters have all been there and sometimes worse! You have something to turn to. Especially Jesus. His story about the crucifixion is more than enough inspiration. The ultimate act of love. That is where love derives from. This act right here. We wouldn’t be breathing without his life and sacrifice. He did all this for us. What greater act of compassion and love.  

As previously pointed out, Christmas and Easter are all about him. Even Thanksgiving. All about giving thanks for your blessings. Who blesses us, God. He is the only one that can supply our needs. The rain falls on just and unjust. He wakes up and puts us to sleep every day. He is there. Waiting. 

Stay tuned for more articles that will have you stuck in the bible. Take care and stay inspired! 

What are your favorite bible stories? Any favorite characters? What do you love most about the bible? Any questions? Let me know in the comments below.