Jesus Christ commandments

What Are Jesus Christ’s Commandments?

Jesus is known in part for being a powerful, memorable, and persuasive teacher. Sometimes he rebuked people with his teaching; at other times, he comforted them. Jesus also spoke commands to people as he revealed truths about God, sin, salvation, love, and other important topics. Like the Old Testament has the 10 Commandments, people wonder…

Jesus raise from the dead

Who Did Jesus Raise From the Dead?

Jesus performed multiple resurrections during his public ministry, reanimating lifeless corpses. Readers can find themes like mourning, humility, faith, and worship in the stories. Each resurrection miracle also foreshadowed the future resurrection of his followers and his own three days after his crucifixion. So how many people did Jesus raise from the dead? According to…

Christian discipleship

What Is Discipleship? [What the Bible Teaches]

Discipleship was one of the central teachings of Jesus Christ, according to the Gospels. It plays an important role in several narratives, including stories about Peter, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, and many others. It’s also critical that Christians today understand what Jesus asks of them. Discipleship refers to following Jesus Christ as a way of life….

Book of Romans

Who Wrote the Book of Romans in the Bible?

Romans is one of the most influential books in the New Testament, creating converts, launching movements, and fueling the Church’s most powerful preachers. Its arguments are crisp and logical; its theology is rich and practical. The letter is the product of one of the most passionate, intelligent, and faithful followers of Jesus Christ who ever…

purgatory in the Bible

Where Is Purgatory in the Bible?

One of the most important theological differences between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Christianity is the doctrine of purgatory. Catholicism teaches that purgatory is a temporary middle state between heaven and hell where disobedient Christians are purified. An important question Catholics and Protestants ask is where the Bible teaches about purgatory. According to the…

dog breed Bible

What Is the Only Dog Breed Mentioned in the Bible?

The Bible teaches that God created animals. The Old and New Testaments mention many animals, such as bears, camels, donkeys, leopards, birds, fish, and ants. It also mentions dogs in several passages. However, only one verse in two related English translations refers to a specific breed of dog, and scholars have differing views about the…

Halloween in the Bible

What Does Halloween Mean in the Bible?

Halloween is a popular celebration that occurs on October 31st each year in many Western countries. Common activities people do on Halloween include trick-or-treating to collect candy from neighbors, dressing up in costumes, and carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. A common question Christians and non-Christians ask is what the Bible says about Halloween. The Bible doesn’t…

Lot in the Bible

Who Was Lot in the Bible?

Lot is an important figure in the Bible. For thousands of years, readers have been learning lessons from his life on topics like God, family, faith, and selfishness. Lot’s family, especially his uncle, wife, and daughters, are notable characters in his narrative. The decisions Lot makes sometimes affect them negatively and significantly. Lot was the…

What was Jesus' first miracle?

What Was Jesus Christ’s First Miracle?

Jesus Christ’s public ministry, as recorded in the four New Testament Gospels, consisted of almost 40 miracles. However, he performed many others, too (John 20:30). The first miracle Jesus did has added significance because it foreshadowed his ministry and reflected his identity. These facts lead many people to wonder about when, where, and why Jesus’…

take up your cross

What Does It Mean To Take Up Your Cross?

The cross is the most common symbol of the Christian faith. Though it was known as a device for execution in the ancient world, it represents love, sacrifice, and forgiveness to Christians today. This meaning is why crosses decorate churches, adorn necklaces, and emblazon t-shirts, Bibles, and even tattoos. Yet, what’s less alluring to many…

INRI Christian cross

What Does INRI Mean on a Christian Cross?

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, along with his resurrection from the dead, is the climactic moment of all four New Testament Gospels. Crosses are common symbols in Christianity because they help people remember Jesus’ death and its meaning. Sometimes decorative crosses include the letters INRI at the top, and many people are curious about what…

Pentecostal Christianity

Pentecostalism and Reformed Christianity Compared

Many people have heard of Pentecostal and Reformed churches but don’t know much about their similarities and differences. Because both faith traditions are Christian, they have overlapping beliefs and practices. Yet there are also essential contrasts between them because each has distinct origins, histories, leaders, convictions, and expressions. Pentecostal and Reformed churches, and those who…

facts about Easter

22 Facts About Easter [Jesus, Bunnies, Eggs, and More]

Every Spring worldwide, millions of people observe Easter. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in churches and their homes because it’s the historical and spiritual reason for the special Sunday. Others, some of whom don’t believe in Jesus, observe the day with traditions involving the Easter Bunny, decorating chicken eggs, and hiding candy for…

Lutheran Christian church

Lutheran vs. Reformed Christianity: Comparison

The names “Lutheran” and “Reformed” are commonly found in the names of churches in America and Europe. On the outside, many of the places of worship in these traditions look the same. Moreover, some of what is said and done on the inside of them are similar, too. Yet, their names signify differences in history,…

Christian cross

What Does the Cross Symbol Mean?

The cross is one of the most displayed and recognizable symbols in world history. In the ancient world, its found on carvings, jewelry, and books. In the modern world, people see crosses on clothing, screensavers, and tattoos. Sometimes crosses are ragged, aged, and even blood-stained. At other times, people decorate crosses with flowers, colorful sashes,…

Luther Christian Church

Lutheran vs. Evangelical: What’s the Difference?

People regularly see Lutheran and evangelical churches in America and Europe, and in recent decades, both traditions have extended their influence worldwide. Many people know that Lutheran and evangelical churches are part of the Christian faith and therefore have certain beliefs and practices in common. Yet, since they are unique traditions, they have differences, too,…

Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian vs. Evangelical: Comparison

“Presbyterian” and “evangelical” are two common adjectives describing Christian churches. Yet their names signify essential facts about their history, beliefs, and practices, some of which are unique. Presbyterians and evangelicals may look similar and have overlapping beliefs and practices but also have significant differences. The Presbyterian denomination and the evangelical tradition belong to the Protestant…

Passover Easter

What Is the Relationship Between Passover and Easter?

Every year people notice that the Jewish Passover festival and Christianity’s celebration of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter occur close together on the calendar. In some years, the commemorations even overlap. Many people who notice this understand that the proximity probably isn’t coincidental, but they don’t fully understand how Passover and Easter are related. Passover in…