The Nicene Creed is a statement of Christian belief that was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It was originally written in Greek and has served as an important summary of Christian doctrine for over 1,600 years. The main purpose of the Nicene Creed was to clearly define the nature of the Trinity in response to the Arian controversy of the 4th century. Arius, a priest from Alexandria, taught that Jesus was created by God the Father and was therefore subordinate to the Father. This teaching, known as Arianism, was deemed heretical at the Council of…
Author: Erin Weitzman
Artaxerxes is an important biblical figure who was the Persian king during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He ruled over the Persian Empire from around 465 BC to 424 BC. There are three Artaxerxes mentioned in the Bible: Artaxerxes I Artaxerxes I, who reigned from about 465 BC to 424 BC, is the most well-known Artaxerxes in the Bible. He was the son and successor of Xerxes I and appears in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Some key events involving Artaxerxes I in the Bible include: In Ezra 7, Artaxerxes allows Ezra the priest and scribe to return…
The Bible contains many long verses that provide valuable insight and wisdom. However, one verse stands out as the longest in terms of word count – Esther 8:9. At 78 words in the English Standard Version, Esther 8:9 is the longest single verse in the entire Bible. Here is the full text of Esther 8:9: “Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies…
The doctrine of the Trinity states that God eternally exists as three distinct persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – while still being one God. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. This means that the Holy Spirit is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son, while also being a distinct person within the Godhead. Here are some key things the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit is a Person First, the Holy Spirit…
The doctrine of the Trinity states that there is one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, the Son, is the second person of the Trinity. This means that Jesus is fully God and has existed eternally with the Father and the Spirit, but He has a distinct role and relationship within the Godhead. Here are some key things the Bible teaches about Jesus as the second person of the Trinity: 1. Jesus is fully God The Bible affirms the full deity of…
This is a complex question with no simple answer. Both the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad make numerous references to the Bible, but their perspective on it is nuanced. Here is a 9000 word overview of the key points: The Qur’an Affirms Parts of the Bible The Qur’an repeatedly affirms that it confirms previous scriptures like the Torah and Gospel. For example: He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. (Qur’an 3:3) It also tells Muslims to believe in the original revelations given to…
The Bible contains 66 books written by over 40 authors over a span of 1500 years. Within its pages are various types of literature including history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Given the diversity of genres and writers, there is a wide range in the length of each book. When considering word count, the longest book is the book of Psalms. Let’s take a closer look at why Psalms stands out as the longest book of the Bible. Overview of the Book of Psalms The Book of Psalms is located in the third section of the Bible called the Writings or…
The Bible is considered by Christians to be the divinely inspired word of God. However, over the centuries there have been accusations that Christians have corrupted or changed the text of the Bible to suit their own agendas. This article will examine the evidence behind these claims and analyze whether Christians have truly corrupted the Bible throughout history. Changes and Variations in Ancient Manuscripts It is true that no two ancient manuscripts of the books of the Bible are exactly the same. As the texts were copied by hand over centuries, errors, variations, and changes inevitably crept in. For example,…
Prayer meetings are gatherings of believers for the purpose of communal prayer, worship, and fellowship. They provide an opportunity for Christians to unite in seeking God’s will, interceding for needs, and growing closer to one another and to the Lord. Prayer meetings have been a vital part of Christian life and ministry throughout church history, and continue to be relevant today. Here is an overview of the biblical foundation, purpose, and value of corporate prayer gatherings. Biblical Basis for Prayer Meetings The Bible gives many examples of God’s people coming together for times of prayer. In Acts 1:14, the early…
The verse Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This verse teaches an important principle for Christians to follow in their relationships with others. The Meaning of “Selfish Ambition” The phrase “selfish ambition” refers to actions motivated primarily by self-interest and a desire for personal gain or recognition. It involves pursuing one’s own agenda without regard for others. Examples could include lobbying for a promotion, seeking fame and praise, or asserting one’s own opinions forcefully without listening to others. Selfish ambition prioritizes personal advancement over others. It feeds…