The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the three major branches of Christianity, along with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It has over 200 million members worldwide and is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ as passed down through sacred tradition. Here is an overview of the key beliefs and practices of the Eastern Orthodox faith. History and Origins of the Eastern Orthodox Church The Eastern Orthodox Church traces its origins back to the beginnings of Christianity itself. It believes that its bishops are the successors of the apostles who were chosen by Jesus to carry on his teachings after…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
John 14:1 says “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” This verse comes from Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples before his crucifixion. It is a profound statement of comfort and hope in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty. To fully understand what Jesus meant, we need to consider the context. Jesus knew his earthly ministry was coming to an end. He knew the difficulties and persecution his followers would soon face after he was gone. So he spoke these words to reassure and encourage them in the difficult days ahead. When Jesus says…
The sabbatical year is a biblical concept that originates in the Old Testament. As described in the Book of Leviticus, the sabbatical year was part of the agricultural and economic system that God instituted for the people of Israel after bringing them out of slavery in Egypt. According to Leviticus 25:1-7, the sabbatical year occurred every seventh year. Just as the seventh day was set aside as a day of rest (Sabbath), so the seventh year was to be set aside as a year of rest for the land. During the sabbatical year, the Israelites were commanded not to sow…
Hospitality is a virtue that is emphasized throughout the Bible. Scripture encourages believers to be hospitable and welcome others, especially strangers and those in need. Here is an overview of some of the key things the Bible says about hospitality: Commands to Show Hospitality There are several direct commands in the Bible instructing God’s people to show hospitality to others: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2) “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9) “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek…
The passage in Matthew 6:28 says, “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin.” This verse comes in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about trusting God rather than worrying. In this section, Jesus specifically addresses worry about material needs like food, drink, and clothing. To illustrate His point, He points to the lilies of the field as an example of how God provides for even the smallest part of His creation. There are several key reasons Jesus tells us to consider…
The Apocalypse of Baruch is an apocryphal work (not considered canonical by most Christian churches) thought to have been written in the late 1st or early 2nd century AD. It is an example of apocalyptic literature, a genre of religious writings common among Jews and Christians at that time, containing visionary descriptions of heaven and the afterlife. The text takes the form of a series of questions posed by Baruch, secretary and disciple of the prophet Jeremiah, to God about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the meaning of the suffering of the righteous. God’s answers make up…
Arrogance is an attitude of pride, self-importance, and disdain for others. The Bible has a lot to say about arrogance and highlights it as a serious sin and problem. Here is an overview of some of the major Bible passages that deal with arrogance and what they teach us: Old Testament Teachings on Arrogance In the Old Testament, arrogance is strongly condemned as a condition of the wicked and ungodly. Here are some key verses: Proverbs 8:13 – “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”…
The Bible does not explicitly state the ages of most of Jesus’ twelve disciples. However, based on contextual clues from the Gospels and other historical sources, scholars have made estimates about their probable ages. Here is an overview of what we can surmise about the ages of the twelve disciples at the time they began following Jesus: Simon Peter Simon Peter is believed to have been one of the oldest of the twelve disciples. Most scholars estimate he was probably in his early to mid-thirties when he met Jesus. As a fisherman by trade who was married, he likely would…
Spiritual blindness refers to the inability to perceive, understand or receive spiritual truths. It is a condition where someone is unable or unwilling to recognize God, His word, and spiritual matters. The Bible has a lot to say about spiritual blindness and its causes, characteristics, and cures. Causes of Spiritual Blindness According to the Bible, there are several potential causes of spiritual blindness: Sin – Persistent sin and disobedience to God can lead to a hardness of heart that blinds people to spiritual truth. Romans 1:21 says, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave…
The Holy Spirit is often described in the Bible as being like a fire. There are several key ways this comparison reveals important truths about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings God’s presence Fire is a powerful symbol of God’s presence in Scripture. When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, the flame represented God’s real presence (Exodus 3:2). The pillar of fire that led Israel by night showed that God was with His people (Exodus 13:21-22). When Solomon dedicated the temple, God showed His glory by sending fire from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:1).…