How Long Does Church Last?

Did Jesus Have a Son?

Did Jesus Have a Son?No, the Bible does not record Jesus having a biological son or any children. Jesus’ mission was focused on His divine purpose of bringing salvation to humanity rather than establishing a biological lineage. Claims suggesting otherwise are not supported by Scripture and often arise from speculative or fictional sources.Biblical EvidenceJesus’ Singleness: The Gospels consistently present Jesus as unmarried and without children, emphasizing His dedication to His ministry (Luke 9:58).Spiritual Fatherhood: Jesus referred to His followers as His spiritual family. In Matthew 12:49-50, He said: "Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."Focus on Divine Mission: Jesus lived a life wholly devoted to His mission of redemption, leaving no indication of a biological family.Addressing Speculative ClaimsSome speculative works, such as fictional books and movies, have suggested that Jesus had children, but these are not based on biblical or historical evidence.ConclusionJesus did not have a biological son. His mission centered on spiritual salvation, and His legacy is carried through His followers, who continue His work and message.

How Jesus Said About Tongues

How Jesus Said About TonguesIn the New Testament, Jesus does not specifically teach about speaking in tongues, but He does refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit, whose arrival empowers believers to speak in tongues. The practice of speaking in tongues is more explicitly addressed in the teachings of the apostles, particularly in Acts and 1 Corinthians. Jesus’ references to tongues are often connected with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the signs that would follow those who believe in Him.Jesus and the Promise of the Holy SpiritIn the Gospel of Mark, Jesus foretells that believers will speak in tongues as a sign of their faith and empowerment by the Holy Spirit:Mark 16:17 (KJV): "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues."Here, Jesus describes tongues as one of the signs that will accompany believers, demonstrating God’s power working through them. This promise is fulfilled after Jesus’ ascension when the Holy Spirit descends on the apostles during Pentecost (Acts 2:4).The Holy Spirit and TonguesIn Acts 2:4, when the Holy Spirit fills the apostles, they begin to speak in other tongues, a miraculous sign that allows them to proclaim the Gospel in different languages to those gathered in Jerusalem. The apostle Paul later provides teachings about the proper use of tongues within the church in 1 Corinthians 12-14, emphasizing that tongues are a gift from the Holy Spirit for the edification of the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:10).ConclusionWhile Jesus did not provide detailed teachings on speaking in tongues, He promised that believers would receive the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to speak in tongues as a sign of God’s presence and work. This gift is further explained and guided in the New Testament, particularly by the apostle Paul, and continues to be a significant part of the Pentecostal and charismatic Christian traditions.

How Many Times Is "Do Not Fear" in the Bible?

How Many Times Is "Do Not Fear" in the Bible?Throughout the Bible, the phrase "Do not fear" or its variations appear numerous times, offering comfort and reassurance from God to His people. While the exact number of times this phrase appears depends on the translation, it is commonly stated that "Do not fear" or similar expressions can be found around 365 times in the Bible. This number is significant, as it is said to correspond to the number of days in a year, symbolizing God's constant reminder for believers to trust in His protection and presence.Common Contexts of "Do Not Fear"The phrase "Do not fear" is used in a variety of contexts in Scripture, often in times of distress, uncertainty, or when God's people are facing challenges. Here are a few examples:When God Appears: When God speaks to His people, especially through His messengers, He often begins with the command to "fear not" to calm their fears. In Isaiah 41:10, God promises His presence and protection, saying, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God."When Facing Trials: In moments of trouble or fear, God's command to not fear is meant to encourage trust in His faithfulness. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."During the Birth of Jesus: In the New Testament, when the angel announces the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, the first words spoken are "Fear not" (Luke 2:10), reassuring them of the good news of great joy.When Jesus Appears to His Disciples: After Jesus' resurrection, He repeatedly reassures His followers not to fear. In Matthew 28:5-10, the angel tells the women at the tomb, "Fear not: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified."Why God Reassures UsGod commands His people to "fear not" because He is sovereign over all circumstances. In times of uncertainty, fear can lead to anxiety and doubt, but God’s message is that He is always present, offering His peace and comfort. This repeated reassurance encourages believers to place their trust in God's power and promises rather than in their own understanding or in the fear of the unknown (Isaiah 43:1-2).Conclusion"Do not fear" appears approximately 365 times in the Bible, reminding believers of God's constant presence and protection. Whether facing personal trials or overwhelming circumstances, this command calls Christians to trust in God’s faithfulness and to walk in His peace every day of the year (John 14:27).

Which Bible Translation Is the Most Accurate?

Understanding Bible Translations The Bible, originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, has been translated into hundreds of languages. Each translation balances two key approaches: word-for-word accuracy and thought-for-thought clarity. The question of which translation is the "most accurate" depends on the reader’s purpose—whether for deep study or general reading. Most Accurate Translations for Study For those seeking a translation that closely mirrors the original texts, the King James Version (KJV) and the English Standard Version (ESV) are often recommended. The KJV, completed in 1611, has been a cornerstone of Christian study for centuries, praised for its literal accuracy and poetic beauty. Similarly, the ESV provides a modern, literal translation while maintaining readability. Dynamic Translations for Understanding Translations like the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) prioritize readability and comprehension. These are ideal for new Christians or those wanting to grasp the overarching message of scripture. For example, John 3:16 is rendered in a clear and accessible way in the NLT: "For this is how God loved the world." Consider Your Purpose For in-depth study, interlinear Bibles, which display the original Hebrew or Greek alongside English, are invaluable. However, for devotional reading or sharing the Gospel, dynamic translations can be more engaging. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Selecting the right translation helps achieve this goal.