Do We Pray to God or Jesus?

What Book of the Bible Should I Read?

What Book of the Bible Should I Read?The Bible contains 66 books with a variety of genres, themes, and messages. Whether you are a new believer, someone seeking spiritual guidance, or a long-time Christian, choosing the right book to read can help guide you in your walk with God. Different books provide different perspectives, so it is essential to consider what you need spiritually.If You Are New to the BibleIf you are just beginning to explore the Bible, the Gospel of John is a great place to start. It provides a clear, theological understanding of who Jesus is. In John 20:31, it says:"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."This Gospel highlights the divinity of Christ and the salvation He offers, making it an excellent introduction to the Christian faith.If You Seek WisdomIf you are looking for practical wisdom for life, the Book of Proverbs offers timeless guidance on how to live a righteous life. It addresses themes like relationships, finances, work, and making wise choices. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in God:"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."If You Are Seeking Strength in Difficult TimesIf you are going through challenging circumstances, the Book of Psalms is comforting and encouraging. The Psalms are prayers of praise, lament, and hope. Psalms like Psalm 23 offer reassurance of God's presence during difficult times:"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."ConclusionIn conclusion, the book of the Bible you should read depends on your current spiritual needs. Whether you need to learn about Jesus, seek wisdom, or find comfort in trials, the Bible offers a wealth of guidance to meet your needs.

How Many Lashes Did Jesus Get?

How Many Lashes Did Jesus Get?According to the Gospels, Jesus endured severe physical punishment leading up to His crucifixion, including the scourging, or flogging, which was a Roman method of corporal punishment. However, the exact number of lashes Jesus received is not explicitly stated in the Bible. While Roman law often prescribed 39 lashes, the number specifically given to Jesus is not mentioned in the biblical text, leaving it uncertain whether He received this standard number or more.Roman ScourgingScourging was a brutal punishment that involved being whipped with a leather lash that had embedded pieces of metal or bone. The scourging would often leave the victim’s back severely lacerated and bloody. It was a form of torture designed to weaken the condemned person before the crucifixion. The Gospels describe this event in various ways, but they do not provide an exact count of the lashes Jesus received (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1).The 39 Lashes TraditionTraditionally, it is believed that the Roman soldiers inflicted 39 lashes on Jesus, as Roman law typically limited scourging to 40 lashes minus one. This was done in part to ensure that the punishment did not exceed the legal limit. However, the Bible does not confirm that Jesus received exactly 39 lashes, and it is uncertain whether this tradition applies to His specific flogging (Deuteronomy 25:3).ConclusionWhile the Bible does not specify the number of lashes Jesus received, it is commonly believed that He endured 39 lashes, based on Roman practices. What is clear is that the scourging was an extremely painful and degrading punishment, one that Jesus bore as part of His suffering for humanity’s sins (Isaiah 53:5). The focus of the Gospel accounts is not the exact number of lashes but the immense suffering and sacrifice that Jesus made for the salvation of the world.

What Happened to Jesus After He Rose from the Dead?

What Happened to Jesus After He Rose from the Dead?After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples and others, proving His victory over death and the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. His resurrection marked the beginning of the new covenant, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances were not only a sign of His victory but also a time of teaching, commissioning, and preparing His followers for the next phase of God’s plan.Appearances to the DisciplesIn John 20:19-23, Jesus appears to His disciples, offering them peace and showing them the wounds in His hands and side to prove that He is the risen Savior. He then commissions them to go and spread the gospel. These appearances helped to strengthen their faith and prepare them for the work they would do in His name.Ascension into HeavenAfter forty days of appearing to His followers, teaching, and encouraging them, Jesus ascended into heaven. In Acts 1:9-11, it is recorded that Jesus was taken up in a cloud, and two angels appeared, telling the disciples that He would return in the same way He left. His ascension marked the conclusion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of the work of the apostles.Why This MattersJesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing believers with the hope of eternal life. His post-resurrection appearances reaffirm the reality of His victory over death, and His ascension signifies His exaltation and the beginning of His reign as Lord.

Who Are the Guys in The Worship Initiative?

Understanding The Worship Initiative The Worship Initiative is a Christian music project founded by Shane Barnard and Shane Everett, collectively known as Shane & Shane. The initiative provides resources for worship leaders, musicians, and churches, combining theological depth with practical tools to enhance worship experiences. The Vision Behind The Worship Initiative The Worship Initiative was created to train and equip worship teams with Christ-centered music and sound biblical teaching. Shane & Shane, known for their heartfelt worship songs, aim to deepen the connection between music and faith. Songs like "Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)" and "Though You Slay Me" reflect their commitment to scripturally rooted worship. Resources and Impact The project includes online tutorials, devotionals, and chord charts for worship leaders. It emphasizes the importance of using music to glorify God and encourage believers. As Ephesians 5:19 says, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Why It Matters The Worship Initiative bridges the gap between theology and practice, providing tools that help churches worldwide cultivate meaningful worship. Their dedication to biblical truth ensures that their music and resources point listeners toward Christ, inspiring a deeper relationship with God through song.