What Do Episcopalians Believe?

Is Touching Yourself a Sin in Christianity?

Is Touching Yourself a Sin in Christianity?Christian teachings on the topic of self-pleasure (masturbation) are not directly addressed in the Bible. However, the principles of purity, self-control, and honoring God with one’s body guide the Christian perspective on this matter. Many Christians believe that engaging in such actions can lead to sinful thoughts and behaviors, even if the act itself is not explicitly labeled as sin in Scripture.1. Biblical PrinciplesThe Bible emphasizes the importance of purity in thought and action. Matthew 5:28 warns, “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” This verse highlights how sinful thoughts can accompany physical actions, making self-control essential (Galatians 5:22-23).2. Honoring God with the Body1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you… therefore glorify God in your body.” This principle encourages believers to use their bodies in ways that honor God and reflect His holiness.3. Avoiding TemptationSelf-pleasure often involves lustful thoughts or fantasies, which the Bible warns against (James 1:14-15). Avoiding situations that lead to temptation helps maintain a pure heart and mind.ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly call touching oneself a sin, its teachings on purity, self-control, and honoring God guide Christians to live in a way that avoids lustful actions and thoughts (Philippians 4:8).

What Does the Orthodox Church Believe?

What Does the Orthodox Church Believe?The Orthodox Church is one of the oldest branches of Christianity, rooted in the teachings of the early Church. It emphasizes tradition, the sacraments, and the authority of the church as a whole. The Orthodox Church holds to a set of core beliefs regarding salvation, the nature of Christ, the sacraments, and the role of the Church in the life of the believer.The Trinity and ChristologyOrthodox Christianity affirms the belief in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as expressed in the Nicene Creed. The Church teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, and that through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides salvation for humanity.The Role of Tradition and the ChurchUnlike many Protestant denominations, the Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on the authority of tradition, which includes the teachings of the early Church Fathers, the councils, and the liturgical practices of the Church. The Orthodox Church believes that the Church is the living body of Christ on earth, continuing the work of Christ through the sacraments and the preaching of the Gospel.Why This MattersThe Orthodox Church upholds the belief that salvation is a lifelong process, which involves both faith and works. It emphasizes the importance of community, the sacraments, and a deep relationship with God through prayer and worship, guided by the teachings and traditions of the Church.

Why Did People in the Bible Live So Long?

Why Did People in the Bible Live So Long? One of the most fascinating aspects of the Bible is the long lifespans of certain individuals, particularly in the early chapters of Genesis. For example, Adam lived to be 930 years old (Genesis 5:5), Methuselah to 969 years (Genesis 5:27), and Noah reached the age of 950 (Genesis 9:29). This raises the question: why did people live so long in the Bible, and what significance does this have for our understanding of Scripture? The Early Days of Creation The long lifespans of the patriarchs are often attributed to the early conditions of the world. According to the Bible, God created a perfect world, and the effects of sin had not yet fully corrupted humanity or the natural environment. Some biblical scholars suggest that the longer lifespans may have been a reflection of the purity and vitality of creation before the fall of man. In the beginning, God’s design for creation was meant to support life to its fullest potential, and people lived in harmony with the environment. The Impact of Sin As humanity's sin increased, particularly after the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, the consequences of sin began to affect the human body and lifespan. God decreed in Genesis 6:3 that "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." This suggests that after the fall, the natural process of decay began to take its toll on human life, leading to shorter lifespans over time. The flood of Noah's time (Genesis 6-9) may have marked a significant turning point in the world’s history, both in terms of sin and the physical condition of humanity. God’s Sovereign Plan While we do not fully understand the reasons for these long lifespans, it is clear that God had a purpose in allowing people to live such long lives. The extended lifespans allowed for the passing down of knowledge, traditions, and the genealogies that would later be important in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Moreover, the longevity of these early figures emphasizes the contrast with the brevity of human life after the fall. Psalm 90:10 notes that "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years," highlighting the shorter lifespans that would follow in the generations to come. Conclusion The long lifespans of people in the Bible, particularly in the early chapters of Genesis, reflect the early purity of creation and the consequences of sin. Over time, humanity’s sin caused a reduction in lifespan, but God’s sovereign plan remained in effect. These long lifespans allowed for the preservation of genealogies and knowledge, serving a key role in God’s unfolding redemptive story.

Who Did Jesus Raise from Death?

The Miracles of Jesus: Who Did He Raise from Death? Throughout His ministry on Earth, Jesus performed many miracles, including several instances where He raised the dead. These acts not only demonstrate His divine power but also reveal deeper theological truths about life, death, and resurrection. Jesus’ ability to raise the dead affirmed His identity as the Son of God and provided a glimpse into the promise of eternal life through Him. Lazarus: A Powerful Miracle One of the most well-known instances of Jesus raising someone from the dead is the story of Lazarus, recorded in John 11:38-44. Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived at his tomb. Moved by the grief of those around Him, Jesus commanded the stone be rolled away and called, "Lazarus, come forth!" Lazarus emerged from the tomb, alive once again, demonstrating the power of Jesus over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection. The Widow’s Son in Nain Another powerful resurrection took place in Luke 7:11-17, when Jesus encountered a funeral procession in the town of Nain. A widow’s only son had died, and the people were mourning his loss. Jesus, moved with compassion, touched the bier and said, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise." The dead man immediately sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. This miracle not only showed Jesus' authority over death but also His compassion for those in grief. Jairus' Daughter In Mark 5:35-43, Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who had died. Jesus told the mourners, "The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth," and when He took her by the hand, she rose. This miracle further demonstrated Jesus’ power over life and death, emphasizing His role as the source of eternal life. The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection Miracles Each of these miracles points to a larger truth about Jesus’ mission on Earth. They symbolize not only His authority over death but also His promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. As John 11:25-26 says, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." Through these acts, Jesus revealed the hope of resurrection and eternal life for all believers.