How to Fast for God

Is Praying Over Your Home and Anointing Biblical?

Is Praying Over Your Home and Anointing Biblical? Praying over your home and anointing it with oil is a practice observed in some Christian traditions. The act of anointing homes with oil is often associated with invoking God's protection, peace, and blessing over the household. But is this practice biblical? While the Bible does not explicitly mention anointing homes with oil, it does provide guidance on the use of anointing oil and the power of prayer in various contexts. 1. Biblical Use of Anointing Oil In the Bible, anointing oil was used for various purposes, including consecrating individuals, objects, and places for God's service. In the Old Testament, priests and kings were anointed as a symbol of God's empowerment (Exodus 30:30, 1 Samuel 10:1). Anointing oil also symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, James 5:14 encourages believers to anoint the sick with oil and pray for healing, showing that oil is often associated with prayer for divine intervention. 2. Prayer Over Your Home While the Bible does not specifically mention praying over one's home, it emphasizes the power of prayer in various areas of life. Jesus encourages His followers to pray in all circumstances (Matthew 7:7, Philippians 4:6). The practice of praying over a home, especially when seeking God’s protection or blessing, aligns with biblical principles of invoking God's presence and care. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of blessing and peace, as seen in His instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10:12-13: “As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” 3. Conclusion While the Bible does not mandate anointing a home with oil, it does highlight the importance of prayer and anointing oil in different spiritual practices. Praying over your home can be a powerful way to invite God's presence and protection, and anointing with oil can be a symbolic act of consecration, much like it is in other biblical contexts. Ultimately, whether or not to anoint a home with oil is a matter of personal faith and conviction, but it is supported by the biblical practice of anointing and prayer for divine intervention.

Why Doesn’t God Punish Racists?

Why Doesn’t God Punish Racists? Racism, the belief that one race is superior to others, is a deeply sinful attitude that is condemned by Scripture. The Bible teaches that all people are made in the image of God and that we are called to love one another (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 22:39). So, the question arises: why doesn’t God punish racists immediately? The Bible offers a few important insights into why God may not intervene immediately, while still holding people accountable for their actions. God’s Patience and Mercy One reason God does not immediately punish sinners, including those who harbor racist attitudes, is His great patience and mercy. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God desires that all people repent of their sins and come to salvation. His patience allows for the opportunity for sinners to turn from their wicked ways and seek His forgiveness. The Role of Free Will Another reason God doesn’t immediately punish racist individuals is that He has given humanity free will. Each person has the ability to choose their actions, including whether or not to harbor prejudiced beliefs. While God may not intervene immediately, He holds each person accountable for their actions. Romans 14:12 states, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” God will judge everyone according to their actions, including the sin of racism, at the appropriate time. God’s Call to Love All People Although God may allow racist individuals to live out their lives without immediate judgment, He calls all believers to love everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. In 1 John 4:20, it says, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” Jesus commands His followers to love their neighbors as themselves, and this includes people of all races. Racism is a violation of God’s command to love one another, and Christians are called to actively fight against it through prayer, advocacy, and spreading the love of Christ. Conclusion God does not immediately punish racists because of His patience and desire for repentance. However, He holds everyone accountable for their actions, and the sin of racism will ultimately be judged. As Christians, we are called to love all people, regardless of race, and to actively combat racism through Christ-like love and justice.

Do Churches Pay Property Tax?

Do Churches Pay Property Tax?In most countries, churches and other religious organizations are exempt from paying property taxes on buildings and land used for religious purposes. This tax exemption reflects the recognition of their societal contributions and the principle of separating church and state. However, the specifics of property tax exemptions vary by country and region.Church Property Tax ExemptionsUnited States: Churches are generally exempt from property taxes under state laws, provided the property is used exclusively for religious purposes. This is consistent with the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom.Other Countries: Many countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, also grant property tax exemptions to religious organizations. However, some nations impose restrictions or fees depending on how the property is used.Non-Religious Uses: If part of a church property is used for commercial purposes (e.g., renting space), that portion may be subject to taxation.Debates About Tax ExemptionsCritics argue that tax exemptions for churches can lead to unequal treatment or loss of public revenue. Supporters contend that these exemptions recognize the positive social contributions of religious organizations.ConclusionChurches generally do not pay property tax on buildings used for religious purposes, but rules vary by location and usage. Tax exemptions reflect a broader acknowledgment of the societal role of religious organizations.

Which Christian Factions Ordain Women?

Women in Church Leadership The role of women in church leadership has been a topic of discussion among Christians for centuries. While some denominations emphasize traditional roles, others affirm women’s calling to pastoral and leadership positions, citing scriptural support for their inclusion. Christian Denominations That Ordain Women Many mainline Protestant denominations ordain women as pastors, elders, and deacons. These include: The United Methodist Church: One of the first major denominations to ordain women, they emphasize equality in ministry roles. The Episcopal Church: Women have been ordained since the 1970s, including roles as bishops. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA): This denomination supports women in pastoral roles and higher offices. The Presbyterian Church (USA): They ordain women as elders, deacons, and ministers. Scriptural Perspectives Supporters of women’s ordination often cite Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Additionally, they point to women leaders in the early church, such as Phoebe (Romans 16:1) and Priscilla (Acts 18:26), as evidence of God’s call on women to serve. Remaining Faithful to Scripture While denominations differ on this issue, all Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom from God’s Word and respect varying interpretations. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to maintain "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."