Is God Above or Under Logic in Catholicism?

Who Wrote the Book of John?

Who Wrote the Book of John? Introduction to the Book of John The Book of John is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament and provides a unique perspective on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus. Authorship of the Book of John Traditionally, the Apostle John is credited as the author of this Gospel. He was one of Jesus' twelve disciples and is often referred to as "the beloved disciple" within the text. Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, supported this attribution, stating that John wrote the Gospel based on his eyewitness experiences. Historical and Scholarly Perspectives Modern scholars debate the authorship, suggesting that the Gospel may have been written by a Johannine community or a disciple of John. The language and theological depth indicate a well-developed community tradition rather than a single author. However, the text itself claims a connection to the eyewitness disciple. Conclusion While the exact authorship of the Book of John remains a topic of discussion, the strong tradition attributes it to the Apostle John. This Gospel continues to be vital for understanding the Christian faith, emphasizing Jesus' divinity and his relationship with humanity.

When Did the Apostles Receive Apostolic Authority in the Bible?

When Did the Apostles Receive Apostolic Authority in the Bible? The apostles received apostolic authority from Jesus Christ during His ministry on earth, but their commission and empowerment were fully realized after His resurrection and ascension. One key moment was when Jesus spoke to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV), giving them the Great Commission: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations... baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This marks the beginning of their formal authority to preach, teach, and baptize in His name. The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit In addition to this commission, the apostles received power and authority through the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 (KJV), Jesus tells His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me... unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This passage emphasizes that the apostles’ authority was not merely a human delegation but came from the divine power of the Holy Spirit. The Role of Pentecost The official empowerment of the apostles occurred at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:1-4 (KJV), where the Holy Spirit descended upon them with great power, allowing them to speak in different languages and boldly proclaim the message of Christ. From that moment, they began to exercise their apostolic authority, spreading the gospel and establishing churches across the Roman Empire. The apostolic authority continued to be passed down through the generations, with the apostles appointing leaders to carry on the mission of the church.

Is Jesus Coming Back April 4th?

Is Jesus Coming Back April 4th? The question of whether Jesus will return on a specific date, such as April 4th, is one that has been asked throughout Christian history. The Bible clearly states that no one knows the exact day or hour of Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:36). While there have been many attempts throughout history to predict the date of His Second Coming, all such predictions have proven to be incorrect. It is important for Christians to approach date-setting with caution, as it contradicts the teachings of Jesus Himself. 1. Jesus' Teachings on the Uncertainty of His Return In Matthew 24:36, Jesus makes it clear that no one knows the day or the hour of His return. He says, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” The unpredictability of His return is emphasized in several passages of Scripture, and believers are instructed to always be watchful and prepared, as the timing is not revealed to humanity. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:44, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” 2. The Danger of Date-Setting Throughout history, there have been many individuals and groups who have tried to predict the exact date of Christ’s return, but these predictions have all been proven false. The Bible warns against making such predictions. In Acts 1:7, when the disciples asked Jesus about the timing of the Kingdom of God, He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” Any attempt to predict Jesus’ return is therefore misguided and contradicts the biblical teaching that only God the Father knows the appointed time. 3. Living in Expectation, Not Date-Setting Instead of focusing on a specific date, Christians are encouraged to live in constant readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:13, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Christians are to live faithfully, spreading the gospel, loving others, and awaiting the return of Jesus without being preoccupied with when it will occur. The focus should be on the quality of one’s relationship with God, not on speculating about a date. 4. Conclusion While it is natural to be curious about the timing of Jesus' return, the Bible makes it clear that we are not to know the exact date. Predictions about specific days, such as April 4th, are not consistent with Scripture and should be avoided. Instead, Christians are called to live in anticipation of Jesus’ return, always ready, and focused on following Christ daily.

Is the Bible Illegal Now?

Is the Bible Illegal Now?No, the Bible is not illegal in most countries, though restrictions on its use and distribution exist in certain parts of the world. While many nations protect religious freedom, others impose limitations on the practice of Christianity, including the possession or sharing of the Bible.1. Global Legal StatusIn most democratic countries, the Bible is legally accessible and widely distributed. Countries like the United States and those in Europe uphold religious freedom, allowing individuals to read and practice their faith openly (John 8:32).2. Restrictions in Certain NationsIn some countries with authoritarian or restrictive religious policies, the Bible is either banned or strictly regulated. For example, in parts of North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and other regions, owning a Bible can result in severe penalties. These restrictions often reflect governmental or religious opposition to Christianity.3. Encouragement for BelieversDespite opposition, Christians are called to remain faithful. Acts 5:29 states, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” The early church flourished even under persecution, setting an example for believers today to stand firm in their faith.ConclusionWhile the Bible remains legal in most parts of the world, restrictions persist in certain countries. Believers are encouraged to pray for those facing persecution and to treasure the freedom to access God’s Word where it is available (Psalm 119:105).