Why Did God Make Us?

What Denomination of Christianity Doesn’t Believe in Jesus Christ?

What Denomination of Christianity Doesn’t Believe in Jesus Christ?Christianity, by definition, centers on the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior, and the core of Christian faith. Therefore, any group that claims to be Christian typically holds Jesus Christ as central to their doctrine. However, there are some fringe groups or religious movements that claim to be Christian but reject fundamental aspects of Jesus' identity or divinity.Groups that Reject Jesus’ DivinityFor instance, groups like the Unitarian Universalists and some branches of the Jehovah's Witnesses may have differing views on Jesus. Jehovah’s Witnesses, while still regarding Jesus as important, do not believe in His divinity in the same way traditional Christians do. They believe Jesus is the Son of God but not part of the Holy Trinity.The Importance of Jesus in ChristianityFor the vast majority of Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians, belief in Jesus as the Savior is non-negotiable. In John 14:6, Jesus Himself says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Therefore, rejecting Jesus’ divinity or His role as the Savior places a group outside the mainstream Christian faith.ConclusionIn conclusion, no traditional Christian denomination denies the essential role of Jesus Christ in salvation. Any movement that does so would be considered outside the bounds of orthodox Christianity, despite sometimes using Christian terminology. The core of Christianity is the belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

How Many Books Are Missing from the Bible?

How Many Books Are Missing from the Bible?The question of "missing books" in the Bible typically refers to the difference in the number of books accepted in various Christian traditions. The Protestant Bible contains 66 books, while Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include additional books known as the Deuterocanonical books. In terms of ancient Christian writings, there are many texts that were not included in the canon for various reasons, but they are often referred to as "lost books" or "apocryphal" books.Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical BooksThe term "apocryphal" refers to books that were written in the early centuries of Christianity but were not accepted into the biblical canon. Some of these books were considered spiritually edifying, while others were excluded due to questions about their authorship, authenticity, or theological consistency with the accepted canon. These include:The Book of Enoch: A highly influential text that contains visions and teachings attributed to the patriarch Enoch. It is included in the Ethiopian Bible but is not accepted by most other Christian traditions (Jude 1:14-15).The Gospel of Thomas: A non-canonical gospel that presents sayings attributed to Jesus. It was discovered in 1945 as part of the Nag Hammadi texts but is not accepted by the mainstream Christian canon (John 21:25).The Shepherd of Hermas: An early Christian text that was highly regarded by some early Christian communities but did not make it into the final New Testament canon.The Apocalypse of Peter: This apocryphal book offers a vision of the afterlife and was considered for inclusion in the New Testament canon in early Christian times (Revelation 1:1-2).Why Were These Books Excluded?The decision to exclude certain books from the Bible was based on various factors, including their authenticity, alignment with the core teachings of the faith, and widespread acceptance in early Christian communities. Books like the Gospel of Thomas, for example, were excluded because they contained teachings that were seen as inconsistent with the orthodox teachings of the Church (2 Timothy 3:16-17).ConclusionWhile there are many ancient writings that were not included in the Bible, the number of "missing" books depends on the perspective of different Christian traditions. The Protestant Bible contains 66 books, while the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include additional Deuterocanonical books. The process of determining the biblical canon was guided by the early Church's authority and theological considerations (Hebrews 4:12).

Should I Say Yeshua or Jesus?

Should I Say Yeshua or Jesus? The names "Yeshua" and "Jesus" both refer to the same person: the Son of God, the Savior of the world. "Yeshua" is the Hebrew name for Jesus, while "Jesus" is the Greek transliteration of that name. The question of which name to use often arises among those who want to understand the cultural and historical context of Jesus' life and ministry. Both names are biblically valid, and the choice depends on the individual's emphasis—whether they want to emphasize Jesus' Jewish heritage or the name used in the New Testament Scriptures.The Significance of the Name YeshuaThe name "Yeshua" is the Hebrew name that Jesus would have been called during His time on Earth. It means "salvation" or "the Lord is salvation." In Matthew 1:21, the angel tells Joseph, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The name Yeshua aligns with this promise of salvation, as it reflects the very mission of Jesus' life. Using the name Yeshua can help Christians connect with the Jewish roots of their faith and understand the significance of Jesus' earthly identity.The Greek Name JesusThe name "Jesus" comes from the Greek form of Yeshua, which is "Iesous." The New Testament was written in Greek, and the name "Iesous" is used throughout the Gospels and epistles. While "Yeshua" may carry more of the original cultural and linguistic weight, "Jesus" is the name recognized worldwide in the Christian faith, as it is used in nearly all translations of the Bible. Jesus is the name that has been proclaimed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and is used to spread the gospel around the world.ConclusionUltimately, both names refer to the same person—Jesus, the Savior. The choice between "Yeshua" and "Jesus" may depend on cultural, historical, or theological preferences. Both names carry deep significance, but for Christians, the important thing is recognizing that Jesus (or Yeshua) is the Messiah who came to save humanity from sin. Whichever name is used, the focus should always be on the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

What Does the Number 4 Mean in the Bible?

What Does the Number 4 Mean in the Bible?In the Bible, the number 4 holds significant meaning and is often associated with completeness, universality, and divine order. This number appears frequently throughout the Scriptures, especially in contexts where the fullness of God’s creation and sovereignty is being conveyed. The number 4 is symbolic of the world, with its four corners and directions, and it reflects the completeness of God's creation and the fullness of His authority over the earth.The Four DirectionsThe number 4 is often used to represent the four corners of the earth, symbolizing the entirety of creation. In Isaiah 11:12, God promises to gather the dispersed people of Israel from the four corners of the earth, signifying that God's sovereignty covers the entire world. Similarly, in Revelation 7:1, the four angels standing at the four corners of the earth demonstrate the divine control over the earth’s ends.The Four Living CreaturesThe number 4 is also associated with the four living creatures described in the Book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:5-10) and Revelation (Revelation 4:6-8). These creatures, each with four faces and wings, represent God's omnipotence and the fullness of His presence, signifying that God is present in all corners of the earth and in all aspects of creation. The number 4 in this context reinforces God's sovereignty and power over everything.Four GospelsThe number 4 is also significant in the New Testament, where it is linked to the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four Gospels offer a complete picture of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting the fullness of the message of salvation for the whole world. The four Gospels reflect the universality of the Gospel message, which is intended for all people, in every corner of the earth.ConclusionThe number 4 in the Bible symbolizes completeness, divine order, and universality. It reflects the fullness of God's creation and His sovereignty over all things, as seen in the four directions, the four living creatures, and the four Gospels. The number 4 underscores God's authority over the entire world and His all-encompassing presence in creation.