How Far Did Jesus Carry the Cross?

What Does the Book of Malachi Talk About Jesus?

What Does the Book of Malachi Talk About Jesus?The book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, prophesies about the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord. Though Malachi does not mention Jesus by name, the book is filled with prophecies that Christians believe point to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.The Promise of a MessengerIn Malachi 3:1, God promises, "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me." This is seen as a prophecy about John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, fulfilling the role of the messenger who would prepare people for the coming of Christ.The Coming of the LordIn Malachi 4:5-6, the prophet speaks of the coming of the "Elijah" figure, who would restore the hearts of the people. Christians interpret this as a reference to Jesus, who would come to bring restoration and salvation to God’s people.Why This MattersThough Malachi does not explicitly mention Jesus by name, the book speaks to the coming of the Messiah, pointing forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. The prophecy in Malachi is a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, preparing the way for the coming of Jesus as Savior.

What Is the Origin of Easter?

What Is the Origin of Easter? Easter is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that symbolizes hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. However, the origin of Easter is a blend of religious tradition and ancient cultural practices. Christian Significance The core of Easter's origin lies in Christianity. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and rose from the dead on the third day, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday. This resurrection is considered the foundation of Christian faith, symbolizing eternal life and salvation. Pagan Influences Before Christianity, many ancient cultures celebrated spring festivals around the time of the vernal equinox. These festivals honored themes of rebirth and fertility. The name "Easter" itself is believed to derive from Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring and dawn. Early Christians adapted these celebrations, merging them with the resurrection story to help spread their faith. Common Symbols and Traditions Easter Eggs: Represent new life and resurrection. The practice of decorating eggs dates back to pagan times and was later incorporated into Easter celebrations. The Easter Bunny: Symbolizes fertility and spring, originating from pagan traditions but now a popular secular icon. Church Services: Special ceremonies and masses commemorate Jesus' resurrection with prayers, hymns, and rituals. Conclusion The origin of Easter is a rich tapestry of Christian theology and ancient springtime customs. It reflects themes of renewal, hope, and new beginnings that resonate across cultures and centuries.

What Do Mormons Say About Jesus?

What Do Mormons Say About Jesus?In Mormon theology, Jesus Christ is the central figure and the Savior of humanity. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) believes in the divinity of Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and His role as the Son of God.Jesus Christ in Mormon BeliefMormons believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, who was born to the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and taught the gospel. His death on the cross atoned for the sins of humanity, making salvation possible for all who follow Him and keep His commandments.The AtonementThe Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to LDS doctrine. Mormons believe that Jesus’ suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His crucifixion paid the price for sin, and His resurrection offers the promise of eternal life (Alma 34:9). Through His Atonement, all people can be forgiven and receive salvation if they have faith, repent, and are baptized.Why This MattersFor Mormons, Jesus Christ is not only the Savior but also the example for how to live a righteous life. His teachings and sacrifice are foundational to the faith and to the eternal destiny of humanity.

When Is Easter Celebrated?

When Is Easter Celebrated? Easter’s date changes annually according to a system established by the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) to reflect both solar and lunar calendars. 1. Calculation Rules Vernal Equinox Fixed Date: March 21 (ecclesiastical, not astronomical). Paschal Full Moon: The first ecclesiastical full moon on or after March 21. Easter Sunday: The Sunday following that Paschal Full Moon. 2. Range of Dates Because of this formula, Easter can fall as early as March 22 and as late as April 25 in Western churches. 3. Liturgical Calendar Placement Western (Gregorian) Easter differs from Eastern (Julian) calendars, so Orthodox Easter often occurs one to five weeks later. In 2025, Western Easter is April 20; Eastern (Orthodox) Easter is May 4. 4. Preceding Seasons Ash Wednesday: Begins Lent—40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday lead into Easter Sunday.