What Is the Symbol with Jesus’s Name?

How Many Books Are in the Ethiopian Bible?

How Many Books Are in the Ethiopian Bible?The Ethiopian Bible, used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, contains more books than the typical Protestant Bible. It includes 81 books in total, with several additional books in the Old Testament that are not found in the Protestant canon. These additional books are considered part of the broader tradition of early Christian writings and are recognized as canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.Additional Books in the Ethiopian BibleOld Testament: The Ethiopian Bible includes several books not found in the Protestant Old Testament. These include:Enoch: The Book of Enoch, a collection of ancient Jewish writings, is considered canonical in the Ethiopian Church, though it is not found in most other Christian Bibles (Jude 1:14-15).Jubilees: The Book of Jubilees, also known as the "Little Genesis," provides an expanded narrative of Genesis and Exodus and is included in the Ethiopian Bible.1-3 Maccabees: These books tell the history of the Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, but they are not included in the Protestant Bible (1 Maccabees 1:1-2).Other Books: Additionally, the Ethiopian Bible includes other books such as 4 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith, and Baruch, which are also part of the Deuterocanonical books accepted by the Catholic Church (Tobit 1:1-2).New TestamentThe New Testament of the Ethiopian Bible: While the New Testament in the Ethiopian Bible is similar to that of the Protestant Bible, it includes a few additional texts such as the Shepherd of Hermas and the Epistle of Barnabas, which are not universally recognized in other Christian traditions.ConclusionThe Ethiopian Bible contains 81 books, with a number of additional Old and New Testament books that are not found in the Protestant Bible. These books are part of the ancient Christian tradition of Ethiopia, which has a rich history of biblical canon and religious texts (Acts 8:27-39).

What Is the Church of God?

What Is the Church of God?The Church of God is a Christian denomination with a focus on holiness, evangelism, and the authority of Scripture. It originated in the late 19th century during the holiness movement in the United States. The denomination emphasizes the teachings of Jesus, personal salvation, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.Core BeliefsThe Church of God adheres to the Bible as the inspired Word of God and places strong emphasis on holiness, sanctification, and the gifts of the Spirit. Members believe in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, water baptism, and living a life that reflects God’s call to holiness.Global PresenceThe Church of God has grown into a global movement, with numerous congregations worldwide focused on spreading the gospel and serving communities. It operates schools, missions, and humanitarian programs to further its mission.Why This MattersThe Church of God’s emphasis on holiness and evangelism reflects its commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus and fulfilling the Great Commission. It provides a framework for believers to grow spiritually and impact their communities for Christ.

What Does Jesus Say About Marriage?

What Does Jesus Say About Marriage?Jesus speaks about marriage in several passages in the Gospels, emphasizing its sacredness and the bond between husband and wife. In Matthew 19:4-6, He responds to a question about divorce by saying, “Haven’t you read, that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This passage underscores the idea that marriage is a divine institution, created by God, and that it is meant to be a lifelong commitment.Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the ChurchIn Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul compares marriage to the relationship between Christ and the Church. He writes, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This teaches that marriage is not only about mutual love and respect but also about reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ. Jesus' relationship with the Church is the model for marital relationships, where both spouses are called to love and serve one another.Jesus on DivorceWhile Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage, He also addresses the issue of divorce. In Matthew 19:8-9, Jesus acknowledges that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts, but He clarifies that this was not God’s original intention. He says, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” This teaches that divorce is permitted in cases of sexual immorality but is not the ideal God has for marriage.Marriage and the Kingdom of GodJesus also highlights the eternal nature of relationships in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 22:30, when asked about marriage in the resurrection, Jesus explains, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” This passage suggests that while marriage is important on Earth, the ultimate focus is on our relationship with God in eternity.ConclusionJesus teaches that marriage is a sacred bond created by God, intended to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. While He allows for divorce in cases of sexual immorality, the ideal is for couples to remain committed to each other, loving and serving one another as Christ loves the Church.

What Does the Bible Say About Working?

What Does the Bible Say About Working?The Bible provides a clear perspective on the value of work. It teaches that work is a blessing and a means by which people can serve God and others. It also emphasizes the dignity of work, encouraging believers to work with integrity and as if they are serving the Lord.Work as God’s DesignIn Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to "dress it and keep it," showing that work was part of God's original plan for humanity. Work is not a result of the fall, but a part of God's design for human flourishing.Work with IntegrityIn Colossians 3:23, Paul teaches, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." This verse encourages believers to work with diligence and integrity, seeing their work as an offering to God rather than merely a job for human gain.Why This MattersThe Bible teaches that work is a noble calling and that Christians should approach their work with a heart of service, honor, and excellence, recognizing that their labor serves a higher purpose in God's kingdom.