New Testament

St. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a key figure in the early Christian church. After a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he became a fervent apostle, spreading the teachings of Jesus through missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. He is credited with writing several letters, or epistles, that form a significant portion of the New Testament, offering theological insights and guidance to early Christian communities. Paul's work played a crucial role in establishing Christianity as a distinct faith apart from Judaism.

The New Testament parables frequently employ metaphors, similes, and personification to convey moral and spiritual lessons. These figures of speech help create vivid imagery and relatable scenarios, allowing listeners to grasp complex truths about the kingdom of God and human behavior. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan uses metaphorical language to illustrate the concept of neighborly love and compassion. Additionally, hyperbole is often used to emphasize the significance of the messages being conveyed.

Saint Nicholas is often associated with the fruits of the Holy Spirit such as generosity, kindness, and compassion. His life exemplifies selflessness and a deep commitment to helping those in need, particularly through acts of charity and support for the vulnerable. These qualities reflect the spirit of love and joy that the Holy Spirit cultivates within believers. His legacy continues to inspire acts of goodwill and benevolence in many cultures today.

The 120 people in the upper room were followers of Jesus Christ, including the apostles and other disciples, who gathered in Jerusalem after His ascension. They were waiting for the promised Holy Spirit, as instructed by Jesus. This group, which included both men and women, played a crucial role in the early Christian church, as they experienced the Pentecost event, where they received the Holy Spirit and began to spread the message of Jesus.

Pharisees were a Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Torah and oral traditions. They were required to observe numerous laws and rituals, including Sabbath observance, dietary laws, and purity practices. Additionally, they placed a strong emphasis on the interpretation of the law and were expected to be knowledgeable in religious texts. Their commitment to both written and oral law distinguished them from other groups, such as the Sadducees.

Frankincense oil can be purchased at health food stores, specialty essential oil shops, and online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, or health-focused websites such as doTERRA and Young Living. When buying, ensure to choose high-quality, pure frankincense oil from reputable brands. Additionally, local herbalists or holistic wellness centers may also carry it. Always check for customer reviews and product authenticity before purchasing.

The theme of "My Uncle Tom's Farm" by Mark Twain revolves around the contrast between rural simplicity and the complexities of urban life. Twain explores the idea of nostalgia for a simpler, more straightforward existence, using humor and satire to critique societal norms and the pretensions of city living. The story highlights the value of authenticity and the richness of rural experiences while also commenting on the human condition and social dynamics.

Jesus' death is believed to have opened the gates of heaven by providing a means of atonement for humanity's sins. According to Christian theology, His sacrifice fulfilled the requirements of justice and mercy, allowing for reconciliation between God and humanity. This act of love and obedience not only redeemed sinners but also offered the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him. Thus, through His death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus is seen as paving the way for believers to enter heaven.

One appropriate response to the message of the gospel in Acts is repentance, which involves a genuine turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Jesus. In Acts 2:38, Peter calls the people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. This response signifies both an acknowledgment of one’s need for salvation and an acceptance of the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. Additionally, embracing the gospel often leads to a communal life of fellowship, prayer, and service among believers.

The Sermon on the Mount is not a song, speech, or parable in its entirety; rather, it is a collection of teachings delivered by Jesus, primarily found in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7). Within this sermon, Jesus uses various forms of communication, including parables and aphorisms, to convey moral and spiritual lessons. It addresses themes such as humility, righteousness, and love, emphasizing the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, it is best described as a significant teaching or discourse rather than fitting neatly into any single category.

The apostle John is also known as John the Evangelist. He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, as well as the Book of Revelation and three letters in the New Testament. Additionally, he is sometimes referred to as John the Beloved, highlighting his close relationship with Jesus.

Verses 1-8 discuss how Paul picked up Timothy to join him and the others on their missionary tour, as well as the various cities they stopped through. There were also instances that were noted where the spirit wouldn't allow them to preach in certain areas.

Verses 9-12 show how Paul received a vision by means of the spirit to head to Macedonia to preach to individuals there. Not long after arriving, verses 13-15 talk about their encounter with Lydia ("a seller of purple") and how eventually her and her entire household were baptized after becoming believers.

Verses 16-24 talks about a demon possessed girl that was following Paul and his companions, which eventually Paul orders out of the girl and cures her. The men that were making money off of the girl's predictions grew angry and took Paul and his group to the civil magistrates, who then beat them and threw them into prison.

Verses 25-34 shows what happens while Paul in the others were in jail: An earthquake occurred which opened all of the cells. One of the jailers thought the inmates all escaped and was about to commit suicide, but Paul convinced him otherwise and told him about the Christ. The jailer was grateful and brought him and the others with Paul to his house, where his entire family then became believers. Paul was also shown great hospitality while with them.

The remainder of the chapter discusses how the ones who jailed Paul and the others in the first place did so without a trial, as well as without the knowledge that they were Roman citizens. Paul insists that they release them out of the jail in the public eye, showcasing their massive error before onlookers. Afterward the group all return to Lydia's home and are encouraged there by their fellow Christians. This chapter is just one of the many that showcase the effect the truth had on people in the different areas, and how nothing would stop the work from getting done, proving that it was Jehovah God backing the work.

(New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)

In the book of 1 Corinthians, the word "pride" is specifically mentioned once in 1 Corinthians 5:6, where it discusses the negative impact of pride on the church. However, the concept of pride is addressed throughout the letter in various contexts, particularly in relation to divisions and arrogance among the believers.

Jehovah God has a will (or purpose) for both Heaven and Earth. Currently Heaven is in a perfect state of harmony now that Satan and the demons were thrown out. (Revelation 12:7-9) However, since they were banished to Earth Jehovah's will has still yet to fully accomplish His purpose with it. In the future evil people, the demons and Satan himself will soon be destroyed, leaving only the righteous to survive on Earth in peace. (Psalm 37:10, 11, 28-29; Proverbs 2:21-22; Revelation 20:10) This will enable Jehovah's purpose to finally be fully realized, just as was intended in the beginning with Adam and Eve. (Genesis 1:28-30)

(New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)

In Achaia, Paul visited several key cities, including Corinth and Athens. Corinth was significant for its commercial importance and as a center for early Christian communities. In Athens, he engaged with philosophers and shared the message of Christianity at the Areopagus. These visits were pivotal in spreading the Christian faith throughout the region.

To act like an apostle today, I strive to embody the principles of love, service, and outreach in my daily interactions. This involves sharing kindness with others, engaging in community service, and spreading messages of hope and faith. Additionally, I seek to inspire and uplift those around me through thoughtful conversations and by living out my values authentically. By doing so, I aim to reflect the teachings and mission of the apostles in a modern context.

John Steinbeck suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including a severe case of asthma that plagued him from childhood. In his later years, he experienced significant health challenges, including a heart attack in 1960 and the complications of diabetes. These health problems affected his writing and personal life, but he continued to produce significant literary work until his death in 1968.

According to scholar Michael Powell, a strong argument for the early dating of all four Gospels before 70 AD is the absence of references to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, which occurred in that year. The Gospels contain significant events and teachings of Jesus that would likely have been interpreted in light of the Temple's destruction if they had been written afterwards. Additionally, Powell points to the rapid spread of Christianity and the need for authoritative texts to guide early believers as further evidence supporting an earlier composition date. This context suggests that the Gospels were written while eyewitnesses were still alive and the events were fresh in memory.

The synoptic way of thinking involves synthesizing and integrating information from various sources and perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding of a complex issue. It emphasizes the importance of seeing the bigger picture and recognizing patterns, connections, and relationships among different elements. This approach encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary analysis, allowing for more informed decision-making and problem-solving. In essence, it fosters a holistic view rather than a fragmented one.

Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, which drew a large crowd. He multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish, miraculously providing enough food for thousands of people. This event demonstrated his compassion and power, attracting even more followers who were amazed by the miracle. The gathering was a pivotal moment in his ministry, highlighting his ability to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

The "miracle" often referred to in connection with Notre-Dame Cathedral is the remarkable survival of the structure and many of its artifacts following the devastating fire in April 2019. Despite extensive damage, including the collapse of the spire and roof, the cathedral's iconic facade, towers, and much of its interior were preserved. Additionally, important relics, such as the Crown of Thorns, were saved, leading many to view the preservation of these elements as a miraculous event. The ongoing restoration efforts also inspire hope for the cathedral's future as a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.

According to Genesis 2: 15-17 when God created Adam and Eve they received the manual to direct their step in the direction to live up to God's requirements. Verse 17 reads. "But for the tree of knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will certainly die."

That cammand would have made no sense if Adam was meant to grow old and die anyway. Adam knew that if he did not eat from the tree, he would not die. Genesis chapter 3 is mankind's history, confirmed by Romans 5:12 in these words. " Just as through one man sin enterred into the world and death through sin. The meaning of the word sin is "Miss the goal " God's purpose has always been that humans live forever in a clean environment.

Jesus told us to pray for God's kingdom ( government) to come, where His will, will take place as in heaven also on earth in Matthew 6: 9,10. Well ! God's will is expressed in Psalms 37: 29 where you can read. " The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it".

2 Peter 3: 13 reads. " But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to God's promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

Verse 14 reads. " Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these thinghs, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.

To be able to be spotless and unblemished we have a fight to put up because as 1 John 5: 19 warns us in thsese words. "We originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. And Revelation 12: 9 shows us who is the wicked one. "The one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth. Genesis chapter 3 is mankind's history. It shows how mankind has missed God's goal.

However God has paid a high price when he sent His Son as the ransom to release us from our sinful captivity.John 3: 16 reads. " For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life".

So to answer your question the Lord's prayer that thy will, will be done on earth is ( God's purpose and promise for our future, which is everlasting life on earth. Adam and Eve had that choice if they would have chosen to live up to God's standards. That same choice is given to all those who choose to live up to God's will.

Jeremiah 10: 23 reminds us this fact. " It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step". And Jesus said in Matthew 4: 4 " Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah's mouth".

The Gospels in the New Testament record a total of 37 miracles performed by Jesus. These include healings, exorcisms, control over nature, and even raising the dead. While these 37 miracles are documented, it's acknowledged that Jesus performed many more that were not recorded, as mentioned in John 21:25. Thus, the exact number remains uncertain, but the recorded miracles serve to illustrate his divine authority and compassion.

John's statement that he "will not mind" suggests he is open to a situation or outcome, indicating a level of flexibility or acceptance. It could imply that he is willing to go along with whatever decision is made or that he doesn't have strong feelings about the matter at hand. This attitude often reflects a desire to maintain harmony or avoid conflict in a conversation or group setting.