Jesus Christ's mission was two-fold: to provide a living example of holy, righteous living and to die to atone for the sins of man committed since Adam's fall, states Baptist pastor Charles Stanley on Jesus.org. God came to save His people by becoming fully man while remaining fully God.
As God living as human, Jesus was an example of how to live a sin-free life. He was tempted but resisted and was perfectly obedient. He provided a tangible example of how to love, help others, show mercy and have compassion.
Because He was God, Jesus was the only perfect, spotless person capable of providing a sacrifice worthy of the sins of man. The blood sacrifices of the Old Testament were not enough. Only the love of God for His people was enough to cleanse the sins committed by man. Jesus took the punishment that was meant for all of mankind so that His people could know of His great love and enduring mercy. With the blood spilled from His wounds, the sins of man were made clean. With the stripes laid across His back, the power of healing was left for man. The prophecy from Isaiah in the Old Testament explains how the blood of the spotless lamb, Jesus, would save the world.Learn More
The U.S. Presbyterian Church's membership is declining due to the church's redefinition of marriage and its stance on homosexual clergy members. Many members decided to leave when the church started to allow for practicing homosexuals to be ordained as ministers. Exiting congregants believed that the act was defiant.Full Answer >
Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music. A second century Roman woman, Cecilia is designated the patron saint of music because she heard heavenly music when she was married.Full Answer >
Showing appreciation to a pastor, or to any person, depends on the individual involved. Many pastors find their greatest reward is the positive impact they have on their parishioners. However, if a parishioner wants to give a gift, she first should try to determine some of the pastors likes and dislikes or find out what the church needs.Full Answer >
The relatives of Jesus were his parents, Mary and Joseph, and four brothers named James, Joses, Judas and Simon, as well as at least two unnamed sisters.Full Answer >