Water Baptism (Infants & Adults). Whose Baptism is right to get you in heaven?

The following different views may give you a pretty good basic understanding about Baptism

I. Introduction

II. Forms of Christian Baptism (Definitions)

III. The evidences of Water Baptism (Infant and Adult) from the Bible

IV. A View on Baptism by scholar Johnnie Godwin

V. Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?, an independent Scholar's View

VI. Is Infant Baptism Scriptural? - Steve, Columbia University(New York)

VII. The doctrine of Baptism (or Mamodisa) taught at Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam
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The following 3 Baptisms will be discussed in separate Chapters.

1. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
2. Baptism of Fire
3. Baptism for the dead
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I. Introduction

A New York RN(in her 20s) took the adult baptism in a local independent church in which she was excited by the teachings of the pastor where she infrequently attended the service while she was a very active member of the Mar Thoma Church. She said, Mar Thoma Achan had asked her to request the Church for pardon or face the excommunication, because she took an adult baptism which Mar Thoma Church don't agree in principle.

Now let us discuss the what, why, and who is right of this baptism issue. Every member of the Church has a responsibility to learn what your church stands for on this important biblical principle. I am going to bring you the facts I understood, then you can decide who is right, Achan, RN or both, then follow your conviction or pity.

Though baptism is a sacrament or ordinance practiced by almost all Christians, they debate over the significance of baptism, the mode of baptism, and who should receive baptism. Thus Baptism is one of the major reasons for divisions among Christian denominations. Before trying to understand the differences, we also need to be clear on the Bible's use of this important term.

Do we have unity in the body of Christ? Ephe 4:4 There is one body and one spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Ephe 4:12-13 the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Like Apostle Paul asked King Agrippa, "King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven." If the above RN had a strong conviction like that to take an adult baptism who can stand against her wish or who is qualified in Mar Thoma Church to stop that urge especially when such an action is completely biblical or it is not certainly condemned by the Bible. Since our Mar Thoma Church was born as a progressive and democratic Church, our Church shouldn't be fearful or scared to open a new round of discussion and debate on this issue especially when it is touching our membership, most importantly our younger generation particularly in USA.

Moreover our church must become wiser to solve such spiritual matters by rising to the occasion. We already have scars of wounds of a long fight(1955-1965) on our former Metropolitan Juhanon Mar Thoma(1947-1976) by Mr K.N. Daniel and an eventual creation of St Thomas Evangelical Church in 1961. When Billy Graham went to South America reaching out to Spanish community, Pope never paid attention much. Now it has terribly weakened the centuries old and mighty Catholic Church. The statistics given below will give a clear reason why Pope is shaking in his boots.

World Christian Database, a research center for the study of Global Christianity, reported that over 9000 Christian Denominations are present in our world of 238 countries who follows "one Christ". Who is the right follower whom Christ approves, guarantee salvation and eventually allows to live with Him in Heaven?

Out of 9000 Christian Denominations, I am giving below a few sample of countries with its number of denominations which will give you a picture of how much we are divided. Where is our Ecumenism? Do you believe all the churches are playing some form or another politics to feed the egoism and selfishness.

1. USA - 635, 2. India - 263, 3. Britain - 253 4. Japan - 179,

5. South Africa - 178, 6. Philippines - 176, 7. Canada - 145, 8. Nigeria - 145,

9. China - 141, 10. France - 130, 11. Brazil - 130, 12. Kenya - 128,

13. Indonesia - 119, 14. Australia - 109, 15. South Korea - 109,16. Ghana - 109,

17. Chile - 108, 18. Germany - 98, 19. Mexico - 94, 20. Italy - 57,

21. Israel - 31.

There are 19 major world religions and 270 large religious groups now. A denomination can be a part of a major religion, or a large religious group, or independent church or associations. Are you surprised to hear the present overall Christian population growth rate is less than Muslims and Hindus.

A few of the major religions of the world ranked by number (size) of Adherents are given below.

1. Christianity: 2.1 billion (Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal, Anglican, Latter-day Saints, Evangelical, Quakers etc. Jehovah Witness is not a Christian group)
2. Islam: 1.5 billion (Shiite, Sunni etc)
3. Secular/Nonreligious/Atheists: 1.1 billion
4. Hinduism: 900 million
5. Buddhism: 376 million
6. Sikhism: 23 million
7. Judaism: 14 million
8. Jainism: 4.2 million
9. Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
10. Scientology: 500 thousand

The people of the world probably have better tolerance towards other religions than different Christian Denominations tolerate other Christian Denominational brothers.
This means that the Bible, our constitution, is not well understood or well interpreted. When such a case is existing we probably need to reach for an unbiased Religious Supreme Court for an unbiased interpretation which may lead us to one form of liturgy to worship our One and only Holy God rather than 9000 ways.

Within Christianity, not all denominations have the same growth rate. If a church is true, and worship in truth and spirit, that should be the Church of our God and its growth must be phenomenal. Look at the present statistics of the growth rate.

Pentecostals: 8%
Evangelicals: 5.4%
All Protestants: 3.3%
Roman Catholics and Others: 1.3%

Since the growth rate of humanity (Current World population is 6.45 billion)is above 1.4%, see the "market share" of Roman Catholics(1.3%) is slowly dropping. Are we, the Marthomites, doing any better? Who is responsible for this, the management or the managed ones?

Though the Pentecostals have a super growth rate, they are not perfect or any better than Marthomites either. However on an average basis, Pentacostals focus on teaching and learning Bible much more than Marthomites where as we only read liturgy which never create an atmosphere to learn Bible and its applications. It is interesting to note that most of the Malayalee Pentecostals have had Mar Thoma roots. Probably the hunger to learn Bible more, besides other reasons forced them to leave Mar Thoma Church.
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II. Forms of Christian Baptism (Definitions)

a) Aspersion: This is the sprinkling of water on the head.

b) Affusion: This is the pouring of water over the head.

c) Immersion: This is a method whereby part of the candidate's body is submerged in the baptismal water which is poured over the remainder.

d) Submersion (Or Total Immersion): This is the form of baptism in which the water completely covers the candidate's body.
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III. The evidences of Water Baptism (Infant and Adult) from the Bible
(Answers are based on Bible Passages on Baptism)

# 1. Define baptism, infant and adult?

a) rite of purification: a religious ceremony in which somebody is sprinkled with or immersed in water to symbolize purification. In some Christian baptisms, the person is named as well as being accepted into the Christian faith.

b) The Christian rite of initiation practiced by almost all who profess
to embrace the Christian faith. In the NT era, these persons were immersed in water as a public confession of their faith in Jesus as Savior. This was accomplished in direct obedience to the explicit mandate of the Lord (Matt 28:16-20).

c)Infant Baptism is the rite of initiation performed on infants born into Christian families. Though there is no explicit record of infant baptism in NT, it was an established practice in the church by the third century.
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#2. What do we learn from Jesus about Baptism?

Jesus - the super example of Baptism.

a) Baptism was sanctioned by Christ's submission to it(Mt 3:13-15; Lk 3:21)

Mt 3:13-15
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

Lk 3:21
21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened.

b)Baptism was adopted by Christ (Jn 3:22; 4:1-2)

Jn 3:22
22After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.

Jn 4:1-2
1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.

c)According to Jesus, regeneration is the inward and spiritual grace of Baptism

Jn 3:3, 5-6:
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

d) Did Jesus baptize anybody?

There is no record in the Bible that Jesus did baptize anybody
(John 4:2) although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.
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#3. What do Peter and Paul say about the purpose of water baptism?

a. Remission of sins signified by Baptism
(Acts 2:38 ) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
22:16And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

b. (Galatians 3:27) for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

c. (Ro 6:3-4, 11) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
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#4. Is water baptism necessary?

a). (Mark 16:16). Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

b). (John 3:5). Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

c).(Acts 10:48). So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

d).(Acts 16:14-15) One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

e). (1 Cor 1:13-17)Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
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#5. Is confession of sin necessary for Baptism?

(Mt 3:6)Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
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#6. Baptism is administered to whom?

1)Individuals
(Acts 8:38) And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

(Acts 9:18) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,

2)Households
(Acts 16:15) When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

(1Cor 1:16) Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.
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#7. Is there any conflict in the formula for water baptism?

Both references say only one name out of the 3 names.

a. (Acts 8:16) because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

b. (Acts 19:5)On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
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#8. Was Baptism appointed as an ordinance of the Christian church?

Mt 28:19-20
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

In this passage it appears that Baptism is not a requirement of salvation, but it is a requirement of obedience.

Mk 16:15-16
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
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#9. What is Christ's "Great Commission" on Baptism (Matthew 28:19)?

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", This is called the Great Commission. The risen King(the Commander-in-Chief) gave the 11 disciples this command.

Like the Lord's Supper, the baptism of Christians is an ordinance commanded by Jesus Christ. He did not explicitly describe how baptism was to be done, other than in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. May be it is not recorded.

Regardless of faith denomination, it is important that Baptism to be administered in all the 3 names, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

(Mt 28:18-19) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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#10. Should one be immersed or sprinkled during Baptism?

a)The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo which means to immerse or dip. Then, to baptize something, means to completely submerge it in a liquid.
Although none of the Christian baptisms recorded in Acts (2:38-41; 9:17,18; 22:12-16; 10:44-48; 16:32-34) clearly describe the method of baptism, there is one example that specifically states that both the person being baptized, and the baptizer, "went down into the water" (Acts 8:38-39).

This suggests, but does not necessarily prove baptism by total immersion.

b)(Matthew 3:16) As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.

c)(Acts 8:38-39) 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

d) (Romans 6:4) 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

e) John 3:23 seems to suggest that John the Baptist was baptizing by immersion, since he chose the location "because there was much water there."
"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." (John 3:23)
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#11. What conditions are necessary for baptism?

a. Much water needed for baptism
(John 3:23) "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."

b. Repentance necessary for baptism
(Acts 2:38 ) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

c. Faith necessary for baptism
(Acts 18:8) Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
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#12. How long should a person wait to be baptized?

a. (Acts 8:36-37 ) As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"

b. (Acts 16:33 ) At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

c. (Acts 22:16 ) And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

d. (Acts 9:18) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
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#13. Will water baptism alone save?

a. (Acts 8:13) Simon himself believed and was baptized.

b (Acts 8:20-21) Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

c. (John 3:5) Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

d. (Acts 18:8) Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
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#14. Is water, the outward and visible sign in Baptism? (Ac 8:36; 10:47)

Act 8:36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Act 10:47 Then Peter said, 47"Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
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#15. What are the typical symbol references of water baptism?

a.(Colossians 2:11-12) In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

b.(I Corinthians 10:1-2) For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

c.(I Peter 3:20-21) who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
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#16. Find 2 typical symbol of baptism?

(1Cor 10:2) They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

(1Pet 3:20-21) who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
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#17. Are we saved by baptism?

a) (1 Pet 3:21) and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Catholics and some protestants believe it.

b) (Mk 16:16) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Here "believes" have more weight than "baptized".
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#18. Where is the emblematic of the influences of the Holy Spirit?

(Mt 3:11) "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

(Tit 3:5) he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
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#19. Who in the Bible was rebaptized? (Acts 19:1-6)

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"
"John's baptism," they replied.

4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7There were about twelve men in all.
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#20. What does John's baptism stand for?

John's baptism was not a Christian baptism. It bound its subjects to repentance, and not to the faith of Christ. It was not administered in the name of the Trinity. Baptized by John were rebaptized by Paul.(Acts 18:24; 19:7)

Baptism, as administered by John(Mt 3:5-12; Jn 3:23; Ac 13:24; 19:4):
Mt 3:5-12 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Jn 3:23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.

Act 13:24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.

Act 19:4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
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#21. What the adherents of believer’s baptism cry against infant baptism?

Adherents of believer’s baptism argue against infant baptism on the basis that:

1. the clear pattern in the NT is that, baptism is preceded by repentance and faith (eg: Acts 2:38, 8:12, 18:8)
2. it is not clear that household baptisms included infants
3. the NT parallel to circumcision is not baptism, but circumcision of the heart(Rom 2:29, Col 2:11), which points to an inward spiritual reality based upon a confession of faith that is impossible for infants.
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#22. Who prefers infant baptism?

There is no clear mention about infant baptism in the Bible. It appears as a christian tradition.
Generally it appears that all liturgical churches believe in infant baptism.

Christians consider Jesus have instituted the sacrament of baptism. The scholars are in dispute about the intentions of Jesus about baptism. Therefore, the organized church also differs on the views on it. There are 3 major views on the significance of water baptism. Those who hold the first 2 views practice infant baptism. Those holding the 3rd view believe that baptism is appropriate only when a person is old enough to make a personal commitment to Christ, ie. must be delayed until an age of reason and discretion.

a). Covenantal view - held by Reformed Protestant Churches.
They see the water baptism as a sign of a covenant relationship with God, as circumcition was in the OT. Vows are made by or for the person being baptized. Baptism not only initiates the individual into the church, but it is also the sign and seal of God's grace for redemption.

b). Sacramental view - held by Catholic and Lutheran.

Catholic: They see baptism as a means of grace, which by its very performance brings remission of sins and new life.

Lutheran: They see baptism as a means of grace, which implants a faith which will later be energized by preaching of the word.

c). Symbolic view - held by Pentecostal, Baptists etc.
They treat water baptism as a public confession of Christ as Savior, and an appropriate symbol of the work God has already done in uniting the believer to Jesus.

So, water baptism is a symbolic act whereby a new Christian identifies with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is a way of giving outward testimony to an inward work of God, and is also a public profession of a person's repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
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#23. When did the infant baptism start?

Some writers believe that the baptism of infants began to be practiced only after the 1st century. But in the 3rd century it was certainly the universal practice(standard practice) and was believed to be of apostolic origin.
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#24. Name the churches who practice, and who reject, infant baptism(or pedobaptism)?

Churches practice infant baptism are:
Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Mar Thoma Church(Oriental Reformed), Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Reformed Church in America, United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ(UCC) etc.

Protestant Churches that reject infant baptism are:
Baptists, most Pentecostals, Disciples of Christ, most non-denominational, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Amish, etc. plus Jehovah's Witnesses.
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#25. Does unity of the church effect by Baptism?

(1Cor 12:13) For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

(Gal 3:27-28)for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
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IV. A View on Baptism by scholar Johnnie Godwin

a) Baptism:
The immersion or dipping of a believer in water symbolizing the complete renewal and change in the believer's life and testifying to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the way of salvation.

b) Jewish Background:
As with most Christian practices and beliefs, the background of baptism lies in practices of the Jewish community. The Greek word baptizo, “immerse, dip, submerge” is used metaphorically in Isaiah 21:4 to mean, “go down, perish” and in 2 Kings 5:14 for Naaman's dipping in the Jordan River seven times for cleansing from his skin disease. The radical Qumran sect which produced the Dead Sea Scrolls attempted to cleanse Judaism. The sect laid great emphasis on purity and purifying rites. These rites normally involved immersion, though the term baptizo does not seem to appear in their writings. It is quite possible that such a rite was used to initiate members into the community. Along with the rite, the Essenes at Qumran emphasized repentance and submission to God's will.

At some point close to the time of Jesus, Judaism began a heavy emphasis on ritual washings to cleanse from impurity. This goes back to priestly baths prior to offering sacrifices (Leviticus 16:4,Leviticus 16:24). Probably shortly prior to the time of Jesus or contemporary with Him, Jews began baptizing Gentile converts, though circumcision still remained the primary entrance rite into Judaism.

c) John's Baptism:
John the Baptist immersed repentant sinners: those who had a change of mind and heart (John 1:6,John 1:11). John's baptism—for Jews and Gentiles—involved the same elements later interpreted in Christian baptism: repentance, confession, evidence of changed lives, coming judgment, and the coming of the kingdom of God through the Messiah, who would baptize with the Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). John thus formed a purified community waiting for God's great salvation.

d) Jesus' Baptism:
John also baptized Jesus, who never sinned (Matthew 3:13-17; John 1:13-16).
Jesus said that His own baptism was to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). Thus Jesus acknowledged that the standard of life John demanded was correct for Himself and for His followers. In this way He was able to identify with sinful mankind and to be a model for others to follow. In this way Jesus affirmed John and his message. The coming of the Spirit and the voice from heaven showed that Jesus represented another point in God's revelation of Himself and formed the connection between baptism and Christ's act of redemption.

e) Christian Baptism:
John's baptism prepared repentant sinners to receive Jesus' baptism of the Holy Spirit and of fire. (Note that Jesus did not do the water baptizing; His disciples did—John 4:1-2.) Jesus' baptism and the baptizing by His disciples thus connected baptism closely with the Holy Spirit. When Jesus comes into a life, the Holy Spirit comes with His saturating presence and purifies. He empowers and cleanses the believer in a spiritual baptism. The main differences between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism lie in the personal commitment to Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' baptism (John 1:33).

A thorough study of the Holy Spirit is helpful to understand what “baptism with the Holy Spirit” means (John 1:33). The sequence of baptism and the coming of the Spirit into individual lives will show some differences (Acts 8:12-17). The usual sequence of events is: the Spirit comes into a person's life at conversion, and then the believer is baptized. The Holy Spirit is the gift who comes with salvation (Acts 2:38) and is its seal (Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit saturates the new Christian's life. Or we might say that Jesus baptizes the new Christian by plunging the person into the Holy Spirit's presence and power (John 14:16-17; Acts 11:15-16).
To be baptized is to clothe oneself with Christ (Galatians 3:27 ). Baptism refers to the suffering and death of Christ (Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:50). Christian baptism is in a sense a sharing of this death and resurrection and all that brought Christ to those events (Romans 6:1-7; Colossians 2:12). Baptism shows that a person has died to the old way of life and has been raised to a new kind of life—eternal life in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:11). The resurrection from the water points to the Christian's resurrection also (Romans 6:1-6).

f) Believers' Baptism:
In the New Testament baptism is for believers (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12-13,Acts 8:36-38; Ephesians 4:5). Water apart from personal commitment to Christ makes no difference in the life of anyone. In the New Testament baptism occurs when a person trusts Christ as Lord and Savior and obeys the command to be submerged in water and raised from it as a picture of the salvation experience that has occurred. Baptism comes after conviction of sin, repentance of sin, confession of Christ as Lord and Savior. To be baptized is to preach a personal testimony through the symbol of baptism. Baptism testifies that “ye are washed… ye are sanctified… ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

g) Church Practice:
The church has attempted to build its practice upon that of the New Testament but has not found agreement always as to what the practice was. Several church groups practice the baptism of infants. This necessarily moves away from immersion to sprinkling as the mode. They have tried to justify infant baptism on the basis of the baptism of households (Acts 11:14; Acts 16:33; Acts 18:8), by connecting Christian baptism with Jewish baptism of Gentile converts which may have included baptism of children, and by interpreting Christ's saying in Mark 10:4 as indicating an invitation to bring young children or infants into the church. Others have tried to see continuity between the covenant theology of the Old and New Testaments joined by the rites of circumcision and baptism, so that if introduction into the Jewish covenant community was through circumcision of the infant, so introduction into the Christian community would be through baptism of the infant. Most New Testament scholars find these arguments as fitting the practice of the church rather than resting on strong exegetical grounds, for the New Testament emphasized the connection of faith and baptism.

The setting of baptism is often restricted to a church setting with an ordained person. In the New Testament baptism takes place in varied settings wherever there is another person to do the baptizing (Acts 8:36-39; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47-48). Both Jesus and Paul let others do the baptizing, so that the restriction of baptism to a leading professional minister does not seem to be the New Testament practice.

h) Rebaptism:
Scriptural baptism (baptism because of belief in Christ) occurs only once. Sometimes people are baptized again because they feel they were not saved when they were first baptized. If that was the case, the first baptism simply wasn't scriptural baptism. Others are baptized because something changes in their beliefs—other than their salvation experience—and they either want to be or are urged by someone else to be rebaptized. The purpose of baptism was never to affirm each change in beliefs. For example, Apollos got his understanding corrected, but no mention is made of his rebaptism (Acts 18:24-28). The disciples grew spiritually and changed in understandings, but no mention is made of their rebaptism. Christians are to become learners along with their baptism, but no mention is made of any need to rebaptize them if they were scripturally baptized the first time. Rebaptism in the New Testament seemingly occurred only when a group of people never had received the Holy Spirit, who is the seal of salvation (Ephesians 4:30; see also Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38,Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13,Acts 8:36-39). Although the dozen people focused on in Acts 19:1-7 had John's baptism, they were then properly scripturally baptized as they trusted in Jesus and received the promised Holy Spirit.
Baptism and Salvation: Baptism is not a requirement of salvation, but it is a requirement of obedience. Baptism is a first step of discipleship. Although all meanings of baptism are significant, the one that most often comes to mind is water baptism as a picture of having come to know Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptism is never the event but, rather, the picture of the event. So the pattern of obedience is to come to Christ in trust and then to picture that through the symbol of baptism.
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V. Is there any Biblical Evidence that Baptism Necessary for Salvation

A scholar's view is given below:

Much debate is out there on this subject.
It is interesting to note that Jesus did not baptize. "The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples" (John 4:1-2). If water baptism were necessary for salvation, wouldn't Jesus have baptized? Jesus presented Himself to the Jews as their Messiah with signs and Messianic miracles, but He did not baptize them.

The Apostle Paul only baptized a few. "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel -- not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (1 Corinthians 1:13-17).

Those who teach that baptism is necessary for salvation overlook this statement of Paul's. If water baptism were necessary for salvation would not the Apostle Paul have made water baptism a central theme of his ministry? Rather, the Apostle Paul taught the "baptism of the Holy Spirit," which occurs when one is born again and it is a spiritual identification as the believer is placed IN Christ. "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free" (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit baptizes us or identifies us as a child of God and then seals us and sets us apart to the "day of redemption" or the day when our redemption will be completed and we see Him "face to face." "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30).

The Conclusion:
Is baptism necessary for salvation? If the question is concerning water baptism, the answer is no. We are not saved by ritual or works but by "grace through faith." "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Therefore, water baptism does not save us. However, the baptism of the Spirit is necessary for salvation and that has nothing whatever to do with water and it is not something we do for ourselves, it is God's gift to us at the moment we are born again.

If water baptism were not necessary for salvation, why then would someone be baptized? Baptism is an outward action based on an inward reality. Baptism is a testimony that the participant has trusted in Christ as Savior and they are identifying himself/herself by submitting themselves to baptism. We cannot rest our hope of salvation on something that we can do for ourselves rather, we must recognize our need of a Savior and accept the LORD Jesus Christ's finished work for our redemption. That finised work is that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and three days later rose from the dead. Then, if we chose to be baptized, it is an act of testimony to others of the reality of our personal identification with Christ.
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VI. Is infant Baptism Scriptural?

Yes, Steve of Columbia University says, "It is my belief that infant baptism is Scriptural. Let me show you how I understand this".

First, Acts 2:38-39 tells us that baptism is for us and our children. It does not state precisely whether these children are "of the age of reason" (and thus for babies) or not. But we are told to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, something that babies cannot do. What if we are only capable of one or the other, baptism or repentance and faith? Obviously an infant is incapable of personally committing a sin, so what happens to that child? Does that child then achieve Heaven by right? After all, the child hasn't sinned, therefore it shouldn't need to be forgiven or have a savior, right? I imagine that any good Christian reading this does not want to agree when the case is stated this way! We all need a savior.

So here are two questions:

How can a baby need a savior if that baby has no sin,
If a baby does have sin how can that baby be saved since babies are too young to have a faith or to repent?

Let us first consider whether a baby can be considered to be guilty of any sin. Romans 5:18-19 says that the transgression of Adam brings condemnation to all. Inherited sin, by its very nature, must affect a person from conception onward. It is, according to Romans 5:18, one of the main reasons Christ came - to save us from inherited sin, specifically the "original sin" of Adam. Lest there be any doubt about the reality of Original Sin in infants, consider that when Israel came to conquer the land they were told to kill men, women, and children (1 Sam 15:2-3 ). Why? As punishment! There is a great mystery here, how can the fitness for punishment be inherited?
Thus, the answer to the first question, "How can children need a savior," is that we have Original Sin. Now the second question, "How can they be saved since they cannot have faith?" Children cannot repent, nor can they have faith. What then, can save them? We must remember that salvation is a free and un merited gift of God (grace), and that faith does not begin with us but with God. He makes the first move, yet we can help him in this. We can, for example, carry the gospels to new lands, we can preach it, translate it, distribute it, etc. Baptizing, like preaching, is our way of cooperating with God's giving of this first grace. God brings salvation to us - sometimes through the ministering of others.

Now for the second question. How can a baby, born with Original Sin be saved? If the baby is too young for faith and repentance, how will it be saved? The Christian faithful for centuries have believed that the answer is baptism.

Does the Bible ever say that baptism is required for salvation? In John 3:5 the Bible specifically says that "unless you are born of water and the Spirit you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven." There are some who would associate "water" in this verse with a woman's "water breaking" in natural birth. Isn't it strange, that if this was a valid figure of speech, that it occurs nowhere else? If this were proper, shouldn't it say "born of water" in the following passages: Job 14:1 , Job 15:14 , Job 25:4 , 1 Cor 11:12 ? Try reading these passages and mentally substitute "born of water." Does this sound plausible? Isn't it far more logical to assume that being "born of water" is a way of referring to baptism?

Although children do not have faith they also do not have disbelief, they do not reject the first grace that God bestows through baptism. Once they reach the "age of reason" they must believe and keep the faith, for at that point failure to do so is to reject grace. Reason can be used to reject the grace of salvation, it is not normally the means by which it is obtained. Baptism is the visible sign and instrument of that grace (a visible sign and instrument of grace is called a sacrament).

Under the Old Testament children were brought to God through circumcision. Circumcision was the sign of grace in the Old Testament, but only a sign. Women are not excluded from grace. Baptism, however, is both the sign and instrument of grace under the New Testament (Col 2:11-12 ). It is symbolically a dying in Christ and a raising in Him. Circumcision was a physical sign wrought by the hands of men; baptism is a gift of Christ and leaves no physical mark - only a spiritual one, the forgiveness of sins.

We can motivate this further. We know that Jesus wants us to bring little children to him (Mat 19:14 , Luke 18:15 - this latter verse actually says they were babies). We note that Jesus did not baptize these children, rather he blessed them. They may have been baptized previously, or they may not. However, we must remember that the Kingdom of Heaven exists for those like children. How then, are we to bring them to Jesus since he no longer walks among us? Are we to say that these verses no longer command us to do anything? Baptism of infants provides us with a means of fulfilling this command. Some people attempt to fulfill this with "baby dedication." There is no such practice recommended in the New Testament (and I believe it is only for the firstborn male in the Old Testament). Also, it is contrary to ancient Christian belief and practice.

Does the Bible ever explicitly relate an instance where infants are baptized? While it is true that Scripture gives us no explicit example of infant baptism, it gives us three examples in which whole households were baptized. The expression household would normally include children in the house - assuming there were any. These examples, which may have involved baptism of infants, are in Acts 16:15 ,Acts 16:33, and Cor 16:15.

Is there a doubt in your mind? Should you baptize your infant? Ask yourself which is worse, to mistakenly apply a baptism to your child when your child does not benefit from it, or to deny your child something that Christ commanded you to do for him or her? If you wish to baptize your little one, all that is necessary is that you find water, and repeat the words Christ told us to use with baptism, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
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VII. Baptism (Mamodisa) according to Mar Thoma Church

The doctrine taught at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, Kerala, India is as follows. The Seminary and the Church leaders believe the teaching is based on baptismal liturgy of the church and certainly in the light of the Bible.

Who is eligible for Baptism?

Baptism is administered in the church which confesses faith in Jesus Christ. Infant baptism is mandatory for all the children of the members. Since they are not capable of believing, on the strength of the faith in Christ of the parents and of the God-parents whom are the members of the believing church, the infants are admitted to baptism.

The meaning of "faith" in the Greek and Hebrew languages does not primarily point to an intellectual affirmation, but it suggests trust, surrender and commitment to God. In the NT it means surrender to God in Christ. When one trusts and commits oneself to God, it is God who responds. The trust is put in God by believing that God is trustworthy and faithful and won't reject the faithful. We have several examples in the NT where Christ accepts the trust and faith of people who make confession on behalf of others who are incapable of articulating similar trust in Him.

Mk. 2:1-5
Mk. 5:1-10
Mk. 5:21-24
Mk. 5:36
Mk. 10:13-16

So for baptism, we admit the children of believers with the help of God-parents. Therefore, without any doubt, the baptism is administered with the faith and trust in the mercy and goodness of God, the Savior.

Why there is little evidence for Infant Baptism in the NT?

The NT records what our Lord and the Apostles have said or done. When the Lord began His ministry, naturally, the adults only believed and accepted him as savior. In the case of Apostolic ministry also, only adults believed. When the early church saw the attitude of our Lord towards the children and His comments about the Children and the Kingdom of God, the church brought their children for baptism trusting in the mercy of the Lord.
Ref Mk. 10:13-14 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Moreover, the early church looked to Judaism as their pattern and they accepted baptism in place of circumcision.
Col 2:11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

Gen 17:10-13 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring. 13 Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.

There are several examples in Acts and the Pauline letters suggesting that the entire family believed and received baptism.

Acts 16:33-34 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

Acts 18:8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.

1 Cor 1:16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)

We cannot honestly say that family meant only the adults. we have no right to refuse baptism to the children of the believers, for they too are heirs of the promise and part of the covenant. if we offend them, we are offending God's children who belong to the Kingdom of God.

Ref. Mt. 18:1-11 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10-11"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Baptism only once
The Nicene creed makes the irrefutable declaration of the faith of the Universal Church. In it we confess that there is only one baptism for the remission of sins. This is the stand of Mar Thoma Church.

Menstruation

This article is only for general knowledge(Anatomy and Physiology), and it is not a medical advice.
17 Quizzes

#1. Fill up the blank. Rachel said to her father, "Don't be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I'm having my ____________."

Answer: Period (Gen 31:35)

Rachel's words here are the only mention in Scripture of a typical monthly menstrual cycle, other than the ceremonial laws covering menstruation found in Leviticus and referred to again in Ezekiel.
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#2. Why blood became an important part of ceremonial law?

Blood was seen as a source of life and therefore anything surrounding it became important. Many women consider their monthly period, the discomfort, and the irritability often come along with it- a monthly trial- something women must bear. Men are spared from a monthly trial and considered lucky. However, it is only through this particular function of her body that a woman can reproduce and carry a child. Although at times messy, nuisance, or painful, only through this process the woman have the opportunity, afforded to no man, to bear a new life. And in doing so, she be uniquely linked to the Creator of life.
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#3. How many days the Hebrew woman was considered unclean at the time of her period?

Unclean for 7 days, the normal length of a woman's monthly period. She then customarily bathed in order to cleanse herself. The natural flow of a woman's period didn't require any special sacrifice to be cleansed, just merely bathing and waiting for a prescribed time was enough.
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#4. What is Menstruation and other associated bleeding problems?

(1)Menstruation is a woman's monthly bleeding, also called a period. When she menstruate, her body is shedding the lining of the uterus (womb). Menstrual blood flows from the uterus through the small opening in the cervix, and passes out of the body through the vagina. Most menstrual periods last from three to five days.but anywhere from 2 to 7 days is considered normal). The average blood loss during menstruation is 35 millilitres, but 10-80 mL considered normal.
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#5. What is the menstrual cycle?

Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle, which prepares her body for pregnancy each month. A cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens.

Body chemicals called hormones rise and fall during the month to make the menstrual cycle happen.
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#6. What happens during the menstrual cycle?

In the first half of the cycle, levels of estrogen* (the “female hormone”) start to rise and make the lining of the uterus (womb) grow and thicken. At the same time, an egg (ovum) in one of the ovaries starts to mature. At about day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle, the egg leaves the ovary. This is called ovulation.

After the egg has left the ovary it travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Hormone levels rise and help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. A woman is most likely to get pregnant during the three days before ovulation or on the day of ovulation. Warning: Keep in mind, women with cycles that are shorter or longer than average may ovulate earlier or later than day 14.

If the egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm cell and attaches to the uterine wall, the woman becomes pregnant. If the egg is not fertilized, it will break apart. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels drop, and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period.
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#7. What is a typical menstrual period like?

During her period, the thickened uterine lining and extra blood are shed through the vaginal canal. Her period may not be the same every month and it may not be the same as other women's periods. Periods can be light, moderate, or heavy, and the length of the period also varies. While most periods last from three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is normal. For the first few years after menstruation begins, longer cycles are common. A woman's cycle tends to shorten and become more regular with age. Most of the time, periods will be in the range of 21 to 45 days apart.
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#8. What kinds of problems do women have with their periods?

Women can have a range of problems with their periods, including pain, heavy bleeding, and skipped periods.

Amenorrhea — the lack of a menstrual period. This term is used to describe the absence of a period in:
young women who haven't started menstruating by age 15
women who used to have regular periods, but haven't had one for 90 days
young women who haven't had a period for 90 days, even if they haven't been menstruating for long
Causes can include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and extreme weight loss caused by serious illness, eating disorders, excessive exercising, or stress. Hormonal problems, such as those caused by poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or problems with the reproductive organs, may be involved. It is important to talk to a doctor.

Dysmenorrhea — painful periods, including severe cramps. When menstrual cramps occur in teens, the cause is too much of a chemical called prostaglandin. Most teens with dysmenorrhea do not have a serious disease even though the cramps can be severe. In older women, a disease or condition, such as uterine fibroid or endometriosis, sometimes causes the pain. For some women, using a heating pad or taking a warm bath helps ease their cramps. Some pain medicines available over the counter can help with these symptoms. If pain is not relieved by these medicines or the pain interferes with work or school, she should see a doctor. Treatment depends on what is causing the problem and how severe it is.
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#9. When does a girl usually get her first period?

In the United States, the average age is 12. This does not mean that all girls start at the same age. A girl can start her period anytime between the ages of 8 and 15. Usually, the first period starts about two years after breasts first start to grow. If a girl has not had her first period by age 15, or if it has been more than two to three years since breast growth started, she should see a doctor.
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#10. How long does a woman have periods?

Women usually have periods until menopause. Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, usually around age 50. Menopause means that a woman is no longer ovulating (producing eggs) and can no longer get pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause can vary from woman to woman and these changes may take several years to occur. The time when your body begins its move into menopause is called the menopausal transition. This can last anywhere from two to eight years. Some women have early menopause because of surgery or other treatment, illness, or other reasons. If a woman does not have a period for 90 days, she should see her doctor to check for pregnancy, early menopause, or other medical problems that can cause periods to stop or become irregular.
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#11. What is Menarche and Menopause?

Menarche is the time in a girl's life when menstruation first begins.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases. The average age of menopause is 51 years old.
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#12. What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur in the week or two weeks before her period (menstruation or monthly bleeding). The symptoms usually go away after her period starts. PMS can affect menstruating women of any age. It is also different for each woman. PMS may be just a monthly bother or it may be so severe that it makes it hard to even get through the day. Monthly periods stop during menopause, bringing an end to PMS.
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#13. What causes PMS?

The causes of PMS are not clear. It is linked to the changing hormones during the menstrual cycle. Some women may be affected more than others by changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress and emotional problems do not seem to cause PMS, but they may make it worse.
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#14. What is normal vaginal bleeding?

Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood that flows as a discharge from the woman's uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation.

Normal vaginal bleeding occurs as a result of cyclic hormonal changes. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovary is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a Fallopian tube to the uterus.

Unless pregnancy occurs, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of the inner lining of uterus, which results in menstruation. Although it is actually the end of the physical cycle, the first day of menstrual bleeding is designated as "day 1" of the menstrual cycle in medical jargon.

The time of the cycle during which menstruation occurs is referred to as menses. The menses occurs at approximately four week intervals, representing the menstrual cycle.
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#15. What is an abnormal vaginal bleeding?

Vaginal bleeding that is different from normal menstrual periods. It includes very heavy bleeding or unusually long periods, periods too close together, and bleeding between periods. In both teens and women nearing menopause, hormonal changes can cause long periods along with irregular cycles. Even if the cause is hormonal changes, treatment is available. These changes can also go along with other serious medical problems such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or even cancer. She should see a doctor if these changes occur. Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause.

The duration, interval, and amount of vaginal bleeding may suggest what type of abnormality is responsible for the bleeding.

An abnormal duration of menstrual bleeding can be either bleeding for too long of a period (hypermenorrhea), or too short of a period (hypomenorrhea).

The interval of the bleeding can be abnormal in several ways. A woman's menstrual periods can occur too frequently (polymenorrhea) or too seldom (oligomenorrhea). Additionally, the duration can vary excessively from cycle to cycle (metrorrhagia).

The amount (volume) of bleeding can also be abnormal. A woman can either have too much bleeding (menorrhagia) or too little volume (hypomenorrhea). The combination of excessive bleeding combined with bleeding outside of the expected time of menstruation is referred to as menometrorrhagia.
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#16. What happens due to Excessive Bleeding?

Anemia from excessive bleeding results when loss of red blood cells through bleeding exceeds production of new red blood cells.
When blood loss is rapid, blood pressure falls, become dizzy, even die.
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#17. What is a hemorrhage?

Bleeding, technically known as hemorrhaging, is loss of blood from the circulatory system. Rapid, profuse hemorrhage causes shock and may prove fatal if the circulating volume cannot be replaced in time. Arterial bleeding is potentially more serious than blood lost from a vein. When blood loss occurs gradually, people may be tired, short of breath, and pale. Slow, sustained bleeding may lead to anemia.

Probably, the woman in the story "The Woman with the issue of Blood(Luke 8:43-48; Mark 5:25-34; Matt 9:20-22)" may have had this slow sustained bleeding for an unusual period of 12 long years that would not stop and could not be stopped. She must have been anemic and very weak.
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Glossary:

1) estrogen = (Biochemistry) 1)any of several major female sex hormones produced primarily by the ovarian follicles of female mammals, capable of inducing estrus, developing and maintaining secondary female sex characteristics, and preparing the uterus for the reception of a fertilized egg.
2)used, esp. in synthetic form, as a component of oral contraceptives, in certain cancer treatments, and in other therapies.

2)testosterone = 1. Biochemistry. the sex hormone, C19H28O2, secreted by the testes, that stimulates the development of male sex organs, secondary sexual traits, and sperm.
2. Pharmacology. a commercially prepared form of this compound, originally isolated from bull's testes and now also produced synthetically, used in medicine chiefly for treatment of testosterone deficiency and for certain gynecological conditions.

5)Half blood (Law) = relationship through only one parent.
Whole blood = relationship through both father and mother. In American Law, blood includes both half blood, and whole blood.

Random Quiz - 26

1. As the loving doe and a graceful deer, let be the (Prov 5:18-19)

a) spirit of wisdom
b) wife of your youth
c) sister you have
d) spirit of insight

Answer: b
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2. Go to the ant, you sluggard, because she (Prov 6:6-8)

a) epitomizes cooperative labor
b) spends all her waking hours in work
c) drags objects many times her weight
d) anticipates her needs

Answer: d
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3. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and there follows
(Prov 6:10-11)
a) pressure wounds
b) poverty and want
c) illicit thoughts
d)contentment

Answer: b
-------------------------------------------------
4. What does 1 Peter 3:7 counsel a man as the best way to love his wife?

Answer: Treat them with respect and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
-------------------------------------------------
5. Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your forefathers?
Who, Whom and Why this question was asked?

Answer: Joel asked the elders about the locust attack. (Joel 1:2-4)

Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your forefathers?
Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children,
and their children to the next generation.
What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten;
what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten;
what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten.
-----------------------------------------------------------
6. According to the book of Amos, his prophecies came two years
before what?

Answer: a significant earthquake.
The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.
-----------------------------------------------------------
7. Obadiah, the shortest book of the Old Testament, is a judgment against what land?

Answer: Edom (Oba 1:1)
-----------------------------------------------------------
8. Where did Jesus encounter a woman at a well?

Answer: Samaria (Jn 4)
-----------------------------------------------------------
9. Although Jesus asked the woman for water to drink, what kind of water did He offer to give her? (Jn 4:14)

Answer: Water "welling up to eternal life".
-----------------------------------------------------------
10. Mothers have always played an important role in shaping the character of their children. Match each mother from the list with the proper statement.

1. Mother of all living (Gen 3:20)
2. Helped son deceive his father (Gen 27:6-10)
3. Was paid to care for her son (Ex 2:8-10; 6:20)
4. Was commended by Paul (2 Tim 1:5)
5. Sought best for her sons (Mt 20:20; Mk 16:1)
6. Wept for her children (Jer 31:15)
7. Became mother to a daughter-in-law (Rut 1:16)
8. Caused death of John the Baptist (Mk 6:22-25)
9. Killed her grandsons (2 Ki 11:1)
10. Gave her son to ministry (1 Sam 1:11; 2:11)
11. Highly favored by God (Lk 1:30)

List of Mothers:

a)Rachel; b)Mary; c)Eve; d)Hannah; e)Rebekah; f)Athaliah; g)Jochebed; h)Herodias;
i)Eunice; j)Naomi; k)Salome.

Answers:
1-c; 2-e; 3-g; 4-i; 5-k; 6-a; 7-j; 8-h; 9-f; 10-d; 11-b.

Books of the Bible(66)

OLD TESTAMENT(39)
LAW(5) ...................20. Proverbs (31)
1. Genesis(50)........... 21. Ecclesiastes(12)
2. Exodus(40)............ 22. Song of Songs(8)
3. Leviticus(27)..... MAJOR PROPHETS(5)
4. Numbers(36).......... 23. Isaiah(66)
5. Deuteronomy(34).... 24. Jeremiah(52)
HISTORY(12) ........... 25. Lamentations(5)
6. Joshua(24)............ 26. Ezekiel(48)
7. Judges(21)............ 27. Daniel(12)
8. Ruth(4).......... MINOR PROPHETS(12)
9. 1 Samuel(31)......... 28. Hosea(14)
10. 2 Samuel(24)........ 29. Joel(3)
11. 1 Kings(22) .......... 30. Amos(9)
12. 2 Kings(25) .......... 31. Obadiah(1)
13. 1 Chronicles(29).... 32. Jonah(4)
14. 2 Chronicles(36).... 33. Micah(7)
15. Ezra(10) ............. 34. Nahum(3)
16. Nehemiah(13) ...... 35. Habakkuk(3)
17. Esther(10) ........... 36. Zephaniah(3)
POETRY(5) .............. 37. Haggai(2)
18. Job(42) .............. 38. Zechariah(14)
19. Psalm(150)........... 39. Malachi(4)
NEW TESTAMENT(27)
GOSPELS(4) ............. 14. 2 Thessalonians(3)
1. Matthew(28) ......... 15. 1 Timothy(6)
2. Mark(16) .............. 16. 2 Timothy(4)
3. Luke(24) .............. 17. Titus(3)
4. John(21) .............. 18. Philemon(1)
HISTORY(1) ...... GENERAL LETTERS(8)
5. Acts(28) ............... 19. Hebrews(13)
PAUL'S LETTERS(13) ... 20. James(5)
6. Romans ................ 21. 1 Peter(5)
7. 1 Corinthians(16)..... 22. 2 Peter(3)
8. 2 Corinthians(13)..... 23. 1 John(5)
9. Galatians(6) .......... 24. 2 John(1)
10. Ephesians(6) ........ 25. 3 John(1)
11. Philippians(4) ....... 26. Jude(1)
12. Colossians(4) ........ PROPHECY(1)
13. 1 Thessalonians(5).. 27. Revelation(22)
(Total Chapters (old+new)=1189)
mybiblequest.blogspot.com

Note:
You must have seen many christians, young and old, flip flopping the Bible back and forth, searching for the location of certain Bible books. This bookmark will become handy for those frustrated people.

The advantages of this Bookmark over the ones available in the market:
1. Serial number of books, total number of books, number of chapters of each book, and total number of chapters, are a great visual concept.
2. After folding the standard 20 lb paper is 'just right thickness' so that it won't tear the Bible pages or damage the binding of the Bible.
3. Plain or Colorful paper of any choice thickness can be used to print this.
4. This home-made bookmark is very simple and easy to make as many copies as you want for 'every Bible' you have, by printing or xeroxing with negligible cost.
5. Above all, after using this a little while, you will notice that this is a multi-function, optimum performance design, than any other bookmark available in the present market.

Random Quizzes - 25

Match the thief with the object stolen and
from whom it was stolen (9 Questions)

1. Ahab (1 Kings 21:14-15) ...........................................

2. Jacob (Gen 25:27-34) ..............................................

3. Achan (Josh 7:20-21) ..............................................

4. Absalom (2 Samu 15:6) .............................................

5. Jehosheba (2 Kings 11:2) ..........................................

6. Rachel (Gen 31:19) ................................................

7. Shishak (2 Chro 12:9) .............................................

8. Micah (Judg 17:1-2) ...............................................

9. Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:1, 13) .................................

------------------------------------------------------------
List: A, Object stolen

A) Joash, B) gods, C) birthright, D) bronze pillars, E) silver, F) vineyard,
G) treasures, H) hearts, I) plunder
------------------------------------------------------------
List: B, From whom

a) Jerusalem Temple, b) the royal palace, c) Mother, d) Naboth, e) Esau, f) Athaliah

g) Jericho, h) David, i) Laban
------------------------------------------------------------
Answers:

1. F, d; *** 2. C, e; *** 3. I, g; *** 4. H, h; *** 5. A, f; *** 6. B, i; *** 7. G, b *** 8. E, c

*** 9. D, a
__________________________________________

10. Let a righteous man strike me, it is a (Psalm 141:5)


a) kindness
b) an outrage
c) a reproach
d) a sorrow

(outrage=an extremely violent or cruel act, reproach=a cause of disgrace)
Answer: a
_______________________________________________________

11. In the one hundred and forty-fourth Psalm, David compares,
the pillars carved to adorn a palace will be like our (Psalms 144:12)

a)sons, b)daughters, c)brothers, d)parents

Answer: b
_______________________________________________________

12. In describing God's control of the weather in Psalm 147, the Psalmist does not refer to (Psalms 147:8, 16, 18)

a) winds, b)clouds, c)snow, d)thunder

Answer: d
_____________________________________________________

13. Wealth gotten by dishonesty (Prov 13:11)

a)earns interest, b)destroys health, c)dwindles away d)implies crafty or trickery

Answer: c
_____________________________________________________

14. Why did Prophet Agabus take Paul's Belt?

Answer: To explain the prophesy how Paul would be bound in Jerusalem.
Acts 21:10After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "
_____________________________________________________

15. What did Philip say to overcome his brother Nathaniel's disbelief that Jesus was the Messiah?

Answer: "Come and see".
Jn 1:46 "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.
_____________________________________________________

16. What did Ezra devote himself to, after he arrived in Jerusalem?

Answer: Ezra 7:9 He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
_____________________________________________________

17. How do we know that the gospel is free to all?

Answer: Because Jesus Christ, like the light, reaches all, "that all through him might believe".
John 1:7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
_____________________________________________________

18. Jn 1:10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Who are here meant by, "his own"?

Answer: The Jews.
_____________________________________________________

19. What great change takes place in us when we truly believe?

Answer: We become new creatures in Christ, even "sons of God".

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Jn 1:12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
_____________________________________________________

20. True or False. In both the Old and New Testaments, the first accounts of visits from angels are to women.

Answer: True, Hagar and Mary.

Assassinations

16 Quizzes

The meaning of the term assassination:
1. murder of a public figure by a sudden violent attack;

2. The destruction of somebody's reputation by malicious or treacherous means.
eg. character assassination by - attack, backbiting, backstabbing, belittlement, blackening, calumny, defamation, defamation of character, defilement, denigration, depreciation, dirt, dirty politics, disparagement, gossip column, juicy morsel, last-minute lie, malicious defamation, malicious gossip, muckraking, mudslinging, mudslinging campaign, name-calling, political canard, revilement, roorback, scandal, scandalmongering, slander, smear, smear campaign, smear word, tidbit, vilification, whispering campaign.

3. murder = execution, slaying - unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being; is a kind of homicide; the crime of killing another person deliberately and not in self-defense or with any other extenuating circumstance recognized by law.

The language of Scripture distinguishes less clearly than the modern law between assassination and murder.

The prohibition against killing is all-inclusive, even to suicide, placing the ban not only on deliberate, purposeful slaying (Ex 21:12,14,18), but on all endangering of life through negligence (Dt 22:8) or recklessness (Lev 19:14) or hatred, anger and revengefulness (Lev 19:17).

Punishment of the Act: The Mosaic law presupposes the punishment of all killing of human beings on the ground of Gen 9:6, and repeatedly reiterates it (Ex 21:12,14; Lev 24:17,21; Nu 35:33; Dt 19:11).

The reason assigned being that man is made in the image of God. Hence to slay a man is paramount to lifting the hand against the Creator. And while the degrees of guilt are not indicated by the language, they are closely distinguished by the punishments prescribed. Not only notorious enmity against the slain and deliberate lying-in-wait on the part of the murderer (Ex 21:13; Nu 35:20; Dt 19:4,11), but also the nature of the instrument was taken into account to determine the nature of the crime(Nu 35:16).

Laws prohibiting killing (Deut. 27:24).
"Cursed is the man who kills his neighbor secretly."
Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"
------------------------------------------------------------

Each of the 8+8 = 16 people given below(Right Column) were assassinated. Match the killer(s) on the Left Column with the victim.

A. Joab (2 Sam 18:14)................... a. John the Baptist
B. Cain (Genesis 4:8)................... b. Abel
C. Herod (Mat 14:10).................... c. Pekahiah
D. Jehu (2 Ki 9:33)..................... d. Jezebel
E. Jael (Jud 4:21-22)................... e. Absalom
F. Pekah (2 Ki 15:23-25)................ f. Sisera
G. Jehoiada (2 Ki 11:15-16)............. g. Joash
H. Jozacar & Jehozabad (2 Ki 12:20-21).. h. Athaliah

Answers:
A--e, B--b, C--a, D--d, E--f, F--c, G--h, H--g.
-------------------------------------------------------

I. Menahem (2 Ki 15:14)...................i. Shallum
J. Ehud (Judg. 3:15-22). ................ j. Amnon
K. Joab (2 Sam. 3:27).................... k. Joash
L. The sons of Rimmon (2 Sam. 4:5-7) .....l. Ish-bosheth
M. Absalom (2 Sam. 13:28,29)..............m. Eglon
N. Joab (2 Sam. 20:9, 10).................n. Amasa
O. His servants (2 Kin. 12:20)............o. Abner
P. His sons (2 Kin. 19:37; Isa. 37:38)....p. Seacherib
-------------------------------------------------------
Answers:
Eglon, by Ehud. Abner, by Joab.
Ish-bosheth, by the sons of Rimmon. Amnon, by Absalom.
Amasa, by Joab. Joash, by his servants.
Seacherib, by his sons.

Random Quiz - 24

1. Why did Cain, the farmer son of the first couple, killed his brother Abel?
Answer:
He was jealous when God chose Abel's sacrifice over his.

The Bible does not explain why Cain's offering was rejected. But God urged Cain to do what is right.
Gen 4:7, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
______________________________________________________

2. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty. Then God made an unconditional and everlasting covenant with Abraham. What was the token sign of the covenant?

Answer:
Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: "Every male among you shall be circumcised".

At the Council of Jerusalem in AD 50, Peter and the Apostles ruled that circumcision was not needed as a requirement for Christian converts, on the grounds that the new covenant had now superseded the old.
_______________________________________________________

3. God destroyed Sodom because of its fierce:
a)homosexuality, b)greed, c)contempt(=a powerful feeling of dislike),
d)inhospitality(=lack of hospitality)

Answer: d.
In a nomadic society, where settlements were often few and far between, the obligations of hospitality were strict. It was a solemn duty to feed, clothe, and house strangers. Lot felt so bound by this rule that he was willing to sacrifice his two daughters to the mob in order to protect the strangers. But the custom of Sodom seemed acceptable to assault and rob strangers. For this crime Sodom and its sister city were destroyed.
_______________________________________________________

4. The Angel who was about to destroy Sodom kept hurrying Lot to flee, even taking him by the arm when he hesitated. Why did the angel do that?

Answer:
The angel couldn't destroy the town until Lot was safe. By some judicious bargaining Abraham extracted from God the agreement that he would not destroy the city. Thereby angels were clearly under instructions not to destroy Sodom as long as Lot- the only righteous man in the place- remained.

Gen 19:16-24 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!"

18 But Lot said to them, "No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I'll die. 20 Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared."

21 He said to him, "Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it." (That is why the town was called Zoar.)

23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens.
_______________________________________________________

5. Why there are two sets of Ten Commandments between Catholics and Protestants?

Answer:
In the Bible, the Commandments are not numbered. In the Orthodox and Protestant Churches, the prohibition against false worship is given as the first and the second Commandments, but in the Catholic and Lutheran Churches it is contained in the first. The subsequent Commandments are therefore numbered differently, with the prohibition against coveting split into two separate Commandments by Catholics and Lutherans to reach the number ten.

The first version follows Origen from the 2nd century, the 2nd version follows Augustine from the 4th century.
________________________________________________________

6. What were the first angels mentioned in the Bible doing?

Answer:
Holding flaming swords.
Gen 3:24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden "cherubim and a flaming sword" flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
________________________________________________________

7. How many angels have personal names in Scripture?

Answer:
Three. a)Michael, the archangel(=chief angel)(Dan 10:21,12:1,Rev 12:7) b)Gabriel(a high ranking and an angel of power)(Dan 8:16, Dan 9:21, Lk 1:11-20,Lk 1:26-38) and c)Lucifer, who became Satan (Isa 14:12-15). This name is commonly ascribed to Satan, yet a misapplied name for Satan.
(Many Jewish and Christian traditions about the angels have no biblical support.)
________________________________________________________

8. True or False. There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that angels were once human beings and then elevated to angelic status.

Answer: True
Angels are spiritual beings of a special class, who were created by God. God created angels before he made the material universe (Job 38:7, Col 1:16).

Heb 1: 7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
_______________________________________________________

9. Fill up the missing word.
Is 20:3 Then the LORD said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for __________ years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush.

Answer: three
_______________________________________________________

10. On what occasion did David utter these words:
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.'

Answer: on his deathbed (2 Samuel 23:3-4)
_______________________________________________________

11. While David was anointed with oil by the Prophet Samuel, the writer of Hebrews says that God has anointed Jesus with the oil of what?

Answer: The oil of Joy (Hebrews 1:9)
_______________________________________________________

12. Fill up the missing words.

Jesus asks each one of us, just as He asked the disciple Peter, the question given below, when he denied Him 3 times:
"Do you ___________ me?"

Answer: love (Jn 21:17)
_______________________________________________________

13. The Supremacy of Christ
15He is the image of the invisible God, the _________________ over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him _________ things hold together.

Answers:firstborn, all (Colo 1:15-17)
_______________________________________________________

14. As Christians, we should look forward each day to Jesus' coming. As Paul writes,

7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly _________ for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the __________ of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Answers:wait, day (1 Corin 1:7-8)
_______________________________________________________

15. Long before Jesus was born on earth, He was destined to fulfill many OT prophecies. Among these was Isaiah's declaration,

10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the ________________ will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.


Answer: nations (in KJV "Gentiles" is used)
_______________________________________________________

16. God promised to send His Son, one who would fulfill all that was written about Him. The writer of Hebrews says,

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to ___________, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.

Answer: lie (Hebrews 6:18)
_______________________________________________________

17. Whom did Jesus advise, "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

Answer: Jesus Teaches Nicodemus (Jn 3:1-3)
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
_______________________________________________________

18. "Warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals" shall be the penalty for(Psalm 120:2-4)

a) lustful eyes, b) a grasping hand, c) a deceitful tongue, d) arrogant elbows

Answer: c
_______________________________________________________

19. "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior" are (Psalms 127:4)

a)water-courses of the Negeb, b) mountains around Jerusalem, c) enemies at the gate,
d)sons born in one's youth.

Answer: d
_______________________________________________________

20. How good and pleasant it is, like precious oil poured on
the head, running down on the beard, when (Psalms 133:1-2)

a) the insolent are laid low
b) tribes dwell in unity
c) nations dwell in unity
d) brothers live together in unity

(insolent= boldly rude and disrespectful in speech or behavior)

Answer: d

Christmas

1. 10 Basic Quizzes on Christmas:

a. ___________ was the home of Mary and Joseph. Luke 2:4

b. ___________ announced Jesus' birth to Mary. Lk 1:26-27

c. ___________ was the town where Jesus was born. Lk. 2:4-7

d. ___________ was the place where Jesus was wrapped in cloths and laid. Lk. 2:7

e. ___________ were told about a sign, that a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord. Lk. 2:8-12

Answers:

a. Nazareth; b. Gabriel; c. Bethlehem; d. Manger; e. Shepherds
_______________________________________________________

f. ___________ treasured up all in her heart what shepherds spread the word concerning the child. Lk. 2:19

g. ___________ guided the Magi to Jerusalem and then to Jesus. Mt 2:2

h. ___________ in where the Magi found Jesus. Mt. 2:11

i. ___________ warned the Magi about Herod's trick. Mt. 2:12

j. __________ of the Lord told Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt with Jesus and Mary. Mt. 2:13

Answers:

f. Mary; g. A Star; h. A house; i. A dream(God); j. An angel
_______________________________________________________

2. What is Christmas, and the reason for the season?

Answer:
CHRISTMAS is the anniversary of the birth of Christ and its observance. The date of the birth of Christ is not known. In fact, early traditions differ about the time of year in which Jesus was born. Celebrated by most Protestants and by Roman Catholics on December 25, by Eastern Orthodox churches on January 6, and by the Armenian church on January 19.

The word Christmas is formed of Christ + Mass, meaning a religious service in commemoration of the birth of Christ. It is not clear whether the early Christians observed Christmas, but once introduced, the observance spread rapidly throughout Christendom.

The first mention of its observance on December 25 is in the time of Constantine about A.D. 330s, when this date was chosen to replace a Roman celebration commemorating the Sun's climb following the winter solstice.
(Solstice = either of the times when the Sun is farthest from the equator, on or about June 21 or December 21. The summer solstice falls in June in the northern hemisphere but in December in the southern hemisphere, and vice versa for the winter solstice).

The arrival of the Messiah on the human scene was not unexpected. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies could be cited that were clearly fulfilled by Jesus Christ. But with prophecy, we often don’t know what it means until we know what it meant. Many of these predictions pertained specifically to the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth. A careful reading of the Old Testament, written hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, shows us where He will be born, when He will be born, how He will be born, and who, specifically, He will be. And with surprising accuracy, too!

Some Christian groups disapprove of the festival, probably because it is not a command of Jesus or Apostles. The Christian celebration on December 25th is about Jesus, not about whether he was actually born on that day.

A major point to consider in Christmas season is in Mt 7:12. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
_______________________________________________________

3.What is God's purpose in sending His Son, according to Gospels?

Answer:
a)Mt 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

b)Jn 3;16-20 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

c)Ro 5:12-19 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.

15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

d)Jn 14:6-10 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." 8Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?

e)Lk 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

f)Jn 6:35-40 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

g)Jn 17:1-3 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

h)Mt 11:25-27 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

i)Jn 5:21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.

j)Jn 10:14-16 I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

k)2 Th 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
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4. Harmonize the chronological sequence of Jesus' Birth and Infancy?
Mark and John say nothing about the birth of Jesus. Matthew and Luke record different incidents. Therefore, exact sequence is not easy. A probable and approximate dates are given below:

TIMELINE OF EVENTS:

6 or 5 BC ......... John's Birth announced to Zachariah .... Lk.1:5-25

6 months later .... Jesus' birth announced to Mary ........ Lk.1:26-38
................... Mary visits Elizabeth ................. Lk.1:39-56

3 months later .... Mary returns to Nazareth ............ .... Lk.1:56
................... Announcement to Joseph ................ Mt.1:18-24
....................Birth of John the Baptist ............. Lk.1:57-80
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5 BC .............. Birth of Jesus ................. Mt.1:25, Lk.2:1-7

................... Announcement to Shepherds .............. Lk.2:8-20

8 days later ...... Jesus' circumcision ...................... Lk.2:21

32 days later ..... Jesus' presentation ....................Lk.2:22-38
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4 BC .............. Visit of the Wise Men ...................Mt.2:1-12

................... Flight to Egypt ....................... Mt.2:13-15

....... Murder(massacre) of Bethlehem's Boys <2............ Mt 2:16-18
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3 BC ..............Return to Nazareth .............Mt 2:19-23, Lk 2:39
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5. Name the incidents associated with the birth of Jesus recorded in the Gospels?

Answer:
a) Matthew:
1:1-17 .....Genealogy thru Joseph
1:18-25 ... Joseph took Mary home as his wife
2:1-23 .... King's(Magi) visit

b) Mark:
1:1 ........Beginning of the Gospel about Jesus

c) Luke:
1:1-4 ..... Introduction
1:5-80 .....Announcements & Births of the forerunner & Messiah
2:1-38 .....Jesus' Birth
2:39-52 ....Family in Nazareth
3:23-28 ....Genealogy thru Mary

d) John:
1:1-18 .....The Word
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6. Where did the word Messiah come from?

An English word that represents:
Mashiah in Hebrew, Mashiha in Aramaic, Messias in Greek. The basic meaning of the word is, "anointed one". Christ is the English form of the Greek 'Christos' which also means 'anointed'.
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7. Highlight some Messianic Prophecies related to Christmas?
(=NT Quotes from Old Testament Prophetic predictions fulfilled in Jesus)

Answers:
(1=OT Prophecy, 2=NT Quotes fulfilled in Jesus)

a) The woman's seed would bruise Satan's head:
1=Gen 3:15; And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

2= Gal 4:4, 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law.
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b)Of Abraham's seed:
1= Gen 17:7; I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

2= Gal 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.
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c)Of the house of David:
1= 2 Sam 7:12-13 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

2=Acts 13:32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.
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d)Preceded by a messenger:
1=Mal 3:1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.

2=Lk 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
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e) Born of a virgin & Called Immanuel:
1= Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

2=Mt 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
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f)Born in Bethlehem:
1=Mic 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

2=Mt 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
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g)The Shepherd:
1=Isa 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

2=Jn 10:11-16 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (11).......
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h)The king:
1=Zech 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

2=Jn 18:33,37. 33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" 37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
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i)Live in Nazareth
1=Isa 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

2=Mt 2:23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."
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j)Stay in Egypt:
1=Hos 11:1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

2=Mt 2:15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
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8. How come "Christmas" sometimes is called "Xmas"?

In Greek, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ, or, the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century. Hence, "Xmas" is sometimes used as an abbreviation for "Christmas".

Although some people highlight that Christ is taken out of Christmas with this 'Xmas' usage, however it may certainly be not the intention. Many believers may be unhappy for commercializing the spirit of the season.

Although many Christmas celebrations do not emphasize Christ, wise men still seek him. In Jn 3:30 John the Baptist says, "He must become greater; I must become less". If similar themes become the focus of the celebration, Christmas will make a wonderful celebration.
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9. True or False.

There is no evidence in Scripture that the early church celebrated the birth of Christ.

Answer: True.
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10. What was the role of Egypt during Jesus' infancy?

Answer:
Matt 2:13-23. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had escaped into Egypt. Demon powers through Herod centered his attack against God's plans in Christ for the earth. Thus Egypt, once was a great enslavement of Israel during Moses' time, now she became the refuge of Baby Jesus, Israel's future deliverer and the world's redeemer.
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11. Where do you find the pre-incarnation existence of Jesus in the Gospels?

Answer:
The Word Became Flesh. John 1:1-3.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
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12. What does the Bible say all about Mary, the Mother of Jesus?

Answer:
After the birth of Jesus and His visit to Jerusalem at the age of 12, very little is said about Mary. She gave birth to at least 6 children besides Jesus. At her suggestion, Jesus turned water into wine at Cana, His first miracle (Jn 2:1-11). Later she tried to get Him in the crowd but Jesus' words indicate that her family relation to Him gave her no special advantage to meet Him (Mt 12:46, Mk 3:31, Lk 8:19). She was present at the crucifixion and there she was committed by Jesus to the care of John(Jn 19:25-27). Though there is no record of Jesus appearing to her after His resurrection does not mean that it did not happen. The last mention of Mary is in Acts 1:14, where she was with the disciples in prayer. However, Mary is a blessed woman.
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13. What does the Bible say all about Joseph, the legal or foster-father of God's own son, Jesus?

Answer:
Very little is told of Joseph. He was a descendant of David. He went with Mary to Bethlehem and was with her when Jesus was born (Lk 2:4, 16). He was with Mary when Jesus was presented in the temple(Lk 2:33) and thus he shared in the naming, circumcision, and dedication of the child (Luke 2:8-33). He took them to Egypt and brought them back to Nazareth(Mt 2:13, 19-23). He also took the 12 year old Jesus to Jerusalem(Lk 2:43, 51). As a dedicated father, he was anxious with Mary at the disappearance of Jesus (Luke 2:41-48). The only other reference about him is that he was a carpenter and the head of the family of at least 6 children besides Jesus(Mt 13:55-56). He raised Jesus as his own and taught Jesus his own trade(Mt 13:55).

Joseph is one of Scripture's quiet men. Nothing he said is quoted anywhere else. He is a man of faith and righteousness demonstrated by simple obedience to God's commands, especially by marrying pregnant Mary, despite the certainty of whispered accusations.

"Isn't this the carpenter's son?(Mt 13:55), and They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?(Jn 6:42). The language of these 2 verses imply that he was alive after the ministry of Jesus had well begun, but as we do not hear of him in connection with the Crucifixion, and as Jesus commited the care of his mother to John(Jn 19:26-27), or in the Upper Room(Acts 1:14), it may be inferred(reasoned) that he had died prior to these events.
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14. When was Jesus presented in the Temple(dedication)?

Answer:
Lk 2:22-24 21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
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15. Why the town of Bethlehem is called "the city of David"?

Answer:
David was anointed king by Samuel in Bethlehem(1 Sam 16:13,15) and therefore it was known as "the city of David" (Lk 2:4,11).
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16. Fill up the missing names:

a) Acts 2:29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch _________ died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

b) Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of __________, 4and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Answers:
a)David b)David
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17. Although Joseph had the throne-rights of the house of David, he could never have occupied the throne. Why?

Answer:
God's word barred the way of Joseph. There had been a curse on this royal line since the days of Jeconiah. In Jeremiah 22:30 we read,
This is what the LORD says: "Record this man as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, for none of his offspring will prosper, none will sit on the throne of David or rule anymore in Judah."
Joseph was in the line of this curse. Hence, if Christ had been Joseph's son, He could not have sat on David's throne.

But we find the genealogy of Mary's line back to David in Lk 3 through Nathan, and not Jeconiah(Lk 3:31). There was no curse on this line.
Lk 1:30-33: But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
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18. What is Magnificat?

Answer:
MAGNIFICAT is the name given to the hymn of Mary(a Song of Praise) in Lk 1:46-55, commencing "My soul glorifies the Lord."

Mary's Song

Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers." _______________________________________________________

19. Is there any birthday celebrated with or without feasts, in the Bible?

Answer:
a)Gen 40:20Now the third day was Pharaoh's birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials.

b)Mt 14:6On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.

c)ceremonies were observed at child birth;
Lev 12; Lk 2:24
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20. What is Epiphany?

Answer:
a) January 6, a Christian festival (holy day) which, in the Western church, celebrates the visit of the three magi (= Wise Men) to see the baby Jesus Christ, and in the Eastern church, the baptism of Christ.

b) A Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. Twelfth day after Christmas(= January 6).
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21. Who invented the number zero?

It was invented by a Hindu mathematician Aryabhatta in India before 400 BC on the basis of a vedik chant as below-

पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात् पूर्णमुदच्यते।
पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते॥

If you look at the Roman Numerals, you can see there is no "Zero" in that numbering system. Although the Zero was invented in India long before, it probably was never popular or never paid attention by the Romans.

The absence or the lack of usage of the number "Zero" have contributed for the error of the BC-AD calendar system.

Roman Numerals:
I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000. An overline drawn above the numeral will make it multiple of 1000.
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22. Stories about Christmas Story:

There are several concepts about the time of Jesus' birth. It is worthwhile to understand the science of determining the dates of the historical events mentioned about the Jesus' birth story and hence some are given below for a clear understanding of the stories.

1. The Christian era, now used for civil chronology, was introduced at Rome by Abbot Dionysius Exiguus in the sixth century. It is now generally agreed that the beginning of the era should have been fixed at least four years later.
According to the Gospels, Jesus was born some time before the death of Herod the Great. Josephus, the Jewish historian who was born A.D. 37, affirms that Herod died shortly after an eclipse of the moon, which is astronomically fixed at March 12-13, 4 B.C. His death occurred shortly before Passover, which that year fell on April 4. Jesus was born at least some months before Herod's death. Christ's presentation in the temple after he was 40 days old (Lev 12:1-8; Luke 2:22-24) means that the wise men came at least six weeks after his birth. The time spent in Egypt is uncertain, perhaps several months. Thus, the birth of Jesus should be placed in the latter part of the year 5 B.C.

2. Of the major Christian festivals, Christmas is the most recent in origin. The name, a contraction of the term "Christ's mass", did not come into use until the Middle Ages. The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. "Cristes" is from Greek Christos and "mæsse" is from Latin missa (the holy mass).

In the early part of the 4th century, Christians in Rome began to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practice spread widely and rapidly, so that most parts of the Christian world observed the new festival by the end of the century.

No evidence remains about the exact date of the birth of Christ. The December 25 date was chosen as much for practical reasons as for theological ones. Throughout the Roman Empire, various festivals were held in connection with the winter solstice. In Rome, the feast of the Unconquerable Sun celebrated the beginning of the return of the Sun. When Christianity became the religion of the Empire, the church either had to suppress the other festivals or transform them. The winter solstice seemed an appropriate time to celebrate Christ's birth.
Thus the festivals of the sun became the festival of the Son, the light of the world.
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23. How could Jesus have been born 5 years into B.C.(Before Christ), the new Calendar System?

Answer:
This error is not the result of any critical scholarship that tried to undermine the reliability of the Bible. Rather, it is the result of a mathematical error made by a monk some 1500 years ago.

Jesus was born when the Jewish nation was part of the Roman Empire. At this time, in the empire, years were counted from the founding of the city of Rome and there was no BC counting. But when the Roman Empire fell and Christianity became the universal religion in the regions once had been Roman Empire, a monk named Dionysius Exiguus, at the request of Emperor Justinian, made a new calendar in AD 526. This calendar replaced the Roman calendar, and it counted years from the birth of Christ. (Different views on "Bible & World History Timeline" or "Fall of Roman Empire" written by many are available on the net for detailed study).

The new calendar divided history into two parts:
1. the years before Christ as B.C. and
2. the years after the birth of Christ as A.D., which stands for Anno Domini meaning, "in the year of (our) Lord").

However, long after the Christian Calendar had replaced the Roman Calendar, it was discovered that Dionysius had made a mistake. He had placed the birth of Jesus in 753 AUC (Ab Urbe Condita, meaning "From the founding of the city of Rome"). He should have placed it a few yeas earlier, in about 748 AUC or so.
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24. Which is the official national calendar of United States

The legal code of the United States does not specify an official national calendar. Use of the Gregorian calendar in the United States is a result of an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1751, which specified use of the Gregorian calendar in England and its colonies. However, its adoption in the United Kingdom and other countries was fraught with confusion, controversy, and even violence. It also had a deeper cultural impact through the disruption of traditional festivals and calendrical practices.
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25. What does the Rockefeller Center, New York City "Christmas Tree" do for Christmas?

Answer:
a) Each year the world's most famous tree is lit the week following Thanksgiving, and in 2009 the tree was lit on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 and remained lit until January 7, 2010. The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting festivities began around 6pm, and the actual lighting took place at 8:55pm sharp. Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Tishman Speyer CEO Jerry Speyer flipped the switch on the 75-foot Norway Spruce.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is typically illuminated from 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily, except on Christmas and New Year's Eve. On Christmas, the tree is illuminated for 24 hours and on New Year's Eve the lights are turned off at 9:00 p.m.

b) Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony:
The 77th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. The annual event is televised and features musical performances from a variety of popular artists. Typically, the Radio City Rockettes perform and there are also ice skaters performing in the Rockefeller Ice Rink.

c) About the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree:
The Christmas tree that adorns Rockefeller Center is typically a Norway Spruce. The minimum requirement is that the tree be 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide, however manager of Rockefeller Center gardens prefers the tree be between 75 and 90 feet tall and proportionally wide. Norway Spruce that grow in forests don't typically reach these proportions, so the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tends to be one that was ornamentally planted in someone's front or back yard. There is no compensation offered in exchange for the tree, other than the pride of having donated the tree that appears in Rockefeller Center.

Over five miles of lights are used to decorate the tree every year. Only the lights and the star decorate the tree. The tree is recycled and the 3 tons of mulch are donated to the Boy Scouts. The largest portion of the trunk is donated to the U.S. Equestrian team in New Jersey to use as an obstacle jump.

d) Tickets/Cost:
The tree lighting ceremony is free and no tickets are needed. However it is advised you arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot for the 2 hour lighting ceremony.

e) Weather:
The average high in December in New York City is 44 degree Fahrenheit (6.66 Celsius) and average low is 32 degree Fahrenheit (0 Celsius). The average precipitation is 3.56 inches. Rain or snow can happen anytime in December in New York City. Dress accordingly for weather conditions.(The term "Celsius" of the Metric temperature scale is usually preferred to "centigrade," especially in technical contexts).

PS:
On 2009 Christmas eve at 8pm, me and my family went to see this tree. The tree which was bright, colorful and gently swaying in the breeze, looked extremely beautiful. It was a very cold night but there was no rain. The whole area was filled by tourists and New Yorkers. Basically visiting the tree is an entertainment, fun and an experience for all especially children.