WikiChristian - User contributions [en]

King David

2010-10-19T20:30:31Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = David
[[Image:Davids-kingdom.jpg|thumb|center|The kingdom of Israel at the time of David]] |
subtopics = [[Solomon]], [[Bathsheba]], [[Goliath]]
* [[Psalms]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[David (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on David]] |
}}

David was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was the son of [[Jesse]], a citizen of [[Bethlehem]]. He trusted [[God]] and overcame [[Goliath]], the [[Philistine]]. He became the most famous king of ancient Israel and was succeeded by his son [[Solomon]]. He is credited with writing the [[Psalms]].

===Biblical story===

===The significance of David's reign===

Not only was David very significant for the people of his day, but also for the nation of Israel is succeeding generatios. Through David God's faithfulness to both the nation of Israel and to David is revealed. It was during the reign of David that all of the land promised to [[Abraham]] (in [[Genesis 15]]) finally came into the hands of the Israelites ([[2 Samuel 8]]). God remains faithful to David, showing his love and forgiveness even when David made terrible mistakes.

David was also a role model for the people of Israel, and in some ways was considered an ideal king. Unlike his son Solomon, David remained faithful in his worship of God by never accepting or worshipping foreign idols.

Under David Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel.

===David in light of the New Testament===

[[2 Samuel 7:16]] records the covenant that God made with David, where God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's heirs: "Your throne shall be established forever". Although David did unify the kingdom around his government, after his death it split up, and the southern part of the kingdom that remained in his children's control lasted for 400 further years. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the Son of David who fulfilled that promise of establishing an ever-lasting kingdom, although not an earthly political kingdom as people may have expected, but rather a kingdom of people who have been forgiven by Christ.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/introduction-to-the-psalms.php#wb_section_359 sharingknowledge.org - Psalms of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/davids-prayers.php sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/history-of-davids-early-years.php#wb_section_355 sharingknowledge.org - David's early years]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/king-david.php#wb_section_423 sharingknowledge.org - David's reings as King]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/guide-to-prayers.php#wb_section_66 sharingknowledge.org - Praying using the Psalms of David]

{{returnto}} [[Characters of the Bible]]

{{bio-stub}}

Prayer

2009-10-13T21:02:05Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{quote | text=Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [[Colossians 4:2]]}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Prayer
[[Image:Pray101.gif|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = The word [[Amen]]
* [[Worship]]
* Prayer in the Bible
** [[Lord's Prayer]]
* Famous Prayers
** [[Prayer Of An Unknown Soldier]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Does Prayer Affect How God Acts? (G.G.)]]
* God's answers to prayers
** [[Without a paddle (Mikki)]] |
}}

Prayer is the communication that takes place between people and [[God]]. We need to pray because we were created for friendship with God and have been reconciled to him in [[Jesus Christ]]. Prayer is the expression of this loving relationship with our creator. We pray to him because we trust him and want to do his will in all of our life. In prayer we seek God's guidance, strength and comfort.

Christian prayer should regularly include
* [[Adoration]] - praise and worship of God for who he is
* [[Confession]] - admitting what we are and seeking God's forgiveness
* [[Intercession]] - prayers on behalf of others
* [[Petition]] - our own needs and concerns
* [[Thanksgiving]] - for all that God has given us, especially our salvation in Jesus
* [[Meditation]] - reflection on the nature of God; waiting on God for him to speak to us.

Christians believe that God hears and answers our prayers, though not always immediately, or in the way that we expect!

Intercession and petition, i.e. our requests, are also sometimes called supplication.

===Prayer in the Bible===

====[[Lord's Prayer]]====

The [[Lord's Prayer]] is a good example of the above principles of prayer, it's like a pattern. This is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples in [[Matthew 6]]:9-13
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|9|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|10|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|11|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|12|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|13|lang=WEB}}

====Lord have mercy on me a sinner====

====Parables about prayer====

====Jesus praying in Gesthemane====

==Quotes==

Jimmy Carter
: [[God]] answers all our prayers. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes the answer is, "You've got to be kidding!"

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer Wikipedia - Prayer]
* [http://www.christian-prayer-quotes.christian-attorney.net Famous Christian Prayer Quotes]
* [http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddn4v5jr_135f5dcxq Sermon on Prayer]
* [http://www.praize.com/prayer/ Christian Prayer - Praize Prayer]
* [http://www.crossfactor.com/152_Prayer.shtml The CrossFactor Prayer]
* [http://search.711.net/Faith/Prayer/ 711 Prayer Links]
* [http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Prayer/ Open Directory]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible.php Sharing knowledge - Prayers of Faith]
{{returnto}} [[Living as a Christian]]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Prayer]]

Church

2009-10-13T21:00:38Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{quote | text=The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ... (An extract from the book [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]])}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Church / Ecclesiology
[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians at [[Lourdes]].]] |
subtopics = [[Nature of the church]]
* [[Mission of the church]]
* [[Church Terms Index]]
* Contemporary Ecclesiology Issues and Terminology - [[Megachurch]], [[Home church]], [[Emerging church]], [[Incarnational church]]
* [[Church building]]
* [[Church history]]
* [[Denominations]]
* [[World-wide church directory]]
* [[Church service]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}}
* [[What is the Church? (G.G.)]]
* [[The Theology of the Church (AmericanCatholic)]]
* [[The Church (justforcatholics.org)]] |
}}

The word '''church''' is used in many different ways. The '''church''' is the Christian community of believers, that is, it is the people. Sometimes the word '''church''' is also used to refer to a [[church building]] (the building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]) or a [[church service]] (the weekly meeting of a group of Christians in a church building) or to a church [[denomination]].

'''Ecclesiology''' means the study of the doctrine of the church.

===Etymology===

The Greek word ekklesia ([[Εκκλησια]]) is translated as "church" in English.

This word ekklesia was used in ancient [[Koine Greek|Greek]] to mean "gathering" or "assembly" in a political sense. In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, the [[LXX]], the word ekklesia occurs over 200 times (usually as a translation from the Hebrew word qahal), most commonly to refer to the assembly of the covenant people of God. In the [[New Testament]] the word ekklesia occurs in the [[gospels]] only twice ([[Matthew 16:16]] and [[Matthew 18:20]]), but it occurs many times elsewhere in the [[New Testament]].

From the Greek root ekklesia, the English word Ecclesiology is derived, which is the study of the doctrine of the church.

The English word "church" itself is actually derived from the Old English word "cirice" (which is related to the [[Greek]] word "κυριακή" which means "of the Lord")

===Uses of the word "church" in common English===

TIn English, the word "church" means different things to different people in different contexts. It can be used in reference to a gathering of people for a religious meeting. It is also sometimes used to refer to a building or group of buildings, and occasionally it refers to an entire [[denomination]]. It can also be used in an institutional sense to refer to all churches, such as "... the church today...."

===[[Nature of the Church]]===

There are a variety of understandings about what the church actually is.

The context in which the word [[ekklesia]] (church) is used in the Bible suggests that it was not originally intended to mean a building or an organization, but instead was intended to primarily mean a congregation or meeting of God's people. Thus the church, although consisting of the community of believers, is not simply the community of believers, but also includes activity.

Furthermore, although consisting of people, the church is not simply an instution created by people. In [[Matthew 16:18]] Jesus spoke about building '''his''' church and later, in [[Matthew 18:20]] he spoke about being present among the church
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|16|18|lang=WEB}}'' (Matthew 16:18)
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|18|20|lang=WEB}}'' (Matthew 18:20)

The Bible uses the term church in both a local and universal nature. Mostly the word refers to local churches, for example, the church in Rome or Antioch. Quite often it is spoken about the plural. On a few occasions the New Testament uses the word in a general or universal sense.

Throughout church history, starting with [[Augustine]], the church has sometimes been spoken about in terms of the "invisible church" as opposed to the "visible church". The invisible church basically means the community or collection of true believers in Jesus regardless of denominational affiliation. The term visible church is used to refer to the physical countable members or leaders that make up a church or group of churches. Many Protestant churches tend to emphasize the invisible church, and view this as something quite distinct from the visible church. The Roman Catholic Church, on the other hand, teaches that the invisible church and visible church are very closely connected, although there is recognition that some elements of the invisible church can be present outside the visible Roman Catholic church.<ref>[[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]]: [http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church], 2007, second and third question.</ref>

===[[Mission of the church]]===

The church's mission can be summarized as to bring glory to God through humanity mirroring God’s own holy character of love<ref>[[Stanley J. Grenz]], ''[[Theology for the Community of God]]'' (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 2000), 489.</ref>. This involves:
# Honourable worship to God
# Building up of each other within the church
# Reaching out into the world through service and evangelism

===[[Church building]]===

Christians worhsip in church buildings. Although the [[Church]] (the people that belong to [[Jesus]]) can meet anywhere, they have since early times built buildings specifically for worshipping [[God]] in. There are many well known church buildings around the world such as [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]]. A common architecture for churches is a building in the shape of a cross, often with a dome or other large vaulted space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens.

====Photos of church buildings====

<center><gallery>
Image:DCP 4427.jpg|The main church in [[Echmiadzin]], the physical centre of the [[Armenian Orthodox Church]]
Image:Wittenburg church door gg.jpg|The door of the famous church in [[Wittenburg]] where [[Martin Luther]] is thought to have nailed his [[95 Theses]] to the door
Image:Olney church.jpg|The church in [[Olney]] where [[John Newton]], author of the hymn [[Amazing Grace (song)|Amazing Grace]] worked
Image:Stanfordmemorialchurch.jpg|Stanford Memorial Church in [[California]]
Image:Trinity baptist colonel light gardens.jpg|A small local church, [[Trinity Baptist Church (Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia)|Trinity Baptist Church]] in [[Adelaide]], [[Australia]], once known as the "City of Churches"
Image:Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe (Tarascon).jpg|The Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe in [[Tarascon]], [[France]]
</gallery></center>

===[[Church history]]===

Since the church was formed after the resurrection of Jesus, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts. Initially the early Christians spread the good news of Jesus throughout the Roman empire and small congregations of Christians sprang up in many towns. Rome soon became the geographical centre of the church. However, there was a rift between the Church in Greece and the one in Rome that slowly developed over centuries culminating in a schism in 1054 AD. Later, in sixteenth century, Christians in northern Europe split from the Roman church, an event known as the [[Reformation]]. Today there seems to be a bewildering array of [[denominations]]. Some of the larger ones include [[Roman Catholicism]], the Greek and Russian [[Eastern Orthodox|Orthodox]] churches and the wide variety of [[Protestant]] churches.

==Quotes==

[[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]]
: The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ.

Lenny Bruce
: Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.

Charles de Lint
: Why did men worship in churches, locking themselves away in the dark, when the world lay beyond its doors in all its real glory?

Robert Short
: The church is the great lost and found department.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
: I like the silence of a church, before the service begins better than any preaching.

George Mueller
: An unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church.

Ignatius of Antioch
: Where the bishop, there the church (''Ubi episcopus, ibi ecclesia.'')

Eugene de Mazenod
: To love Jesus Christ means to love the church

== References ==

<references />

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church Wikipedia - Church]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-teachings/fundamental-doctrines.php Sharing knowledge - Church]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]]
[[Category:Theology]]

Psalms

2009-10-13T20:57:20Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = The Psalms |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

{{chapters}}
[[Psalm 1|1]]
[[Psalm 2|2]]
[[Psalm 3|3]]
[[Psalm 4|4]]
[[Psalm 5|5]]
[[Psalm 6|6]]
[[Psalm 7|7]]
[[Psalm 8|8]]
[[Psalm 9|9]]
[[Psalm 10|10]]
[[Psalm 11|11]]
[[Psalm 12|12]]
[[Psalm 13|13]]
[[Psalm 14|14]]
[[Psalm 15|15]]
[[Psalm 16|16]]
[[Psalm 17|17]]
[[Psalm 18|18]]
[[Psalm 19|19]]
[[Psalm 20|20]]
[[Psalm 21|21]]
[[Psalm 22|22]]
[[Psalm 23|23]]
[[Psalm 24|24]]
[[Psalm 25|25]]
[[Psalm 26|26]]
[[Psalm 27|27]]
[[Psalm 28|28]]
[[Psalm 29|29]]
[[Psalm 30|30]]
[[Psalm 31|31]]
[[Psalm 32|32]]
[[Psalm 33|33]]
[[Psalm 34|34]]
[[Psalm 35|35]]
[[Psalm 36|36]]
[[Psalm 37|37]]
[[Psalm 38|38]]
[[Psalm 39|39]]
[[Psalm 40|40]]
[[Psalm 41|41]]
[[Psalm 42|42]]
[[Psalm 43|43]]
[[Psalm 44|44]]
[[Psalm 45|45]]
[[Psalm 46|46]]
[[Psalm 47|47]]
[[Psalm 48|48]]
[[Psalm 49|49]]
[[Psalm 50|50]]
[[Psalm 51|51]]
[[Psalm 52|52]]
[[Psalm 53|53]]
[[Psalm 54|54]]
[[Psalm 55|55]]
[[Psalm 56|56]]
[[Psalm 57|57]]
[[Psalm 58|58]]
[[Psalm 59|59]]
[[Psalm 60|60]]
[[Psalm 61|61]]
[[Psalm 62|62]]
[[Psalm 63|63]]
[[Psalm 64|64]]
[[Psalm 65|65]]
[[Psalm 66|66]]
[[Psalm 67|67]]
[[Psalm 68|68]]
[[Psalm 69|69]]
[[Psalm 70|70]]
[[Psalm 71|71]]
[[Psalm 72|72]]
[[Psalm 73|73]]
[[Psalm 74|74]]
[[Psalm 75|75]]
[[Psalm 76|76]]
[[Psalm 77|77]]
[[Psalm 78|78]]
[[Psalm 79|79]]
[[Psalm 80|80]]
[[Psalm 81|81]]
[[Psalm 82|82]]
[[Psalm 83|83]]
[[Psalm 84|84]]
[[Psalm 85|85]]
[[Psalm 86|86]]
[[Psalm 87|87]]
[[Psalm 88|88]]
[[Psalm 89|89]]
[[Psalm 90|90]]
[[Psalm 91|91]]
[[Psalm 92|92]]
[[Psalm 93|93]]
[[Psalm 94|94]]
[[Psalm 95|95]]
[[Psalm 96|96]]
[[Psalm 97|97]]
[[Psalm 98|98]]
[[Psalm 99|99]]
[[Psalm 100|100]]
[[Psalm 101|101]]
[[Psalm 102|102]]
[[Psalm 103|103]]
[[Psalm 104|104]]
[[Psalm 105|105]]
[[Psalm 106|106]]
[[Psalm 107|107]]
[[Psalm 108|108]]
[[Psalm 109|109]]
[[Psalm 110|110]]
[[Psalm 111|111]]
[[Psalm 112|112]]
[[Psalm 113|113]]
[[Psalm 114|114]]
[[Psalm 115|115]]
[[Psalm 116|116]]
[[Psalm 117|117]]
[[Psalm 118|118]]
[[Psalm 119|119]]
[[Psalm 120|120]]
[[Psalm 121|121]]
[[Psalm 122|122]]
[[Psalm 123|123]]
[[Psalm 124|124]]
[[Psalm 125|125]]
[[Psalm 126|126]]
[[Psalm 127|127]]
[[Psalm 128|128]]
[[Psalm 129|129]]
[[Psalm 130|130]]
[[Psalm 131|131]]
[[Psalm 132|132]]
[[Psalm 133|133]]
[[Psalm 134|134]]
[[Psalm 135|135]]
[[Psalm 136|136]]
[[Psalm 137|137]]
[[Psalm 138|138]]
[[Psalm 139|139]]
[[Psalm 140|140]]
[[Psalm 141|141]]
[[Psalm 142|142]]
[[Psalm 143|143]]
[[Psalm 144|144]]
[[Psalm 145|145]]
[[Psalm 146|146]]
[[Psalm 147|147]]
[[Psalm 148|148]]
[[Psalm 149|149]]
[[Psalm 150|150]]

==Commentary==

The book of Psalms (occasionally called the Psalter) is a book of the [[Old Testament]]. Because of its original meaning as a song or chant, the word "psalm" can be used to mean any religious chant or poem of praise. The main author is traditionally thought to be [[King David]]. The poetry of the Psalms is beautiful. Perhaps one of the most well-known sections is [[Psalm 23|chapter 23]] - "The Lord is my shepherd"

The psalms explore the full range of human experiences in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the [[Creation]] through the patriachal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.

The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim -- "Book of Praises" -- because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to [[God]]. The [[Septuagint]] uses the Greek word "Psalmoi" (ψαλμοι) as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/introduction-to-the-psalms.php#wb_section_359 Sharing Knowledge - Introduction to the Psalms]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Old Testament]] -> [[Poetical Books of the Old Testament]]

[[Category:Books of the Old Testament]]
[[Category:Commentary]]

Abimelech

2009-10-13T20:55:24Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Abimelech |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Abimelech was a king who lived during the time of [[Abraham]]

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/known-characters-of-the-bible/abimelech.php sharingknowledge.org - Prayer of Abimelech]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Bible Characters Index]]

King David

2009-10-13T20:52:21Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = David
[[Image:Davids-kingdom.jpg|thumb|center|The kingdom of Israel at the time of David]] |
subtopics = [[Solomon]], [[Bathsheba]], [[Goliath]]
* [[Psalms]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[David (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on David]] |
}}

David was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was the son of [[Jesse]], a citizen of [[Bethlehem]]. He trusted [[God]] and overcame [[Goliath]], the [[Philistine]]. He became the most famous king of ancient Israel and was succeeded by his son [[Solomon]]. He is credited with writing the [[Psalms]].

===Biblical story===

===The significance of David's reign===

Not only was David very significant for the people of his day, but also for the nation of Israel is succeeding generatios. Through David God's faithfulness to both the nation of Israel and to David is revealed. It was during the reign of David that all of the land promised to [[Abraham]] (in [[Genesis 15]]) finally came into the hands of the Israelites ([[2 Samuel 8]]). God remains faithful to David, showing his love and forgiveness even when David made terrible mistakes.

David was also a role model for the people of Israel, and in some ways was considered an ideal king. Unlike his son Solomon, David remained faithful in his worship of God by never accepting or worshipping foreign idols.

Under David Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel.

===David in light of the New Testament===

[[2 Samuel 7:16]] records the covenant that God made with David, where God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's heirs: "Your throne shall be established forever". Although David did unify the kingdom around his government, after his death it split up, and the southern part of the kingdom that remained in his children's control lasted for 400 further years. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the Son of David who fulfilled that promise of establishing an ever-lasting kingdom, although not an earthly political kingdom as people may have expected, but rather a kingdom of people who have been forgiven by Christ.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/introduction-to-the-psalms.php#wb_section_359 sharingknowledge.org - Psalms of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/david.php#wb_section_10 sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/history-of-davids-early-years.php#wb_section_355 sharingknowledge.org - David's early years]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/davids-reign-as-king.php#wb_section_423 sharingknowledge.org - David's reings as King]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/guide-to-prayers.php#wb_section_66 sharingknowledge.org - Praying using the Psalms of David]

{{returnto}} [[Characters of the Bible]]

{{bio-stub}}

King David

2009-10-13T20:51:01Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = David
[[Image:Davids-kingdom.jpg|thumb|center|The kingdom of Israel at the time of David]] |
subtopics = [[Solomon]], [[Bathsheba]], [[Goliath]]
* [[Psalms]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[David (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on David]] |
}}

David was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was the son of [[Jesse]], a citizen of [[Bethlehem]]. He trusted [[God]] and overcame [[Goliath]], the [[Philistine]]. He became the most famous king of ancient Israel and was succeeded by his son [[Solomon]]. He is credited with writing the [[Psalms]].

===Biblical story===

===The significance of David's reign===

Not only was David very significant for the people of his day, but also for the nation of Israel is succeeding generatios. Through David God's faithfulness to both the nation of Israel and to David is revealed. It was during the reign of David that all of the land promised to [[Abraham]] (in [[Genesis 15]]) finally came into the hands of the Israelites ([[2 Samuel 8]]). God remains faithful to David, showing his love and forgiveness even when David made terrible mistakes.

David was also a role model for the people of Israel, and in some ways was considered an ideal king. Unlike his son Solomon, David remained faithful in his worship of God by never accepting or worshipping foreign idols.

Under David Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel.

===David in light of the New Testament===

[[2 Samuel 7:16]] records the covenant that God made with David, where God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's heirs: "Your throne shall be established forever". Although David did unify the kingdom around his government, after his death it split up, and the southern part of the kingdom that remained in his children's control lasted for 400 further years. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the Son of David who fulfilled that promise of establishing an ever-lasting kingdom, although not an earthly political kingdom as people may have expected, but rather a kingdom of people who have been forgiven by Christ.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/introduction-to-the-psalms.php#wb_section_359 sharingknowledge.org - Psalms of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/david.php#wb_section_10 sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/history-of-davids-early-years.php#wb_section_355 - sharingknowledge.org David's early years]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/davids-reign-as-king.php#wb_section_423 - sharingknowledge.org David's reings as King]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/guide-to-prayers.php#wb_section_66 - sharingknowledge.org Praying using the Psalms of David]

{{returnto}} [[Characters of the Bible]]

{{bio-stub}}

King David

2009-10-13T20:50:05Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = David
[[Image:Davids-kingdom.jpg|thumb|center|The kingdom of Israel at the time of David]] |
subtopics = [[Solomon]], [[Bathsheba]], [[Goliath]]
* [[Psalms]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[David (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on David]] |
}}

David was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was the son of [[Jesse]], a citizen of [[Bethlehem]]. He trusted [[God]] and overcame [[Goliath]], the [[Philistine]]. He became the most famous king of ancient Israel and was succeeded by his son [[Solomon]]. He is credited with writing the [[Psalms]].

===Biblical story===

===The significance of David's reign===

Not only was David very significant for the people of his day, but also for the nation of Israel is succeeding generatios. Through David God's faithfulness to both the nation of Israel and to David is revealed. It was during the reign of David that all of the land promised to [[Abraham]] (in [[Genesis 15]]) finally came into the hands of the Israelites ([[2 Samuel 8]]). God remains faithful to David, showing his love and forgiveness even when David made terrible mistakes.

David was also a role model for the people of Israel, and in some ways was considered an ideal king. Unlike his son Solomon, David remained faithful in his worship of God by never accepting or worshipping foreign idols.

Under David Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel.

===David in light of the New Testament===

[[2 Samuel 7:16]] records the covenant that God made with David, where God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's heirs: "Your throne shall be established forever". Although David did unify the kingdom around his government, after his death it split up, and the southern part of the kingdom that remained in his children's control lasted for 400 further years. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the Son of David who fulfilled that promise of establishing an ever-lasting kingdom, although not an earthly political kingdom as people may have expected, but rather a kingdom of people who have been forgiven by Christ.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/introduction-to-the-psalms.php#wb_section_359 sharingknowledge.org - Psalms of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/david.php#wb_section_10 sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of David]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/history-of-davids-early-years.php#wb_section_355 sharingknowledge.org David's early years]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/davids-reign-as-king.php#wb_section_423 sharingknowledge.org David's reings as King]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/guide-to-prayers.php#wb_section_66 sharingknowledge.org Praying using the Psalms of David]

{{returnto}} [[Characters of the Bible]]

{{bio-stub}}

Hezekiah

2009-10-13T20:41:55Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Hezekiah, king of Judah |
subtopics = [[Kings of Israel Index]], [[Ancient Israel]]
* [[2 Kings 18]], [[2 Kings 19|19]], [[2 Chronicles 29]], [[2 Chronicles 30|30]], [[2 Chronicles 31|31]], [[2 Chronicles 32|32]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Hezekiah was a king of Judah, who trusted in God despite the advacing Assyrian army that destroyed much of his kingdom. 2 Kings records these words: "Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after"

During the reign of Hezekiah, the kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians and the Israelites were deported to Assyria; the Assyrians then threatened Judah, and Hezekiah prayed and Isaiah predicted that God would force the Assyrians to withdraw from around Jerusalem – God caused 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp to die one night and the Assyrians then withdrew and returned to Nineveh

Hezekiah became ill and Isaiah told him that he would die – Hezekiah prayed out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him and added 15 years to his life

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/hezekiah.php sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of Hezekiah]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Bible Characters Index]]

Isaac

2009-10-13T20:38:37Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Isaac, son of Abraham |
subtopics = [[Abraham]], [[Jacob]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Isaac was the son of Abraham. He is one of the patriarchs or forefathers of the Jewish people.

==Quotes==

==Links==

* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/prayers-of-bible/isaac.php sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of Isaac]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Characters of the Bible]] -> [[Old Testament Patriarchs]]

Moses

2009-10-13T20:28:12Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Moses |
subtopics = [[Exodus]], [[Leviticus]], [[Numbers]], [[Deuteronomy]]
* [[Law of Moses]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Moses is one of the most famous of Hebrew leaders, chiefly remembered for leading his people out of slavery in Egypt towards the land God had promised them.

{{bio-stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/known-characters-of-the-bible/moses.php Moses the Man of God]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Characters of the Bible]]

Abraham

2009-10-13T20:23:26Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Abraham
[[Image:Maps-near-east-abrahams-journey.gif|thumb|center|A map of the journey of Abraham]] |
subtopics = [[Isaac]], [[Ishmael]], [[Sarah]], [[Hagar]]
* [[Ur]]
* [[Genesis#Chapter 12|Genesis 12-26]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

Abraham was a major figure in the [[Old Testament]]. He is considered the father of the Jewish people. The account of his life is found in the [[Book of Genesis]], beginning in Chapter 11. In the [[New Testament]] Abraham is mentioned prominently as a man of [[faith]] and the [[apostle Paul]] uses him as an example of [[salvation by faith]].

Abram came from the lineage of [[Shem]], who came from [[Noah]]. Abraham was first called Abram. According to Genesis, God called Abram to faith and obedience, calling him to leave his home of [[Ur]], and move to a land that He would show him. Abram, his wife Sarai ([[Sarah]]), and his extended clan then moved to the land of [[Canaan]]. In this land, God promised to bless him and make him a great nation (although Abraham was childless at the time). Trusting this promise, Abram journeyed down to Shechem, then to a spot between Bethel and Ai. He then moved to the oaks of Mamre in Hebron. The Bible tells us that Abraham trusted God, and God credited this to him as righteousness.

===[[Abrahamic covenant]]===

God called Abraham to go to a place where he would show him, and promised him that he would become a great nation, that was blessed with a great name - see [[Genesis 12]]. God promised that all people on earth would be blessed through him. This promise of blessing, descendants and land is known as the Abrahamic covenant. By this covenant, God indicates that he has a plan to fulfill his purpose of bringing blessing to all people.

God made this promise to Abraham at critical stages in Abraham's life. He also repeated the promise to Abraham's descendants, at critical stages in their lives.

====Circumstances in which the promises are repeated in Genesis====

The story of Abraham directly follows the genealogy following the story of [[Babel]]. A contrast is seen in [[Genesis 11]] where people try to make themselves great and fail, and [[Genesis 12]] where God promises to make a man great.

God reaffirms his promise to Abraham in [[Genesis 15]]. This is at an important stage in Abraham's life, because Abraham is increasingly worried that he has no son. It is in Genesis 15 that the covenant is formalized, and further detail regarding it is given.

The promise is again reaffirmed to Abraham, this time in [[Genesis 17]]. This again is in the context of Abraham worrying that he has no son through his wife Sarah. In th previous chapter (some years previously) Abraham had slept with Hagar, his slave, and a son Isaac was born. Abraham had tried to do things his way, showing he did not completely trust God. Yet in chapter 17, God specifically promises a child through Sarah specifically. [[Circumcision]] is defined as the sign of the covenant.

After Abraham has died, God continues to reaffirm the promise to his descendants. He does this to [[Isaac]] in [[Genesis 26]] when Isaac, fearing famine, considers leaving [[Canaan]], and going to [[Egypt]]. A generation later, the promise is affirmed to [[Jacob]] ([[Genesis 35]]). This affirmation occurs in the context of Jacob's sons deceitfully taking revenge on some Canaanite; Jacob is worried that the Canaanites will respond by attacking his family.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham Wikipedia - Abraham]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/history-of-the-characters-of-the-bible/abraham.php#wb_section_318 sharingknowledge.org - The Life of Abraham]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Bible Characters Index]]

Deborah

2009-09-27T17:38:01Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Deborah |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Deborah was a judge of ancient Israel.

==Quotes==

==Links==

* [http://sharingknowledge.org/wb/pages/bible-studies/known-characters-of-the-bible/deborah.php sharingknowledge.org - Song of Deborah]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Characters of the Bible]] -> [[Judges]]

Isaac

2009-04-13T20:49:25Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Isaac, son of Abraham |
subtopics = [[Abraham]], [[Jacob]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Isaac was the son of Abraham. He is one of the patriarchs or forefathers of the Jewish people.

==Quotes==

==Links==

* [http://sharingknowledge.org/knownofisaac.html sharingknowledge.org - Prayer of Isaac]

{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Characters of the Bible]] -> [[Old Testament Patriarchs]]

Isaac

2009-04-13T20:47:13Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Isaac, son of Abraham |
subtopics = [[Abraham]], [[Jacob]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Isaac was the son of Abraham. He is one of the patriarchs or forefathers of the Jewish people.

==Quotes==

==Links==
*[http://sharingknowledge.org/knownofisaac.html sharingknowledge.org - Prayer of Isaac]
{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Characters of the Bible]] -> [[Old Testament Patriarchs]]

Hezekiah

2009-04-13T20:32:54Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Hezekiah, king of Judah |
subtopics = [[Kings of Israel Index]], [[Ancient Israel]]
* [[2 Kings 18]], [[2 Kings 19|19]], [[2 Chronicles 29]], [[2 Chronicles 30|30]], [[2 Chronicles 31|31]], [[2 Chronicles 32|32]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Hezekiah was a king of Judah, who trusted in God despite the advacing Assyrian army that destroyed much of his kingdom. 2 Kings records these words: "Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after"

During the reign of Hezekiah, the kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians and the Israelites were deported to Assyria; the Assyrians then threatened Judah, and Hezekiah prayed and Isaiah predicted that God would force the Assyrians to withdraw from around Jerusalem – God caused 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp to die one night and the Assyrians then withdrew and returned to Nineveh

Hezekiah became ill and Isaiah told him that he would die – Hezekiah prayed out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him and added 15 years to his life

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/knownofhezekiah.html sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of Hezekiah]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Bible Characters Index]]

Deborah

2009-04-12T19:07:41Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Deborah |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Deborah was a judge of ancient Israel.

==Quotes==

==Links==

* [http://sharingknowledge.org/knownofdeborah.html sharingknowledge.org - Song of Deborah]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Characters of the Bible]] -> [[Judges]]

King David

2009-04-12T18:50:39Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = David
[[Image:Davids-kingdom.jpg|thumb|center|The kingdom of Israel at the time of David]] |
subtopics = [[Solomon]], [[Bathsheba]], [[Goliath]]
* [[Psalms]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[David (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on David]] |
}}

David was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was the son of [[Jesse]], a citizen of [[Bethlehem]]. He trusted [[God]] and overcame [[Goliath]], the [[Philistine]]. He became the most famous king of ancient Israel and was succeeded by his son [[Solomon]]. He is credited with writing the [[Psalms]].

===Biblical story===

===The significance of David's reign===

Not only was David very significant for the people of his day, but also for the nation of Israel is succeeding generatios. Through David God's faithfulness to both the nation of Israel and to David is revealed. It was during the reign of David that all of the land promised to [[Abraham]] (in [[Genesis 15]]) finally came into the hands of the Israelites ([[2 Samuel 8]]). God remains faithful to David, showing his love and forgiveness even when David made terrible mistakes.

David was also a role model for the people of Israel, and in some ways was considered an ideal king. Unlike his son Solomon, David remained faithful in his worship of God by never accepting or worshipping foreign idols.

Under David Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel.

===David in light of the New Testament===

[[2 Samuel 7:16]] records the covenant that God made with David, where God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's heirs: "Your throne shall be established forever". Although David did unify the kingdom around his government, after his death it split up, and the southern part of the kingdom that remained in his children's control lasted for 400 further years. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the Son of David who fulfilled that promise of establishing an ever-lasting kingdom, although not an earthly political kingdom as people may have expected, but rather a kingdom of people who have been forgiven by Christ.

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://www.sharingknowledge.org/psalms.html sharingknowledge.org - Psalms of David]
* [http://www.sharingknowledge.org/knownofdavid.html sharingknowledge.org - Prayers of David]

{{returnto}} [[Characters of the Bible]]

{{bio-stub}}

Abimelech

2009-04-12T18:15:07Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Abimelech |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Abimelech was a king who lived during the time of [[Abraham]]

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://sharingknowledge.org/knownofabimelech.html sharingknowledge.org - Prayer of Abimelech]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Bible Characters Index]]

Abimelech

2009-04-12T18:12:53Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Abimelech |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

Abimelech was a king who lived during the time of [[Abraham]]

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://www.sharingknowledge.com/knownofabimelech.html sharingknowledge.org - Prayer of Abimelech]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Bible Characters Index]]

King David

2009-04-12T18:04:40Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = David
[[Image:Davids-kingdom.jpg|thumb|center|The kingdom of Israel at the time of David]] |
subtopics = [[Solomon]], [[Bathsheba]], [[Goliath]]
* [[Psalms]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[David (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on David]] |
}}

David was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was the son of [[Jesse]], a citizen of [[Bethlehem]]. He trusted [[God]] and overcame [[Goliath]], the [[Philistine]]. He became the most famous king of ancient Israel and was succeeded by his son [[Solomon]]. He is credited with writing the [[Psalms]].

===Biblical story===

===The significance of David's reign===

Not only was David very significant for the people of his day, but also for the nation of Israel is succeeding generatios. Through David God's faithfulness to both the nation of Israel and to David is revealed. It was during the reign of David that all of the land promised to [[Abraham]] (in [[Genesis 15]]) finally came into the hands of the Israelites ([[2 Samuel 8]]). God remains faithful to David, showing his love and forgiveness even when David made terrible mistakes.

David was also a role model for the people of Israel, and in some ways was considered an ideal king. Unlike his son Solomon, David remained faithful in his worship of God by never accepting or worshipping foreign idols.

Under David Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel.

===David in light of the New Testament===

[[2 Samuel 7:16]] records the covenant that God made with David, where God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's heirs: "Your throne shall be established forever". Although David did unify the kingdom around his government, after his death it split up, and the southern part of the kingdom that remained in his children's control lasted for 400 further years. In the New Testament, Jesus is shown to be the Son of David who fulfilled that promise of establishing an ever-lasting kingdom, although not an earthly political kingdom as people may have expected, but rather a kingdom of people who have been forgiven by Christ.

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://www.sharingknowledge.org/psalms.html sharingknowledge.org - Psalms of David]
{{returnto}} [[Characters of the Bible]]

{{bio-stub}}

Psalms

2009-03-09T10:17:18Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = The Psalms |
subtopics = ... |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}} |
}}

{{chapters}}
[[Psalm 1|1]]
[[Psalm 2|2]]
[[Psalm 3|3]]
[[Psalm 4|4]]
[[Psalm 5|5]]
[[Psalm 6|6]]
[[Psalm 7|7]]
[[Psalm 8|8]]
[[Psalm 9|9]]
[[Psalm 10|10]]
[[Psalm 11|11]]
[[Psalm 12|12]]
[[Psalm 13|13]]
[[Psalm 14|14]]
[[Psalm 15|15]]
[[Psalm 16|16]]
[[Psalm 17|17]]
[[Psalm 18|18]]
[[Psalm 19|19]]
[[Psalm 20|20]]
[[Psalm 21|21]]
[[Psalm 22|22]]
[[Psalm 23|23]]
[[Psalm 24|24]]
[[Psalm 25|25]]
[[Psalm 26|26]]
[[Psalm 27|27]]
[[Psalm 28|28]]
[[Psalm 29|29]]
[[Psalm 30|30]]
[[Psalm 31|31]]
[[Psalm 32|32]]
[[Psalm 33|33]]
[[Psalm 34|34]]
[[Psalm 35|35]]
[[Psalm 36|36]]
[[Psalm 37|37]]
[[Psalm 38|38]]
[[Psalm 39|39]]
[[Psalm 40|40]]
[[Psalm 41|41]]
[[Psalm 42|42]]
[[Psalm 43|43]]
[[Psalm 44|44]]
[[Psalm 45|45]]
[[Psalm 46|46]]
[[Psalm 47|47]]
[[Psalm 48|48]]
[[Psalm 49|49]]
[[Psalm 50|50]]
[[Psalm 51|51]]
[[Psalm 52|52]]
[[Psalm 53|53]]
[[Psalm 54|54]]
[[Psalm 55|55]]
[[Psalm 56|56]]
[[Psalm 57|57]]
[[Psalm 58|58]]
[[Psalm 59|59]]
[[Psalm 60|60]]
[[Psalm 61|61]]
[[Psalm 62|62]]
[[Psalm 63|63]]
[[Psalm 64|64]]
[[Psalm 65|65]]
[[Psalm 66|66]]
[[Psalm 67|67]]
[[Psalm 68|68]]
[[Psalm 69|69]]
[[Psalm 70|70]]
[[Psalm 71|71]]
[[Psalm 72|72]]
[[Psalm 73|73]]
[[Psalm 74|74]]
[[Psalm 75|75]]
[[Psalm 76|76]]
[[Psalm 77|77]]
[[Psalm 78|78]]
[[Psalm 79|79]]
[[Psalm 80|80]]
[[Psalm 81|81]]
[[Psalm 82|82]]
[[Psalm 83|83]]
[[Psalm 84|84]]
[[Psalm 85|85]]
[[Psalm 86|86]]
[[Psalm 87|87]]
[[Psalm 88|88]]
[[Psalm 89|89]]
[[Psalm 90|90]]
[[Psalm 91|91]]
[[Psalm 92|92]]
[[Psalm 93|93]]
[[Psalm 94|94]]
[[Psalm 95|95]]
[[Psalm 96|96]]
[[Psalm 97|97]]
[[Psalm 98|98]]
[[Psalm 99|99]]
[[Psalm 100|100]]
[[Psalm 101|101]]
[[Psalm 102|102]]
[[Psalm 103|103]]
[[Psalm 104|104]]
[[Psalm 105|105]]
[[Psalm 106|106]]
[[Psalm 107|107]]
[[Psalm 108|108]]
[[Psalm 109|109]]
[[Psalm 110|110]]
[[Psalm 111|111]]
[[Psalm 112|112]]
[[Psalm 113|113]]
[[Psalm 114|114]]
[[Psalm 115|115]]
[[Psalm 116|116]]
[[Psalm 117|117]]
[[Psalm 118|118]]
[[Psalm 119|119]]
[[Psalm 120|120]]
[[Psalm 121|121]]
[[Psalm 122|122]]
[[Psalm 123|123]]
[[Psalm 124|124]]
[[Psalm 125|125]]
[[Psalm 126|126]]
[[Psalm 127|127]]
[[Psalm 128|128]]
[[Psalm 129|129]]
[[Psalm 130|130]]
[[Psalm 131|131]]
[[Psalm 132|132]]
[[Psalm 133|133]]
[[Psalm 134|134]]
[[Psalm 135|135]]
[[Psalm 136|136]]
[[Psalm 137|137]]
[[Psalm 138|138]]
[[Psalm 139|139]]
[[Psalm 140|140]]
[[Psalm 141|141]]
[[Psalm 142|142]]
[[Psalm 143|143]]
[[Psalm 144|144]]
[[Psalm 145|145]]
[[Psalm 146|146]]
[[Psalm 147|147]]
[[Psalm 148|148]]
[[Psalm 149|149]]
[[Psalm 150|150]]

==Commentary==

The book of Psalms (occasionally called the Psalter) is a book of the [[Old Testament]]. Because of its original meaning as a song or chant, the word "psalm" can be used to mean any religious chant or poem of praise. The main author is traditionally thought to be [[King David]]. The poetry of the Psalms is beautiful. Perhaps one of the most well-known sections is [[Psalm 23|chapter 23]] - "The Lord is my shepherd"

The psalms explore the full range of human experiences in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the [[Creation]] through the patriachal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.

The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim -- "Book of Praises" -- because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to [[God]]. The [[Septuagint]] uses the Greek word "Psalmoi" (ψαλμοι) as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
[http://sharingknowledge.org/psalms.html Sharing Knowledge - Introduction to the Psalms]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Old Testament]] -> [[Poetical Books of the Old Testament]]

[[Category:Books of the Old Testament]]
[[Category:Commentary]]

Holy Spirit

2009-03-09T10:12:20Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|John|14|26|lang=WEB}} [[John 14:26]]}}

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Holy Spirit |
subtopics = [[Pentecost]], [[Book of Acts]]
* [[Pentecostal churches]]
* [[Trinity]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) is the third person of the [[Trinity]], co-equal with [[God the Father]] and [[Jesus Christ]]. He is the one who convicts of sin and guides into the truth.

The doctrine of the Holy Spirit being God as part of the [[Trinity]] is one of the great mysteries of Christianity, and it is also a core teachings of orthodox [[Christianity]], setting Christianity apart from other [[monotheism|monotheistic]] religions such as [[Islam]], as well various off-shoots of Christianity such as [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and [[Christadelphianism]].

The Spirit is not an impersonal “it” or simply an influence. He is a person. He is sometimes forgotten in the discussion of the God the Father and God the Son, and yet plays a role within the Trinity and salvation that is fundamental to the Christian life. The Holy Spirit is a person who can be grieved ([[Ephesians 4:30]]) and teach ([[John 14:26]]) among many other things.

===Biblical passages===

The [[Bible]] explains the importance and centrality of the Holy Spirit in the divine plan. Without his presence in this world, there would not be creation, the universe, nor even the humanity ([[Genesis 1:2]], [[Job 26:13]], [[Job 33:4]], [[Psalm 104:30]]). Without the Holy Spirit, neither the [[New Testament]] nor the Bible would not come into existence ([[2 Peter 1:21]], [[John 14:26]], [[1 Corinthians 2:10]]). And without him Christians have no power to proclaim the gospel ([[Acts 1:8]]). Without the Holy Spirit, humans would not have faith, new birth or holiness.

===Various views===

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit Wikipedia - Holy Spirit]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/giftsofspirit.html Sharing Knowledge - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]

{{returnto}} [[God]]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Trinity]]

Church

2009-03-09T10:08:24Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{quote | text=The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ... (An extract from the book [[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]])}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Church / Ecclesiology
[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians at [[Lourdes]].]] |
subtopics = [[Nature of the church]]
* [[Mission of the church]]
* [[Church Terms Index]]
* Contemporary Ecclesiology Issues and Terminology - [[Megachurch]], [[Home church]], [[Emerging church]], [[Incarnational church]]
* [[Church building]]
* [[Church history]]
* [[Denominations]]
* [[World-wide church directory]]
* [[Church service]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}}
* [[What is the Church? (G.G.)]]
* [[The Theology of the Church (AmericanCatholic)]]
* [[The Church (justforcatholics.org)]] |
}}

The word '''church''' is used in many different ways. The '''church''' is the Christian community of believers, that is, it is the people. Sometimes the word '''church''' is also used to refer to a [[church building]] (the building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]) or a [[church service]] (the weekly meeting of a group of Christians in a church building) or to a church [[denomination]].

'''Ecclesiology''' means the study of the doctrine of the church.

===Etymology===

The Greek word ekklesia ([[Εκκλησια]]) is translated as "church" in English.

This word ekklesia was used in ancient [[Koine Greek|Greek]] to mean "gathering" or "assembly" in a political sense. In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, the [[LXX]], the word ekklesia occurs over 200 times (usually as a translation from the Hebrew word qahal), most commonly to refer to the assembly of the covenant people of God. In the [[New Testament]] the word ekklesia occurs in the [[gospels]] only twice ([[Matthew 16:16]] and [[Matthew 18:20]]), but it occurs many times elsewhere in the [[New Testament]].

From the Greek root ekklesia, the English word Ecclesiology is derived, which is the study of the doctrine of the church.

The English word "church" itself is actually derived from the Old English word "cirice" (which is related to the [[Greek]] word "κυριακή" which means "of the Lord")

===Uses of the word "church" in common English===

TIn English, the word "church" means different things to different people in different contexts. It can be used in reference to a gathering of people for a religious meeting. It is also sometimes used to refer to a building or group of buildings, and occasionally it refers to an entire [[denomination]]. It can also be used in an institutional sense to refer to all churches, such as "... the church today...."

===[[Nature of the Church]]===

There are a variety of understandings about what the church actually is.

The context in which the word [[ekklesia]] (church) is used in the Bible suggests that it was not originally intended to mean a building or an organization, but instead was intended to primarily mean a congregation or meeting of God's people. Thus the church, although consisting of the community of believers, is not simply the community of believers, but also includes activity.

Furthermore, although consisting of people, the church is not simply an instution created by people. In [[Matthew 16:18]] Jesus spoke about building '''his''' church and later, in [[Matthew 18:20]] he spoke about being present among the church
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|16|18|lang=WEB}}'' (Matthew 16:18)
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|18|20|lang=WEB}}'' (Matthew 18:20)

The Bible uses the term church in both a local and universal nature. Mostly the word refers to local churches, for example, the church in Rome or Antioch. Quite often it is spoken about the plural. On a few occasions the New Testament uses the word in a general or universal sense.

Throughout church history, starting with [[Augustine]], the church has sometimes been spoken about in terms of the "invisible church" as opposed to the "visible church". The invisible church basically means the community or collection of true believers in Jesus regardless of denominational affiliation. The term visible church is used to refer to the physical countable members or leaders that make up a church or group of churches. Many Protestant churches tend to emphasize the invisible church, and view this as something quite distinct from the visible church. The Roman Catholic Church, on the other hand, teaches that the invisible church and visible church are very closely connected, although there is recognition that some elements of the invisible church can be present outside the visible Roman Catholic church.<ref>[[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]]: [http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church], 2007, second and third question.</ref>

===[[Mission of the church]]===

The church's mission can be summarized as to bring glory to God through humanity mirroring God’s own holy character of love<ref>[[Stanley J. Grenz]], ''[[Theology for the Community of God]]'' (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 2000), 489.</ref>. This involves:
# Honourable worship to God
# Building up of each other within the church
# Reaching out into the world through service and evangelism

===[[Church building]]===

Christians worhsip in church buildings. Although the [[Church]] (the people that belong to [[Jesus]]) can meet anywhere, they have since early times built buildings specifically for worshipping [[God]] in. There are many well known church buildings around the world such as [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]]. A common architecture for churches is a building in the shape of a cross, often with a dome or other large vaulted space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens.

====Photos of church buildings====

<center><gallery>
Image:DCP 4427.jpg|The main church in [[Echmiadzin]], the physical centre of the [[Armenian Orthodox Church]]
Image:Wittenburg church door gg.jpg|The door of the famous church in [[Wittenburg]] where [[Martin Luther]] is thought to have nailed his [[95 Theses]] to the door
Image:Olney church.jpg|The church in [[Olney]] where [[John Newton]], author of the hymn [[Amazing Grace (song)|Amazing Grace]] worked
Image:Stanfordmemorialchurch.jpg|Stanford Memorial Church in [[California]]
Image:Trinity baptist colonel light gardens.jpg|A small local church, [[Trinity Baptist Church (Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia)|Trinity Baptist Church]] in [[Adelaide]], [[Australia]], once known as the "City of Churches"
Image:Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe (Tarascon).jpg|The Église Collégiale Sainte Marthe in [[Tarascon]], [[France]]
</gallery></center>

===[[Church history]]===

Since the church was formed after the resurrection of Jesus, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts. Initially the early Christians spread the good news of Jesus throughout the Roman empire and small congregations of Christians sprang up in many towns. Rome soon became the geographical centre of the church. However, there was a rift between the Church in Greece and the one in Rome that slowly developed over centuries culminating in a schism in 1054 AD. Later, in sixteenth century, Christians in northern Europe split from the Roman church, an event known as the [[Reformation]]. Today there seems to be a bewildering array of [[denominations]]. Some of the larger ones include [[Roman Catholicism]], the Greek and Russian [[Eastern Orthodox|Orthodox]] churches and the wide variety of [[Protestant]] churches.

==Quotes==

[[Once a Catholic]] by [[Tony Coffey]]
: The church is not a building. Nor is it an organisation or human institution. The church is simply the people whose sins have been forgiven through their faith Jesus Christ.

Lenny Bruce
: Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.

Charles de Lint
: Why did men worship in churches, locking themselves away in the dark, when the world lay beyond its doors in all its real glory?

Robert Short
: The church is the great lost and found department.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
: I like the silence of a church, before the service begins better than any preaching.

George Mueller
: An unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church.

Ignatius of Antioch
: Where the bishop, there the church (''Ubi episcopus, ibi ecclesia.'')

Eugene de Mazenod
: To love Jesus Christ means to love the church

== References ==

<references />

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church Wikipedia - Church]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/fdoctrines.html Sharing knowledge - Church]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]]

Prayer

2009-03-09T09:52:27Z

Mtsinaichurch: /* Links */

{{quote | text=Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [[Colossians 4:2]]}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Prayer
[[Image:Pray101.gif|thumb|center]] |
subtopics = The word [[Amen]]
* [[Worship]]
* Prayer in the Bible
** [[Lord's Prayer]]
* Famous Prayers
** [[Prayer Of An Unknown Soldier]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Does Prayer Affect How God Acts? (G.G.)]]
* God's answers to prayers
** [[Without a paddle (Mikki)]] |
}}

Prayer is the communication that takes place between people and [[God]]. We need to pray because we were created for friendship with God and have been reconciled to him in [[Jesus Christ]]. Prayer is the expression of this loving relationship with our creator. We pray to him because we trust him and want to do his will in all of our life. In prayer we seek God's guidance, strength and comfort.

Christian prayer should regularly include
* [[Adoration]] - praise and worship of God for who he is
* [[Confession]] - admitting what we are and seeking God's forgiveness
* [[Intercession]] - prayers on behalf of others
* [[Petition]] - our own needs and concerns
* [[Thanksgiving]] - for all that God has given us, especially our salvation in Jesus
* [[Meditation]] - reflection on the nature of God; waiting on God for him to speak to us.

Christians believe that God hears and answers our prayers, though not always immediately, or in the way that we expect!

Intercession and petition, i.e. our requests, are also sometimes called supplication.

===Prayer in the Bible===

====[[Lord's Prayer]]====

The [[Lord's Prayer]] is a good example of the above principles of prayer, it's like a pattern. This is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples in [[Matthew 6]]:9-13
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|9|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|10|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|11|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|12|lang=WEB}}
: {{Bible verse|matthew|6|13|lang=WEB}}

====Lord have mercy on me a sinner====

====Parables about prayer====

====Jesus praying in Gesthemane====

==Quotes==

Jimmy Carter
: [[God]] answers all our prayers. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes the answer is, "You've got to be kidding!"

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer Wikipedia - Prayer]
* [http://www.christian-prayer-quotes.christian-attorney.net Famous Christian Prayer Quotes]
* [http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddn4v5jr_135f5dcxq Sermon on Prayer]
* [http://www.praize.com/prayer/ Christian Prayer - Praize Prayer]
* [http://www.crossfactor.com/152_Prayer.shtml The CrossFactor Prayer]
* [http://search.711.net/Faith/Prayer/ 711 Prayer Links]
* [http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Prayer/ Open Directory]
* [http://sharingknowledge.org/prayers.html Sharing knowledge - Prayers of Faith]
{{returnto}} [[Living as a Christian]]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Prayer]]