Theology

We owe much gratitude towards our heavenly mother. She assists us toward the life that matters most—eternal life in heaven. This article tries to answer common questions concerning the Virgin Mary.

To learn the art of prayer is to gain an eternal skill. Acquiring this ability involves constant practice. The Scriptures encourage us to pray always as do the saints. Yet, how is this possible? This article studies seven different methods of constant prayer.

The smile of a child, the fragrance of a flower, sunlight on a fresh, spring morning—all these are short-lived glimmers of heaven. The inward spirit longs for undying joy. God places this desire in the soul and seeks to fulfil it. This article tries to answer questions about heaven.

Hell is not a typical subject of dinner time conversation. After all, it's unpleasant to consider the notion of eternal punishment. How can it be so? This article addresses some common questions regarding the place we know as Hell.

Why did Jesus establish the Eucharist as a Sacrament? Is it in Scripture? What's a Eucharistic miracle? This article tries to answer such questions.

Pastor Marcelo Carcach argues that the book of Revelation appears to indicate that the millennium is in the future.

After hearing sermons and teachings about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ many times, even Christians still have questions about the sacred events. This articles addresses some of those common questions.

Are Christians required to tithe? This article explores the fundamental fallacies that surround modern-day tithing, and examines the unbiblical nature of this practice through an analysis of both Bible doctrines and specific verses.

The new world begins when Noah exits the Edenic-like ark. Will Noah get it right with Adam's failure in the rearview? This article will examine the parallel events, decisions, and outcomes that occur in both the Adam and Noah narratives.

We have much to thank for the monastic scribes, craftsmen, and artists who created illuminated manuscripts. They helped preserve culture and inspired later generations of artists.

Just before the start of his divine mission, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to fast and be tempted by the devil. But what does this temptation really mean? Why did it have to happen? And was it all literal?

Join us on an exciting journey into the various views—from all over the world—about Jesus of Nazareth. We will explore everything from Trinitarianism and Nontrinitarianism to Islam and Bahai perspectives.

This article discusses a Biblical view of leadership, primarily focusing on the idea of leadership by serving as introduced by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 is one of the most misunderstood scriptures in the entire Bible. Even so, people use it to warn others when speaking of church attendance. There is a big difference between "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" and "Not forsaking the assembly."

Here you will find a wordwise translation of a highly devotional song – "Aisi Laagi Lagan" – from Hindi to English. The Hindi lyrics have been written using Roman letters.

Pastor Marcelo Carcach shares his Bible-reading plan so you can enjoy and learn reading the Bible at your own pace.

The subject of Satan or the devil comes up frequently in religious discourse, especially in the Abrahamic faiths. But who or what is the devil? Is it an actual living being created by God? If so, why are its evil attributes and diabolical actions so diametrically opposed to God’s sublime nature?

The Second Coming of Jesus is a challenging subject to discuss, but its occurrence is bound to affect everyone on earth. There is no authoritative word for how such a messianic advent will unfold. Opinions and doctrines differ, and misinterpretation of prophecy is rife across all religious groups.

Advent is an important observance in Christianity, symbolizing preparations for the arrival of the Christ Child and the Second Coming of Jesus. Does your church do an Advent? Do you do your own Advent calendar? Perhaps you do a chocolate one with your kids. Here's what you need to know!

The Abrahamic faiths' conception of heaven, hell, and the hereafter differs from that of the Eastern religions. Which of these two viewpoints is closer to the truth? And is the heaven and hell of the afterlife the same as that associated with the Second Coming of Jesus? This article explores.

The Eastern religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism subscribe to the doctrine of reincarnation—the rebirth of souls after physical death. How compatible is that with the Abrahamic faiths' teachings on life after death and the concept of heaven and hell?

The question as to whether one religion can be so perfect as to remain the final religion for mankind, never to be superseded until the end of time, is one that is promoted by the adherents of some religious systems. The validity of such a claim is explored in this article.

The question of whether Jesus is God or the Son of God divides Christians and other faith groups, especially Muslims. Christians hold on to that belief as a basic tenet of their faith, while others are baffled by it. The truths and myths of this matter are explored in this article.

Pastor Marcelo Carcach provides advice for churches to prevent and handle misconduct, harassment, and abuse.

There is a belief amongst some religious groups that the Christian Holy Bible is not authentic but has been tampered with, changed, or altered from the original. Is this really so? This article explores this question.

This article builds a case for establishing the location of the forbidden tree in Genesis chapter three. The significance of its location will reveal that Adam had to turn his back on God to access the alternative tree.

Pastor Marcelo Carcach discusses the relationship between the Sabbath and Christians.

This article will follow the Messiah/anti-Messiah lines of Cain and Seth. As always, connections with both the Genesis beginning and future Messiah will be discovered and examined.

I had a nasty surprise the other day for “daring” to give an introduction to my religion, the Bahá’í Faith, in an interfaith WhatsApp group. Here follows a brief introduction to my faith, along the lines of what I shared originally in audio format.

This article examines the differences that exist between the theologies known as Arminianism and Calvinism. It provides a side-by-side analysis of both views, using the "5 Articles of Remonstrance" and the "5 Points of Calvinism" as the basis for further inquiry.

Pastor Marcelo Carcach discusses how God's sovereignty and humanity's free will interact with each other and are balanced.

Elizabeth’s story is confined to one Bible chapter. Yet, modern women searching for a relevant model of womanhood find her attractive. Aging women looking for an elderly example find her inspirational.

This article will examine the reinterpretation of Eden through the lens of Cain and Abel. The study will add another layer to the dimension of the story. Every facet contains a look back and a look forward as well as an application.

Pastor Marcelo Carcach explains points you need to make when talking to a Jehovah's Witness.

Firearms and blades are not the only weapons that John of Austria brought to the battle of Lepanto.

There’s a town in southern England that has attracted—not always willingly—a disproportionate number of strange religions.

The incarnation of Jesus Christ had been predicted centuries before the events occurred. Prophecies uttered by men of God that lived centuries apart all marvelously find their fulfillment in the prophet from Nazareth.

Are you religious in Japan? Japan isn't a very religious country, compared to the West. However, Christianity is still practiced by a small population. Learn how Christianity stands in a nation where Shintoism, Buddhism, and atheism are most popular.

Are you an associate minister? Not sure what you should be doing? Or, not sure what to tell your associate minister to do? The roles, duties, and responsibilities may not be clear to all associate ministers of a church. This article contains information that will help.

This article discusses a 17th-century Protestant sect that rebelled against the developing Age of Reason and competing religions.

Few things are as annoying as an unwanted house guest. But when it’s a Japanese Yokai, the situation gets downright insane.

Japanese Yokai can be cute. On the flipside, they can be utterly evil and scary too! Here are 15 deadly Yokai you’d never want to meet, within or outside of Japan.

There are as many as eight million Shinto Gods and Goddesses, according to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Here are 120 to know about.

Have you ever wondered what happens inside Mormon temples? Why are they so important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Why do church members want to get married inside the temple? The answers to all of these questions have more to do with sacred doctrines than secrets.

Don't think that the Pharisees are only in the pages of the New Testament. They are among us today.

What does the Bible say about the return of Jesus Christ and the apocalypse? How do Hinduism and Islam view end times? What are eschatology and millenarianism? Learn about these topics and more.

Jacob, one of the founding patriarchs of the Jewish faith, had many character flaws. Jacob, however, was chosen by God for a profound purpose. God revealed part of that purpose to Jacob in a vision of a miraculous ladder that linked heaven and earth.

These historical Japanese religious leaders transformed the socio-political landscape of Japan with their beliefs, practices, and spiritual devotion.

An analysis and interpretation of the beasts that emerge from the sea and the earth in Revelation 13.

The dragon in Revelation 12 is cast down from Heaven to Earth by Michael and his angels. Who is Michael? What is his role? When do these things take place?