Among the symbols employed by the primitive Christians, that of the fish seems to have ranked first in importance. From monumental sources such as tombs it is known that the symbolic fish was familiar to Christians from the earliest times. The fish was depicted as a Christian symbol in the first decades of the 2nd century.[105] Its popularity among Christians was due principally, it would seem, to the famous acrostic consisting of the initial letters of five Greek words forming the word for fish (Ichthys), which words briefly but clearly described the character of Christ and the claim to worship of believers: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter, meaning, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.[105]
Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount displays a distinct lack of interest in the external aspects of prayer. A concern with the techniques of prayer is condemned as 'pagan', and instead a simple trust in God's fatherly goodness is encouraged.[Mat.i 6:5-15] Elsewhere in the New Testament this same freedom of access to God is also emphasized.[Phil.] 4:6][Jam. 5:13-19] This confident position should be understood in light of Christian belief in the unique relationship between the believer and Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.[108]
Intercessory prayer is prayer offered for the benefit of other people. There are many intercessory prayers recorded in the Bible, included prayers of the Apostle Peter on behalf of sick persons[Actse 9:40] and by prophets of the Old Testament in favor of other people.[1Ki/ 17:19-22] In the New Testament book of James no distinction is made between the intercessory prayer offered by ordinary believers and the prominent Old Testament prophet Elijah.[Jams 5:16-18] The effectiveness of prayer in Christianity derives from the power of God rather than the status of the one praying[108]
Have you heard people asking questions like, why should a Christian study the bible? Is the church bible study not enough? Is the bible the word of God? Some would love to study the bible but seem not to have the time for it. This article is to give reasons Christian believers MUST do bible study and they are listed in no particular order
