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| − | + | {{Short description|WikiChristian is a free Christian encyclopedia, Bible resource and community}} | |
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| − | + | <div style="max-width:1280px;margin:0 auto;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.55;color:#263238;"> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | <!-- WELCOME HERO --> | |
| − | + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#163f35 0%,#286553 64%,#ad8745 100%);color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:1.7em 1.8em;margin:.4em 0 1em;box-shadow:0 3px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.15);overflow:hidden;"> | |
| − | < | + | <div style="float:right;width:92px;margin:-.25em 0 .5em 1.2em;text-align:center;">[[File:Wooden cross.jpg|82px|alt=Wooden cross|link=Jesus Christ]]</div> |
| − | [[ | + | <div style="font-size:210%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.12;">Welcome to [[WikiChristian:About|<span style="color:#fff;">WikiChristian</span>]]</div> |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:112%;max-width:900px;margin:.45em 0;color:#e8f3ef;">A free [[Christian encyclopedia]], Bible resource and community where Christians can share knowledge, explore the faith and help others learn about [[Jesus Christ]].</div> | |
| + | <div style="margin-top:.8em;font-size:94%;color:#f7e7bd;">'''{{NUMBEROFPAGES}} pages''' · '''{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles''' · '''{{NUMBEROFEDITS}} edits'''</div> | ||
| + | <div style="margin-top:1em;"> | ||
| + | <span style="display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#17483b;border-radius:5px;padding:.5em .9em;margin:.15em .25em .15em 0;font-weight:bold;">[[Christianity|Explore Christianity]]</span> | ||
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| + | '''Quick links:''' [[WikiChristian:Bible|Bible referencing]] · [[WikiChristian:Page Layout|Writing guide]] · [[WikiChristian:Statement of Faith|Statement of Faith]] · [[WikiChristian:About|Our vision]] · [[WikiChristian:Administrators|Administrators]] · [[WikiChristian needs your help!|Become an editor]] · [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]] · [[Special:Random|Random article]] | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
| − | <div style="font-size: | + | <!-- INTRODUCTION AND CONTENT DIRECTORY --> |
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| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="flex:11 1 530px;border:1px solid #bad4ca;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#dceee7;border-bottom:1px solid #bad4ca;padding:.75em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;color:#17483b;">What is Christianity?</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#536b63;">An introduction to the Christian faith</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1.05em 1.15em;"> | ||
| + | [[File:Love-Of-God-Heart-800px.png|right|220px|alt=The love of God|link=Love of God]] | ||
| + | {{featuredcontent}} | ||
| + | <div style="clear:both;"></div> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#f2f8f5;border-left:5px solid #34705e;border-radius:5px;padding:.7em .85em;margin-top:.9em;">Begin with [[God|Who is God?]], discover the life and teaching of [[Jesus Christ]], learn about the [[Gospel]] and explore what it means to live as a [[Christian]].</div> | ||
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| − | + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="flex:9 1 410px;border:1px solid #c7d4e1;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | |
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| − | + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#5d7081;">Browse the Christian knowledge library</div> | |
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| − | + | [[File:Seek-The-Truth-800px.png|right|180px|alt=Seek the truth|link=Christianity]] | |
| + | '''Faith and doctrine''' | ||
| + | * [[God]] · [[Jesus Christ]] · [[Holy Spirit]] · [[Trinity]] | ||
| + | * [[Gospel]] · [[Grace]] · [[Salvation]] · [[Love]] | ||
| + | * [[Christian doctrine and debates|Doctrine and debates]] | ||
| − | [[ | + | '''Bible and Church''' |
| − | [[ | + | * [[Bible]] · [[Old Testament]] · [[New Testament]] |
| − | * [[ | + | * [[Church]] · [[Church history]] · [[Denominations]] |
| + | * [[Christian worship]] · [[Prayer]] · [[Christian ministry]] | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''People, culture and mission''' |
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| − | + | </div> | |
| − | + | <!-- NEWS / FEATURED ARTICLE / VIDEO --> | |
| + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1em;align-items:flex-start;margin-bottom:1em;"> | ||
| − | + | <!-- LEFT: NEWS AND DID YOU KNOW --> | |
| + | <div style="flex:58 1 600px;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| − | + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #dec98f;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;margin-bottom:1em;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | |
| − | + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#8a681e 0%,#b38a3f 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">In the news</div> | |
| − | < | + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#fff4d7;">The Gospel · Global mission · The persecuted Church</div> |
| − | + | </div> | |
| − | + | <div style="padding:1.05em 1.15em;"> | |
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| − | + | <div style="background:#fff8e5;border-left:5px solid #b38a3f;border-radius:5px;padding:.75em .9em;margin-bottom:.9em;"> | |
| + | '''The greatest good news''' is the [[Gospel]]: [[Jesus Christ]] came into the world, died on the cross and rose from the dead so that all who trust in him may receive [[forgiveness]] and new life. See [[Christianity]] and [[Salvation]]. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <div style="background:#f3f9f6;border:1px solid #c4d8d1;border-top:5px solid #286553;border-radius:7px;padding:.9em;margin-bottom:.8em;"> | |
| + | <div style="font-size:79%;font-weight:bold;color:#64776f;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Featured mission story · Colombia</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:121%;font-weight:bold;color:#17483b;margin:.15em 0;">Evangelical churches mobilize after major earthquake</div> | ||
| + | Churches and Christian ministries are coordinating relief, shelter and pastoral care for affected communities. [https://worldea.org/ World Evangelical Alliance] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75em;align-items:stretch;"> | |
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">PERSECUTED CHURCH</div> | ||
| + | '''388 million Christians face serious persecution.''' | ||
| + | The 2026 World Watch List identifies Nigeria, Sudan and Mali as major centers of violence. [https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/persecution-trends/ Open Doors] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">LEBANON AND SYRIA</div> | ||
| + | '''Pastor Nihad Hassan returns to Lebanon.''' | ||
| + | The Kurdish evangelical pastor was released following his arrest in Syria. [https://worldea.org/ World Evangelical Alliance] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">BIBLE TRANSLATION</div> | ||
| + | '''Translation becomes increasingly local.''' | ||
| + | Church-led, culturally appropriate and multimedia approaches are expanding Scripture access. [https://wycliffe.net/2026/07/23/bible-translations-future-is-diverse-and-local/ Wycliffe] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;border:1px solid #d8dfdc;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#8a681e;">ASIA</div> | ||
| + | '''Church leaders prioritize discipleship.''' | ||
| + | Evangelical leaders meeting in Manila called for disciple-making to remain central to mission. [https://worldea.org/weas-manila-conference-calls-on-asias-churches-for-prioritizing-discipleship/ WEA] | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| − | + | <div style="background:#f7f4ea;border-radius:6px;padding:.7em .85em;margin-top:.9em;text-align:center;">[[Christian news#Christian missions|Missions]] · [[Christian news#Persecuted Church|Persecuted Church]] · [[Christian news#Bible translation|Bible translation]] · [[Christian news#Religious freedom|Religious freedom]]</div> | |
| − | + | <div style="text-align:center;margin-top:.8em;"><span style="display:inline-block;background:#8a681e;color:#fff;border-radius:5px;padding:.5em 1em;font-weight:bold;">[[Christian news|<span style="color:#fff;">Read more Christian news →</span>]]</span></div> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:79%;color:#6b7773;text-align:center;margin-top:.55em;">News preview updated 18 August 2026</div> | |
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| − | + | </div> | |
| + | </div> | ||
| − | | | + | <!-- DID YOU KNOW --> |
| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #b9cfe0;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#315d78 0%,#4e7e99 72%,#a98444 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">Did you know?</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#eaf4f9;">People, ideas and milestones from Protestant Christianity</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1em 1.15em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#eef6fa;border-left:5px solid #4e7e99;border-radius:5px;padding:.65em .8em;margin-bottom:.85em;">Discover notable moments in the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] story and explore how the [[Bible]], the [[Gospel]] and Christian service have shaped communities around the world.</div> | ||
| − | < | + | <div style="display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75em;align-items:stretch;"> |
| − | + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Reformation</div> | |
| − | + | [[Martin Luther]]'s [[Ninety-five Theses]], traditionally dated to 31 October 1517, became an important catalyst of the [[Protestant Reformation]]. | |
| − | + | </div> | |
| − | + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">The Bible in everyday language</div> | |
| − | | | + | Protestant reformers strongly promoted translating and reading the [[Bible]] in the languages spoken by ordinary people; Luther's German New Testament appeared in 1522. |
| − | | | + | </div> |
| − | + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | |
| − | + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">A royal priesthood</div> | |
| + | The Protestant teaching commonly called the [[priesthood of all believers]] emphasizes that every Christian has direct access to God through [[Jesus Christ]] and is called to serve him (1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 4:14–16). | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Congregational song</div> | ||
| + | The Reformation encouraged whole congregations—not only choirs or clergy—to sing. Luther wrote hymns, while [[Charles Wesley]] later composed thousands of hymn texts for the [[Methodism|Methodist]] movement. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Global mission</div> | ||
| + | The 1792 publication of [[William Carey]]'s missionary appeal helped inspire the modern Protestant missionary movement; Carey later worked as a Bible translator and educator in India. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:1 1 225px;border:1px solid #d3e0e7;border-radius:7px;padding:.8em;box-sizing:border-box;background:#fbfdfe;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:78%;font-weight:bold;color:#315d78;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;">Many traditions, one historic center</div> | ||
| + | [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], [[Reformed Christianity|Reformed Christians]], [[Anglicanism|Anglicans]], [[Baptists]], [[Methodism|Methodists]], [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] and many evangelical churches differ in practice, yet historically affirm the unique saving work of [[Jesus Christ]] and the authority of Scripture. | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | <div style="background:#f2f7fa;border-radius:6px;padding:.7em .85em;margin-top:.9em;text-align:center;">[[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] · [[Five solae|Five solae]] · [[History of Protestantism|Protestant history]] · [[Protestant denominations|Denominations]] · [[Evangelicalism]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="text-align:right;margin-top:.75em;">'''[[Protestantism|Explore Protestant Christianity →]]'''</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
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| + | |||
| + | <!-- RIGHT: FEATURED ARTICLE AND VIDEO --> | ||
| + | <div style="flex:42 1 430px;box-sizing:border-box;"> | ||
| + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #b8c9c3;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;margin-bottom:1em;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#244f43 0%,#34705e 74%,#a98444 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">[[Featured article|<span style="color:#fff;">Featured article</span>]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#e5f1ed;">Explore an important subject from the Christian faith</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1em 1.1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#f2f8f5;border-left:5px solid #34705e;border-radius:5px;padding:.65em .8em;margin-bottom:.8em;color:#385149;">Selected articles highlight the [[Bible]], [[Jesus Christ]], theology, Church history, ministry and the worldwide Christian community.</div> | ||
| + | {{fa}} | ||
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| + | <div style="border-top:1px solid #d7e1dd;margin-top:.8em;padding-top:.7em;text-align:right;">'''[[Featured article|More featured articles →]]'''</div> | ||
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| − | ---- | + | <div class="MainPageBG" style="border:1px solid #c9c6dc;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 7px rgba(0,0,0,.08);"> |
| − | + | <div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#47406e 0%,#69619b 75%,#a67b4b 100%);color:#fff;padding:.8em 1em;"> | |
| + | <div style="font-size:145%;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-weight:bold;">[[Christian videos|<span style="color:#fff;">Video of the week</span>]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="font-size:88%;color:#eeeafa;">Watch, listen, learn and be encouraged</div> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | <div style="padding:1em 1.1em;"> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#f6f4fb;border-left:5px solid #69619b;border-radius:5px;padding:.65em .8em;margin-bottom:.8em;">Selected [[Christian worship|worship]], sermons, testimonies, films and reports from the global Church.</div> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#181818;border:1px solid #333;border-radius:7px;padding:.45em;text-align:center;overflow:hidden;">{{VOTW}}</div> | ||
| + | <div style="margin-top:.7em;text-align:center;">[[Christian worship|Worship]] · [[Sermon|Sermons]] · [[Christian testimony|Testimonies]] · [[Christian missions|Missions]]</div> | ||
| + | <div style="background:#fff8e5;border-left:4px solid #b08a45;border-radius:5px;padding:.55em .7em;margin-top:.7em;font-size:88%;">Featured videos express the views of their producers or speakers. Viewers should compare teaching carefully with the [[Bible]].</div> | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:07, 18 August 2026
Quick links: Bible referencing · Writing guide · Statement of Faith · Our vision · Administrators · Become an editor · Recent changes · Random article
September, 27 - Daily Devotions
September scripture portion: Ezekiel 12 - Malachi (including the Books of Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi)
- Ezekiel 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
- Nahum 1 2 3 | Habakkuk 1 2 3 | Zephaniah 1 2 3 | Zechariah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 | Malachi 1 2 3 4
Zephaniah was no ordinary preacher. He was a great, great grandson of King Hezekiah, one of Judah 's most famous rulers. He was of the royal line but, more important, he had the message of God on his lips and in his heart. Zephaniah preached during the time of Godly King Josiah.
By all appearances it was a time of religious concern and consecration in the land. But Zephaniah knew the religious zeal of the people was not sincere. Their reforms were shallow. They had gotten rid of the idols in their homes, but not the idols in their hearts.
Zephaniah 's message can be divided into three parts. Two of them deal with judgment and one with mercy. In chapter 1 God said, speaking of the land of Judah , "I will utterly consume all things from off the land." Nothing would escape His judgment. It would include even the beasts, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea. It would especially affect those who worshiped idols and those who had turned their backs on God. This judgment would virtually wipe out the land of Judah .
Chapters 2:4--3:7 indicate that God would also judge many other nations. Zephaniah names the various Gentile nations around Judah , and announces that God will judge them also for their sins.
Zephaniah closes with a message of promise that God will one day regather the people, punish the Gentile nations, and restore Israel and Judah to their land.
In order to understand the work of the last three prophets of the Old Testament (Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi), we must review Jewish history. The Book of Ezra recorded that Ezra took some 50,000 Jews, returned to the Holy Land (536 b.c.), rebuilt the altar, and started the sacrifices again. In 535 b.c., the foundation was laid for the Temple, but there was considerable opposition and the work stopped. It was the work of four Godly men that finally brought the task to completion. Those four were Zerubbabel, the governor; Joshua the high priest; and Haggai and Zechariah, the prophets. The whole purpose of Haggai's ministry was to awaken the lazy people and encourage them to finish God's Temple.
There are four sermons recorded in the Book of Haggai. In chapter 1 Haggai's message is against putting self ahead of the Lord. The people had built their own houses and did not find time to build the house of the Lord. Haggai points out the selfishness of their hearts.
The second message is found in chapter 2:1-9. Here Haggai warns against looking back. The third message is recorded in verses 10-19. It deals with the failure to confess sins. The people expected material blessings the very day they began to work on the Temple, but Haggai explained to them that they were still unclean. They had not confessed their sins, and God would not bless them until they repented before Him and were cleansed.
The final message is in verses 20-23. It deals with unbelief, and was directed to the governor personally. No doubt Zerubbabel needed special encouragement as he directed the work of the Lord. Satan always attacks spiritual leaders. It is our duty to pray for them and work with them.
Perhaps Zerubbabel saw the great empires around him and feared for the future of the tiny remnant of Jews. Circumstances have a way of discouraging us as we seek to build a work for the Lord. God told Zerubbabel, through Haggai, that He would shake the heavens and the earth. He told him not to be afraid of these enemy kingdoms, because He would overthrow and destroy them.
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