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Christianity for the uninitiated...

2011-05-05T17:33:00.001-05:00

Christianity (from the Ancient Greek word Χριστός, Khristos, "Christ", literally "anointed one") is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings. Adherents of the Christian faith are known as Christians.

Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, God having become human and the savior of humanity. Because of this, Christians commonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah. The three largest groups in the world of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the various churches of Protestantism. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox patriarchates split from one another in the East-West Schism of 1054 AD, and Protestantism came into existence during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, splitting from the Roman Catholic Church.

The word Christianity is the label that has been widely accepted by the secular and church-world to describe the practice of faith by the followers or disciples of Jesus Christ.

Christianity began as a Jewish sect in the mid-1st century. Originating in the eastern Mediterranean coast of the Middle East (modern Israel and Palestine), it quickly spread to Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and Egypt, it grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was Christianized, with Christians also being a sometimes large religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, Ethiopia and parts of India. Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas, Australasia, sub Saharan Africa and the rest of the world.

Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, referred to as the "Old Testament" in Christianity. The foundation of Christian theology is expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds, which contain claims predominantly accepted by followers of the Christian faith. These professions state that Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead to open heaven to those who believe in him and trust him for the remission of their sins (salvation). They further maintain that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven where he rules and reigns with God the Father. Most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge all humans, living and dead, and grant eternal life to his followers. He is considered the model of a virtuous life, and both the revealer and physical incarnation of God. Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence refer to the earliest written accounts of his ministry as gospels.

As of the early 21st century, Christianity has around 2.2 billion adherents. Christianity represents about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion. Christianity is the state religion of several countries.

Who is Jesus?

2011-04-10T12:15:00.001-05:00

Jesus of Nazareth (c. 5 BC/BCE – c. 30 AD/CE), also referred to as Jesus Christ or simply Jesus, is the central figure of Christianity. Most Christian denominations venerate him as God the Son incarnated and believe that he rose from the dead after being crucified.

The principal sources of information regarding Jesus are the four canonical gospels, and most critical scholars find them, at least the Synoptic Gospels, useful for reconstructing Jesus’ life and teachings. Some scholars believe apocryphal texts such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of the Hebrews are also relevant.

Most critical historians agree that Jesus was a Jew who was regarded as a teacher and healer, that he was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, on the charge of sedition against the Roman Empire. Critical Biblical scholars and historians have offered competing descriptions of Jesus as a self-described Messiah, as the leader of an apocalyptic movement, as an itinerant sage, as a charismatic healer, and as the founder of an independent religious movement. Most contemporary scholars of the Historical Jesus consider him to have been an independent, charismatic founder of a Jewish restoration movement, anticipating an imminent apocalypse. Other prominent scholars, however, contend that Jesus' "Kingdom of God" meant radical personal and social transformation instead of a future apocalypse.

Christians traditionally believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, performed miracles, founded the Church, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, from which he will return. Most Christian scholars today present Jesus as the awaited Messiah promised in the Old Testament and as God, arguing that he fulfilled many Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. The majority of Christians worship Jesus as the incarnation of God the Son, one of three divine persons of a Trinity. A few Christian groups, however, reject Trinitarianism, wholly or partly, believing it to be non-scriptural.

Judaism rejects assertions that Jesus was the awaited Messiah, arguing that he did not fulfill the Messianic prophecies in the Tanakh. In Islam, Jesus (Arabic: عيسى‎ or يسوع, commonly transliterated as Isa or Yasū, respectively) is considered one of God's important prophets, a bringer of scripture, and the product of a virgin birth; but did not experience a crucifixion. Islam and the Bahá'í Faith use the title "Messiah" for Jesus, but do not teach that he was God incarnate.

Message of Jesus

2010-09-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

Jesus has been given the title of The Great Teacher by many people who have studied and applied his teachings throughout history. The surprising thing is that Jesus was not the typical philosopher or preacher that people were used to. Unlike some other people Jesus tried to make his advice understandable to the common man, sometimes using stories or symbols, but always keeping his message simple, straightforward and practical.

Love

Jesus dealt with many aspects of human life but the one that he spent longest on was the need for love. His focus was not just on the love for our friends and family, but something much more challenging, a love that tests every nerve and sinew.

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) more...

He spoke of a love for those who we want to hate, a love for those who already hate us. This love requires effort, and strain, and every ounce of self-command that man can summon up.

It is the easiest thing in the world to hate, to let the desire for revenge grow in our hearts. Indeed vengeance may even have the shadow of justice attached to it, but in reality it leads to dark, unadulterated hate and a spiral of destruction.

To be truly happy we must rise above the bigotry and jealousy of others. We must love even if we are hated for it. Love and do not hate, for surely love is the only path to peace, freedom and happiness.

Sincerity

There were many people Jesus met who seemed holy in front of others but who acted very differently when there was no-one watching. For Jesus it was no good just pretending to love others, or pretending to control our selfish instincts, we had to truly feel it in our hearts.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28) more...

What we think in our hearts makes us just as guilty as those who commit their sins in daylight. Each of us are careful to appear respectable in front of others, but how many of us would dare to say that our hearts are pure?

If only the world could rid itself of its hypocrisy then people may truly become good rather than just trying to appear so. It is a challenge which each of us must face every hour of every day for the temptation to be otherwise is overwhelming.

Without this sincerity, without this trust, no man can achieve anything worthy of note. It is only sincerity that can inspire men to greatness, that can make heroes who stand up for truth, liberty and justice.

Forgiveness

For Jesus it was important not only that we try to reach these standards of love and sincerity but also that we realise the occasions when we do not. Once we have understood what we have done wrong we can ask for forgiveness, and then make a serious effort to correct our mistakes. It is only when we do this that we can truly be a follower of God.

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14) more...

The forgiveness of our sins is not without a cost because when we break laws, whether they be civil or divine, we should expect to face some consequences. However the price of our forgiveness was paid in a remarkable, symbolic way when Jesus suffered and died in our place. He explained this sacrifice by using bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28)

All of the followers of Jesus are joined together in a mystical union to make up one body, of which Christ is the head. When Jesus died it was like this whole body of believers died in him, and so his death becomes a meaningful sacrifice for the wrong doing of all believers.

We must humble ourselves in a way that allows us to truly understand what we have done, what we deserve, and what Jesus gave up so that we could be free. When we do this we will finally realise how much God has done for us.

Our Father

Having shown men how they should live loving, sincere, humble lives, Jesus also began telling them about how they should think of God. Within each of us there is something that tells us there is a God, some kind of higher power, some force governing the world, yet it is beyond our understanding as to what exactly this Being is.

Jesus tried to reveal this higher power to us in a very simple, yet a truly radical way. Jesus told us to think of God as our Father, as a loving, kind, generous parent who has given us life and will provide for us in the times ahead.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11) more...

Jesus' relationship with the Father was unique as his Spirit was divine, but we too can be children of God. This way of thinking about God changes our whole conception of life. It give us confidence and strength during even the toughest times, and comforts us in the moments of despair.

Jesus' teaching on the Heavenly Father was a truly revolutionary step forward in philosophy and religion. By thinking of God as our Father we can face the world with confidence knowing that He will work everything out for the best. However it also places on us the responsibility of living as the children of God, a truly great family that we must never bring shame upon.

Jesus' life and death

This has been just a short overview of how Jesus' wisdom earned him the name of the "Great Teacher" by many other wise and insightful men. Yet there is even more to Jesus than his wisdom.

Jesus was more than just a teacher, he was also unique in his nature. He united the essence of God and man within himself, being both divine and human. This meant he could be a unique mediator between the Father and mankind, with his death allowing us to be reconciled with God.

Hope Haven Gospel Mission pays off mortgage

2009-11-04T20:43:00.000-06:00

Hope Haven Gospel Mission, an independent Baptist, KJV homeless shelter / soup kitchen in Lewiston, Maine, has paid off its mortgage after a summer campaign to raise funds for that purpose.

"We thank God for this," said Chairman of the Board, Pastor Ron Meldrum. "This puts us in a debt-free position, allowing us to better serve God by serving the needy in the area during this time of economic down-turn and increased need. Being debt-free makes it easier to grow and serve, and will mean a greater capacity to serve and more people saved. God is good."

Hope Haven will have a mortgage-burning ceremony during its open house on November 24.

So far this year, Hope Haven has served 14,523 meals and sheltered 363 men, women, and children. 96 people have been turned away this year because of lack of space in the shelter. Its "Others Ministry" has served 4,199 people this year with clothing, household items, shoes, toys, and personal care items.

Nehemiah Gomez kidnapping update

2009-11-04T20:42:00.000-06:00

Nehemiah Gomez is the 26-year-old son of independent Baptist missionary Jose Gomez in Mexico. Nehemiah was kidnapped last week by Mexican mafia thugs and held for $30,000 ransom. He was supposed to be released Monday, but was not. As of Tuesday, he was still being held.

At the request of the family, the new story at http://EyesOnTheUSA.com/Gomez.html has been temporarily suspended due to the sensitivity of negotiations. This story will be back on-line with updates once we know it's okay with the family.

Further charges brought against Iranian prisoners

2009-10-21T21:50:00.002-05:00

There have been significant developments in the past week regarding Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30), who have been imprisoned in Tehran, Iran for their Christian faith since March. When the women were brought before the Revolutionary Court in early August and ordered to recant their faith, they refused and were sent back to prison.

On October 7, Maryam and Marzieh were unexpectedly taken back to the Revolutionary Court and three charges were brought against them: anti-state activity, propagation of Christianity, and apostasy (i.e. leaving Islam). The judge then acquitted them of the charge of anti-state activity. Because this charge has been dropped, their case will now be transferred to a general court where the other charges will be considered.

Continue to pray for Maryam and Marzieh as they are now back in prison, awaiting their next hearing. Pray for their health as they have been denied proper medical treatment apart from care Maryam received for severe food poisoning. Pray that they will continue to shine the light of Christ among their fellow prisoners. Pray that all charges will be dropped and that they will be released soon.

Revolution in World Missions

2009-10-21T21:50:00.001-05:00

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International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2009

2009-10-21T21:48:00.001-05:00

Can you devote some special time in prayer for persecuted Christians this November?

Christians around the world face abandonment for their faith in Jesus. Some are expelled from their homes. Others are rejected by family and friends. Converts are sometimes even viewed with suspicion and fear by fellow Christians.

Every November, Christians around the world join together in prayer to remember our Christian brothers and sisters suffering persecution simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

There are many countries around the world where Christians are martyred for their faith. Last August, the world watched in horror the unbridled violence unleashed upon Christians in Orissa state, India. In countries like North Korea, acts of persecution take place daily, but we often don't see or hear of it. Brother Andrew of Open Doors once said, "Our heroes are not with us simply because they are in prison."

Stand with your brothers and sisters. Show them they are not alone by praying for your persecuted Christian family on November 8 -- the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Whether you take part as a church, a group or simply spend time in personal prayer for the persecuted, your prayers will be a powerful way to remember those suffering for their Christian witness.

This November, join with thousands of Christians worldwide in prayer for the Persecuted Church. Mark your calendars, inform your churches, and tell your friends about this unique opportunity to pray for your persecuted Christian family and remind suffering believers that they are neither forgotten nor abandoned.

To find out more about IDOP 2009 and special resources designed to help you get involved, please visit the IDOP-international website at www.idop.org. In Canada, go to www.idop.ca.

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2009-10-21T21:08:00.003-05:00

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