Christian Religion

Historical Background of Christianity

• Judah (Judea) was conquered by the Roman Empire.

• Jews experienced oppression under Roman rule despite having their own king Jewish beliefs conflicted with the Romans' polytheistic and pagan religion.

• Many Jews hoped for the coming of the promised Messiah to deliver them and restore Israel.

• Different responses to Roman rule: Religious zealots resisted through guerrilla warfare. Others waited for the Messiah, believing he would restore Israel. Some lived ascetic lives in the wilderness, studying the Scriptures.

• Christianity gradually emerged from this historical context.

63 B.C.

Judah (Judea) was conquered by the Roman Empire.

Four Gospels

• Matthew

• Mark

• Luke

• John

The Four Gospels' Records on the Life and Ministry of Jesus

• The Baptism

• The Calling of His Disciples

• Miracles

• Teachings

• Suffering and Death

• The Resurrection

• The Great Commission and the Ascension

The Baptism

• Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at about 30 years old.

• Marked the beginning of His publie ministry.

The Baptism

• Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at about 30 years old.

• Marked the beginning of His publie ministry.

Miracles

• Jesus performed at least 35 recorded miracles.

• He healed the sick, blind, lepers, and the demon-possessed.

• He raised the dead on three occasions.

• He demonstrated power over nature by calming the storm and walking on water.

• He miraculously fed 6,000 and 4,000 people.

Teachings

• Jesus taught through the Sermon on the Mount and parables.

• His teachings amazed many people.

• He preached in the Temple and other public places.

Suffering and Death

• Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified.

• He suffered in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

• His death was confirmed before His burial.

The Resurrection

• Jesus rose from the dead on the third day.

• Many eyewitnesses saw Him alive after His resurrection.

The Great Commission and the Ascension

• Jesus commanded His disciples to preach and make disciples of all nations.

• After 40 days, He ascended into heaven.

The Birth of the Christian Church

• The Christian Church was founded during the Day of Pentecost.

• Recorded in the Book of Acts.

• Pentecost marked the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel.

• 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy

• 2. Beginning of the Church Age

• 3. Signs Following Pentecost

• 4. The First Converts

Fulfillment of Prophecy

• The Holy Spirit came as Jesus and John the Baptist had promised.

• Believers were baptized into Christ.

• The Holy Spirit empowered believers to become witnesses of Jesus.

Beginning of the Church Age

• Pentecost marked the beginning of the Church Age.

• Believers in Jesus became part of the body (bride) of Christ.

• The Church Age continues until Christ returns.

Signs Following Pentecost

• The coming of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by miraculous signs.

• Believers spoke in new tongues.

• These signs fulfilled Jesus' prediction.

The First Converts

• Peter preached about the resurrection of Jesus.

• About 3,000 people believed and were baptized.

• These became the first members of the Christian Church.

The Christian Distinctives

• Christianity began as a sect of Judaism in the 1st century in Roman Juden.

• Due to persecution, Jesus' apostles and followers spread Christianity throughout: Levant, Europe, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Transcaucasia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

• The growing number of Gentile believers led to a gradual separation from Jewish customs.

AD 313

Emperor Constantine the Great legalized Christianity through the Edict o Milan.

AD 380

Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire.

AD 1064

The Great Schism divided Christianity into: Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church.

16th Century

The Protestant Reformation led to the rise of Protestant churches.

The Three Major Branches of Christianity

• Roman Catholic

• Eastern Orthodox

• Protestant

2.61 Billion

Christianity has approximately this many followers worldwide.

Major Beliefs of Christianity

• Belief in God

• Belief in Jesus Christ

• Justification by Faith

• The Trinity

• Life after Death

Belief in God

• Christianity is a monotheistic religion.

• God is Spirit, living, and personal.

• Humans were created in God's image and likeness.

God's personality includes

• Intellect

• Emotions

• Will

God's Attributes

• Omnipresence - Present everywhere.

• Omniscience - All-knowing.

• Omnipotence - All-powerful.

The Names of God

• General Names

El - Strength

Elohim - Creator, Provider, Supreme Ruler

• The Covenant Name

Jehovah (Yahweh) - The Self-existing One

• Compound Names

Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord Will Provide

Jehovah-Nissi - The Lord, My Banner

Jehovah-Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness

Belief in Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the Son of God.

• He is fully human and fully divine.

• He came to save humanity from sin.

• Faith in Jesus leads to eternal life.

Justification by Faith

• Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

• Jesus' death and resurrection bring forgiveness of sins.

• Roman Catholics complement this belief with good works.

The Trinity

• The Trinity teaches that there is one God.

• God exists as three distinct Persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

• Each Person is fully God.

Life after Death

• Jesus"‘ death and resurrection conquered sin and death.

• Those who believe in Jesus will:

Share in His resurrection.

Receive everlasting life in heaven.

Christian Worship

Christian worship may include:

• Prayer

• Singing hymns and praises

• Reading the Bible

• Individual or congregational worship

• Usually held on Sunday mornings

Christian Festivals and Days of Significance

• Christmas

• Easter

• All Saints’ Day

Christmas

It celebrates the birth of Jesus.

Easter

It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

All Saints’ Day

It honors all the saints of the Church.

Other Religious Practices

• The Eucharist / Communion / Lord’s Supper

• Baptism

• Prayer Meetings