... Some facts about Christianity…
Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ: (external link opens in new window) Jesus back |
There are approximately 2.1 billion people claiming Christian Faith, about 1/3 of the World’s population. But there are some difficulties in estimating numbers as some sects are not recognised as Christian by the major Christian Churches. Also no-one can really tell if a person is a Christian at heart, or if they are just paying lip-service to the name. This is impossible for any but God who sees the heart to judge!
Christian forgiveness does not extend to some states of sin. Where a person has suffered a loss, or grievous hurt or harm, by another’s deliberate actions and the sinful person shows little or no remorse, God is Just and Righteous, and will deal with this justly. Remorse involves suitably and actively recompensing the person sinned against!
The Two Greatest Commandments
Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.
Love your neighbour as yourself.
The Ten Commandments
And God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord thy God’
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy
Honour thy father and thy mother
Thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not commit adultery
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
Thou shalt not covet."
God first, always! Do not worship any other gods.
Do not worship effigies.
Never dishonour God’s name.
Find time at least one day a week to worship God and admire his creation!
Honour and respect our parents.
Do not kill however angry others make us.
Do not steal another’s husband or wife. Do not divorce except for unfaithfulness.
Do not take what belongs to others.
Do not make up untruths to cause trouble.
Do not be jealous of what others have.
Do these things and The Lord your God will show favour to you and your family and bless you always.
Christianity has existed for nearly 2,000 years. God has always been with us!
Jesus died on the cross at the age of 33, and witnessed raised from the dead.
The main books of the Old Testament ie God and people, before Jesus.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Books of the early prophets Elijah was an important Israelite prophet whose name in Hebrew means “my Lord is Jehovah.” Accounts of Elijah’s life and actions are recorded through 1 and 2 Kings.
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Books of the later prophets, notably Isaiah
The main books of the New Testament, ie with Jesus, and God's New Covenant through Jesus
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts of the Apostles
The Life of Jesus
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea and raised and grew up in Nazareth.
When Jesus was approaching 30 years of age, John the Baptist baptised people in the river Jordan, telling that Jesus would soon appear as Saviour to all the peoples of the world.
Jesus commenced his Ministry in Nazareth and began preaching around the banks of the Sea of Galilee.
He appointed 12 disciples to assist in His Ministry.
The Twelve Apostles
James, son of Zebedee
John, son of Zebedee
Philip
Bartholomew
Thomas
Andrew (Peter's brother)
Simon Peter
Matthew the tax collector
James, son of Alphaeus
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus
Thaddaeus
Jesus taught us to know, love and serve God. He taught us to love and care for others, and to introduce children to Christianity and to teach others about Christianity and to preach the gospel throughout the world.
Jesus forgave sins and healed bodily disease and injury. He raised others from the dead. He performed through God many miracles.
He made himself known to the disciples through the breaking of bread and sharing of wine.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he received a tumultuous and triumphant welcome.
He held the Last Supper with his disciples, on the same night Judas Iscariot went on to betray Jesus to the Roman authorities and the Jewish high priests.
He was crucified, buried and rose from the dead on the third day.
He has instructed his disciples and followers to spread the gospel throughout the world.
He ascended into heaven, whence he will return!
He asks us to remember him, his death on the cross, his resurrection from the dead and the Promise that he will one day return in his Kingdom, in Glory and in Might!
The devil plotted his demise over thousands of years. God and Jesus utterly defeated this over just three earth days!!!!!
When Jesus returns in His Kingdom, he will rule over us, for all eternity. The dead will be raised, to judgement, or salvation. The saved will be resurrected to Eternal Life.
How to live: Have faith in the true God and Christ's resurrection, do good works, participate in the sacraments.
All praise be to God, The Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit!
All praise be to the Saints and all those resurrected in the name of Jesus!
All praise be to God!!!!!