INTRODUCTION TO CHRISITAN CONCEPTS

Introduction to the Bible: 

Presented by Sarah Heath 

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Sarah, and I have attended this church for 15 ½ years. I do try to stay in the background as much as possible, but it is one of my greatest joys to be one of the teen class teachers here on Sunday mornings.  I’m truly grateful you’ve joined us today as we look at one of the most remarkable, influential, and enduring books ever written: the Bible.

Depending on your background, you may have been raised reading its stories, or perhaps you’ve only heard about it in passing. Some people know it as an ancient religious text, others as a collection of old fables, and still others as a historical and cultural artifact. But what is it, really? Why does it matter? And why has it captivated readers, believers, and skeptics alike for thousands of years?

We don’t have time to do a deep dive into all of the history of the Bible, but today we’re going to briefly explore what the Bible is, why it’s unique, and what evidence supports its authenticity.

First of all, what Does ‘Bible’ Mean?

The word “Bible” itself comes from the Greek word biblia, meaning “books” or “writings.”

By definition:

• Holy means “dedicated or consecrated to God, sacred.”
  
  
• And Bible refers to the sacred scriptures of Christians, which are divided into two main parts:
  
  
  • The Old Testament
    
    
  • The New Testament

The word “testament” simply means covenant, or agreement, between God and humanity. 

Let’s look at some facts about the Bible

The Bible isn’t just one book — it’s a collection of 66 different books! The books are divided into chapters and verses to facilitate easier reference and study of the text. The Geneva Bible, published in 1560 AD, was the first to use both chapter and verse division in a standardized format.

The original manuscripts were written by around 40 authors on three different continents over at least 1,500 years.

The Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek — three languages no longer spoken conversationally today.

• The Old Testament contains 39 books, covering a time span of about 3,500 years — from the creation of the world to the building of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. These include: 
  • History
  • Songs
  • Poetry
  • Genealogies
  • And Prophecy
    
    
• The New Testament has 27 books, starting at the life of Jesus Christ and extending to around 95 A.D. These include:
  
  
  • Gospels (biographies of Jesus)
  • History of the early Church
  • Letters to individuals and congregations
  • And prophetic visions of the future

Between the Old and New Testaments were approximately 400 “silent years” — a time when no new prophets arose and no new scripture was written.

How Should We Interpret It?

As students of the Bible, it’s important to remember: the Bible should be interpreted literally first — seeking the natural, plain meaning of the text, before considering symbolism or hidden meanings.

This means paying attention to:

• Grammar
• Historical and cultural context
• Symbols
• Parables
• Geography
• And the background of the human author

Each passage has a primary meaning — what the original author intended to convey in that moment — though it can also have many applications for different people and times.

Evidence for the Bible’s Authenticity

Some might ask: “How can we be sure the Bible we have today is accurate and authentic?”

Perhaps before putting the Bible under a microscope to prove it’s origin is indeed divine, we could take a moment to consider that for any historical document, we were not there. We must rely on evidence that we have not seen, and historians that we do not know. We have probably taken for granted that everything we were taught in school, or that we can research online, is in fact true and told to us with pure intent. But how can one ever know for certain that a story passed along from generation to generation is accurate? Don’t most stories evolve over time? Doesn’t every book written need to be altered to some degree to avoid plagiarism and reflect each author’s opinion and personality? Can there be a written work that is pure, unadulterated fact?  It does, therefore, take a measure of faith to read any material, whether that be a history book, magazine column, or research paper, and believe it to be true. 

That being said, one of the most extraordinary discoveries of the 20th century was the Dead Sea Scrolls, found in 1947 by Bedouin shepherds in caves near the Dead Sea. These ancient scrolls and fragments date back over 2,000 years and include parts of every Old Testament book except Esther.

When compared with modern translations, the accuracy is remarkable — demonstrating how carefully these texts have been preserved through centuries of meticulous copying. These scrolls are on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and a few are at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in California.

Archaeology has long confirmed people and places of the Bible, such as the well-known Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, and more recent finds continue to validate the existence of Biblical sites like the City of David, Jericho, and Solomon’s Temple. Beyond archaeology, historians confirm events and figures by evaluating primary sources — original documents and artifacts — and secondary sources — written accounts and interpretations, and by these standards, most historians agree that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure. 

Additionally, and quite amazingly, the Books of the Bible contain approximately 63,779 cross references. These cross-references highlight connections between different parts of the Bible, showing how themes, prophecies, events, and people are interwoven throughout the text. If only one man had written these texts, he would be a master composer. The complex, internal interconnections are linked in a vast web of knowledge in much the same way we might click links through Wikipedia all day long, except while studying the Bible we are flipping pages left and right. Every verse and phrase is dependent on every other verse and phrase to get the “full” meaning.

The Bible and Science

A common myth is that science and the Bible contradict each other. In truth,however, when read correctly, the Bible often confirms what modern science later discovered.

For example:

• The laws governing nature are mentioned in Job 38:33
  • “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?”

       and Jeremiah 33:25

• “Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;”

The water cycle is described in Ecclesiastes 1:7 

• “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.”
• and Job 36:27-28
  • “For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.”
  • The earth’s position in space is stated in Job 26:7

“He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.”

• The earth’s round shape is noted in Isaiah 40:22
  • “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:”
• The First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics are reflected in Genesis 2:1 
  • “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.”
• and Psalm 102:25-26
  • “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:”
    
    
• Ocean currents and paths are mentioned in Psalm 8:8
  • “The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.”
    
    
• The importance of blood as life in Leviticus 17:11
  • “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
    
    
• And laws of hygiene are laid out in Leviticus 15:13
  • “And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.”
    
    

Centuries before scientists confirmed these facts, the Bible recorded them — knowledge too advanced for ancient societies to invent alone.

Let’s try to look through another lens: 

The Bible’s Cultural Significance

For Jewish people, the first five books — called the Torah — are as sacred and central as the U.S. Constitution and our history is to us. The Psalms are revered as timeless songs and poetry, much like works by Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman. 

Many ancient Biblical sites, references, and customs are not as easily accessible to us today simply because we’re far removed from the land, language, and culture in which these events occurred. Most of us can only trace our own family histories back a few generations — imagine tracing a nation’s history back over 3,000 years!

So why Did God Choose to communicate through a written book?

Written communication is considered a direct form of communication. It is crucial for clear and precise information exchange, record-keeping, accountability, and reaching a wide audience. It is less likely than oral communication to be incomplete or distorted.

The written word can:

• Be preserved
  
• Be copied accurately
  
• Be translated into other languages
• Be studied and reflected upon
  
  
• And be read by generation after generation

Today, the Bible has been translated into over 3,500 languages and is the best-selling publication of all time — a testament to its enduring power, relevance, and the divine intent behind its creation.

Practical Application

Finally — even for those who may not accept the Bible’s divine inspiration, its principles work.

It has timeless wisdom about

• Personal responsibility
  • Galatians 6:4-5   “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.”  
  • Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
• Family and Relationships
  • Colossians 3:18-21 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
  • 1 Timothy 5:1-3  “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honour widows that are widows indeed.”
  • Luke 6:31   “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
    
    
• Honesty
  • Ephesians 4:25   “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”
  • Ephesians 4:28   “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
  • Proverbs 10:9   “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
    
    
• Work-life balance
  • Psalm 127:2   “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 
  • Hebrews 4:9-10
    
    
• Finances
  • Proverbs 23:4-5   “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
  • Luke 14:28  “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
  • Proverbs 3:9-10  “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
  • Proverbs 22:7   “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
  • Proverbs 21:20   “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
  • Psalm 37:21   “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
    
    
• Generosity
  • Luke 6:38   “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into thy bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall measured to you again.”
  • Acts 20:35   “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
  • Proverbs 22:9   “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
    
    
• Equality
  • Deuteronomy 10:17-19   “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and LORD of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
  • James 2:8-9   “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”
  • Luke 14:13-14   “But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”
    
    
• And justice
  • Romans 2:8-10  “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”
  • Micah 6:8   “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
  • Jeremiah 22:3  “Thus saith the Lord; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.”
  • Proverbs 21:15   “It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”
    
    

— and these principles continue to produce positive, transformative effects in the lives of those who live by them.

Closing Thought

We believe the Bible is the Word of God to us, written by men chosen and moved upon by His Spirit. It isn’t simply a random collection of ancient writings or moral teachings. It’s a living, active message from the Creator to His Creation, communicated to humanity through human authors, across centuries, cultures, and continents.

2 Peter 1:21 tells us:  “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

Though these men used their own language, culture, and style, the Holy Spirit guided them so that every word would accurately convey God’s message to the world. Whether you approach the Bible as a believer, a student of history, or a seeker of truth, it’s words continue to speak, challenge, and inspire. 

What is the Bible to you?

Introduction to Jesus and Christianity: 

Presented by Autumn Heath 

   Jesus was a Jewish man who lived in the first century AD. Almost every major religion teaches that Jesus was a prophet or a good teacher or a godly man. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea during the Roman Empire and he lived more than 30 years. Jesus taught using parables and stories, emphasizing love, compassion, and forgiveness. He emphasized humility and service to others. He performed miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead. He is the central figure in Christianity. The promised Messiah, a Savior who came to redeem humanity. Jesus’ birth was foretold starting nearly 600 years before he was born not only by different people, but those people lived in different time periods

Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) states: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2 (KJV): But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

The gospel of John is unique among the four gospels. 

Matthew shows the Jews that Jesus is their Messiah; 

Mark shows the Romans that Jesus is the suffering servant; 

Luke shows the Greeks that Jesus is the perfect man. 

Matthew starts with a genealogy, 

Mark and Luke begin with the ministry of John the Baptist. 

But John, who writes some 60 years after the birth of the New Testament church, starts differently  

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 

   From his opening sentence, John is on a mission to prove that Jesus is exactly who He said He was – the True and Only God in a body of flesh. 90% of John’s gospel is unique. There are no parables. John is very selective about the miracles he records and the ones he does record are twinned with Jesus’ teaching. Only in John does Jesus talk at such length about His identity. John is the only gospel writer who intentionally records the “I Am” statements of Jesus (I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the door, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way, the truth and the life. To name a few. A carpenter from Nazareth was using the ancient name of God revealed to Moses (in the Old Testament) at the burning bush – “I AM THAT I AM” – and he was using it casually to refer to himself!

Exodus 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

I AM Statement scripture references:

· John 6:35

· John 8:12

· John 10:9

· John 10:11&14

· John 11:25

· John 14:6

· John 15:1&5

I AM THAT I AM or I AM – The original form spoken to Moses by God Himself, carrying in it the concepts of being Eternal and Self Existent, a being who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient.  YHWH or YAHWEH – This name comes from four consonants (YOD, HEH, VAV, HEH) in Hebrew, and is called the TETRAGRAMMATON.  Because ancient Hebrew was written only in consonants, those who read it aloud had to supply the vowel sounds.  To actually translate this name into English, we would say, "The Eternal." And in the English language, we would use the consonants JHVH or pronounce JEHOVAH.

Leviticus 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

   The Jews, after returning from the Babylonian captivity (450 BC) began to reverence the name "Yahweh" so greatly that they outlawed the very use of it, first for the common people, later for the priests.  Finally, only the high priest was allowed to say it, and then only on the Day of Atonement.  When Simon, who was the last high priest permitted to use it, died in 270 BC, a total prohibition against saying the name came into force among the Jews.  "Adonai" became the substitute word.

ADONAI or ADON – This was a Hebrew word meaning "Lord," used as a substitute for YHWH.  When it was read, the Jewish congregation would reply "HA SHEM" or "THE NAME."  This eventually became the only way the Jews would refer to the proper name of God.

By the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Jews had not heard the proper name of the God they were serving for over 300 years.

That is why John’s gospel is so striking! 

Suddenly, a carpenter from Nazareth is casually using the proper name of God – the name they have not been allowed to say for over 300 years – to describe Himself!  But Jesus had a right to use God’s name because HE WAS GOD The Jewish religious leaders were outraged.

Isaiah 44:6 I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:8 Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any

Isaiah 44:24 I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 

Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me

John 8:24-28

John 8:58      

John 18:4-6

Ex 3:14

Jesus is God made visible

Colossians 1:14-19  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

John 14:8-9

John 10:30

John 1:1

Romans 8:9

Revelation 1:8

If God is Almighty as the Old Testament teaches then how can Jesus be almighty?

There can be only one was ALL might and ALL power.

Jesus is God in the flesh! Fully God and Fully man.

When the bible refers to the Father it’s reference is to God as a spirit and when referencing The Son it’s God in the flesh.

Colossians 2:9  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 

Jesus would as the disciples who they thought He was and this was Peters response…

Matthew 16:16-18  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

What revelation did Peter receive? 

The revelation that Jesus, who was standing before him in flesh, was the “anointed body of the living God”

God doesn’t have flesh and blood. He would have to come to us at some point as a man to shed that blood. Because the blood of a sinful man would not be enough to cover the payment that sin cost for that one man let alone the sins of the whole world through time from then on.

1 John 2:2 KJV reads: "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world".

Acts 20:28 states: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

1 Timothy 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

As God in the flesh Jesus was the perfect mediator between heaven and earth.

1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

John 14:6 states: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me

Because of His great love for us God robed himself in flesh and came dwelt among man. He would experience the things they did and would know what human emotion felt like. He was at all points tempted but remaining a man without sin. He would eventually lay down his life for the sins of the world.

The gospel message is how our lives are changed by God’s power!

What is the Gospel anyway?

The Apostle Paul defined it specifically and let us know that there are THREE PARTS to this “good news” …

1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

ATTENDING church services does not make anyone a Christian.

We believe that ALL human beings are sinners by birth, by nature, and by deeds. No matter how “good” we try to be, ALL have come short of God’s standard of perfection that allows us to go to Heaven.

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

We believe that, when human beings could do nothing to redeem themselves, God Himself provided a way of salvation. By believing on Jesus Christ, we may be born again and inherit eternal life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

To know it is not enough – we must OBEY God’s commandments. The New Testament Greek word for “BELIEVE” doesn’t mean just to mentally acknowledge something. It is a synonym for “COMMIT” – as in believing something so strongly that it causes you to DO something!

The power of the gospel to transform a life is not activated until a person obeys

Romans 6:17-18  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of DOCTRINE which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  (Romans 6:17-18)

Romans 1:16   For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Galatians 1:8  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 

That’s why in the very first church service in church history, after the very first sermon preached by one of the Apostles, after the very first time someone ever asked “what shall we do?” and at the very first “altar call” in the church age, Peter said to OBEY the Gospel by doing three things:

Acts 2:38  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

The gospel has three parts – death, burial, and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

The word “gospel” means “good news” and comes from the Greek word “euaggelion.” Have you ever wondered why, when the gospel message was preached the very first time, the question of the people hearing is was “What shall we DO?” It’s because the word “euaggelion” is a circular word – it means “a sacrifice given in thanks for good tidings,” and is closely linked with the thought of victory in battle. That is why they responded with this question when they heard the great news of Christ's eternal triumph over sin, Satan, and death on their behalf!

Acts 2:36-38  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Why did Peter preach this message? Because it was the very LAST instruction that Jesus left with His disciples before He ascended!

Luke 24:45-51  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Colossians 3:1-4  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 

The new birth experience is designed to let your old life die and be buried, and to give you a literal new life by the power of the Holy Ghost. The point of the resurrection is not just that Jesus got up from the grave, but that I can get up out of the deadness of my old life!

The second thing John records in chapter 21 is Jesus’ conversation with Peter (“lovest thou me?”),

John 21:18-22 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

What is Christianity?

Christians are followers of Christ – the basic idea of Christianity is to IMITATE CHRIST to do outwardly for others what He has done inwardly for you.

As the disciples followed Jesus while he was here on earth, learning from him and helping him as he reached out to the people of that time and they continued that work after he’s death, burial, and resurrection. We follow Christ (disciples) and continue he’s work now. To share the love of God so people can find healing and unconditional love.

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

These disciple were not perfect (Peter even after following Jesus for however long he did just before Jesus would be put to death would deny know him)

The love we find in relationship with God begins to heal us. It’s a progressive work and it takes time and effort and dedication…like any relationship with holds meaning. And through us God loves(action word) the world (we are the hands and feet of God on earth).

The love and healing we find in relationship with Jesus we share with the people we encounter. That is what it is to be a follower of Jesus.

Just as words without actions are empty, so are actions without words. We have to live AND explain the gospel.

We shouldn’t feel “superior” because we have this covenant with Jesus. Rather, we feel an awesome sense of privilege and responsibility to share this gospel message to every one we come into connection with.

You never lock eyes with another human being who is not valuable to God!

We must always preach the truth in love, but we must always preach the truth.  We do not love a person when we refuse to tell them about God’s plan of salvation for fear of offending them.  The greatest danger in handling doctrine is that it may become truth apart from experience.  Truth that is not lived is powerless truth. Truth unlived is the greatest waste in the world!

Isaiah 45:22-23  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Philippians 2:9-11  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 3:23  How many people have sinned? ALL

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23  What is the eternal penalty for sin? Death

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”

Romans 5:8 What is the only remedy for sin? Christ’s Death

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 2:4  What is the right response to God’s love? Repent

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

Romans 6:4  How do I put an end to my old sinful life? Baptism

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Romans 8:11 Where do I get power to live a new life? HOLY GHOST

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

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