After the death of King Solomon, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms, Israel to the north, and Judah of Judaea to the south. Now it was a province of the Roman Empire. Painting: Herod the Great, King of Judaea appointed by Rome.

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…everyone went to his town to register.” Luke 2:1-3 It is believed that Jesus Christ was born during the reign of Caesar Augustus around 6 BC. Statue of Augustus, Wikipedia Commons.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2: 6-7 Christians celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas on December 25 th. It is on this holiday that Christians reflect on the birth of Christ and the story of the miraculous nativity.

“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways made smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.” Luke 3:4-6 John the Baptist was to prepare people for the message Christ would bring. He also baptized Jesus. Baptism becomes a key sacrament.

There were 12 men who were chosen as disciples, or followers of Christ. Simon called Peter His brother, Andrew James and John, the sons of Zebedee Philip and Batholomew Thomas and Matthew (tax collector). James, son of Alphaeus Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot the betrayer. “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4: 19

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth…Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy... Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God…”

Which portions of the Sermon on the Mount would really be different from the values held by Romans during this time period?

The Bible records many miracles performed by Christ. Sick were healed, blind could see, demons cast out, people were brought back from the dead. Miracles expressed the deity of Christ and the glory of God. They also fulfilled many prophesies.

The 1 st Commandment “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. …and..Love your neighbor as yourself.”-Matthew 22: Other key teachings - Forgive those who do evil against you and pray for those who curse you.

This was the last time Christ was able to be with his disciples. It is also where the sacrament of holy communion began.

Charges against Christ included: Performance of miracles on the Sabbath. Claiming to be the Messiah, or Son of God. *Blasphemy was their term. Christ is brought before the Chief Priest, Caiphas.

Pilate has Christ beaten, whipped, and scourged. He eventually “washes his hands” of the responsibility and turns Christ over to be crucified. Christ was executed for the crime of treason. Pontius Pilate washes his hands and rids himself of this case.

Crucifixion was a long, slow, and painful way to be executed. This was a common form of execution used by the Romans. Painting, “The Crucifixion.”

Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Christ, and was allowed to bury it in his tomb.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Jesus – John 11:25-26 The cornerstone of the Christian faith is the belief that on the 3 rd day following the crucifixion, Christ rose from the dead.

The disciples became apostles and given the Great Commission to make “disciples of all the nations.” They were given the Holy Spirit to guide them. The disciples converted Jews and Gentiles to the religion.

Peter, “the Rock”, was the # 1 disciple of Christ. He continued to convert the Jews. He established the Roman Catholic church. He preached the “Good News” until his death by crucifixion.

Established the first Christian churches. Extends the Christian faith to the Gentiles, (people who were not born Jewish).

Epistles or Letters written by Paul: Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Timothy and Titus.

Christianity was outlawed in Rome. Christians refused to worship the Emperor as a god. Christians were also blamed for starting a fire that destroyed Rome. The Emperor Nero, blamed Christians for the deadly fire.

Many Christians were fed to lions or forced to meet in underground catacombs like this one above.

Symbols like these allowed Christians to secretly identify themselves to other Christians.

The Bible is the sacred text for Christians. The Old Testament – writings from the Hebrew’s Torah. 10 Commandments given to Moses by God. The Prophets. Psalms and Proverbs – songs and hymns of praise. Wisdom and instruction. Statue of Moses and the Laws

The New Testament – First 4 Books – Called The Gospels or “Good News.” Primary accounts from the disciples about Jesus. Epistles or Letters written by the apostle Paul to start and maintain the first churches. Revelation – apocryphal book that tells of the end of the world and the return of the Christ.

Holy sacraments include: baptism, marriage, communion, and ordination of pastors.

Christ is the Messiah, or the son of God. Christ died on a cross to atone for our sins. He was resurrected from the dead. People who believe in Him will also go to heaven when they die.

Jesus influenced the value system of Western civilization with his ethical teachings of love, humility, charity and service to others.