Christianity

Origins Of Jewish heritage – promise of the arrival of a Messiah Relative peace – 1 st time in 100 years Israel Reign of Caesar Augustus Census - Bethlehem, 4 BCE, Birth of Jesus

First Christmas Conceived by the Virgin Mary who was betrothed to Joseph Immaculate conception Angle Gabriel Census - Born in a stable in Bethlehem. Birth announced to shepherds and Magi (Wise Men) by the Angle Gabriel / Star of Bethlehem

First Christmas continued And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

Jesus – Early Life King Herod execution of the babies Holy family fled to Egypt Raised in Nazareth, in Galilee, son of a carpenter. Very bright, discussed issue of the covenant

Jesus – His Ministry Begins Age 30, he was baptized by John the Baptist – The Holy Spirit, considered to be the life giving presence of God, came to Jesus. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven s aid, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus Ministry Lord of the Dance I danced in the morning when the world was young I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth At Bethlehem I had my birth Dance, dance, wherever you may be I am the lord of the dance, said he And I lead you all, wherever you may be And I lead you all in the dance, said he I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees They wouldn't dance, they wouldn't follow me I danced for the fishermen James and John They came with me so the dance went on Dance, dance, wherever you may be I am the lord of the dance, said he And I lead you all, wherever you may be And I lead you all in the dance, said he I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame The holy people said it was a shame They ripped, they stripped, they hung me high Left me there on the cross to die Dance, dance, wherever you may be I am the lord of the dance, said he And I lead you all, wherever you may be And I lead you all in the dance, said he I danced on a Friday when the world turned black It's hard to dance with the devil on your back They buried my body, they thought I was gone But I am the dance, and the dance goes on Dance, dance, wherever you may be I am the lord of the dance, said he And I lead you all, wherever you may be And I lead you all in the dance, said he They cut me down and I leapt up high I am the life that will never, never die I'll live in you if you'll live in me I am the Lord of the dance, said he Dance, dance, wherever you may be I am the lord of the dance, said he And I lead you all, wherever you may be And I lead you all in the dance, said he

Jesus – His Ministry Begins Retreated to the desert for 40 days where he fasted and tested by Satan 3 year ministry: teaching Although teaching in the Jewish traditions his message challenged accepted views Disciples – spiritual apprentices Appealed to common people and societies outcasts Parables – vivid moral stories drawn from situations in life. – Parable exercise

Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus – Arrest Many following and enemies The Jewish Sanhedrin, the governing council under Roman rule, were unable to control the Jews that followed Jesus and feared angering Rome. Jesus never denied claims he was the Son of God - considered blasphemous Passover – Jesus was greeted in Jerusalem with Palm leaves.

The Arrest continued Last Supper with the 12 Apostles (his closest disciples) Judas’ betrayal Council found Jesus guilty – would not deny he was the Messiah Roman governor, Pontius Pilate

Death and Resurrection Crucifixion - brought forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life Mary Magdalene Resurrection 3 days after his death

Ascension of Jesus Visited his apostles – commissioned them to baptize all Nations 40 days after his Resurrection Jesus ascended bodily to heaven ending his time on earth – the “Ascension” Then Jesus came to them and said “All authority in heaven and on earth has given been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:18-20

The Pentecost 50 days after Easter The Holy Spirit visited the apostles during the meal of the Pentecost, empowering them with various spiritual gifts and abilities (eg languages) to help spread the “good news” The Birthday of the Church