GOD COMES TO HIS PEOPLE CHRISTIANITY

BASIC BELIEFS There is one God (monotheistic) who is loving, holy, just, personal and merciful He exists in three centers of consciousness called the Trinity (tri- unity): Father (Creator), Son (Savior) and Holy Spirit (Counselor). Sin entered into the relationship between God and man. Because of justice, there needs to be a payment (atonement) for that sin for the relationship to be restored. Like the law of Judaism- Yom Kippur. Jesus of Nazareth was also God, who came into the world to make that payment for sin. Christianity is deeply rooted in the Jewish Old Testament. Prophecies of a coming Messiah, and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the fulfillment of a kingdom whose king is from David’s line

THE HISTORICAL JESUS Jospehus’ Description of Jesus 3. (63) Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; (64) and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. The Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 3 From The Works of Josephus, translated by William Whiston Hendrickson Publishers, 1987

JESUS OF NAZARETH First son of Mary and Joseph (Bethlehem) Preached in synagogues as young as 12 and into his later life Performed miraculous healings, all in the name of “my Father” The Jews understand him to say that He WAS God: “I and the Father are one”, “Before Abraham was, I AM”, John 8:42-59 Was sentenced to crucifixion and died on the cross, a Roman spear in the side confirmed his death At least 500 people saw him after His death, ate with him, talked to him His followers see him ascend into heaven 40 days after his death. 10 days later, Pentecost happens.

THE MIRACLES 1. The Virgin Birth Luke 1&2 2. The Baptism Matthew 3 3. The Resurrection Luke 23:26-24:53 4. Pentacost (the beginning of the Christian Church) Acts 1&2

JESUS: THE ATONING SUBSTITUTIVE SACRIFICE Atonement Animals Passover Lamb Jesus (the lamb) institutes the Lord’s Supper at Passover “It is finished”

THE PASSION WEEK Palm Sunday The day Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. Many people recognize him as the Messiah Maundy Thursday A celebration of Passover with His disciples. The night Jesus was betrayed and arrested by Judas (by me, you?) Good Friday The day of Jesus’ crucifixion. A storm, an earthquake, a ripped temple curtain and a Roman guard believes. Easter Sunday! Jesus’ body is gone from the tomb, an angel tells Mary & John that Jesus has risen from the dead. He’s alive!

TENANTS OF CHRISTIANITY REPENT: Profess your belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and one who saves all from sin Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Much like Paul, Constantine, or less “dramatic” versions BAPTIZE: Be part of a Christian community Sacraments: a visible sign or symbol that expresses the action of Jesus in a person’s life Lord’s Supper (Eucharist/Communion): celebration of Jesus’ last Passover meal and His substitution as the sacrificial lamb on behalf of humanity Baptism: Symbolic washing away of sin and declaration of ministry Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost Sunday: Worship services commemorating Jesus’ miraculous life and the work of the Holy Spirit in daily lives of Christians Sunday worship (Sabbath day, Lord’s day)

TENANTS OF CHRISTIANITY: LIVING AS A CHRISTIAN LOVE: Care for people as Jesus did John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”. Love of God and love of neighbor is the fulfillment of all the commands. Christians began many of the social institutions in countries: welfare societies for orphans and widows, hospitals, schools TELL: The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and 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.”

BRANCHES OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Tribes of Christians meet to retell the story, care for each other, and missionaries are sent out (Peter in Jerusalem, Paul on the road) Organized religion in 380AD under Constantine One church until 1054AD without persecution and having great political power 1054AD: The Great Schism Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic) 1517AD: The Protestant Reformation Martin Luther, Catholic priest protests against the church over “indulgences” Church of England under Henry VIII Denominations of Protestant Movement: Calvinist, Lutheran, (Ana)Baptist, Anglican