“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important” (C.S. Lewis).
Christianity - 1a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus, and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior. 2 the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history. (WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University)
CHRISTIANITY IS AT LEAST 3 THINGS:
1. a set of beliefs,
2. a way of life,
3. a community of people.
Different Christian groups place different weights on these three aspects, but
they always involve all three. All three aspects are based on the life and teachings
of Jesus of Nazareth, who is also known as the Christ”
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HOW DO I VIEW THIS LIFE-CHANGING, VIBRANT, CHALLENGING JOURNEY CALLED CHRISTIANITY?
It’s much more than a religion; it’s a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s “The Church” - the group of people who believe the Bible and its claim that eternity with God is only possible because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Christianity is the body that God works through to show His love on earth. It’s the responsibility to keep the greatest commandment: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10: 25-28). Christianity is the practice of love. At least, it’s supposed to be, according to 1 John 4:7-10.
To that end, I realize that some of you come here with a skeptical eye, some of you are hurting, some have been wounded by those claiming to speak in the name of Jesus, and others just want to know more. I pray that you find what you’re looking for here as I attempt to bring you the truth about Jesus and the “Way, Truth, and Life” He claimed to be. The only perspective on Christ and Christianity I know to have is Biblical, so it’s from that point of view I present the essence of my faith.
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THE ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIANITY
Excerpted from the Christian Research Institute:
Essential Christianity. We hear a lot of discussion about essentials and non-essentials, but what are the essentials of Christianity?
When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which, of course, separate it from other beliefs. Let's survey these doctrines.
First, we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is another way of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word. It's the ultimate source for knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.
Next we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in three distinct persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving. God created the universe from nothing and He rules sovereign over His creation, including both human and angelic beings.
We also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is created in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression, man has lost his fellowship with God. The extent of sin is so great that its effects continue to this very day in the form of cruelty, sickness, suffering, and death.
By God's grace, Jesus Christ - Who is fully God and fully man - was sent to save us from our bondage to sin. We believe that Christ was born of a virgin, died for our sins, physically rose from the dead, and will one day return to judge the world and deliver His people. Faith in Christ is the only means by which mankind can escape eternal damnation and judgment.
Finally, we recognize the church as God's ordained institution headed by Christ. The church is composed of all believers, and is organized for worship, for fellowship, for the administration of the sacraments, for spiritual growth and support, and for evangelizing the world.
You are invited to consider the truths of Christianity, from its birth in Judaism when God began His plan to bring about a once-and-for-all substitute for sin, to today when millions continue to discover meaning, purpose, peace, and healing in the arms of Christ.