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251 Powell Drive, Jackson, Ohio 45640 † Phone: 740.286.2864 † Pastor: Rev. Nelson Sharp
» Why Christianity?
©2007 Jackson First Church of the Nazarene
Why Christianity?
If you are of another faith, or no faith at all, you may wonder why a person should consider becoming a Christian. To answer that question, we will examine the primary differences between Christianity and some other major world religions.
There are a number of extremely important points to consider. Let's take a look at the most obvious of these:
The Bible
Most religious "holy books" or writings have only one author. That, in itself, is a recipe for misleadings and/or cultism. The Christian Bible, on the other hand, is a compilation of 66 separate "books" written by forty different authors over a period of more than 1500 years. Because the authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit, each book is in complete harmony with every other. Some cults, however, tend to use the Bible as a front; either superseding it with a new book of their own, or purposely mistranslating it to fit their own heretical and misguided beliefs.
Prophecy
From the first book of Genesis through the final book of Revelation, the Christian Bible is filled with prophecies, most of which have been fulfilled; some are yet to take place. Jesus Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and mission were all predicted in accurate detail more than four hundred years before He appeared. In contrast, there were no prophecies regarding Mohammed, Buddha or Confucius in their religious writings.
History
The Christian Bible has been an invaluable reference to historians and archaelogists regarding parts of the ancient middle east and Mediterranean areas. Proven to be correct time and time again, the Bible gives an accurate account of people, places and times like no other ancient writings. The same cannot be said for other religious books, which contain obvious errors or fabrications in their accounts.
Miracles
The bible gives eyewitness testimony to many miracles performed by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. Neither Mohammed nor Buddha could make such claims.
Sinless Life
Jesus lived a sinless life. Even His enemies could find no fault in Him, so they had to fabricate charges against Him. The Quran (Islam's holy book) also supports His sinless life, yet cannot make that claim about it's own supreme prophet, Mohammed. Nor can the founders of any other religions.
Resurrection
Jesus died in full view of religious enemies and trained executioners. Then, while His tomb was guarded by soldiers, He rose from the dead after three days and appeared to many people. Buddha, Mohammed and Confucius still lie in their graves.
Salvation
Through Jesus Christ, one can freely obtain forgiveness and cleansing of sin. Contrast this with other religions where salvation has to be, somehow, earned. Who would choose to follow a religion where you can't earn enough "points" in one life to obtain salvation, so you have to go through it again and again (each time as someone else), hopefully getting closer each time. Honestly, no amount of good works could ever be performed to reconcile us to a righteous and Holy God.
One God
Christianity believes in One triune God, composed of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere at all times). By contrast, Hinduism is filled with Gods, Buddhism requires no God, Islam denies the grace of a loving God and that God came to earth in the form of Jesus, while Mormonism teaches we can all become gods.
The Church
The true church adheres to Christ's teachings. When one looks at those teachings it is apparent that there is no basis for any wrongdoing against others. MT 22:37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'" The Christian church continues to be the greatest organization of giving and the strongest voice against oppression and wrongdoing the world has ever known.
The Facts
Many people these days tend to choose a religion based on what they feel best fits their lifestyle. Some even like to mix a little of this religion and a little of that one, creating a kind of, easy to digest, spiritual cocktail. While this may be convenient, it certainly doesn't set them on the path to God or save the soul from eternal damnation.
Don't believe a lie
There are a number of extremely important points to consider. Let's take a look at the most obvious of these:
The Bible
Most religious "holy books" or writings have only one author. That, in itself, is a recipe for misleadings and/or cultism. The Christian Bible, on the other hand, is a compilation of 66 separate "books" written by forty different authors over a period of more than 1500 years. Because the authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit, each book is in complete harmony with every other. Some cults, however, tend to use the Bible as a front; either superseding it with a new book of their own, or purposely mistranslating it to fit their own heretical and misguided beliefs.
Prophecy
From the first book of Genesis through the final book of Revelation, the Christian Bible is filled with prophecies, most of which have been fulfilled; some are yet to take place. Jesus Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and mission were all predicted in accurate detail more than four hundred years before He appeared. In contrast, there were no prophecies regarding Mohammed, Buddha or Confucius in their religious writings.
History
The Christian Bible has been an invaluable reference to historians and archaelogists regarding parts of the ancient middle east and Mediterranean areas. Proven to be correct time and time again, the Bible gives an accurate account of people, places and times like no other ancient writings. The same cannot be said for other religious books, which contain obvious errors or fabrications in their accounts.
Miracles
The bible gives eyewitness testimony to many miracles performed by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. Neither Mohammed nor Buddha could make such claims.
Sinless Life
Jesus lived a sinless life. Even His enemies could find no fault in Him, so they had to fabricate charges against Him. The Quran (Islam's holy book) also supports His sinless life, yet cannot make that claim about it's own supreme prophet, Mohammed. Nor can the founders of any other religions.
Resurrection
Jesus died in full view of religious enemies and trained executioners. Then, while His tomb was guarded by soldiers, He rose from the dead after three days and appeared to many people. Buddha, Mohammed and Confucius still lie in their graves.
Salvation
Through Jesus Christ, one can freely obtain forgiveness and cleansing of sin. Contrast this with other religions where salvation has to be, somehow, earned. Who would choose to follow a religion where you can't earn enough "points" in one life to obtain salvation, so you have to go through it again and again (each time as someone else), hopefully getting closer each time. Honestly, no amount of good works could ever be performed to reconcile us to a righteous and Holy God.
One God
Christianity believes in One triune God, composed of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere at all times). By contrast, Hinduism is filled with Gods, Buddhism requires no God, Islam denies the grace of a loving God and that God came to earth in the form of Jesus, while Mormonism teaches we can all become gods.
The Church
The true church adheres to Christ's teachings. When one looks at those teachings it is apparent that there is no basis for any wrongdoing against others. MT 22:37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'" The Christian church continues to be the greatest organization of giving and the strongest voice against oppression and wrongdoing the world has ever known.
The Facts
Many people these days tend to choose a religion based on what they feel best fits their lifestyle. Some even like to mix a little of this religion and a little of that one, creating a kind of, easy to digest, spiritual cocktail. While this may be convenient, it certainly doesn't set them on the path to God or save the soul from eternal damnation.
Don't believe a lie