Basic Christianity
You may be interested in the question, "What is so great about Christianity?" Or perhaps you wonder "What makes Christianity really different from other religions?" Those are great questions, ones that will not be fully answered here. Actually our full answer would be to come and vist us to see for yourself.
Until then, we've outlined below some basic distinctives of our faith. After reviewing these, you'll have the opportunity to contact us for more information.
Christianity Believes in God Who Is A Trinity
That word "trinity" sounds very bizzare to many people. Our belief is that there is one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That seems like a contradiction to many people. We find it to be a delightful mystery that opens up so much truth and reality. God is perfect love. Many would expect us to say that, but have not realized that love needs an object to be real love. God loved before the world began as the Father, Son and Spirit lived together in extravagent love. God created us to be loved by Him and to love Him. When God created humans, He created man and woman and wanted them to be one. That really glorious reality of men and women living as one and communities of people functioning as one is really a reflection of the Godhead -- three in one. Unity in diversity is reality for God and is what God is intending for His creation as He restores us. It is a bit "heady" but well worth the effort to work at understanding the glory of Father, Son and Spirit. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus-Who is He? What Did He Do?
At the core of our Christian faith is Jesus Christ. He lived about 2,000 years ago in Israel. He was obviously a Jewish man, but He also claimed to be God. (See how that fits into the Trinity? He was God and the Son, in human flesh.) As the God-man, He came to the earth and lived a perfect life. Then He was condemned to die on a Roman cross as an insurrectionist. His death, in reality, was a death of the perfect God-man who paid the price for the sins of the world. What a beautiful reality! He then conquered death and was risen. His claim is that He is truly God who provides salvation for the world who will trust Him. He also promised to come again. Some think this is too far-out to believe. It is interesting to study the story and understand the eyewitnesses who saw the risen Lord and many other evidences that make the story of Jesus very credible. As C.S. Lewis said, "Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord." See also Philippians 2:1-11.
How Can I Become a Christian?
If you have read this far, we are excited for you. The clincher question is this: What will you do with Jesus? You can blow it off as absurd religion. You could say it is one way to God, but others are OK. Or you could realize that you have a decision to make. Do you want to have a relationship with Jesus, where God is your Father and you are with us together in His family? Romans 10:13 says that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." To become a Christian does not involve a bunch of good works, it involves trust and faith. You need to trust in Jesus to be your Savior.
When you become a child of God, you will be working and living for His kingdom, but that does not get you in. You could pray a prayer like this: "Jesus, I realize I am a sinner. I today ask you to forgive me of my sin and believe on You as my only hope for salvation. Please save me. I want to be your disciple, wholly devoted to you." (See Ephesians 2:8-10.)
There are many other truths about Christianity that are very exciting. We just shared these three to wet you appetite and invite you to learn more about our family.
If you have more questions, contact Joe Bartemus at 317.875.0828.
Please know that we are praying for you.