An
introduction to Christianity
Jesus Christ has had the most outstanding
impact on the world. His message has dramatically changed
lives and cultures during the last 2000 years, and today those
who follow Jesus are counted in their hundreds of millions.
Jesus originated from an obscure part of
the Roman Empire (as it was then), and during his three year
ministry, operated within a small area without the assistance
of any kind of technology. Yet his message has survived the
test of time, and has spread to all parts of the globe.
Who was
this Jesus?
He was born in Bethlehem, grew up in
Nazareth and was executed in Jerusalem. He was different
because he told religious leaders they were wrong. He kept
company with the despised, like lepers and tax collectors. He
raised the dead. He treated women with respect, and indeed
one of his best friends had been a prostitute. During his
last years he slept rough and became a wanted man. He was
tortured to death for speaking out the truth, yet even then he
prayed that God would forgive his killers.
What was his message?
The right moment had come in Jesus’ life to
fulfill his mission and he arrived on the scene in Galilee
proclaiming “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change
your life and believe the Message” (Mark 1.15, Bible)
Let’s think about these words of Jesus…
‘Time’s up!’
The Old Testament part of the Bible
frequently points to a time when God’s man, a Rescuer, would
enter human history (Isaiah 62.11, Bible), with the purpose of
rescuing people from a serious problem. That time has
arrived. But what’s the problem? Here it is…the human race
has abandoned their Creator, and therefore relationships are
ruined, especially our relationship with God. Let’s be
honest, can you claim to have kept the two greatest
commandments, loving God and our neighbour all of the time -
constantly? God is holy, and therefore we deserve his
judgement upon our disobedience. That’s why the Bible
declares, ‘The wages of sin is death’ (Romans 6.23). Yet, God
continues to LOVE us and the Rescuer has arrived.
‘God’s
kingdom is here.’
That is why God sent his Son Jesus Christ
and by his words and actions, Jesus lived out God’s kingdom.
On one occasion, he declared, “I am the gate” (John 10.7,
Bible). So Jesus invites you and me to step back into God’s
kingdom, God’s realm. That’s amazing! We have the
opportunity, through Jesus, to have a new start, a new “life
and have it abundantly” (John 10.10, Bible). If only we will,
metaphorically, open the gate and step in! But how?
‘Change
your life.’
A new start for our lives does not happen
automatically. Jesus calls everyone, everywhere to turn away
from our selfish ways. We must ADMIT to God that we have
broken his commandments. This requires honesty and courage.
‘Believe the
Message’
Jesus calls us to turn to him, to actually
BELIEVE in him. He is the Message. That’s what is required,
not Baptism, or Holy Communion or Church membership or
anything else. Yes, these activities are vital, but are
expressions of our belief and trust in the Message. Jesus
calls us to change and believe.
Once we have admitted and believed, God
FORGIVES - completely and totally - our sin. This is only
possible because Jesus died for our sins and was raised from
the dead (1 Corinthians 15.3-4, Bible). Being a Christian is
about a relationship – a relationship with the one, living and
true God. It is important we tell others about this Good
News, that we not only ‘Admit’, and ‘Believe’, but we
‘Confess’ our belief to others.
And
finally…
Christianity has left a significant mark
for good on so much of British culture. For over a thousand
years, Christianity has shaped our laws. It was the Church
that introduced and shaped the development of education in our
nation. For hundreds of years, it was Christians who provided
virtually the only care for the sick and dying. It was
Christian men and women who led important advances in science
and campaigned for the reform of working conditions, and for
slavery to be abolished. The Bible has had a powerful impact
upon the English language and culture, which no other book can
compare with. This dates back to the Authorised Version of
the Bible that was first published in 1611.
To summarise, I have outlined in this
article a brief outline of who Jesus is and why he came. I
have also sketched the impact of Christianity upon British
culture, which I think is important to recognize.
Christianity makes the difference to the well-being of
personal lives and society. Most importantly, Jesus changes
the course of our destiny.
“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here.
Change your life and believe the Message” (Mark 1.15,
Bible)
If you want to find our more, please
contact myself at
minister@emmanuelbarnsley.co.uk. Thank you for
reading this article.
Rev. Mark
Reasbeck
Emmanuel Minister
~Home
Page~ |
