The Basics of Christianity
I have decided to make things easier for the novice in Christianity. A group of questions that someone new to the faith would ask. Not only will my personal answer be provided but scripture base will also be provided.
(This is kind of a misleading topic... these questions really can't be answered in a simple fashion.)
Here we go...
Q: How do you know God exists or that we were created?
A: This question, first of all, doesn't have an easy answer. There are several reasons why.
To be plain, belief in God is just that, a belief. We all desire to be accepted and loved. We all want things and have a need to create.
We make beautiful paintings. We create wonderful music. We design sculptures and buildings. We have a desire to not only reproduce and expand our race but to better our lives. This is not a coincidence. This is what was designed in us.
[bible]Genesis 1:26-27[/bible]
[bible]Genesis 2:7[/bible]
Read the 1st chapter of Genesis to see that God is creative and gave us the same desires.
If you can imaging, someone creating everything, all the trees, the air, the sky, the dirt, animals... everything. Then a species were created in the likeness or image of the Creator and then given a small amount of the capabilities of the Creator including freewill. Now try to see what it would be like to have the created deny the Creator and try to come up with proof that the Creator ever existed.
The above is what we have today. We are all created and given the same desires that we have always had. The desire to create and improve.
Quite simply, everything is too perfect for us to live here comfortably in order for it all to an accident. On a physics side of things... if we were only 5-10 degrees off our axis on our planet, or just an extra 50 or so degrees in heat or cold, or even if the Earth AND the Moon were to spin slightly faster, scientists say that life would not be possible. Science, the so called enemy of religion, even proves that life hangs on the balance of the universe keeping the same numbers in order to keep life on this planet.
Q: How do you know that there is only one God and not multiple gods? What does it mean that God is a jealous God?
A: God's Word is very clear that there are no other Gods except for Him. And that to create another god makes God very jealous in the respect that you have decided to make an idol to worship except the one true God.
[bible]Exodus 20:5[/bible]
[bible]Galatians 5:20[/bible]
It is important here to understand how the word jealous is used. How it used in Exodus 20:5 to describe God is different from how it is used to describe the sin of jealousy (Galatians 5:20). When we use the word jealous, we use it in the sense of being envious of someone who has something we don't have. A person might be jealous or envious of another person because he or she has a nice car or home (possessions). Or a person might be jealous or envious of another person because of some ability or skill that other person has (such as athletic ability). Another example would be that one person might be jealous or envious of another because of his or her beauty.
[bible]Exodus 20:4-5[/bible]
When we look at this verse, we find that it is not that God is jealous or envious because someone has something He wants that He does not possess. Exodus 20:4-5 says, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God..." Notice that in this verse God is talking about being jealous if someone gives something that belongs to Him to another.
In these verses, God is speaking of people making idols and bowing down and worshiping those idols instead of giving God the worship that belongs to Him alone. God is possessive of the worship and service that belong to Him. It is a sin (as God points out in this commandment) to worship or serve anything other than Him. So, in summary, it is a sin when we desire, or we are envious, or we are jealous of someone because he has something that we do not have. It is a different use of the word jealous when God says He is jealous. What He is jealous for belongs to Him; worship and service belong to Him alone, and are to be given to Him alone.
[bible]2 Corinthians 11:2[/bible]
Perhaps a practical example will help us to understand the difference. If a husband sees another man flirting with his wife, he is right to be jealous, for only he has the right to flirt with his wife. This type of jealousy is not sinful. Rather, it is entirely appropriate. Being jealous for something that belongs to you is good and appropriate. Jealousy is a sin when it is a desire for something that does not belong to you. Worship, praise, honor, and adoration belong to God alone, for only He is truly worthy of it. Therefore, God is rightly jealous when worship, praise, honor, or adoration is given to idols. This is precisely the jealousy the Apostle Paul described in 2 Corinthians 11:2, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy..."
Q: Why do you only go by the Bible as pertaining to creation and God?
A: Well, this is surprisingly easy. The Bible is the only writing claiming to be from God and has passed the test of time.
[bible]2 Timothy 3:16[/bible]
Gutenberg Printing Press.
The Bible is not a whole book in itself. It was compiled together from 66 separate scrolls and documents that have survived through out these many thousand years. It was compiled together from 66 separate scrolls and documents that have survived through out these many thousand years. Not only has it survived this many years but it also took several thousand years to be made and was written by many different people. Its one of the oldest, if not THE oldest, religious writing that has been saved through the many years, but it is continually being proven correct in many historical references and in the scientific field. Several scientific groups have come together to prove the findings of the Bible:
Q: If God is so good, why to bad things happen?
A: This is one of those hard to answer questions.
When God created Man, humans. He created us like Him. He also gave us certain authorities and instructions. Although they were easy to follow, they were hard to keep.
[bible]Genesis 1:26-30[/bible]
In the above scriptures we are given instructions to have dominion, or rule, over the earth and everything that is in it, on it and moves on it. If it were to get out of order we were to subdue, or take care, if it. We did not do this.
Since God gave us authority over this earth we had the ability to either maintain it or destroy it. Well when Adam and Eve, the 1st two humans that God created, they 'gave' that authority to Satan.
[bible]Genesis 3:1-24[/bible]
The above is also known as the 'Fall of Man'. It is at that moment when Man became spiritually dead to God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and betrayed God's trust, they gave the authority that God gave them to Satan, the serpent/snake. Since then Satan has used this given authority to bring death, sickness, cancer, bad weather and many other hard and painful things into our lives.
Q: If God is so powerful, why does He allow all of this to continue?
A: The simple answer: God loves us too much to rule over us. We are His children not His slaves.
Yes, God created everything and is all powerful. He parted the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt, He created all things and He works in all our lives, whether we deny Him or not.
God gave us something precious. Something that He chooses to allow to continue that we all have, freewill. It is due to this freewill that bad things happen. God chose to give us freewill because He loves us with an undying love. An unconditional love that lasts forever.
You see, God made the angels before He made Man. The angels have to do everything that God instructs them to do. They are robots to God. God wanted a family that would love Him as He loves, unconditionally. So, He made Man that looks and has the same love that He has. But He also didn't want us to have to love Him but made us to want to love Him. He wanted a true family.
If you have children, you can understand this more than anyone else. If your child betrays you, lies to you, steals from you, you still love that child. It is an unconditional love that you have toward your children. No matter what they do you still love them. God is the same way. We, Man, are His children. He Loves us unconditionally and will always. He didn't want all of this pain and suffering to happen, but He gave us the ability to allow it or disallow it. He loves us enough to allow us to make our own decisions. He does parent us however. His Spirit convicts us when we do something wrong. He tells us to repent and ask forgiveness. He tells us what we could do to make things better for us, if we'll only listen.
Q: What is this 'Spirit' that you talk about?
A: God exists as three separate personalities and yet, is one person.
God, the Father
God, the Son
God, the [Holy] Spirit
When Adam and Eve gave their authority to Satan, we were spiritually dead to God. Adam and Eve killed our spirits. So, He had to do something that would atone for ALL of Man's sin and betrayal to God. He has to do something that would allow us to connect back with Him so we can live with God on this earth like it once was. So, He sent Himself to be a sacrifice.
Q: Why does there have to be a sacrifice?
A: Because life is the only thing that we truly have and own. Nothing else is as precious, as powerful and as true as life to God or to us. Otherwise why would we care if we live or die? It is precious to us and God. So, in order for God to atone for our sins, and death, animal sacrifices were made. not human sacrifices only animal. Although you might see this as cruel, it was the only way to atone for our sins.
Q: What is atonement?
A: Sin leads to death, therefore something has to die. God obviously doesn't want His children to die, so in place of us were the animals being used for sacrifices.
Q: What is death?
A: Although we see death as the ceasing of the human body to function, God see death in a different manner. Our human bodies are NOT who we are. We are our spirits that live inside our earthly body. Some would call this your conscience. This spirit that is in you used to be directly connected to God. Prior to Adam and Eve sinning against God. After the Fall of Man, our bodies lived but our spirits were dead to God.
Q: If being dead to God is being disconnected by our spirits, what is life?
A: Life is being connected back with God like it should have always been. Life on this earth is simply a chance to allow us to connect back with God. And we are here for God find His true family, those that will accept Him.
Q: Why did God send Himself to be a sacrifice and not an angel or another animal?
A: God sent His son, Jesus Christ, or Yeshua Ha Messiach in Hebrew. Instead of using another animal for a temporary sacrifice, God decided to make Himself a sacrifice for His children. This alone shows how much He loves us. A Father sacrificing Himself for His children. By doing this He not only shows His love for us, but He restores what was given to Satan from Adam and Eve back to humanity. God restored the option of having a spiritual connection to Him. Now by accepting what He did for us, we not only get to speak to Him but He lives in us by His Spirit which would dwell in us after accepting Him and His sacrifice.
Q: If I accept Christ as my God and savior, what do I gain?
A: Have you heard the saying, 'It is too good to be true!'? Well this is too good, but it is very true.
You actually gain a lot.
First your become what is called, reborn or born again. Your dead spirit passes away and a new spirit dwells inside you where the old dead spirit dwelled. By this happening you reconnect your life back with God. Once this happens, you begin to see the world in a different light.
Instead of seeing people as good or bad, you see everyone as a brother or sister, and you begin to have compassion for those who are not reborn, or saved. We all have the potential for good, but coming to God is the only way to bring yourself to your full potential.
After you see God for the 1st time in your life, things change. Your attitude is better. You are happier. You find things in life and enjoy them more. Another good thing is that you begin to live longer and healthier. Instead of wanting to get back at people for cutting you off on the road, you forgive them. Instead of hating another person you love them.
Not only does your attitude and your point of view change but your complete outlook on life. Depression leaves you. You begin to see your life coming back together. A lot of this is gradual and it takes time, nothing is immediate.
You find things start to happen in your life out of nowhere. You find out that you can speak directly to God and He speaks back, through prayer. As you pray for others and others pray for you, things happen in your life. You get a better job. You find callings in your life to go to better things. Helping people becomes not just 2nd nature but you enjoy it.
This is all due to your spirit being reborn.
Now something else happens that is vital. You've most likely heard of Heaven. How would you like to go there? God lives in Heaven, watching over us. Heaven is paradise. It is a place of perfection. No darkness is allows to dwell there. it is in complete light. No pain, no suffering. Nothing bad happens. When you accept Christ, you are destined to live for the rest of eternity in Heaven with God. An eternity with love, acceptance, happiness and joy. Everything is beautiful, everything is wonderful. As Christians that is our home, that is where we will go when we die and leave this earth.
Much more happens when you accept Christ into your life. It can really only be explained when you experience a Christ-like life.
There is only one downside for accepting Christ. You may have to pay for it. This is not a guarantee that you would have to pay for Christ saving you and for your redemption but others around the world are paying with their lives to stand up for their faith and proclaim Christ as their savior. Even though they've paid with their lives their reward is much greater.
Q: What happens if I do not accept Christ?
A: In the below scriptures is describes that Christ is the only way to God and Heaven. And that whosoever does not accept Christ can not be entered into the kingdom of God. Since if you don't accept Christ, you don't go to Heaven. Where do you go?
The Bible tells us that we will exist eternally:
[bible]Daniel 12:2-3[/bible]
[bible]Matthew 25:46[/bible]
[bible]John 5:28[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 20:14-15[/bible]
Everyone only has one life to live:
[bible]Hebrews 9:27[/bible]
Your eternal destination is solely determined whether you accept Christ or not:
[bible]John 3:16[/bible]
[bible]John 3:36[/bible]
Hell was designed originally for Satan and his demons:
[bible]Matthew 25:41[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 20:10[/bible]
Hell will be the punishment for those who do not accept Christ:
[bible]Matthew 13:41[/bible]
[bible]Matthew 13:50[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 20:11-15[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 21:8[/bible]
Hell is torment:
[bible]Matthew 13:50[/bible]
[bible]Mark 9:48[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 14:10[/bible]
Hell is eternal and irreversable:
[bible]Revelation 14:11[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 20:14[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 20:15[/bible]
After death there is still a way to escape hell.
[bible]Hebrews 9:27[/bible]
All are eternally saved.
[bible]John 3:16[/bible]
[bible]John 3:36[/bible]
Hell means a person dies like an animal – ceases to exist.
[bible]John 5:28[/bible]
A loving God would not send people to a horrible hell:
[bible]Romans 2:11[/bible]
Those who say that Hell is to severe of a punishment for denying Christ:
[bible]1 Peter 1:14-15[/bible]
[bible]Romans 1:18-32[/bible]
[bible]Romans 1:32[/bible]
[bible]Romans 2:2[/bible]
[bible]Romans 2:5-6[/bible]
Christ died for me and you to save use from this eternal punishment:
[bible]Romans 2:4[/bible]
[bible]Romans 3:22-24[/bible]
[bible]Romans 4:7-8[/bible]
[bible]Romans 5:8-9[/bible]
Q: All this seems like a huge made up fairytale. How do you know it is true?
A: The Bible is clear about Heaven.
Scripture about Heaven:
[bible]Matthew 5:12[/bible]
[bible]Romans 8:18[/bible]
[bible]2 Corinthians 4:16-18[/bible]
[bible]Ephesians 2:7[/bible]
[bible]Ephesians 3:20-21[/bible]
[bible]Luke 23:43[/bible]
[bible]2 Corinthians 12:4[/bible]
[bible]Revelation 2:7[/bible]
[bible]Matthew 5:16[/bible]
[bible]Matthew 5:45[/bible]
[bible]Matthew 6:1[/bible]
[bible]Deuteronomy 10:14[/bible]
[bible]1 Kings 22:19[/bible]
[bible]Psalm 11:4[/bible]
[bible]2 Corinthians 5:1-5[/bible]
[bible]Philippians 3:20[/bible]
[bible]Colossians 1:5[/bible]
[bible]1 Peter 1:4[/bible]
There are many more scriptures pertaining to Heaven, God and Christ living in Heaven and more about us going to Heaven when we die if we accept Christ.
The Bible is clear about God creating us and everything around us.
God creating everything including us:
[bible]Genesis 1:1-31[/bible]
The Bible is clear about the Fall of Man and us needing redemption, salvation.
The Fall of Man
[bible]Genesis 3:1-24[/bible]
God's Plan for Salvation
[bible]John 14:6[/bible]
[bible]Ephesians 2:8-9[/bible]
1. Admit you are a sinner
[bible]Romans 3:23[/bible]
[bible]Romans 5:12[/bible]
[bible]1 John 1:10[/bible]
2. Be willing to turn from sin (repent)
[bible]Luke 13:5[/bible]
[bible]Acts 17:30[/bible]
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you, was buried, and rose from the dead
[bible]John 3:16[/bible]
[bible]Romans 5:8[/bible]
[bible]Romans 10:9[/bible]
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Savior
[bible]Romans 10:10[/bible]
[bible]Romans 10:13[/bible]
[bible]John 1:12[/bible]
[bible]2 Corinthians 5:17[/bible]
As a new Christian
1. Read your Bible every day to get to know Christ better
[bible]2 Timothy 2:15[/bible]
[bible]Psalms 119:105[/bible]
2. Talk to God in prayer every day
[bible]Matthew 21:22[/bible]
[bible]Philippians 4:6[/bible]
3. Be baptized, worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached and the Bible is the final authority
[bible]Matthew 28:19[/bible]
[bible]Hebrews 10:25[/bible]
[bible]2 Timothy 3:16[/bible]
4. Tell others about Christ
[bible]Mark 16:15[/bible]
[bible]1 Corinthians 9:16[/bible]
[bible]Romans 1:16[/bible]
Q: What can Christians eat as food? Can Christians eat animals?
A: We have several scriptures to look at, the most known are the ones from the 1st chapter from the book of Genesis:
[bible]Genesis 1:27-30[/bible]
But something happend later than Adam and Eve. Remember Noah's flood? Who can forget... God told Noah, and the rest of humanity what they are now able to eat:
[bible]Genesis 9:1-7[/bible]
Did you read Genesis 9:3?
[bible]Genesis 9:3[/bible]
There you have it, in God's own words: "Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you". No question about it... animals are available for us to eat.
I am sure there are more questions. As I come up with more I will post them. However, if YOU have a question, please post it.
Thank you and God bless,
Johnathan
1. Please be polite and courteous.
2. Please don't use profanity.
3. We are here to discuss, not bash each other.