What is a Christian?
Back in the late days of the Roman Empire, certain groups
were forced into hiding by the oppressive hand of Roman
authorities. Many sought refuge in caves, and catacombs. The
groups used symbols to identify themselves, and separate
themselves from other groups using the same caves, or catacombs.
One group used a fish, as its symbol. The fish, was a simple,
but crude shape. It started with one arch. A second arch would
begin at the tip of the first arch, but at a reverse angle, and
intersect the first arch. The result was something that looked
like this.
It was said that someone would draw the first arch, and wait.
Others would pass by, some looking at the arch, but would just
continue on their way. Eventually someone, knowing what the arch
represented, would complete the fish. Both parties knew they
could talk without fear.
Let me tell you about this group.
This group got its name in a town called Ephesus. The name
was at first, hurled as an insult, but later became a mark of
distinction. The name meant "Little Christs". The name
"Christian" is still used today to identify followers
of Jesus Christ. It was these Christians that used the fish as
their symbol in underground Rome.
It is amazing how many people don't know the story of Jesus
Christ. Take a few moments to read who he was and what he did.
Before we introduce Jesus, we must first understand the world
leading up to the time of Christ. Jesus was born in an area of
the mid-east that was claimed by Israel. Israel believed they
had a claim to the land. They claimed the land was given to them
by Jehovah, their God. Why would God give land to one certain
type of people? Let me explain.
Jehovah God is the supreme creator. As we find out more about
atomic structure, DNA, and other deep parts of science, it
becomes obvious that life could not have originated through
evolution. Each phase of life indicated a master plan. Some
divine guidance that structures our world and universe. This
divine guidance comes from Jehovah God. There is only one God.
Only one God could develop such an intricate master plan.
When God created mankind, He had a relationship with mankind
that no other living thing on earth shared with God. He would
walk, and talk to His creation. His love for mankind was
unparalleled. But this relationship would be changed forever.
God's creation rebelled against the Creator. Mankind, at the
urging of a rebellious angel, willfully, and with full
intention, disobeyed God. Because God is perfect, man could no
longer stand in the presence of God. As a result, the
relationship was broken. Worse yet, the punishment for
disobedience was death. Man's actions not only separated himself
from God, but also condemned himself to die. God desired to
restore the relationship, but disobedient mankind would not
listen. There were a few, but most wanted to continue to live a
life apart from God.
One man in whom God found favor, was named Abraham. God told
Abraham, that Abraham and his descendants would be God's chosen
people. A people set apart for God's purpose. A nation chosen to
spread the news about God to all nations. In order to accomplish
God's purposes, Abraham's descendants needed to be somewhere
where they could influence the world. The mid-east was a
location where travelers would pass through on their way from
Egypt to Asia. It was an ideal location for the message of God
to be proclaimed!
One of Abraham's descendants was named Israel, hence the name
Israelites. The Israelites settled in the land, but they too
were often disobedient. When they disobeyed, they fell on hard
times. When they turned back to God, conditions improved. The
Israelites found themselves constantly asking God for
forgiveness. God talked to the Israelites through various means.
He talked directly to some. Usually, these were leaders or
prophets. Sometimes, however, He used common folks. God's words
were written down in a book called the "Bible". The
Bible is just more than what mankind has written about what God
said. The Bible is the authoritative word of God. It is a
prophetic proclamation that gives us instructions concerning our
estranged relationship with God. Although God's message was
being proclaimed, the relationship was still not restored with
His creation.
God did have a plan to restore the relationship. And it did
involve Israel. He promised a Messiah. In fact, there are over
300 distinct prophetic messages throughout the Bible. The
Messiah would restore mankind to God.
The only way God could restore the relationship, was for
someone who was perfect to pay the price for mankind's
disobedience. The only way to provide that perfect sacrifice,
was for God, Himself, to come to Earth as a man. He did so
through the man, Jesus. Jesus was God's plan to restore God's
people to Himself. Jesus was fully man, and fully God. He had
all the power, wisdom, and strength of God, yet he had all the
frailties of man. More importantly, he had only one mission.
Jesus would have to die to pay the debt of mankind's
disobedience.
During his life on Earth, Jesus performed great feats. He
proved himself to be God over and over again. Many believed,
many did not. Eventually, those who did not believe charged
Jesus with the crime of treason. Jesus, the guiltless, was
sentenced to die. He was hung on a cross and crucified.
Many, today, blame the Israelites for Jesus' death. But that
is not so. Jesus' plan was to die for our restoration. He had to
accept the blame for mankind's turning away and suffer the
consequences. He gave the law to the Israelites, and it was by
that law he had to be condemned.
The story does not end with the death of Jesus, but it could
have. Jesus died on the cross for all mankind. Through his
death, we can be restored to God. But if Jesus was God, how can
you be restored to a God who is dead? Here is the marvelous part
of the story. Jesus died, but was resurrected from death. His
body was raised from the dead. He ascended to heaven, where he
rules today.
But the story is still not finished. Jesus has promised to
return again. This time he will establish a kingdom on the
earth. He will gather up all who believe on him and reign for
time everlasting. Those who do (or did) not believe will also be
gathered up. They will be judged and punished for eternity.
God wishes that no one be separated from Him. He wishes all
to be restored. But it is our decision. We control our own
destiny. But there is only one way to restore your relationship
with God. You must believe in Jesus Christ.
This is just a quick overview of what God, and Jesus are
about. For more information, find a Bible and read it. Begin
with the book of John, or Luke. If you wish more information, let
me know and I will have someone contact you who knows a
great deal more about the subject than I.
Please think about what you have just read. Don't treat your
destiny lightly. May God bless you and lead you down the path of
righteousness, prosperity and humility.
This was taken from our main site at www.rec-communications.com
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