Just the facts, Ma'am

Good Morning. Yesterday, in seeking to make sense of growth in Christianity down through the centuries, I took a simplified look at Christian denominations, and some of their unique beliefs. Several days ago, I wrote about six different Scriptural styles for sharing our faith--giving us the freedom to use our own natural bents and creativity for telling others about Jesus Christ. . . all of which is important. . . but, even more important is knowing what you believe as a Christian. When I was a kid, I loved watching the cop shows--they weren't like they are now--not as violent or graphic. One of my favorites, was written by, and starred a guy named Jack Webb--I can still hear his nasal-sounding voice interviewing some woman, saying, "All we want is the facts--just the facts, Ma'am." So, with regard to Christianity, what are the facts--just the facts, Ma'am of the Christian faith? Several years ago, when writing a study on the basics of the Christian faith, I spent a good deal of time studying and praying about what I believed to be the essential beliefs of Christianity. Here's my thoughts, and the Scriptural support for them.

Essentials of the Christian Faith
1. In the beginning, God. . . God always was, He was not created. We serve an eternal God.
Revelation 4.11; Genesis 1.1; Genesis 1.26

2. Sin changed everything. Separated from God by our sin. . . Because God loved us, the crown of His creation, He gave us free will--free will to
choose to love Him. . . to choose evil, (rebellion). . . or good (obedience).
Romans 5.12
One man-Adam, one woman-Eve: given everything to enjoy in the Garden of Eden, with the exception of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil--
of that, they were forbidden. From the beginning, God required obedience of His children.

3. Grace ~ God's way of redemption
We were separated, but pursued by our loving God. He provided a way of escape for punishment of our sin. Ephesians 2.8
As with all gifts, we must take hold of grace to experience it.

4. God's instrument of grace was Jesus Christ, God Incarnate.
Jesus was born of a virgin. He was fully human, fully divine. This was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah--chapter 7, verse 14. The birth of Jesus
was announced to Joseph by the angel, Matthew 1.21; Matthew 3.17

5. Eternal life was made possible for us because of Jesus' death on the cross, and because of His resurrection from the dead.
-Jesus' suffering was foretold by the prophet Isaish. . . 53.1-6; Philippians 2.8; John 3.16; Acts 2.23-24;
All of Christianity hangs on the Resurrection. . . Check the historians of the day--not just the writers of Scripture. The Resurrection was a
recognized miraculous occurrence. We serve a risen Savior. Hallelujah!

6. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and others.
Jesus assured His loved ones that He did what He told them He would do. 1 Corinthians 15.3-6; John 16:6; Acts 1.3

7. Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven to return to the right hand of the Father.
He stayed with them 40 more days, and then assumed His rightful place in glory. Acts 1.9-11
What a glorious homecoming it must have been! Can you just picture God the Father welcoming home His beloved Son?

8. Christ will come again--watch for Him in the clouds.
This is not the end of the story. . . one day, Christ is coming back for His bride, the church. 1Thessalonians 4.16-17

9. The God-head is triune.
You will not find the word "trinity" in the Bible, however, it is a description of biblical reality.
I have grown to love the three-in-one, aware of the way each seems to minister to me at different times--aware of the plan of God-
the-Creator for me in the vastness of time, space and history; aware of the redeeming, personal work of God-the-Son, both in His ministry
on earth and in Heaven; and the comforting, quickening, wooing, convicting, inspiring, sweet Holy Spirit, who helps us in our weakness.
Romans 8.26,27

10. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
Scripture is purposed to inform, instruct, inspire, correct us, and lead us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is the Word of God.
How did we get it? 2 Peter 1.20-21 What's it for? 2 Timothy 3.16-17

11. We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
Disciples = sold-out followers of Jesus.
Disciples study God's Word, go to Him in prayer, obey, follow Christ in baptism, partake of the Lord's Supper, and share the good news of
the Gospel.

Study. . . talk to Your Father. . . grow.
➤Always "be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have..." 1 Peter 3.15
'Call yourself a Christian? These are the non-negotiables of the Christian faith, Friends. Grace to you, Christine