Questions About Christianity: Recent Episodes

Keith Muoki

The history of Christianity is really the history of Western civilization. Christianity has had an all-pervasive influence on society at largeâart, language, politics, law, family life, calendar dates, music, and the very way we think have all been colored by Christian influence for nearly two millennia. The story of the church, therefore, is an important one to know.

History of Christianity - The Beginning of the Church
The church began 50 days after Jesusâ resurrection (c. A.D. 30). Jesus had promised that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18), and with the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the churchâekklesia (the âcalled-out assemblyâ)âofficially began. Three thousand people responded to Peterâs sermon that day and chose to follow Christ.

The initial converts to Christianity were Jews or proselytes to Judaism, and the church was centered in Jerusalem. Because of this, Christianity was seen at first as a Jewish sect, akin to the Pharisees, the Sadducees, or the Essenes. However, what the apostles preached was radically different from what other Jewish groups were teaching. Jesus was the Jewish Messiah (the anointed King) who had come to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17) and institute a new covenant based on His death (Mark 14:24). This message, with its charge that they had killed their own Messiah, infuriated many Jewish leaders, and some, like Saul of Tarsus, took action to stamp out âthe Wayâ (Acts 9:1-2).

It is quite proper to say that Christianity has its roots in Judaism. The Old Testament laid the groundwork for the New, and it is impossible to fully understand Christianity without a working knowledge of the Old Testament (see the books of Matthew and Hebrews). The Old Testament explains the necessity of a Messiah, contains the history of the Messiahâs people, and predicts the Messiahâs coming. The New Testament, then, is all about the coming of Messiah and His work to save us from sin. In His life, Jesus fulfilled over 300 specific prophecies, proving that He was the One the Old Testament had anticipated.

History of Christianity - The Growth of the Early Church
Not long after Pentecost, the doors to the church were opened to non-Jews. The evangelist Philip preached to the Samaritans (Acts 8:5), and many of them believed in Christ. The apostle Peter preached to the Gentile household of Cornelius (Acts 10), and they, too, received the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul (the former persecutor of the church) spread the gospel all over the Greco-Roman world, reaching as far as Rome itself (Acts 28:16) and possibly all the way to Spain.

By A.D. 70, the year Jerusalem was destroyed, most of the books of the New Testament had been completed and were circulating among the churches. For the next 240 years, Christians were persecuted by Romeâsometimes at random, sometimes by government edict.

In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the church leadership became more and more hierarchical as numbers increased. Several heresies were exposed and refuted during this time, and the New Testament canon was agreed upon. Persecution continued to intensify.

History of Christianity - The Rise of the Roman Church
In A.D. 312, the Roman Emperor Constantine claimed to have had a conversion experience. About 70 years later, during the reign of Theodosius, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Bishops were given places of honor in the government, and by A.D. 400, the terms âRomanâ and âChristianâ were virtually synonymous.

After Constantine, then, Christians were no longer persecuted. In time, it was the pagans who came under persecution unless they âconvertedâ to Christianity. Such forced conversions led to many people entering the church without a true change of heart. The pagans brought with them their idols and the practices they were accustomed to, and the church changed; icons, elaborate architecture, pilgrimages, and the veneration of saints were added to the simplicity of early...

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Biblical Christianity relies on the Bible to understand true faith. It is counter to cultural Christianity, which does not truly adhere to the faith or the Bible. Biblical Christianity bases its doctrine on the Bible alone. Cultural Christianity may be based on family background, personal experience, country of residence, or social environmentâwhat the Bible says is secondary. Cultural Christianity produces nominal believers who label themselves as Christians but who allow culture to define their convictions. Biblical Christianity produces true believers who use Godâs Word to understand salvation and what it means to be a Christian.

Biblical Christianity adheres to the fundamentals of the Christian faith, as found in the Bible:

1) The Triunity of God: the one God exists eternally in three Persons.
2) Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. His death was the substitutionary sacrifice for sinners, and He rose again bodily.
3) Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
4) The sixty-six books of the Bible are Godâs Word, inspired, inerrant, and sufficient for living a godly life.
5) Jesus Christ is coming again to judge sin and rule the world.

Any departure from these points represents a departure from biblical Christianity.

The words we have in both the Old and New Testaments are described as Godâs very words (Job 23:12; Psalm 119: 9; Isaiah 55:11; John 6:63; 2 Timothy 3:16â17). The apostle Paul commends the believers in Thessalonica for accepting what he shared as Godâs words to them: âAnd we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believeâ (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Jesus Himself exemplified the importance of Godâs Word. When He was tempted, He relied on Scripture to defeat Satan, saying, âIt is written: âMan shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of Godââ (Matthew 4:4). This is the example the early Christians followed in their faith.

In the days of the early church, there was no such thing as cultural Christianity. Believers were in many ways counter-cultural, transformed by Christâs resurrection and the Holy Spirit. They studied the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). They were biblical Christians. Whereas cultural Christianity is comfortable and focused on cultural issues, biblical Christianity produces believers who are willing to die for their faith based on what the Bible says. Biblical Christianity is historic Christianity.

A true Christian has received Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior (John 1:12). He believes that Christ has paid the penalty for his sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He trusts in Jesusâ resurrection. Jesus said that anyone who wishes to become His disciple must âdeny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow meâ (Luke 9:23). A biblical Christian knows what that looks like because he bases his life on Godâs Word, not on cultural norms.

The Protestant Reformation brought a revival of biblical Christianity. For centuries the Roman Catholic Church had made its traditions superior in authority to the Bible, which resulted in many practices contrary to the Bible. Sola scriptura was the cry of the Reformers. Sola scriptura means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible tells us that Godâs Word is true, God-breathed and complete (2 Timothy 3:16), and we are warned not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). The Reformers were calling Christians back to biblical Christianity.

Today, true Christians are still rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and calling people to biblical Christianity. In a world where people want to redefine everything, we must hold firm to the truth that Godâs Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31). Our faith should be based firmly on what He has revealed to us in His Word. Christianity that is not biblical is not true Christianity.

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Religion is the practice of faith; that is, religion is the external or ceremonial observance of a set of beliefs. Technically, there is a difference between faith (the internal attitude) and religion (the external works), but for the sake of this article, we will define âChristian religionâ broadly as âthe faithful observance of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles.â

James 1:27 says that religion that is âpure and faultlessâ before God is âto look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.â In other words, care for the needy and personal virtue are externals which are present when one has a true love for God. And, since James specifies that he is speaking of âpure and faultlessâ religion, there must exist an âunclean and imperfectâ type of religion as wellâa religion not based on love for God.

Here are five reasons why the Christian religion is better than non-Christian religions (why observing the teachings of Jesus Christ is better than not observing them):

Christian religion - Jesus Christ is the Way to God.
The Christian religion is better than other religions because that which leads to God is better than that which leads away from God. We have sinfully wandered away from God (Isaiah 53:6), and we need a Guide to lead us back. Jesus is that Way (John 14:6), the One to seek the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus claims not to be one of many ways, but the one-and-only Way to God. He is, in fact, God Himself in human flesh (John 20:28), so to find Jesus is to find God. âAnyone who has seen me has seen the Father,â He said (John 14:9). The Christian religion is unique in that it offers a close, intimate relationship with the personal God of the universe.

Christian religion - Jesus Christ is the Truth.
The Christian religion is better than other religions because things that are true are better than things that are false. Jesus is âthe Truthâ (John 14:6). He is the embodiment of truth, the revelation of God to humanity (Colossians 2:9), and the conveyor of Godâs words (John 17:8). The Christian religion is grounded in truth, being based on a historical Person whose acts were verified by eyewitnesses and recorded by four different biographers. Parodies of Christianity often spring up through the work of âfalse prophetsâ (1 John 4:1), but only Jesus is true. In following Christ, Christians have the utmost regard for truth, as opposed to hollow externals and the hypocrisy of false appearances. The Christian religion is unique in that it forces us to face the truth about ourselves and speak the truth with others.

Christian religion - Jesus Christ is the Life.
The Christian religion is better than other religions because life is better than death and heaven is better than hell. Jesus is âthe Lifeâ (John 14:6); He is the source of life, and without Him one cannot truly live (John 1:4; 3:36; 5:24; 10:10). Jesus provides what we need: the Bread that satisfies forever (John 6:35), the Water that gives eternal life (John 4:14; 7:37-38), and the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25). These are more than empty claims; Jesus proved His ability to give life by raising from the dead Lazarus (John 11), Jairusâ daughter (Mark 5), and the boy from Nain (Luke 7). Then, after His own death on the cross, Jesus rose again the third day, having conquered death forever (Matthew 28). The Christian religion is unique in that it is based on the actual, physical resurrection of its Founder.

Christian religion - Jesus Christ transforms mankind.
The Christian religion is better than other religions because righteousness is better than wickedness. Other religions may impose conformity to a certain code of behavior, but they have no power to change the heart. Christianity teaches that the believer is âdead to sinâ and now lives âin newness of lifeâ (Romans 6:2, 4). The authenticating mark of a Christian is his transformation from practicing sin to having a zeal for good works (Titus 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The Christianâs zeal for doing good has resulted in the founding of countless orphanages, hospitals, clinics, schools, homeless shelters, and emergency relief agenciesâall in the name of Christ. The Christian religion is unique in that it does not force change from without but revolutionizes lives from within.

Christian religion - Jesus Christ is loving.
The Christian religion is better than other religions because love is better than the absence of love. God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). Love is the greatest of His gifts to us (1 Corinthians 13:13)ânot the fickle, so-called love of the world, but the selfless, unconditional love which always seeks to benefit the one loved. God showed His love for us in sending His one-and-only Son (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10). Jesus showed His love for us in providing for our salvation by dying on the cross (John 15:13). Jesus gave His followers a new command: âLove one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one anotherâ (John 13:34-35). Love, not duty or debt, is what motivates the believer and impels him to greater humility and greater service for the kingdom of heaven. Christianity is unique in that it is not a system of rules but a celebration of unselfish love. âLove is the fulfillment of the lawâ (Romans 13:10).

Man, in his creativity, has invented innumerable religions in his attempt to reach God. God, in His love, has given us the truth: the one religion, Christianity, in which God attempts to reach man.

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Keith Muoki is a KJV bible believer who is saved by grace through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. He lives in Nairobi, Kenya, and preaches every day on Spreaker.com Podcast, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Bitchute, Soundcloud, Twitter, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcast, Castbox, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, iTunes/Apple podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music/Audible, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google play music, Blubrry, iPodder, Digital podcast, Podcasts.Alltop, Pandora, Pocket casts, Overcast, Podcast index & Podcast App.

Keith got saved on the 6th of June 2020 from the teachings of Robert Breaker after spending over 30 years in church thinking he was saved by a sinners prayer but he wasn't. Since then, he's never looked back and decided to convert all his entrepreneurship & travel online channels into bible study channels and preach the good news of Jesus Christ.

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The term Christianity seems to imply a religious system in the same way that Islam and Buddhism are religious systems. Within religious systems are core beliefs, along with codes, rules, and standards that must be mastered in order to achieve a desired end. Christianity does not fit that definition and therefore the term can be slightly misleading.

Jesus did not come into the world to start another religion. There were already plenty of religions (see Acts 17:22â23), including Judaism, which had begun as a relationship with Almighty God (Leviticus 20:12) but had deteriorated into another religious system on par with idol worship (Matthew 15:8). Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), to seek and to save the lostâthose separated from God by their sin (Luke 19:10)âand to âgive his life as a ransom for manyâ (Mark 10:32). With that said, those who follow Christ do share some core beliefs.

Biblically speaking, Christians are those who are forgiven of their sins and who have entered a personal relationship with Almighty God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8â9; Romans 10:9â10). In order to become a Christian, a person must fully accept as part of his or her own personal worldview the following core beliefs:

â¢ Jesus is the Son of God and is equal with God (John 1:1, 49; Luke 22:70; Mark 3:11; Philippians 2:5â11)
â¢ Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; John 8:29)
â¢ Jesus was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins (Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 15:2â4)
â¢ Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:46; Mark 16:6)
â¢ We are saved by the grace of God; that is, we cannot add to or take away from Christâs finished work on the cross as full payment for our sin (Ephesians 2:8â9)

It could be argued that belief in the inerrancy of Godâs Word is also a core belief of Christianity because, if the Bibleâs veracity is suspect, then all we know about God is in doubt. Saving faith is inextricably linked to the Word of God: âFaith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christâ (Romans 10:17).

But the mental acceptance of the above points of doctrine is only the framework around which salvation occurs. Faith is more than intellectual assent, and mentally agreeing with the core beliefs of Christianity does not equal entrance into Godâs kingdom. Even Satan and the demons know certain things about God (James 2:19). We can mentally agree with facts without making those facts the centerpiece of our lives.

Can a person be saved without holding to the core beliefs of Christianity? No. But along with accepting as true those core beliefs must be a spiritual transformation. Jesus said that in order to inherit eternal life one must be âborn againâ (John 3:3). To be born again is a work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a repentant sinner. Just as a mother in labor does all the work in bringing forth a new life, so the Holy Spirit does the work in transforming a sinner into a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). This process begins when God draws a heart through conviction of sin and hope of forgiveness (John 6:44). When we surrender to God and repent of our sin (Acts 2:38), God applies the blood of His own Son to our account and cancels the debt we owe Him (Colossians 2:14). By this act of transference, God pronounces us ânot guiltyâ; that is, He justifies us (Romans 4:5). Salvation is a divine exchange: Jesus becomes our sin so that we can become His perfection (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the gospel at the very core of Christianity.

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The phrase rule of faith does not appear in the Bible. It was first used in a statement by the early church writer Tertullian in his On Prescription Against Heretics. The rule of faith is the set of standards that define a religion. Biblical Christianity holds the Bible to be its only rule of faith. The rule of faith may be different for different groups. In some cases, the standards are similar. In others, what may seem similar actually presents a vast and significant distinction.

Rules of faith in most religions rely on something other than or in addition to the Word of God, thereby denying the sufficiency of Scripture. Since the earliest days of Christianity, this heresy has survived and flourished. The rule of faith among the Gnostics of the first century was based on the Scriptures plus a mystical knowledge gained only by those who had achieved a higher plane of enlightenment. In direct contradiction to the Word of God, the Gnostics taught that salvation comes not by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8â9) but by divine knowledge or some inner light possessed only by those of elevated spirituality.

Evangelical Protestants hold to the Bible alone as their rule of faith. This reflects their belief in the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, which declares that the Bible alone is adequate to guide the Christian in all matters of faith and practice. According to 2 Timothy 3:16â17, the Scriptures are profitable to make the believer âthoroughly equipped for every good work.â If we are thoroughly equipped by the Word of God, nothing more is needed. There are no degrees of âthoroughness.â To say we need something more than the Bible as a rule of faith is to say we are made âpartially thoroughlyâ equipped by the Bible and need something more to make us âcompletely thoroughlyâ equipped.

Roman Catholicism adds to the Bible and expands the rule of faith. Catholics look to both âwritten books and unwritten traditions,â thereby adding to the Bible the declarations of popes and bishops, papal bulls, and various councils. Catholics believe the Bible is Godâs Word, but it is incomplete without the addition of these writings of men. Mormonismâs rule of faith adds The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price to the Bible as equally inspired writings. This puts the opinions, views, and interpretations of men on a par with the Word of God.

Among Wesleyans, what is known as the âQuadrilateralâ is the rule of faith: the Bible, tradition, reason, and experience. This, too, denies the sufficiency of Scripture. While Wesley himself may have not intended that the four rules of the Quadrilateral be seen as equal, by adding three sources of authority to the Scriptures, he opened the door for misinterpretation and misunderstanding. One can justify a belief in just about anything if that belief is based on tradition, reason, and/or experience. Jesus expressly forbade equating tradition with Scripture as part of the rule of faith, accusing the Pharisees of nullifying the Word of God for the sake of their traditions (Mark 7:6â13). Once the Word of God is rejected as the only rule of faith and practice, the door to heresy is opened and the genie is not easily put back into the bottle.

While it may be argued that the writers of the gospels and the epistles were offering their views and interpretations as they wrote, this is not the same as the declarations of the popes and bishops of Catholicism or of men like Joseph Smith. The New Testament writers were moved supernaturally by the Holy Spirit, who is the ultimate Author of Scripture. The biblical writers âspoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spiritâ (2 Peter 1:21).

The Bible itself asserts that believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), who teaches, interprets, brings truths to mind (John 14:26), and guides us into all truth (John 16:13). For evangelical Christians, the Word of God and its Author are the true rule of faith. This is not to say that preachers and teachers are unnecessary. But the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is a cornerstone of the evangelical rule of faith.

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