Scratching the Surface of Christianity

Kopp Disclosure

(John 3:19-21)

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Scratching the Surface

of

Christianity

(A Brief and Incomplete Guide to Christianity)

What is Christianity all about?

That’s simple.

Jesus.

How do you know what it means to believe in Him and behave like you believe in Him?

That’s simple.

Read the red letters in the Bible – the words of Jesus Himself.

Where should I start?

That’s simple.

Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

What’s the difference between those gospelers or good-news-reporters?

That’s simple.

Not much.

They complement but never contradict each other.

Lots of details in Matthew and Luke.  John goes deeper.  I like how Mark gets to the point(s) so quickly; especially when it comes to what it means to behave like you believein Jesus: “…immediately…they followed Him.”

Is Jesus difficult to understand?

That’s simple.

Jesus is difficult to understand for people who have “ears that don’t hear” and “eyes that don’t see.”  

But, no, Jesus is not difficult to understand unless you’re dense by design or decide to shut your eyes and close your ears.

The report: “When Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were astonished…for He was teaching them as one who had authority…”

What does that mean?

That’s simple.

Question: “Who does He think He is…God?”

Answer: “Absolutely!”

What kind of authority does He have?

That’s simple.

Jesus, as God, is the gatekeeper of heaven.

The good news is, as He said so many times and Paul told Timothy as His purpose, “God wants everybody to be saved.”

What does it mean to be saved?

That’s simple.

He said, “I have come so that you may have life and have it abundantly…Anyone who believes in Me will never die.”

How can I be saved?

That’s simple.

“Believe in Jesus and you will be saved.”

Does being saved make any difference?

That’s simple.

He said, “If you love Me…[another way of saying that is, ‘If you’re saved’…]…you will do what I’ve told you to do.”

Paul explained, essentially, if we are saved, we show signs/proof/evidence like those character traits listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Again, Jesus: “If you love Me, you will love like Me.”

What am I expected to do with what I know about Him as Lord and Savior?

That’s simple.

He said, “Go everywhere and tell everyone about Me!”

Now go deeper by reading what comes before and after those red letters.

Are you still looking for a different way to do church?

Are you tired of the SOSO RELIGION?

Are you put off by posers in pews, politics, and pulpits?

Are you searching for something/Someone

real, honest, timely, and true to…?

Try our family of faith on the corner of Lincoln and Main!

(Belvidere, Illinois)

Sundays at 7:20 and 10:00 a.m.

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Blessings and Love!