"Why Christianity"? many ask. "It leaves out all kinds of creeds, religions and other beliefs."
Good question! I researched it for those who want facts only, even though my heart was literally 'called' to follow many years ago, and I am in love with the Lord Jesus Christ who is knowable and available to anyone.
Therefore, by prophetic fact, my premise is based on the Bible's scarlet thread of salvation which declares that we , who became a depraved humanity on disobedience in the garden, are preordained even before this 'fall' of man in the beginning of life on earth (Romans 8:29). It is the continuum of His covenant with Abraham and out of his nation promising a deliverer, who is Jesus Christ(God in the flesh), and that all others are 'abominations'and will not acquire the heavenly gift of eternal life (Deuteronomy, Leviticus, Romans ). The Bible indicates that, although we are free to choose, the love intention of the Creator is claiming it in Jesus' quote from John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his [ One and Only Son] that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
And here's a mind-blowing credential: Paul, the writer of many of the New Testament books ( an x-murderer of Christians,) now under the influence of the Holy Spirit, ascribes to this ONE Messiah; "Salvation is found in [NO ONE ELSE, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven] given to men by which we must be saved." Considering all the different cultures of the world and being an apologetics researcher, I had to find out 'why' it is and HAS to be the only way. Since my research is not based on opinion, you can look into this yourself!
Of all the belief systems in the world, there is only ONE who was 'pre-announced' to be the deliverer to all. God knew that we, as a human race, need the use of credence and reference to what we do in life so why not the very reason we are on earth? Hence, He led men to write the books so that He could show us that not only will it back up His plan, but show us the endearing love and intimacy He wants to have with us.
There are hundreds of passages in the Old Testament which talk about 'the deliverer' from Zion (which is where Jesus would come hundreds of years after He was predicted). What more proof? It happened. It did, whether we accept it or not. He is also a monogamous God, which is why He chooses to send only ONE as a Groom( Jesus ) to us (His bride elect). The earthly example to illustrate that is in marriage which puts two people together (separate in gender to prove the original union of Adam and Eve and which would show that it covers all of us!)
If you read these predictions and see how to the 'day' they are fulfilled in the revelation of occurances, it would take a a blind man to not see the truth. This prevents bi-product beliefs. We want to be assured that we are promised what is given upon accepting. In fact, the most diagnostic question to those who are allegedly 'believers' is this one:
"If you were to die this moment, and faced God, and He asked you, 'Why should I let you into my kingdom'? what would the answer be? Good works? Being a good person? I'm afraid not. It's not enough. I also know that those of us who accept immediately receive His spirit so that He can 'point the way' for the rest of earth's journey. He wants us to enjoy the fruits that His Son's crucifixion paid for. It's all there. It is not led by works and knowledge, but by a loving God! Those who choose Him, and Him alone, will never perish. The only unforgivable sin is non-belief (upon hearing).
So what about Scripture? Is it just religion? And what good will it do to believe and practice it?
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2Timothy 3:16
He knew what He was doing, and He didn't have to come in the flesh to stand in for us, but He also knew it would take a "divine correction to cover the human error" which is sin (missing the mark). That's a love which has and may always receive persecution from the rest of the world. Why? Because it's a narrower road that leaves those who don't accept it out of the equation. That is also predicted.
We find there are actually 3 prophecies:
~~A need and plan for a divine deliverer due to the fall of man
~~ The deliverer who stepped out of eternity to fulfill the prophecy, die on our behalf, and activate the spiritual life we would covet also promising the Holy Spirit and details about His second coming.
~~ those who will be blinded with the veil of deceit and who will entangle in altered philosophies, inflame debate and persecute because of the surety of the gospel
Though the way is definitely narrow, and many will fall, I am covered by the blood excreted on Calvary. Even before, during, and after I should sin, I am sensitive to the error with conviction. It's a sure thing that many will reject. Forever is too long without the loving and beautiful truth within Christ.
*****
© M. Dianne Berry, All rights reserved (CookieZeal)
Author notes
# 28 Topic:
This is a condensed version of my essay for teaching and disciple ministry. Hope this will help give some more distinct aspects of Christianity and help you.
Written January 26th, 2003
In a list
A contest entry
- Do you have issues??? SOCIETY CONTEST by JM Kenyon.
800 points, ended May 14, 2004, 36 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Answer my questions by Carly Pop.
450 points, ended March 15, 12 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Due to this being a prewrite, I've extended the maximum word count. I will whittle it down if needed!
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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Well you know me, i'm not one who goes in for the 'church' or any other belief system come to that, however it was well written and not brimming over with hell and damnation so even 'sinners' like me can appreciate its merits 
Barb -
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Hey gal!
It's a real treat to have you comment on my work. Especially those which have always compelled you to learn even if you've not claimed it your own. Thank you.
You doing okay?
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Wow!!! Can I have permission to copy this and hand out
in my church?? Perfect!!!!
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Hey there!
I'm so pleased. Feel free to use this for the saints ( and sinners) lol within your church! Long as it's copied with the copyright and my name, I do not mind at all. Please let me know what neat things come from it!
Thanks so much for the gold! :
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Outstanding
Very fine. -
I want to make sure that I thanked you for taking the time to read this article. It is 'meat' to say the least, and I'm awfully glad that it was being considered and digested by someone here. If I didn't thank you before, I want to now. Have a great day.
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Oh! I see you DID read it..hehehe. Thank you.
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This is a very true write which I liked a lot, it has good faith and messages within it, a good read for Christians and non-christians alike. Keep up the good work and God bless
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Wow. Ya know, I was talking with a friend about our "Verbal Plenary" word of God, and used 2Tim. 3:16 this morning when mom and grandma were talking about "Some scripture that says God Breathed the word into existance" (
Tells ya where my family is!). Your essay was a blessing for me. I felt quite at home with your work here!
I have some questions for you in a bit, but I think I'm ganna go assist the neighbor (putting up a new fence). Continue Blessing us!
May grace of our Lord be with you,
Amen. -
Thank you for reading. I found it interesting that you commented on quality as WELL as content, which is very fair and sometimes overlooked.
Regarding the content, your observation that "FEELING" should be rule-of-thumb or winning aspect when adopting a belief, creates a sense of idealism. If I depended on my feelings everyday to maintain being a believer, I'd be shot..lol. As it is, the faith in Christ is given as you might recall, with the very Holy Spirit of God and I think I'd be closer to say that it's the "sense of KNOWING" that holds water , rather than a feeling. Albeit for our nasty dispositions, we are always covered by the blood. food for thought.
Thank you again for your gracious embellishment to the subject matter as well as the literary form. This one I'm taking to platform
You've got an interesting and well thought-out contest here. I'll be anxious to read some of the entries.
CookieZeal/DB -
me agina, I forgot I need a topic number on this. I know it is really obvious, but if I were to consider it for placement, then it has to meet all the rules as do the others. I am losing my hewad tonight. Ook...really going this time ...I mean... on to another poem or essay that is
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ahhhh...sorry about al the typos here, I have so many comments left to make and can't fix them right now...lol... I should slow down these fingers and write slower. Best wishes... ~genielassie~
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This is an amazing piece and I am very pleased that you followed the rules and used your own reliogion in which to write about. I notice many diverted away from religion when it meant they needed to contemplate their own.
I do not like to debate religion, for the simple fact that in my opinion, none are correct nor incorrect. Howver, I do believe in respect of other people's beliefs.
My opinion in all honesty is that religion is something one MUST FEEL. It can not just be taught, or followed, it must be felt within ones spirit, make them weep with completion.
I was raised in a Christian family, taught Christian morals and beiliefs and all of the above is well known to me. The fact is that I do not feel the power of Christianity. It does not echo through my soul nor does it touch any part of me, it is to me, another book on the shelf.
At about 23 years old, I started looking at other religions, comparing and realizing that every religion deems themselves correct and will fight unto the death for their beliefs. Why? Because they feel the spirituality of those beliefs, it is imbedded within their hearts and souls.
I appriciate and admire the fact that you chose to write about your religion and in a positive light. I believe when people see a society contest they instantly begin rolling about negative ideas instead of positive ones. Which is but another topic about society, we tend to dwell upon misfortune and misery rather than on anything larger, such as embracing ones spiritual beliefs and filling themselves with the missing pieces of humanity.
A great write, goo luck and best of wishes... thank you for making me think .
~genielassie~ -
An excellent paraphrase of the one and only Gospel message in language anyone should be able to understand and that if they will allow the Holy Spirit to lead them to Christ and to His recorded Word, then they will know inwardly that the Doctrine is truly from God and not just another philosophy. They will know the Truth that will set them free. Well done CZ!
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go Cookie go... this is written in brillant fact of the testimony in Paul and how he turned his sinful wicked ways away from the world to follow his Lord and help guide and deliver us to safety.
Unfortunately, many wait to call on God's help when all other factors have failed and then they meet their messiah, Jesus and the rest of their days are paved in wisdom, joy and understanding! -
No wonder you think that. It's not a poem. It's an essay/ thesis based on fact and truth. I don't believe in that one who decided he was greater than the one who made him. You'll find out and it won't be a human factor. It'll be from God Himself.
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BOOO THIS POEM SUCKS!! lmao jus my opinion oh ya... read the Satanis Bible :)
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