Christianity-What Is It?

Cross of Christ

Christianity is based on God, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible, which is the Word of God. A Christian is one who believes the Bible and lives the teachings of Jesus Christ. This way of life brings peace and contentment here on this earth and prepares us for a home in heaven.

God the Father

The Bible teaches that there is only one God who has always been and always will be. God knows all things and his wisdom and knowledge are unlimited. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” He is present everywhere and can give full attention to everyone in the whole world at the same time. We can pray to God from any place and at any time. He hears our prayers and will answer as He sees best. There is only one God and yet He is revealed in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are distinct, and yet work together in harmony because they are one.

The Creation and the Fall of Mankind

God created the world and everything in it. In five days God created the sun, moon, stars, earth, water, birds, and fish. On the sixth day God created all the creatures of the land, and then created man in his own image. Man is the crown of God’s creation and an expression of his love. God created Adam, the first man, pure and without sin. God wanted man to serve Him by personal choice. He gave Adam and his wife Eve one simple commandment, but they chose to disobey. Because of their sin, they were separated from God. Their disobedience caused everyone to fall under the curse of sin and death. God was the only one who could redeem mankind. Because of his love, “he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

God the Son

Complete text of: Christianity-What Is It?

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth as a baby, born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived the life of a common man. He was tempted of the devil in many ways just as we are, yet never sinned. Jesus went about doing good, healing many people of their diseases. He taught them about salvation and the love of his Father. His purpose in coming to earth was to give Himself as a sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. As Jesus preached against sin and selfishness, the religious leaders became angry with Him. They delivered Him to the government authorities who crucified Him. After his death on the cross, his disciples placed his body in a tomb. On the third day, by the power of God, Jesus arose from the dead. Before He returned to heaven, He taught his followers how to establish the kingdom of God.

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the godhead. He reveals the will of God to man. He reproves people for their idolatry and sinful deeds. He invites man to accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an atonement for their sin. To those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is a counselor in all of life’s difficulties, a comforter in all tribulations. He reproves men of unrighteousness, guiding them into all truth.

The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word and his message to man. It is not a man-made book but was written by holy men of old as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bible records the creation of the world and of man. It tells us that all have sinned and that sin separates man from God. It explains the way of redemption that is able to free everyone from the bondage of sin. The Bible teaches us how to live a godly life and how to prepare for eternity.

Living a Christian Life

To become a Christian we must realize our sinful condition. We must confess our sin and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. As we surrender our life to God, He fills us with the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit abiding within enables us to love and forgive others. A Christian will strive to maintain purity in his heart and be honest and truthful. When we fail, the Bible promises that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Afterlife

The Bible teaches us of the two eternal destinies of the soul, heaven or hell. When we die, the soul departs the body to await God’s final judgment. At the judgment, the saved will be invited into heaven. All those who have rejected God will be sent to hell. Hell is a terrible place. It is a bottomless pit of burning fire prepared for the devil and his angels. All those who did not obey the voice of Jesus but willfully lived in sin, will burn forever without hope.

Heaven is God’s dwelling place. It is the most beautiful place of perfect peace and rest prepared by God. In heaven there will be no more sorrow or pain, no hunger or sickness. It is the home for all who have forsaken sin and accepted Jesus as their Savior. There the saved will sing and praise God forever.

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Gambling: Gain or Loss?

It is natural for man to desire a full, exciting, and rewarding life. Some people find fulfillment in achievement and education. Others spend their time and energy trying to get rich. Still others find a certain thrill in risk-taking. Some are willing to go to extreme ends for excitement. Betting and other forms of gambling are especially alluring to some. The lure of hitting the jackpot or winning large sums of money can be very addictive. Many homes have been brought to ruin by a father or mother who chose to gamble. Hearts have been broken and neglected because someone could not stay away from the bright lights of a casino.

The Cost

For many people, gambling starts in small ways. It is offered as a harmless form of entertainment, an escape from the humdrum of life. Casinos offer an alluring mix of lighting, food, drink, and music. In this party atmosphere, senses are dulled. It becomes hard to control impulses and urges. Casino workers are trained to help maintain and enhance this mood.

The first wager placed may be small and the risk low. Winning small amounts feels good and is addictive. It makes it easy to place another wager. As the wager amount gets larger and the stakes get higher, the pulse quickens. Some have found it almost impossible to control the urge to place just one more bet. Gamblers have lost fortunes, hoping for a lucky turn. In reality, a lucky turn hardly ever happens. Most often, gambling becomes a pattern of behavior that leads to a downward spiral. Borrowing money to cover losses seems like a solution, but soon comes to an end. There may even be a temptation to steal. One vows to stop gambling but feels he cannot. Feeling guilty, frustrated, and desperate, many have turned to drinking to drown their woes. Some have lost homes and riches. In their despair, they have considered taking their own lives. Gambling has ruined their lives and perhaps the lives of their loved ones.

A well-respected man and his wife had worked hard. When he died, she was left wealthy. She enjoyed gambling at bingo. This led to riskier forms of gambling and began to include drinking. In a few years she had lost almost everything and had become an alcoholic. Occasionally she was found lying on the street in a drunken stupor. Satan had led her deeper and deeper into his trap until almost all hope was gone.

Do you realize how selfish it is to gamble? Children go hungry, bills go unpaid, friendships are betrayed, and homes are broken all because someone chooses to satisfy a selfish desire. Something that looked so innocent has destroyed the quality of life. A person with plenty becomes a pauper. The price to pay is high, too high! Why would anyone choose to pay it?

Why Gamble?

Complete text of: Gambling: Gain or Loss?

Gambling is often motivated by covetousness. Covetousness can be defined as a wrong desire to have something. People have always wanted to be rich, to be famous, and to have others think highly of them. They covet the possessions of others. Being in control feels good. The Bible says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Many people believe that happiness is tied to wealth and ease. While the desire to become wealthy is natural, it is not godly. The Bible tells us that “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

Jesus taught us to share what we have with others. He never intended us to gain from others’ losses. “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away” (Matthew 5:42). Do you ever consider who loses when you win? “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). It is selfish to overlook others’ pain and loss just so I can have some fun and gain.

All that we are and have belongs to God. Is it pleasing to God if we gamble with that which belongs to Him? We are to be faithful servants, taking good care of the possessions given to us. “Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

You Can Be a Winner!

Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt and despair after a time spent gambling? Would you like to be free from this addiction? There is a remedy! God loves you and wants you to come to Him just as you are. He is well able to deliver you. He is able to bring His mighty power to bear on your problem. Although you might feel there is no help for you, there is hope when you realize that you can no longer deal with your gambling on your own. The apostle Paul said, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25). Paul realized that his only hope for deliverance was to turn to Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to deliver you from sin and temptation.

Jesus, in His mercy, is holding out a beautiful invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Honestly admit to your sins and faults, and come without excuses to Jesus. Ask Him to deliver you from the snare of gambling. Commit your heart with all of its thoughts, guilt, and sin to Him. He loves you and will fill the aching need in your heart. He will make it possible to live life in a new way. You can have peace and joy in your heart. You can be free from the guilt and pain of your past. The way of Jesus is a way of victory and peace. Come! He is waiting with open arms: “And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

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Chapters of Pure Gold

The Bible is a precious book that fills the need of every soul. The messages found in it provide spiritual nourishment. There are chapters exactly suited for your particular need or inquiry.

God’s message to man is expressed in different ways in various chapters of the Bible. There is much knowledge of God and the history of his people to be found in Genesis and other Old Testament chapters. The Psalms and many New Testament chapters can be read as a source of real spiritual inspiration. Many teachings of Jesus such as Matthew 5, 6, and 7, as well as writings of the apostles, give direction for our daily lives. It all combines to provide an understanding of God, his will for us, and his promises.

God has warmed the hearts of many readers as they have drawn from these blessed resources. Let us be encouraged to read these chapters. Let us read them not only to make ourselves feel better, but to let the message of God touch the need of our inner self.

Complete text of: Chapters of Pure Gold

What Your Bible Says About…

God

Birth of Jesus Chapter	Luke 2
Creation Chapter	Genesis 1
Deliverance Psalm	Psalm 18
God’s Greatness Chapter	Isaiah 40
God’s Holiness Psalm	Psalm 99
Good Shepherd Chapter	John 10
Holy Spirit Chapter	John 16
Messianic Psalm	Psalm 110
Nature Psalm	Psalm 104
Redemption Chapter	Luke 23
Sad Chapter	Luke 22
Sufferer’s Chapter	Isaiah 53

Your Spiritual Need

Beatitude Chapter	Matthew 5
Comfort Chapter	2 Corinthians 1
Endurance Chapter	Hebrews 12
Hypocrite Chapter	Matthew 23
Infidel’s Psalm	Psalm 14
Prison Chapter	Acts 23
Refuge Psalm	Psalm 46
Safety Psalm	Psalm 91
Shepherd Psalm	Psalm 23
Temptation Chapter	James 1
Wisdom Chapter	Proverbs 3

Being Saved

Atonement Chapter	Hebrews 9
Baptism Chapter	Mark 1
Blessing Chapter	Deuteronomy 28
Conqueror’s Chapter	Luke 4
Cornelius Chapter	Acts 10
Courage Chapter	Joshua 1
Crucifixion Chapter	John 19
Fisherman’s Chapter	Luke 5
Guilty Chapter	Romans 1
Invitation Chapter	Isaiah 55
John the Baptist Chapter	Luke 3
Lost and Found Chapter	Luke 15
New Birth Chapter	John 3
Pentecost Chapter	Acts 2
Prayer Chapter	Matthew 6
Saul of Tarsus Chapter	Acts 9
Today Chapter	Hebrews 3
Whosoever Chapter	Revelation 22

Happiness in the Lord

Abiding Chapter	John 15
Golden Chapter	Psalm 16
Growth Chapter	2 Peter 1
Joyful Psalm	Psalm 98
Mercy Psalm	Psalm 136
Peace Chapter	John 14
Song Chapter	Luke 1
Thank You Chapter	Luke 17
Traveler’s Psalm	Psalm 121

Practical Directions for Living

Abraham Chapter	Genesis 15
Asa’s Reform Chapter	2 Chronicles 15
Bishop’s and Deacon’s Chapter	1 Timothy 3
Character Chapter	Job 29
Charity Chapter	1 Corinthians 13
Christian’s Psalm	Psalm 15
Confidence Psalm	Psalm 27
Consecration Chapter	Romans 12
Divorce Chapter	Matthew 19
Employee’s Chapter	Colossians 3
Employer’s Chapter	Colossians 4
Faith Chapter	Hebrews 11
Family Chapter	Ephesians 5-6
Golden Rule Chapter	Matthew 7
Greatest Commandment Chapter	Luke 10
Humility Chapter	Luke 18
Judgment Chapter	Romans 14
Law of Love Chapter	Romans 13
Life in the Spirit Chapter	Romans 8
Preparation Chapter	Matthew 25
Separation Chapter	2 Corinthians 6
Sermon on the Mount Chapters	Matthew 5-7
Soldier’s Chapter	Ephesians 6
Stephen’s Chapter	Acts 7
Ten Commandments Chapter	Exodus 20
Tithing Chapter	Malachi 3
Watchman’s Chapter	Ezekiel 33
Wife’s Chapter	Proverbs 31
Wise Man’s Chapter	Proverbs 15
Works Chapter	James 2

Witnessing

Ascension Chapter	Acts 1
Great Commission Chapter	Matthew 28
John and Peter’s Chapter	Acts 4
Lame Man’s Chapter	Acts 3
Macedonian Chapter	Acts 16
Philip’s Chapter	Acts 8
Sower’s Chapter	Luke 8

When You Have Fallen

Backslider’s Chapter	Jeremiah 3
Excuse Chapter	Luke 14
Intemperance Chapter	Proverbs 23
Overcome Chapters	Revelation 2-3
Prodigal Psalm	Psalm 51
Revival Chapter	2 Kings 23

Life after Death

Brevity Psalm	Psalm 90
Heaven Chapter	Revelation 21
Last Judgment Chapter	Revelation 20
Lazarus Chapter	John 11
Resurrection Chapter	1 Thessalonians 4
Second Coming Chapter	2 Peter 3

Bible Stories…

Early Times

1. The Garden of Eden	Genesis 2-3
2. Cain and Abel	Genesis 4
3. Noah’s Ark	Genesis 6-8
4. Destruction of Sodom	Genesis 18-19
5. Isaac on the Altar	Genesis 22
6. Joseph Becomes a Ruler	Genesis 37, 39, 47
7. Moses, Babe in a Basket	Exodus 2
8. Crossing the Red Sea	Exodus 14

Israel, a Nation

9. The Two Spies	Joshua 2
10. Fall of Jericho	Joshua 6
11. Thief among the Soldiers	Joshua 7
12. Gideon and his 300	Judges 6-7
13. Strong-bodied Samson	Judges 13-16
14. Ruth, the Gleaner	Ruth 1-4
15. The Boy Samuel	1 Samuel 1-3
16. Jonathan, Brave Young Prince	1 Samuel 14
17. David Kills the Giant	1 Samuel 17
18. Elijah the Prophet	1 Kings 17-22; 2 Kings 1-2
19. Elisha the Prophet	1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2-8
20. The Israelite Maid	2 Kings 5
21. “Jonah, Go to Nineveh”	Jonah 1-4
22. Queen Esther	Esther 1-10
23. Book of the Law is Found	2 Kings 22
24. Fiery Furnace	Daniel 3
25. Daniel in the Lion’s Den	Daniel 6

Life of Christ

26. Birth of Jesus	Matthew 2; Luke 2
27. Jesus Tempted	Matthew 4
28. Jesus at a Wedding	John 2
29. Woman at Jacob’s Well	John 4
30. Through the Roof	Mark 2
31. Girl Raised from the Dead	Mark 5
32. Five Thousand Fed	John 6
33. Jesus Walks on the Sea	Matthew 14
34. A Blind Man Healed	John 9
35. Good Samaritan	Luke 10
36. The Runaway Boy	Luke 15
37. Rich Man and Lazarus	Luke 16
38. Dead Man Raised to Life	John 11
39. Last Days of Jesus	Matthew 26-27
40. Resurrection of Jesus	John 20

Early Church

41. Death from a Lie	Acts 5
42. Saul Sees a Light from Heaven	Acts 9
43. Conversion of Cornelius	Acts 10
44. How a Prison Gate Open	Acts 12
45. A Song Opens Prison Doors	Acts 16
46. Paul is Shipwrecked	Acts 27-28
47. The City of God	Revelation 21-22

(Adapted from Lessons for Christian Workers, by C.H. Yatman)

Read Your Bible…

For it contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners, and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

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