OUR FAITH

TOP TEN REASONS

TO BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

  1. The Credibility of Its Founder: Peter spoke for Jesus’ closest followers when he said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)

  2. Reliability of Its Book: The integrity of this historical and geographical record is supported by archeology. The Bible continues to speak not only with spiritual power but with convincing prophetic accuracy.

  3. Explanations for Life: It is the Christian faith that reflects a caring attention to detail so evident in the species and ecosystems of the natural world. It is Christ who clothed himself in our humanity to feel what we feel and then to suffer and die in our place.

  4. Its Continuity with the Past: The Christian faith offers continuity with our deepest ancestral roots. Those who trust Christ are accepting the same Creator and Lord worshiped by Adam, Abraham, and Solomon.

  5. Its Foundational Claim: The first Christians were witnesses. They risked their lives to tell the World that with their own eyes they had seen an innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them 3 days later.

  6. Its Power to Change Lives: Not only were the first disciples dramatically changed but so were their worst enemies. Paul was transformed from a killer of Christians into one of their chief advocates (Galatians 1:11-24)

  7. Its Analysis of Human Nature: The Bible says that society’s real problems are problems of the heart. In an age of information and technology, failures of character have scandalized institutions of the family, religion, and the arts.

  8. Its View of Human Achievement: Generation after generation has hoped for the best. We have conceived technologies that will deliver us from the oppressive slavery of work. Yet we are as close as ever to what the New Testament describes as the end times. (Matthew 24:5-31)

  9. Its Impact on Society: From roof tops to necklaces to earrings, we see the sign of the cross, bearing visible witness to Christ’s death. Social relief agencies have been fueled by the direct or residual values of The Bible.

  10. Its Offer of Salvation: No other faith offers everlasting life as a gift to those who trust the One who has overcome death for them. No other system offers assurance of forgiveness and adoption into the family of God.

— Author Unknown

TO BELIEVE CHRIST ROSE FROM THE DEAD

  1. A Public Execution: To make sure Jesus was dead, the Roman soldiers thrust a spear into His side as He hung on the cross.

  2. A High Official Secured the Gravesite: To assure that the disciples could not conspire in a resurrection hoax, Pilate ordered soldiers to stand guard outside Jesus’s tomb.

  3. The Grave Was Found Empty: The huge stone that had been rolled into place over the entrance to the tomb had been removed, and Jesus’ body was gone.

  4. Many People Claimed to have Seen Jesus Alive: About AD 55, the apostle Paul wrote that the resurrected Christ had been seen by more than 500 people.

  5. Jesus’s Disciples were Dramatically Changed: The once-cowardly apostles “did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42)

  6. Witnesses were Willing to Die for their Claims: The disciples of Christ died for their claims to have seen Jesus alive and well after His resurrection.

  7. Jewish Believers Changed their Day of Worship: The first day of the week, the day on which followers of Christ believed Christ had risen from the dead, replaced the Sabbath.

  8. Although it was Unexpected, it was Clearly Predicted: The disciples overlooked the prophet Isaiah’s prediction of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of israel, being led like a lamb to the slaughter, … (Isaiah 53:10).

  9. It was a Fitting Climax to a Miraculous Life: During Jesus’s 3-year ministry, He walked on water, healed the sick, opened blind eyes, deaf ears and tongue-tied mouths; restored crippled limbs; cast out demons; stilled a violent storm; and raised the dead.

  10. It Fits the Experience of those who Trust Him: “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you: (Romans 8:11).

Adapted from ‘Following Jesus to the Cross’, a publication of RBC Ministries

Why are we Christians?

Is it because Christianity is fun? You know, the music, the songs, the laughter, the fellowship?

Or is it because Christianity has been the best guide we’ve found for life? I mean, like Christianity has helped us choose the right path to take, make the right decisions, and be aware of hidden dangers.

Maybe because Jesus Christ has given us the power of love, even able to forgive deep hurts. Maybe because He gives us comfort that no other can. Maybe because His Holy Spirit enables us to live healthy and moral lives.

Yes, for all the above reasons and much more.