The Life of Jesus Christ

• Christianity originated with Jesus Christ, born around 7 BC and died around 30 AD.

Life and Teachings

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth
• He lived during the Roman occupation of Judea, a time of political and religious tension between the Jewish people and the Roman Empire
• Many Jews at the time anticipated a Messiah to liberate them from oppression
• Jesus began his public ministry around age 30, preaching love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God
• He performed miracles, healed the sick, and taught using parables, such as The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son
• Jesus' teachings emphasized love for God and neighbor, humility and service to others, and repentance and salvation

Crucifixion and Resurrection

• Jesus was arrested by Jewish religious leaders and sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor
• He was crucified in Jerusalem, which is central to Christian Belief
• Three days after his death, Jesus' resurrection was proclaimed by his disciples, marking the foundation of Christian faith
• His followers, known as apostles, spread his message across the Roman Empire
• Paul the Apostle played a significant role in expanding Christianity beyond Judaism
• By the 4th century, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine

The Holy Bible

• Sacred texts include the Old Testament and New Testament

Old Testament

• Shared with Judaism, containing books that speak of the coming Messiah
• It consists of:
  • The Torah (Pentateuch): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
  • Historical Books: Chronicles, Kings, etc.
  • Prophetic Books: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
  • Wisdom Literature: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes

New Testament

• Written after Jesus' death
• Consists of:
  • Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): Biographies of Jesus' life and teachings.
  • Acts of the Apostles: The history of early Christianity.
  • Epistles (Letters of Paul and others): Teachings on Christian faith and church life.
  • Revelation: A prophetic vision of the end times and the final victory of good over evil.

Core Doctrines of Christianity

• Includes Trinity, Virgin Birth, Deity of Christ, Resurrection, and Last Judgement

Trinity

• Belief in one God in three persons:
  • God the Father: Creator of the universe.
  • God the Son (Jesus Christ): Savior and Redeemer.
  • God the Holy Spirit: Guide and Comforter.

Virgin Birth

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
• It affirms Jesus' divine nature and is celebrated during Christmas

Deity of Christ

• Christians believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human

Resurrection

• Jesus rose from the dead on the third day
• Resurrection proves his divine authority
• Celebrated as Easter
• Foundation of Christian faith

Last Judgement

• Christians believe in a final judgment where all people will be held accountable for their actions
• Souls will either experience eternal life with God (heaven) or eternal separation (hell)