WikiChristian - User contributions [en]

God's Resume in Your Life (C.S.)

2007-11-09T20:26:16Z

Christianauthor:

God’s Resume in Your Life
HoW He Instructs, Teaches, Counsels and Watches over You
By ChrisÏopher Sealey
November 2, 2007

Introduction
Wikipedia.org defines a resume as a document containing a summary or listing on relevant job experience and education, usually for obtaining an interview when seeking employment. A resume is often the first item a potential employer encounters regarding a job seeker, so it is ascribed a large amount of importance. A resume is a biography of a person’s professional life, where the individual worked, lived and describes who that person is. Your resume is an important tool that communicates all about you to a potential employer. When it does the job right, it wins you the interview. A resume does not simply provide a potential employer with the job seeker’s work history, when constructed and well written, it conveys loudly and clearly that the individual has the credentials needed to be a success in the desired position or career. A good resume works to build credibility through experience gained, while illustrating career growth over time. A resume is not a document that you create once and never update. As you gain new experience and learning, you update your resume regularly keeping it evergreen.

God Communicates His Role
The Bible states in Psalm 32:8;
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (New International Version – NIV)
In this Scripture verse, God declares the things He will perform in our lives, if we let Him. He declares that He will instruct us; this implies that sometimes He will provide the direction and He expects us to follow, unquestionably. He will teach us, implying that sometimes He will help us to understand the meaning of His decisions and actions in our lives. That assures us He will give us godly wisdom. He declares that He will counsel us. This implies that He understands that sometimes we will step out on our own, but He will be there to give us advice when we ask of Him. Finally, He declares that He will watch over us. God has your back. We have nothing to be afraid of because the almighty God is watching over us. God has communicated convincingly and clearly His desired role and responsibilities in our lives. If only, there was a way for us to pause and reflect on how God delivers on His promises in our lives, especially when we face challenging situations.

God’s Resume in Your Life
Sometimes, when we face challenges in this life and the outcome appears uncertain or is not what we expected, doubt is born. Doubt keeps close company with fear and anxiety. Together they bring despair into our lives and cause our faith in God to falter. Have you ever felt like the promises fulfilled for Abraham, Elijah, Job and Jeremiah were great for them in their time, but seems like they do not translate easily to your situation? If only, there was a simple way for me to reflect on how God delivered on His promises in my life, not for David and Solomon, not for Paul and Timothy, but for me. God has led me to a simple way to reflect on His presence in my life; I would like to share with it you. Allow me to introduce you to God’s resume in your life. God’s resume in your life is a document, which you create; it contains a chronological summary or listing of relevant experiences in your life through which God was working to instruct, to teach, to counsel and to watch over you. The sole purpose of developing God’s resume in your life is to strengthen your faith in Him. Documenting God’s resume in your life is an act of praise and worship since it demonstrates to God that you have acknowledged His goodness and mercy towards you. Based on my own experience and those of others I encountered over the years, creating and maintaining a resume of God’s presence in your life, builds your faith in Him through experience gained, while illustrating your Christian growth over time. In the Book of Psalms, David penned God’s resume in his life. The Psalms show us how God instructed, taught, counseled and watched over David throughout his life, while they illustrate his Christian growth and maturity over time.

The Origin of God’s Resume in My Life
In the summer of 2002, an opportunity presented itself for me to write an article for a widely published monthly Christian magazine. The chief editor requested that the article should offer advice on careers since several of their readers had experienced recent job losses. The article I wrote was entitled, “Coping with Job Loss as a Christian.” Several weeks after that edition appeared in print, I received a call from a good friend, who lived in Rochester, NY. She mused on how I would write an article on coping with job loss, having never experienced unemployment in my 25-year professional career. I assured her that it was all divine inspiration that drove that article. Within a couple months of that conversation and for the first time in twenty-five years, I found myself unemployed. I was also facing a scheduled mortgage closing on the newly constructed home. The mortgage broker gave me a deadline of fifteen-days to find a new job or risk losing the home. I was facing a difficult financial challenge and I became anxious in my spirit. It seems as if all the inspiration I had experienced two months earlier had given way to perspiration as I was now coping with job loss. It suddenly became very clear to me, why God had put that article of job loss in my mind two months earlier; it was not only for the readers of that Christian magazine, but he looked into my future and saw that I would need all the advice I had captured in that article.
During my job search, as I dusted off my professional resume and began to update it, I found myself asking some questions of God. Why now, Lord, and why so close to the closing date of the mortgage? Was this a sign that we should walk away from the deal? Did He want us to abandon our recent move to Virginia and go back to Rochester, NY? And on and on … It was during my meditation, one morning that I began to look back at my life since coming to America, from my early days in college, then unto to graduate school, the jobs I held and the places I traveled. I began to review in my mind how God had been working in my life through the good times and through the challenging times, even up to that present situation. I began to praise the Lord for His goodness to me in the past and His leadership in the current situation. This lifted up my spirit. The Holy Spirit gave me 2 Chronicles 20:1-29 as my word of encouragement for that situation.
Then it hit me like a rock, just as I had spent time documenting my professional accomplishments in my resume to impress a potential employer, why not spend the time to document God’s accomplishments in my life. I documented, in chronological order, highlights of God’s instructing, teaching, counseling and watching over me from as far back as I could remember up to the present time. I created God’s resume in my life. By the time I was done, I felt like I had more to praise about than to worry about. The process of creating God’s resume in my life strengthened my faith in Him and solidified my resolve to trust in His leadership throughout that crisis. I have since updated God’s resume in my life to include how He led a recruiter to me, and how He watched over the process that resulted in us closing the deal on the new house, on the scheduled date.

Some Resume Guidelines
There are guidelines on CareerJournal.com for career resumes that are applicable to creating and maintaining God’s resume in your life. Remember, the following are just guidelines and not commandments. Some people are more comfortable using their personal diary to capture the highlights of the manifestation of God’s leadership in their lives. It is your experiences with God, so use whatever you are comfortable with, even if it is your PDA or BlackberryTM. Here are some guidelines to assist you in creating God’s resume in your life.
1. Define an objective for the resume: Be specific and concise. Example: “To increase my faith in God by reviewing His goodness and mercies in my life.”
2. Use a chronological format for the resume. Begin with the most recent experience or situation where God instructed, taught, counseled or protected you. As best as you could recall, make a note of the date of the event or experience.
3. Focus on God’s accomplishments in your life. Ask yourself, "How did I recognize God instructing me, teaching me, counseling me or protecting me during the experience or situation?" and "What did He do in my life that I may want other people to know about so that they can be encouraged?"
4. Use descriptive verbs. Describe your experiences using phrases that contain a past-tense action word. Example: “Two months earlier, God led me to write an article on coping with job loss for others to read. When I lost my job, I was able to use those same guidelines.”
5. Keep the resume updated. Update God’s resume in your life with new experiences and situations as they occur. As you review them, you would begin to recognize that you have experienced Christian growth over time.
6. Do not focus only on the dramatic events in your life. Note the small events as well since God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

Do not limit yourself to any specific number of pages since God began to work in your life from the moment you took your first breath; in fact, He initiated that process. He did not start working in your life only after you became a Christian; God was working all along to bring you to Him and He does not stop working in your life when you discover Him. God’s resume in your life ceases to expand when you die, but even then, your experiences can be beneficial to others. If you choose to share it with others, God’s resume in your life could be past on from generation to generation in your family. However, it may be so personal to you that you choose not to share it. Remember, this is all between you and God.

A Sample of God’s Resume in my Life
The best way to help you to create God’s resume in your life is to share with you an excerpt from God’s resume in mine. Below is an excerpt of God’s resume in my life. I encourage you to take the time to develop God’s resume in your life. This process will help to reinforce in your mind that all through your life God has been diligently working on your behalf; this will enrich your faith in His leadership. For a free download of a template, you can use to document God’s resume in your life, visit http://www.christianstewardship.info/myexperiences.htm.

God’s Resume in Christopher Sealey’s Life (excerpt)
Objective To encourage me, to strengthen my faith in God and to help me visualize God’s guidance in my life.
My Experiences February, 2003 Return Flight from London, England to Virginia
 God changed the weather forecast to allow me more time to complete my manuscript. Due to a snowstorm in Virginia, the flight was re-routed to Chicago. The two-day overlay in Chicago gave me the additional time I needed. The two-day overlay in Chicago gave me the additional time I needed.
 This experience helped me to better understand this Bible verse(s): 1 Kings 18:1, 41-44
January, 2003 Aboard flight from Virginia to London, England
 God selected the passenger who sat next to me. I was grappling with the best format for a set of graphs for my stewardship book. The person sitting next to me was a government expert on data analysis and he provided several suggestions, which helped me to simplify the graphs.
 This experience helped me to better understand this Bible verse(s): Acts 8:26-39

Quote for blogs:
Allow me to introduce you to God’s resume in your life. God’s resume in your life is a document, which contains a chronological summary or listing of relevant experiences in your life through which God was working to instruct, to teach, to counsel and to watch over you. The sole purpose of developing God’s resume in your life is to strengthen your faith in Him. Documenting God’s resume in your life is an act of praise and worship since it demonstrates to God that you have acknowledged His goodness and mercy towards you. Visit www.christianstewardship.info/myexperiences.htm to see an excerpt from God's resume in my life.

God’s resume in your life is a document, which contains a chronological summary or listing of relevant experiences in your life through which God was working to instruct, to teach, to counsel and to watch over you. Visit www.christianstewardship.info/myexperiences.htm to see an excerpt from God's resume in my life.

The sole purpose of developing God’s resume in your life is to strengthen your faith in Him. Documenting God’s resume in your life is an act of praise and worship since it demonstrates to God that you have acknowledged His goodness and mercy towards you.

God's Resume in Your Life (C.S.)

2007-11-09T20:25:45Z

Christianauthor:

God’s Resumeˆin Your Life
HoW He Instructs, Teaches, Counsels and Watches over You
By ChrisÏopher Sealey
November 2, 2007

Introduction
Wikipedia.org defines a resume as a document containing a summary or listing on relevant job experience and education, usually for obtaining an interview when seeking employment. A resume is often the first item a potential employer encounters regarding a job seeker, so it is ascribed a large amount of importance. A resume is a biography of a person’s professional life, where the individual worked, lived and describes who that person is. Your resume is an important tool that communicates all about you to a potential employer. When it does the job right, it wins you the interview. A resume does not simply provide a potential employer with the job seeker’s work history, when constructed and well written, it conveys loudly and clearly that the individual has the credentials needed to be a success in the desired position or career. A good resume works to build credibility through experience gained, while illustrating career growth over time. A resume is not a document that you create once and never update. As you gain new experience and learning, you update your resume regularly keeping it evergreen.

God Communicates His Role
The Bible states in Psalm 32:8;
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (New International Version – NIV)
In this Scripture verse, God declares the things He will perform in our lives, if we let Him. He declares that He will instruct us; this implies that sometimes He will provide the direction and He expects us to follow, unquestionably. He will teach us, implying that sometimes He will help us to understand the meaning of His decisions and actions in our lives. That assures us He will give us godly wisdom. He declares that He will counsel us. This implies that He understands that sometimes we will step out on our own, but He will be there to give us advice when we ask of Him. Finally, He declares that He will watch over us. God has your back. We have nothing to be afraid of because the almighty God is watching over us. God has communicated convincingly and clearly His desired role and responsibilities in our lives. If only, there was a way for us to pause and reflect on how God delivers on His promises in our lives, especially when we face challenging situations.

God’s Resume in Your Life
Sometimes, when we face challenges in this life and the outcome appears uncertain or is not what we expected, doubt is born. Doubt keeps close company with fear and anxiety. Together they bring despair into our lives and cause our faith in God to falter. Have you ever felt like the promises fulfilled for Abraham, Elijah, Job and Jeremiah were great for them in their time, but seems like they do not translate easily to your situation? If only, there was a simple way for me to reflect on how God delivered on His promises in my life, not for David and Solomon, not for Paul and Timothy, but for me. God has led me to a simple way to reflect on His presence in my life; I would like to share with it you. Allow me to introduce you to God’s resume in your life. God’s resume in your life is a document, which you create; it contains a chronological summary or listing of relevant experiences in your life through which God was working to instruct, to teach, to counsel and to watch over you. The sole purpose of developing God’s resume in your life is to strengthen your faith in Him. Documenting God’s resume in your life is an act of praise and worship since it demonstrates to God that you have acknowledged His goodness and mercy towards you. Based on my own experience and those of others I encountered over the years, creating and maintaining a resume of God’s presence in your life, builds your faith in Him through experience gained, while illustrating your Christian growth over time. In the Book of Psalms, David penned God’s resume in his life. The Psalms show us how God instructed, taught, counseled and watched over David throughout his life, while they illustrate his Christian growth and maturity over time.

The Origin of God’s Resume in My Life
In the summer of 2002, an opportunity presented itself for me to write an article for a widely published monthly Christian magazine. The chief editor requested that the article should offer advice on careers since several of their readers had experienced recent job losses. The article I wrote was entitled, “Coping with Job Loss as a Christian.” Several weeks after that edition appeared in print, I received a call from a good friend, who lived in Rochester, NY. She mused on how I would write an article on coping with job loss, having never experienced unemployment in my 25-year professional career. I assured her that it was all divine inspiration that drove that article. Within a couple months of that conversation and for the first time in twenty-five years, I found myself unemployed. I was also facing a scheduled mortgage closing on the newly constructed home. The mortgage broker gave me a deadline of fifteen-days to find a new job or risk losing the home. I was facing a difficult financial challenge and I became anxious in my spirit. It seems as if all the inspiration I had experienced two months earlier had given way to perspiration as I was now coping with job loss. It suddenly became very clear to me, why God had put that article of job loss in my mind two months earlier; it was not only for the readers of that Christian magazine, but he looked into my future and saw that I would need all the advice I had captured in that article.
During my job search, as I dusted off my professional resume and began to update it, I found myself asking some questions of God. Why now, Lord, and why so close to the closing date of the mortgage? Was this a sign that we should walk away from the deal? Did He want us to abandon our recent move to Virginia and go back to Rochester, NY? And on and on … It was during my meditation, one morning that I began to look back at my life since coming to America, from my early days in college, then unto to graduate school, the jobs I held and the places I traveled. I began to review in my mind how God had been working in my life through the good times and through the challenging times, even up to that present situation. I began to praise the Lord for His goodness to me in the past and His leadership in the current situation. This lifted up my spirit. The Holy Spirit gave me 2 Chronicles 20:1-29 as my word of encouragement for that situation.
Then it hit me like a rock, just as I had spent time documenting my professional accomplishments in my resume to impress a potential employer, why not spend the time to document God’s accomplishments in my life. I documented, in chronological order, highlights of God’s instructing, teaching, counseling and watching over me from as far back as I could remember up to the present time. I created God’s resume in my life. By the time I was done, I felt like I had more to praise about than to worry about. The process of creating God’s resume in my life strengthened my faith in Him and solidified my resolve to trust in His leadership throughout that crisis. I have since updated God’s resume in my life to include how He led a recruiter to me, and how He watched over the process that resulted in us closing the deal on the new house, on the scheduled date.

Some Resume Guidelines
There are guidelines on CareerJournal.com for career resumes that are applicable to creating and maintaining God’s resume in your life. Remember, the following are just guidelines and not commandments. Some people are more comfortable using their personal diary to capture the highlights of the manifestation of God’s leadership in their lives. It is your experiences with God, so use whatever you are comfortable with, even if it is your PDA or BlackberryTM. Here are some guidelines to assist you in creating God’s resume in your life.
1. Define an objective for the resume: Be specific and concise. Example: “To increase my faith in God by reviewing His goodness and mercies in my life.”
2. Use a chronological format for the resume. Begin with the most recent experience or situation where God instructed, taught, counseled or protected you. As best as you could recall, make a note of the date of the event or experience.
3. Focus on God’s accomplishments in your life. Ask yourself, "How did I recognize God instructing me, teaching me, counseling me or protecting me during the experience or situation?" and "What did He do in my life that I may want other people to know about so that they can be encouraged?"
4. Use descriptive verbs. Describe your experiences using phrases that contain a past-tense action word. Example: “Two months earlier, God led me to write an article on coping with job loss for others to read. When I lost my job, I was able to use those same guidelines.”
5. Keep the resume updated. Update God’s resume in your life with new experiences and situations as they occur. As you review them, you would begin to recognize that you have experienced Christian growth over time.
6. Do not focus only on the dramatic events in your life. Note the small events as well since God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

Do not limit yourself to any specific number of pages since God began to work in your life from the moment you took your first breath; in fact, He initiated that process. He did not start working in your life only after you became a Christian; God was working all along to bring you to Him and He does not stop working in your life when you discover Him. God’s resume in your life ceases to expand when you die, but even then, your experiences can be beneficial to others. If you choose to share it with others, God’s resume in your life could be past on from generation to generation in your family. However, it may be so personal to you that you choose not to share it. Remember, this is all between you and God.

A Sample of God’s Resume in my Life
The best way to help you to create God’s resume in your life is to share with you an excerpt from God’s resume in mine. Below is an excerpt of God’s resume in my life. I encourage you to take the time to develop God’s resume in your life. This process will help to reinforce in your mind that all through your life God has been diligently working on your behalf; this will enrich your faith in His leadership. For a free download of a template, you can use to document God’s resume in your life, visit http://www.christianstewardship.info/myexperiences.htm.

God’s Resume in Christopher Sealey’s Life (excerpt)
Objective To encourage me, to strengthen my faith in God and to help me visualize God’s guidance in my life.
My Experiences February, 2003 Return Flight from London, England to Virginia
 God changed the weather forecast to allow me more time to complete my manuscript. Due to a snowstorm in Virginia, the flight was re-routed to Chicago. The two-day overlay in Chicago gave me the additional time I needed. The two-day overlay in Chicago gave me the additional time I needed.
 This experience helped me to better understand this Bible verse(s): 1 Kings 18:1, 41-44
January, 2003 Aboard flight from Virginia to London, England
 God selected the passenger who sat next to me. I was grappling with the best format for a set of graphs for my stewardship book. The person sitting next to me was a government expert on data analysis and he provided several suggestions, which helped me to simplify the graphs.
 This experience helped me to better understand this Bible verse(s): Acts 8:26-39

Quote for blogs:
Allow me to introduce you to God’s resume in your life. God’s resume in your life is a document, which contains a chronological summary or listing of relevant experiences in your life through which God was working to instruct, to teach, to counsel and to watch over you. The sole purpose of developing God’s resume in your life is to strengthen your faith in Him. Documenting God’s resume in your life is an act of praise and worship since it demonstrates to God that you have acknowledged His goodness and mercy towards you. Visit www.christianstewardship.info/myexperiences.htm to see an excerpt from God's resume in my life.

God’s resume in your life is a document, which contains a chronological summary or listing of relevant experiences in your life through which God was working to instruct, to teach, to counsel and to watch over you. Visit www.christianstewardship.info/myexperiences.htm to see an excerpt from God's resume in my life.

The sole purpose of developing God’s resume in your life is to strengthen your faith in Him. Documenting God’s resume in your life is an act of praise and worship since it demonstrates to God that you have acknowledged His goodness and mercy towards you.

Christianity

2007-11-09T20:20:40Z

Christianauthor:

{{quote | text={{web_verse|john|3|16}} [[John 3:16]]}}

[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|Christians marching in a procession at [[Lourdes]].]]
''Synopsis:'' Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

__TOC__
{{topics}}
* [[God]] | [[Jesus Christ]] | [[Essence of Christianity]]
* [[Bible]] | [[Christian literature, art, music and media]]
* [[Church]] | [[Church history]] | [[Denominations]]
* [[Famous Christians]]
* [[Christian doctrine and debates]] | [[Grace]] | [[Love]]
* [[Current issues]] | [[News]]
* [[Cults and other religions]]
* [[Places]] | [[Mission]] | [[World-wide church directory]]
* [[God's Resume in Your Life]]

{{opinions}}

==Main article==
[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at [[Mount Sinai]] in [[Egypt]]. It was in this region that [[God]] revealed himself to [[Moses]] and showed his [[love]] and [[grace]] with the statement "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and the slavery" in [[Exodus 20:2]].]]

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

The name comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].

===[[Essence of Christianity]]===

[[Christianity]] is about [[God]] reaching out his hand in friendship to mankind. Christians believe that the whole world and everything in it was created by God. God is a personal being, and by some mystery that we cannot understand, he is three, yet one: [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] (see the [[Trinity]]). He created people in his image, to [[love]] him. Yet every person has rebelled against God. Yet instead of turning his back on us, God became a man, [[Jesus]], who was born about 4 BC and lived among us. He taught a message of love throughout Palestine but public opinion turned against him and he was executed as a young man. He died because of us - the death that we should have died. He was crucified on a cross, but he rose from the dead, and now calls us to trust him, to love him and to [[repent]] of our rebellion. If we do this, then we our relationship with God becomes restored and we will live forever with God.

Many non-Christians may think that being a Christian is about belonging to a particular [[church]] or following a certain set of rule. Most Christians however would agree that at its root, being a Christian means to be in a living relationship with [[Jesus Christ]].

====[[Love]]====

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
: ''{{web_verse|1 John|3|16}}
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|28}}''
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|29}}''
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|30}}''

====[[Grace]]====

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is [[God]]'s [[love]] poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have [[sin]]ned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in [[Jesus Christ]], in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

===[[Bible]]===
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]

The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.

===[[Church]]===

A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.

====[[Church history]]====

Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

====[[Denominations]]====

Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].

===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.

====[[Christian music]]====

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.

====[[Christian movies]]====

Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].

====[[Christianity and the internet]]====

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])

===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===

There are no requirements in [[Christianity]] about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or [[crucifix]]. In many countries with predominant [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] populations, people may erect a [[shrine]] or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the [[Reformation]], there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as [[idol]]s.

===[[Christian doctrine and debates]]===

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various [[Creeds]] and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that [[Jesus]] was both a man and both God, and that he bore the [[sin]]s of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of [[love]]. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.

===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.

==Quotes==

''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.

''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

[[Martin Luther King]]
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]

{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]

Christianity

2007-11-09T20:20:17Z

Christianauthor:

{{quote | text={{web_verse|john|3|16}} [[John 3:16]]}}

[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|Christians marching in a procession at [[Lourdes]].]]
''Synopsis:'' Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

__TOC__
{{topics}}
* [[God]] | [[Jesus Christ]] | [[Essence of Christianity]]
* [[Bible]] | [[Christian literature, art, music and media]]
* [[Church]] | [[Church history]] | [[Denominations]]
* [[Famous Christians]]
* [[Christian doctrine and debates]] | [[Grace]] | [[Love]]
* [[Current issues]] | [[News]]
* [[Cults and other religions]]
* [[Places]] | [[Mission]] | [[World-wide church directory]]
* [[God's Resume]]

{{opinions}}

==Main article==
[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at [[Mount Sinai]] in [[Egypt]]. It was in this region that [[God]] revealed himself to [[Moses]] and showed his [[love]] and [[grace]] with the statement "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and the slavery" in [[Exodus 20:2]].]]

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

The name comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].

===[[Essence of Christianity]]===

[[Christianity]] is about [[God]] reaching out his hand in friendship to mankind. Christians believe that the whole world and everything in it was created by God. God is a personal being, and by some mystery that we cannot understand, he is three, yet one: [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] (see the [[Trinity]]). He created people in his image, to [[love]] him. Yet every person has rebelled against God. Yet instead of turning his back on us, God became a man, [[Jesus]], who was born about 4 BC and lived among us. He taught a message of love throughout Palestine but public opinion turned against him and he was executed as a young man. He died because of us - the death that we should have died. He was crucified on a cross, but he rose from the dead, and now calls us to trust him, to love him and to [[repent]] of our rebellion. If we do this, then we our relationship with God becomes restored and we will live forever with God.

Many non-Christians may think that being a Christian is about belonging to a particular [[church]] or following a certain set of rule. Most Christians however would agree that at its root, being a Christian means to be in a living relationship with [[Jesus Christ]].

====[[Love]]====

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
: ''{{web_verse|1 John|3|16}}
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|28}}''
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|29}}''
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|30}}''

====[[Grace]]====

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is [[God]]'s [[love]] poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have [[sin]]ned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in [[Jesus Christ]], in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

===[[Bible]]===
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]

The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.

===[[Church]]===

A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.

====[[Church history]]====

Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

====[[Denominations]]====

Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].

===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.

====[[Christian music]]====

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.

====[[Christian movies]]====

Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].

====[[Christianity and the internet]]====

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])

===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===

There are no requirements in [[Christianity]] about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or [[crucifix]]. In many countries with predominant [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] populations, people may erect a [[shrine]] or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the [[Reformation]], there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as [[idol]]s.

===[[Christian doctrine and debates]]===

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various [[Creeds]] and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that [[Jesus]] was both a man and both God, and that he bore the [[sin]]s of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of [[love]]. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.

===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.

==Quotes==

''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.

''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

[[Martin Luther King]]
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]

{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]

Christianity

2007-11-09T20:19:41Z

Christianauthor:

Christianity

2007-11-09T20:13:27Z

Christianauthor:

{{quote | text={{web_verse|john|3|16}} [[John 3:16]]}}

[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|Christians marching in a procession at [[Lourdes]].]]
''Synopsis:'' Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

__TOC__
{{topics}}
* [[God]] | [[Jesus Christ]] | [[Essence of Christianity]]
* [[Bible]] | [[Christian literature, art, music and media]]
* [[Church]] | [[Church history]] | [[Denominations]]
* [[Famous Christians]]
* [[Christian doctrine and debates]] | [[Grace]] | [[Love]]
* [[Current issues]] | [[News]]
* [[Cults and other religions]]
* [[Places]] | [[Mission]] | [[World-wide church directory]]
* [[God's Resume]]

{{opinions}}

==Main article==
[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at [[Mount Sinai]] in [[Egypt]]. It was in this region that [[God]] revealed himself to [[Moses]] and showed his [[love]] and [[grace]] with the statement "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and the slavery" in [[Exodus 20:2]].]]

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

The name comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].

===[[Essence of Christianity]]===

[[Christianity]] is about [[God]] reaching out his hand in friendship to mankind. Christians believe that the whole world and everything in it was created by God. God is a personal being, and by some mystery that we cannot understand, he is three, yet one: [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] (see the [[Trinity]]). He created people in his image, to [[love]] him. Yet every person has rebelled against God. Yet instead of turning his back on us, God became a man, [[Jesus]], who was born about 4 BC and lived among us. He taught a message of love throughout Palestine but public opinion turned against him and he was executed as a young man. He died because of us - the death that we should have died. He was crucified on a cross, but he rose from the dead, and now calls us to trust him, to love him and to [[repent]] of our rebellion. If we do this, then we our relationship with God becomes restored and we will live forever with God.

Many non-Christians may think that being a Christian is about belonging to a particular [[church]] or following a certain set of rule. Most Christians however would agree that at its root, being a Christian means to be in a living relationship with [[Jesus Christ]].

====[[Love]]====

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
: ''{{web_verse|1 John|3|16}}
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|28}}''
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|29}}''
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|30}}''

====[[Grace]]====

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is [[God]]'s [[love]] poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have [[sin]]ned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in [[Jesus Christ]], in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

===[[Bible]]===
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]

The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.

===[[Church]]===

A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.

====[[Church history]]====

Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

====[[Denominations]]====

Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].

===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.

====[[Christian music]]====

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.

====[[Christian movies]]====

Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].

====[[Christianity and the internet]]====

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])

===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===

There are no requirements in [[Christianity]] about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or [[crucifix]]. In many countries with predominant [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] populations, people may erect a [[shrine]] or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the [[Reformation]], there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as [[idol]]s.

===[[Christian doctrine and debates]]===

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various [[Creeds]] and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that [[Jesus]] was both a man and both God, and that he bore the [[sin]]s of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of [[love]]. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.

===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.

==Quotes==

''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.

''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

[[Martin Luther King]]
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]

{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]