1UNIQUENESS OF CHRISTIANITY

11/12/2012

Christianity is based upon historical acts and facts; other religions are based upon the teachings of their founders.

I. View of God

A. Different views of God

1. Theism - monotheism, polytheism, pantheism

2. Atheism

3. Agnosticism

4. Three religions are monotheistic - Christianity, Judaism, Islam

One God (Monotheism) - Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

Jeremiah 10:10-16 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.;

Isaiah 43:10-13 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Isaiah 44:6-8 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

1 Kings 18:39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD,

he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

B. God is unique - He created us with a free will - Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

C. God is unique - He cares deeply for us - John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

D. God is unique - He is holy and cannot stand sin - Leviticus 20:26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

E. MonoTheistic - God created and is still involved in creation.

F. God is unique - Trinitarian - Christianity is the only religion that is trinitarian - God is a trinity - Gen 1:26

G. God is unique - Good - God is good

H. Jesus is God, the ultimate revelation of God to man - the entire world has been impacted by His coming. He has affected life on earth far more than anyone else who has ever lived.

John 14:6-9 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

I. Christian view of God has affected all of Western Civilization

1. calendar - AD, BC

2. Holidays - Easter, Good Friday, Christmas

3. Sunday worship

4. The Church has had a major impact on the world - hospitals, freedom from slavery, exhalted position of women, etc., science

5. Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, US Constitution

J. Jesus was unique in who He was and what He did - fulfilled prophecy

1. Unique life of healing and teaching

2. Unique death and resurrection

3. Jesus is reaching out to us; in religion man is reaching out to God

Some think that religions are many roads up the mountain to reach God at the top of the mountain. But all religions are man made roads and do not go up the hill but down. God made a road down the mountain to us; that is Christianity. If we made the road it would be arrogant to think that one road was better than another; but if God made the road, we would have the obligation to find out whether He made one or many and to differentiate it from the other man- made roads.

"If we made the roads, it would indeed be arrogant to claim that any one road is the only valid one, for all human things are equal, at least in all being human, finite, and mixtures of good and bad. If we made the roads, it would be as stupid to absolutize one of them as to absolutize one art form, one political system, or one way of skinning a cat. But if God made the road, we must find out whether he made many or one. If he made only one, then the shoe is on the other foot: it is humility, not arrogance, to accept this one road from God, and it is arrogance, not humility, to insist that our manmade roads are as good as God's God-made one." (Peterkreeft.com)K. Our very own God Jesus Christ redeemed us to Himself. No other religion claims to have a God who loves mankind so much that He redeemed us.L. Our God is a personal God who wants to be involved in our lives. In no other religion but Christianity is God personally involved in the lives of His followers.

1. Dependent condition for the closeness of God - 2Ch 15:1¶ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2 Chronicles 15:2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

2. My personal Redeemer - Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

3. My personal GodPsalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,Ezra 9:5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,Psalms 5:2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

4. Sons and daughters of God, related to him by blood, blood relatives - John 1:12 But as

many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

5. Draw as near to God as you want - James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

II. Christianity is Unique because we have a unique book - the Bible

A. The Bible claims to be the word of God

1. "And God said" - 30 times - (Gen 1:3; Jonah 4:9)

2. "Thus saith the Lord" - 413 times (Exod 4:2, 5:1; Zechariah 8:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; Mal 1:4)

3. "Word of the Lord" - 255 times (Gen 15:1; Ezekiel 34:7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

B. Unity of God’s Word - Christ is the central key that runs throughout the Bible - p 6

Lu 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things The complete Bible is about Jesus Christ

C. God’s Word is Preserved -

(1) Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

D. God’s Word is Powerful - Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

E. God’s Word is Precious

Brings hope to the hopeless

Brings salvation to the lost

Brings peace to those in turmoil

Brings comfort to the bereaved

F. God’s Word is Inspired -

(1) 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

(2) 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2) 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(3) 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

G. Bible is unique because of prophecy - only religious book that dares to prophecy the future. God is the only one who knows the future. Bible is full of prophecy.

H. Bible is the number one best-seller in the world, most read, most translated (2100+ languages) - p7

I. The Bible answers the main questions of life - Who am I, Why am I here, Where did I come from, What is my purpose, What is the significance of my life, Where am I going, What is my destiny, What should I do, How should I live.

J. Documentation and origin of the Scriptures

1. 5600 Greek manuscripts - more than 18,000 others

One complete NT in about 350 AD, parts date to 100-150 AD

2. The Antiquities by Josephus - born 37 AD, Jewish Historian, priest, Pharisee - p 78

3. Testimonium Flavianum by Josephus - p 78

4. Tacitus - Roman historian - wrote in 115 - p 82

5. Pliny the Younger - Roman ruler wrote letters to emperor Trajan - p 83

6. Fulfilled prophecy

III. Christianity is Unique Because it has a Unique Way of Salvation

1. All other religions require a certain amount of works for salvation. Even some Christian denominations - Church of Christ - baptism and Catholicism - 7 sacraments. And Christian offshoot religions (Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses) require works.

2. Salvation is by grace through faith and not of works - Eph 2:1-10 Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

A. The Sinner’s Condition - 2:1-5 servant of Satan

B. God’s Provision - 2:4-9 "But God..."

(1) mercy - more kindness than justice requires

(2) love is the power which provides mercy - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

(3) quicken - to be made alive 2:5 We are like a dead body before salvation.(4) grace - God’s riches at Christ’s expense, unmerited favor of God(5) seated in the heavenlies - sons or daughters of God - John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 3. Grace and Faith are both the Gifts of God

A. Faith is produced in us when we read God’s word - Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

B. We do not conjure up the faith ourselves; the Holy Spirit produces the faith in our receptive hearts. Faith is not produced if we are unwilling to believe God’s word. Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there (in Nazareth where Jesus grew up) because of their unbelief.

C. If salvation were by our own works we would boast or brag about it. Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

D. 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

4. Faith is our response and access to God

A. Our faith is counted for righteousness - Romans 4:3-5 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the

reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.; Gen 15:6

B. John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

C. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

D. Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

5. Mormons http://www.cs.cornell.edu/home/kreitz/Christian/Cults/all.html#SECTION00024000000000000000

A. Salvation - universal for all mankind, but a conditional salvation for those who do all of the works necessary including faithfulness and obedience to the doctrines, baptism is important.

6. Jehovah Witnesses

A. Salvation - Jesus died to make it possible for people to be right with God; works and baptism are important; most will live eternally on earth; 144,000 of the best class will live in heaven.

7. The Way International

A. Salvation - Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, but they do not believe that Jesus was God.

8. Herbert W. Armstrong Worldwide Church of |God

A. Salvation - water baptism essential as well as keeping the sabbath, keeping dietary regulations of Leviticus 11

9. Rev Moon’s Unification Church

A. Salvation - Jesus died before finishing his work, has to come back to finish, salvation is by works

10. Christian Science

A. Salvation - Jesus died to destroy the idea of sin, sin is an illusion that does not exist, nothing to be saved from

11. Catholicism - salvation by works - keeping seven sacraments

12. Islam - salvation by works - keeping 5 pillars of Islam - witness, ritual prayers 5/day, alms, fasting, pilgrimage - allah weighs good deeds and bad deeds on a scale

IV. Christianity is Unique because Love is the central themeA. Love for Christian brothers and sisters -

1. A Commandment -John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

2. A teaching of the Holy Spirit - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

3. Evidence of Salvation - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

4. Evidence that salvation does not exist in the life of an individual - 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1John 3:14b He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

5. Love goes along with humility - Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

B. Love for those who are not savedLuke 6:27-35 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (((GRACE)))

1. We do not hate and murder those who do not accept Christianity2. We do not force people to become Christians

C. Love for those who are needy and hurting1. First Deacons took care of the poor widows in the church2. All mission activities originate in love - foreign missions, homeless shelters

5. Christianity is Unique because of the Changed lives of its followersA. A new person - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new

creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

B. From sin to righteousness - Luke 8:35-39 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

C. From hate to love - Luke 6:27-35; Acts 9:1-5 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

D. From self first to God and others first - Luke 19:8-9 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

E. Nicodemus - John 3:1-21; 19:39-42F. Samaritan woman - John 4:7-42G. Lydia - Acts 16:14-15H. Philippian jailer - Acts 16:25-34I. Apollos - Acts 18:24-28J. Aquila & Priscilla - Acts 18:1-4, 26K. Modern Day - Mickey Mantle, George Foreman, Condoleza Rice, Lee Strobel

6. Christianity is Unique because of the righteous Daily living of its close followers