World Religions: Part 6, Christianity
Sermon Notes
World Religions
Part 6: Christianity
1. What is Christianity?
• One of three great Monotheistic religions
• The world’s largest religion: 2.4 billion followers
• “Christian” means “follower of Christ”
• Christos = Greek translation of Hebrew Messiah
2. History of Christianity
a. Jesus of Nazareth
b. The Apostles
c. Post-Apostolic Church
d. Byzantine Christianity
e. The Middle Ages
f. The Protestant Reformation
g. Post-Enlightenment Christianity
3. Beliefs and Practices of Christianity
a. The Bible
b. The Trinity
c. Salvation
d. The Church
e. Creeds and Councils
f. Sacraments
g. Eschatology
Study/Discussion Questions:
1. What does “Christian” mean? What does “Christ” mean?
2. What are the basic facts of Jesus’ life?
3. Who were the Apostles?
4. What is “Byzantine Christianity”?
5. What were some positives and negatives of Christianity in the Middle Ages?
6. What is the Protestant Reformation?
7. What do Christians believe about the Bible? The Trinity?
8. What brings salvation in Christianity?
9. What are the Sacraments?
10. What is “Eschatology” and what do Christians believe concerning Christ’s return?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993. Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.