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ONE MANONE MANTHREE RELIGIONSTHREE RELIGIONS

• Kurian VargheseKurian Varghese VijayanVijayan

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DateDate Name Name Age of Age of Father at Father at BirthBirth

11 BCE BCE 40044004

Adam CreatedAdam Created 130130

22 BCE BCE 38743874

SethSeth 105105

33 BCE376BCE37699

EnosEnos 9090

44 BCE BCE 36793679

CainanCainan 7070

55 BCE BCE 36093609

MahalaleelMahalaleel 6565

66 BCE BCE 35443544

JaredJared 162162

77 BCE BCE 33823382

EnochEnoch 6565

88 BCE BCE 33173317

MethusalehMethusaleh 180180

99 BCE BCE 31373137

LamechLamech 182182

1010 BCE BCE 29482948

NoahNoah 502502

1111 BCE BCE 24462446

ShemShem 100100

1212 BCE BCE 23482348

The FloodThe Flood

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DateDate NameName Age of Age of Father at Father at BirthBirth

11 BCE 2346BCE 2346 ArphaxadArphaxad 3535

22 BCE 2311BCE 2311 SalahSalah 3030

33 BCE 2281BCE 2281 EberEber 3434

44 BCE 2247BCE 2247 PelegPeleg 3030

55 BCE 2217BCE 2217 ReuReu 3232

66 BCE 2185BCE 2185 SerugSerug 3030

77 BCE 2155BCE 2155 NahorNahor 2929

88 BCE 2133BCE 2133 TerahTerah 7070

99 BCE 2063BCE 2063 HaranHaran

1010 BCEBCE NahorNahor

1111 BCE 1996BCE 1996 AbrahamAbraham

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Hebrews 2:16Hebrews 2:16

• For surely it is not with angels that For surely it is not with angels that he ishe isconcerned but with the concerned but with the

descendants of Abraham.descendants of Abraham.

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WHO IS THIS ABRAHAM???WHO IS THIS ABRAHAM???

• From Ur to Haran From Ur to Haran with his fatherwith his father

• God called him God called him from Haran.from Haran.

• Abrahm end up in Abrahm end up in CanaanCanaan

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• Abraham migrated with his father Abraham migrated with his father Terah from Ur to Haran. Terah from Ur to Haran.

• God called Abraham to go to the land God called Abraham to go to the land that he would show him, where He that he would show him, where He would make of Abraham a great would make of Abraham a great nation.  nation. 

• Abraham went to Abraham went to Canaan with his with his wife  wife  Sarah and nephew Lot.  and nephew Lot. 

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God promised that Abraham God promised that Abraham would become the father of would become the father of

a great nation, receive a a great nation, receive a land, and bring blessing to land, and bring blessing to

all nations.all nations.  

• As Abraham and Sarah grew older As Abraham and Sarah grew older they had no children, so Abraham they had no children, so Abraham fathered a son, fathered a son, Ishmael, through through Sarah's servant Sarah's servant Hagar. .

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• The birth of Ishmael did not fulfill The birth of Ishmael did not fulfill God's promise of a child to Abraham God's promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah so the promise of a great and Sarah so the promise of a great nation remained unrealized.  nation remained unrealized. 

• God reaffirmed his promise to give God reaffirmed his promise to give Abraham descendants as numerous Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in heavenas the stars in heaven

• When Abraham was 100 years old, When Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah bore a son named Sarah bore a son named Isaac. .

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From this two sons who will be From this two sons who will be his descendant??his descendant??

A – IsaacA – Isaac

B – IshmaelB – Ishmael

C – BothC – Both

D – None of the aboveD – None of the above

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Abrahamic religionsAbrahamic religions

Judaism, , Christianity & & Islam. .

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• Abrahamic religionsAbrahamic religions are are monotheistic faiths that recognize a spiritual tradition faiths that recognize a spiritual tradition identified with identified with Abraham.The term is .The term is mostly used to refer collectively to mostly used to refer collectively to Judaism, , Christianity and and Islam. .

• In In theology, , monotheismmonotheism (from (from Greek ) is ) is the belief that only one the belief that only one deity ( (supernatural being) exists. ) exists.

• Abrahamic religions account for more than Abrahamic religions account for more than half of the world's total population. Today, half of the world's total population. Today, there are around there are around 3.8 billion3.8 billion followers of followers of various Abrahamic religions.various Abrahamic religions.

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Common aspectsCommon aspects

• A number of commonalities between A number of commonalities between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam exist:Judaism, Christianity, and Islam exist:

•Monotheism. All three religions claim to . All three religions claim to be monotheistic. be monotheistic.

• A A prophetic tradition. All three religions tradition. All three religions recognize figures called "prophets."recognize figures called "prophets."

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An An ethical orientation. orientation.

All three religions speak of a choice All three religions speak of a choice between good and evil, which is between good and evil, which is associated with obedience or associated with obedience or disobedience to a single God and to disobedience to a single God and to Divine Law. .

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Religious scriptures Religious scriptures

• All these religions rely on a body of All these religions rely on a body of scriptures, some of which are considered scriptures, some of which are considered to be the word of God — hence sacred and to be the word of God — hence sacred and unquestionable — and some the work of unquestionable — and some the work of religious men, revered mainly by tradition religious men, revered mainly by tradition and to the extent that they are considered and to the extent that they are considered to have been divinely inspired, if not to have been divinely inspired, if not dictated, by the divine being.dictated, by the divine being.

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IsaacIsaac• Isaac is married to Rebecca. Rebecca Isaac is married to Rebecca. Rebecca

is pregnant with twins, and the twins is pregnant with twins, and the twins are fighting in the womb already. are fighting in the womb already.

• When they're born there is a rivalry When they're born there is a rivalry between them. between them.

• What are the twins' names? What are the twins' names?

• Jacob and Esau.Jacob and Esau.

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• Although they are twins, Jacob and Although they are twins, Jacob and Esau have totally different Esau have totally different personalities and they are also personalities and they are also physically very different. physically very different.

• The Bible describes Esau as hairy The Bible describes Esau as hairy and Jacob as smooth-skinned. and Jacob as smooth-skinned.

• Esau is a hunter, a man of action. Esau is a hunter, a man of action.

• Jacob is a scholar; he's more a man Jacob is a scholar; he's more a man of thought than of action.of thought than of action.

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• Esau, who embodies the power of Esau, who embodies the power of might and sword, will, through his might and sword, will, through his descendants, give rise to the Roman descendants, give rise to the Roman Empire or "Edom" as the Bible calls Empire or "Edom" as the Bible calls it. it.

• So, in Esau, we see yet another So, in Esau, we see yet another example of an offshoot of the example of an offshoot of the children of Abraham, who, like children of Abraham, who, like Ishmael, does not carry on the Ishmael, does not carry on the mission, yet becomes a great power, mission, yet becomes a great power, both physically and spiritually. both physically and spiritually.

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Who is the ultimate enemy of Who is the ultimate enemy of the Jewish people in history? the Jewish people in history?

• The nation of Amalek.The nation of Amalek.

• Amalek is Esau's grandson through Amalek is Esau's grandson through his son Eliphaz. (See Genesis 36:1-his son Eliphaz. (See Genesis 36:1-15) 15)

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JacobJacob• Jacob offers to work seven years for Jacob offers to work seven years for

Rachel’s hand. Rachel’s hand.

• At the end of the seven years, Laban At the end of the seven years, Laban substitutes Rachel's older sister Leah substitutes Rachel's older sister Leah and demands Jacob work another and demands Jacob work another seven years to get Rachel. seven years to get Rachel.

• In the end, Jacob winds up with four In the end, Jacob winds up with four wives -- Leah, Rachel, and their wives -- Leah, Rachel, and their handmaidens Zilpah and Bilhah. handmaidens Zilpah and Bilhah.

• From these women will come 12 From these women will come 12 sons. sons.

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The re-uniting of Jacob and The re-uniting of Jacob and Esau. Esau. • Next God tells Jacob that he must Next God tells Jacob that he must

return to the Land of Israel because return to the Land of Israel because he has a mission.he has a mission.

•

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Wrestling with an AngelWrestling with an Angel• Jacob wrestled with a man until the Jacob wrestled with a man until the

break of day. break of day.

• As the dawn broke, Jacob demanded a As the dawn broke, Jacob demanded a blessing from the man, and the "man" blessing from the man, and the "man" revealed himself as an angel. revealed himself as an angel.

• He blessed Jacob and gave him the He blessed Jacob and gave him the name "Israel", meaning "the one who name "Israel", meaning "the one who wrestled with God" wrestled with God"

• The The Jewish people are generally are generally referred to as the Children of Israel, referred to as the Children of Israel, signifying they descent from Jacob. signifying they descent from Jacob.

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Children of IsraelChildren of Israel• Jacob fathered 12 sons: Reuben, Jacob fathered 12 sons: Reuben,

Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph and Benjamin.

• They are the ancestors of the tribes They are the ancestors of the tribes of Israel, and the ones for whom the of Israel, and the ones for whom the tribes are named.tribes are named.

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•The Exodus and the Giving of The Exodus and the Giving of the Torahthe Torah

• As long as Joseph exercised regal authority As long as Joseph exercised regal authority in the land of Egypt, the Hebrew people in the land of Egypt, the Hebrew people flourished. flourished.

• But when a new king arose, who “knew But when a new king arose, who “knew not Joseph,” the lives of the Israelites not Joseph,” the lives of the Israelites became “bitter and hard” (Ex. 1:8,14). became “bitter and hard” (Ex. 1:8,14).

• As centuries passed, the descendants of As centuries passed, the descendants of Israel became slaves in Egypt. They Israel became slaves in Egypt. They suffered greatly under the hand of later suffered greatly under the hand of later Pharaohs. But Pharaohs. But God brought the Children of brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt under the leadership of Israel out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses. .

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The PlaguesThe Plagues

1.1. BloodBlood2.2. FrogsFrogs3.3. GnatsGnats4.4. FliesFlies5.5. LivestockLivestock6.6. BoilsBoils7.7. HailHail8.8. LocustsLocusts9.9. DarknessDarkness10.10.FirstbornFirstborn

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The Passover The Passover • The tenth plague involved the death of The tenth plague involved the death of

first-born Egyptians (men and cattle).first-born Egyptians (men and cattle).

• According to Exodus 12, a year-old male According to Exodus 12, a year-old male lamb (or goat), without blemish, was to be lamb (or goat), without blemish, was to be slain on the 14th day of the first month of slain on the 14th day of the first month of the Hebrew religious year, “between the the Hebrew religious year, “between the evenings” (12:6). evenings” (12:6).

• The blood was to be smeared on the The blood was to be smeared on the doorposts and lintel of every Israelite doorposts and lintel of every Israelite home, and the Lord promised: “When I see home, and the Lord promised: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (12:13). the blood, I will pass over you” (12:13).

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The ExodusThe Exodus• Now the length of time the Israelite Now the length of time the Israelite

people lived in Egypt was 430 years.people lived in Egypt was 430 years.(Ex.12:40)(Ex.12:40)

• At the end of the 430 years they left At the end of the 430 years they left Egypt.Egypt.

• There were about 600 thousand men There were about 600 thousand men besides women and childrenbesides women and children

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At mount SinaiAt mount Sinai

• God revealed the God revealed the Torah to his to his people, both the people, both the written and and oral Torah. .

• The entire nation responded, The entire nation responded, "Everything that the Lord has "Everything that the Lord has spoken, we will do!“spoken, we will do!“

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JudaismJudaism

• Judaism presents itself as the Judaism presents itself as the covenantal relationship between the covenantal relationship between the Children of Israel and God. As such, Children of Israel and God. As such, many consider it the first many consider it the first monotheistic religion

• Followers of Judaism are called Followers of Judaism are called Jews..

• According to Jewish tradition, every According to Jewish tradition, every Jewish soul that would ever be born Jewish soul that would ever be born was present at that moment, and was present at that moment, and agreed to be bound to this covenant. agreed to be bound to this covenant.

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• The The Shield of David more commonly more commonly known as the Star of David (or known as the Star of David (or Magen David) is a generally Magen David) is a generally recognized symbol of Jewish recognized symbol of Jewish Community and Judaism.Community and Judaism.

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• Jewish theology is based on the Jewish theology is based on the Hebrew Bible, where the nature and , where the nature and commandments of God are revealed commandments of God are revealed through the writings of through the writings of Moses, the , the Torah, and the writings of the , and the writings of the prophets, , psalmists and other ancient and other ancient canonized scriptures, together with the canonized scriptures, together with the Torah known as the Torah known as the Tanakh. .

• Additionally, it usually has a basis in its Additionally, it usually has a basis in its Oral Law, as recorded in the , as recorded in the Mishnah and and GemoraGemora which form the which form the Talmud..

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Judaism had its origins in the had its origins in the Canaanite//Israelite culture of culture of the late 2nd and early 1st the late 2nd and early 1st millenia BC. millenia BC.

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The Torah is the most holy of The Torah is the most holy of the the sacred writings in in Judaism.It is the first of three Judaism.It is the first of three sections in the sections in the Tanakh ( (Hebrew Bible), the founding ), the founding religious document of Judaism, religious document of Judaism, and is divided into five books, and is divided into five books, whose names in English are whose names in English are Genesis, , Exodus, , Leviticus, , Numbers, and , and Deuteronomy, ,

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IshmaelIshmael• Ishmael was born at Mamre, when Abraham was Ishmael was born at Mamre, when Abraham was

86 (Genesis 16:3)86 (Genesis 16:3)• Ishmael, from the Ishmael, from the Hebrew word meaning word meaning God God

hearshears, was the son of , was the son of Abraham and and Hagar• He grew up to be a man of the desert wilderness, He grew up to be a man of the desert wilderness,

with a wild and hostile attitude toward people, with a wild and hostile attitude toward people, exactly as God described him to his mother exactly as God described him to his mother before he was born: before he was born:

• "Behold, you are with child, and shall bear a son; "Behold, you are with child, and shall bear a son; you shall call his name Ishmael; because The Lord you shall call his name Ishmael; because The Lord has given heed to your affliction. He shall be a has given heed to your affliction. He shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against every man wild ass of a man, his hand against every man and every man's hand against him; and he shall and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen." (Genesis dwell over against all his kinsmen." (Genesis 16:11-12 RSV).16:11-12 RSV).

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IshmaelIshmael

• Ishmael lived 137 years (Genesis Ishmael lived 137 years (Genesis 25:17). He had 12 sons, who became 25:17). He had 12 sons, who became the founders of the founders of IshmaeliteIshmaelite tribes that tribes that spread from Egypt to what is today spread from Egypt to what is today Iraq. Iraq.

• Many of the modern-day Arab Many of the modern-day Arab peoples correctly recognize that they peoples correctly recognize that they are the descendants of are the descendants of Ishmael.Ishmael.

• While the Jews, and the rest of the While the Jews, and the rest of the Israelites, are descendants of Isaac. Israelites, are descendants of Isaac.

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Symbol of Islam, the name of Symbol of Islam, the name of Allah..

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• Allah is the standard Arabic translation for the is the standard Arabic translation for the word "God." Islamic tradition also describes word "God." Islamic tradition also describes the the 99 names of God. .

• These 99 names describe attributes of God, These 99 names describe attributes of God, including Most Merciful, Most Just, and The including Most Merciful, Most Just, and The Peace and Blessing, and the Guardian. Islamic Peace and Blessing, and the Guardian. Islamic belief in God is distinct in that it accepts no belief in God is distinct in that it accepts no partners or progeny of God. partners or progeny of God.

• This belief is summed up in the Qur'anic This belief is summed up in the Qur'anic chapter of Al-Ikhlas, which states "God is One, chapter of Al-Ikhlas, which states "God is One, He is the Eternal, the Absolute. He does not He is the Eternal, the Absolute. He does not beget nor was he begotten. And there is none beget nor was he begotten. And there is none like Him."like Him."

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•Muslims believe that the Jewish God is believe that the Jewish God is the same as their God and that Jesus the same as their God and that Jesus is a divinely inspired prophet, but not is a divinely inspired prophet, but not God. God.

• Thus, both the Thus, both the Torah and the and the Gospels are believed to be based upon divine are believed to be based upon divine revelation, but Muslims believe them revelation, but Muslims believe them to have been to have been corrupted (both (both accidentally through errors in accidentally through errors in transmission and intentionally by transmission and intentionally by certain Jews and Christians over the certain Jews and Christians over the centuries). centuries).

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• Muslims revere the Muslims revere the Qur'an as the as the final uncorrupted word of God or the final uncorrupted word of God or the last testament brought through the last testament brought through the last prophet, last prophet, Muhammad. . Muhammad is regarded as the "Seal Muhammad is regarded as the "Seal of the Prophets" and of the Prophets" and Islam is viewed is viewed as the final monotheist faith for all of as the final monotheist faith for all of humanity.humanity.

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ChristianChristian

• The The Christian cross (or crux) is the (or crux) is the best-known religious symbol of best-known religious symbol of Christianity; this version is known as Christianity; this version is known as a Latin Cross.a Latin Cross.

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Patriarchs Patriarchs • There are seven notable figures in There are seven notable figures in

the Bible prior to Abraham: the Bible prior to Abraham: Adam and Eve, their two sons , their two sons Cain and and Abel, , Enoch, and his great-, and his great-grandson, grandson, Noah, and , and Terah the the father of Abraham. father of Abraham.

• It is uncertain whether any of them It is uncertain whether any of them left any recorded left any recorded moral code. The . The Genesis mentions the mentions the Noahide Laws given by God to the family of Noah. given by God to the family of Noah.

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Seven Laws of Noah Seven Laws of Noah

• The The Seven Laws of NoahSeven Laws of Noah often often referred to as the referred to as the Noahide LawsNoahide Laws, , are a set of seven moral imperatives are a set of seven moral imperatives that were given by that were given by God to to Noah as a as a binding set of laws for all binding set of laws for all mankind

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• Prohibition of Prohibition of Idolatry: You shall not have : You shall not have any idols before God. any idols before God.

• Prohibition of Prohibition of Murder: You shall not : You shall not murder. (murder. (Genesis 9:6) )

• Prohibition of Prohibition of Theft: You shall not steal. : You shall not steal.

• Prohibition of Prohibition of Sexual Promiscuity: You : You shall not commit shall not commit adultery. .

• Prohibition of Prohibition of Blasphemy: You shall not : You shall not blaspheme God's name. blaspheme God's name.

• Dietary Law: Dietary Law: Do not eat flesh taken from an animal while it is still alive. (. (Genesis 9:4) )

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Promises to AbrahamPromises to Abraham • Promise – Promise – • Depart and follow Me and I will:Depart and follow Me and I will:

• make of you a great nation make of you a great nation • bless you bless you • make your name great make your name great • you shall be a blessing you shall be a blessing • bless them that bless you bless them that bless you • curse them that curse you curse them that curse you • bless all families of the Earth through you bless all families of the Earth through you

• Reference - Now the LORD had said to Abram, Depart from your Reference - Now the LORD had said to Abram, Depart from your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you: And I will make of you a great nation, and land that I will show you: And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing: blessing:

• And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed. and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed. - Gen. 12:1-3- Gen. 12:1-3

• Comment - Original conditional covenant. If Abram would obey God, Comment - Original conditional covenant. If Abram would obey God, then God would provide 7 physical blessings, with the last one also then God would provide 7 physical blessings, with the last one also being a major spiritual one that refers to Jesus Christ. being a major spiritual one that refers to Jesus Christ.

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•Promise – Promise – • God would bless Abraham's wife and promises that she God would bless Abraham's wife and promises that she

would be a mother of nations, and kings would come from would be a mother of nations, and kings would come from her.her.

•Reference –Reference –• And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai

your wife, you shalt not call her name Sarai, your wife, you shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give you a son also of her: yea, I her, and give you a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. nations; kings of people shall be of her. - Gen. 17:15-16 - Gen. 17:15-16

Comment – Comment – The covenant promises would come through Abraham's The covenant promises would come through Abraham's

wife (who had not yet produced a child at age 90). wife (who had not yet produced a child at age 90). Her name was to be changed to Sarah (noblewoman) Her name was to be changed to Sarah (noblewoman) to reflect this honor. Ones name is changed when to reflect this honor. Ones name is changed when ones relationship with God is altered.ones relationship with God is altered.

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• Promise –Promise –• God promised a son through Sarah and He would establish God promised a son through Sarah and He would establish

His everlasting covenant with Isaac and his seed.His everlasting covenant with Isaac and his seed.

• Reference –Reference –• And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear

you a son indeed; and you shall call his you a son indeed; and you shall call his name Isaac: and I will establish my name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. But covenant, and with his seed after him. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto you at this set which Sarah shall bear unto you at this set time in the next year. time in the next year. - Gen. 17:19, 21 - Gen. 17:19, 21

• Comment - Comment - God promised a son, to be called Isaac, God promised a son, to be called Isaac, exactly one year later, and through him would the exactly one year later, and through him would the promises go.promises go.

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• Promise –Promise –• All nations of the Earth would be blessed through All nations of the Earth would be blessed through

Abraham's seedAbraham's seed

• Reference –Reference –• And in your seed shall all the nations of the And in your seed shall all the nations of the

earth be blessed; because you have obeyed earth be blessed; because you have obeyed my voice. my voice. - Gen. 22:18- Gen. 22:18

• Comment - Comment - Because of Abraham's Because of Abraham's obedience, all nations of the Earth would be obedience, all nations of the Earth would be ultimately blessed. This is dual in nature ultimately blessed. This is dual in nature and contains both physical and spiritual and contains both physical and spiritual promises.promises.

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• Promise –Promise –• I will bless you and multiply your seed for Abraham's I will bless you and multiply your seed for Abraham's

sake.sake.

• Reference –Reference –• And the LORD appeared to him the And the LORD appeared to him the

same night, and said, I am the God of same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham your father: fear not, for I am Abraham your father: fear not, for I am with you, and will bless you, and with you, and will bless you, and multiply your seed for my servant multiply your seed for my servant Abraham's sake. Abraham's sake. - Gen. 26:24- Gen. 26:24

• Comment - Comment - A promise that Isaac's seed would be A promise that Isaac's seed would be

blessed because of Abrahamblessed because of Abraham

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Promises to JacobPromises to Jacob

•Promise – Promise – • The blessing of descendants obtaining the choice The blessing of descendants obtaining the choice

locations of the Earth and greatness among the locations of the Earth and greatness among the nations.nations.

•Reference –Reference –• Therefore God give you of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the Therefore God give you of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the

earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve you, and earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve you, and nations bow down to you: be lord over your brethren, and let your nations bow down to you: be lord over your brethren, and let your mother's sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses mother's sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses you, and blessed be he that blesses you. you, and blessed be he that blesses you. - Gen. 27:28-29 - Gen. 27:28-29

•Comment –Comment –• This is the birthright inheritance bestowed on Jacob by his This is the birthright inheritance bestowed on Jacob by his

father Isaac.father Isaac.

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• After After Jesus was raised from the dead——according to Christian scriptures—this according to Christian scriptures—this ancient Hebrew witness of how God ancient Hebrew witness of how God reveals himself as reveals himself as MessiahMessiah came to be came to be seen in a very different light. seen in a very different light.

• It was then that Jesus' followers began to It was then that Jesus' followers began to speak widely of him as God himself (see speak widely of him as God himself (see John 20:28), although this had already ), although this had already been revealed to certain individuals during been revealed to certain individuals during his Ministry, his Ministry,

• for example, the Samaritan woman in for example, the Samaritan woman in Shechem, and his closest apostles.Shechem, and his closest apostles.

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History of ChristianityHistory of Christianity

• How did it all start? How did it all start?

• Christianity started about 2000 years Christianity started about 2000 years ago in Judea (present-day Israel) with ago in Judea (present-day Israel) with Jesus Christ and His faithful group of Jesus Christ and His faithful group of disciples. disciples.

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The Arrival of Jesus ChristThe Arrival of Jesus Christ

• Jesus was a Jew. Jesus was a Jew.

• He observed the Jewish faith and was well He observed the Jewish faith and was well acquainted with the Jewish Law. acquainted with the Jewish Law.

• In His early thirties, Jesus traveled from In His early thirties, Jesus traveled from village to village, teaching in the synagogues village to village, teaching in the synagogues and healing those who were suffering. and healing those who were suffering.

• Jesus' teaching was revolutionary. Jesus' teaching was revolutionary.

• He challenged the established religious He challenged the established religious authorities to repent from their self-authorities to repent from their self-righteousness and hypocrisy and realize that righteousness and hypocrisy and realize that the Kingdom of God is rooted in the Kingdom of God is rooted in service and service and lovelove. .

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Foretold by ProphecyForetold by Prophecy

• Though most of the historical record for the Though most of the historical record for the start of the Christian faith is recorded in the start of the Christian faith is recorded in the New Testament accounts, the history of New Testament accounts, the history of Christianity actually began with prophecy in Christianity actually began with prophecy in the Old Testament. the Old Testament.

• There are over 300 prophecies (predictions) There are over 300 prophecies (predictions) that span over a period of 1000 years that that span over a period of 1000 years that are recorded in the Old Testament are recorded in the Old Testament concerning the coming of a Jewish Messiah. concerning the coming of a Jewish Messiah.

• A study of Jesus' life, death and background A study of Jesus' life, death and background will show that He was undoubtedly the will show that He was undoubtedly the fulfillment of these fulfillment of these Messianic propheciesMessianic prophecies. . Thus, even long before Jesus walked the Thus, even long before Jesus walked the earth, His mission was made known to earth, His mission was made known to mankind through the Word of God. mankind through the Word of God.

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• ““Jesus said to them, ‘This is what I told you Jesus said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’”Psalms.’” Luke 24:44 (NIV) Luke 24:44 (NIV)

• Selected PropheciesSelected Prophecies

• (The Old Testament verses are the (The Old Testament verses are the prophecy; the New Testament verses prophecy; the New Testament verses proclaim the fulfillment.) Check them all proclaim the fulfillment.) Check them all out for yourself! out for yourself!

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• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23) 1:21-23)

• A descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; A descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16) 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16)

• Of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Luke Of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14) 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14)

• Of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1) Matthew 1:1)

• Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7) 2:1; Luke 2:4-7)

• Taken to Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew Taken to Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15) 2:14-15)

• Herod´s killing of the infants (Jeremiah Herod´s killing of the infants (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18) 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18)

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• Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17) 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17)

• Heralded by the messenger of the Heralded by the messenger of the Lord (John the Baptist) (Isaiah 40:3-5; Lord (John the Baptist) (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3) Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3)

• Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 9:35) Matthew 9:35)

• Would preach good news (Isaiah 61:1; Would preach good news (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:14-21) Luke 4:14-21)

• Would minister in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1; Would minister in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:12-16) Would cleanse the Matthew 4:12-16) Would cleanse the Temple (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-Temple (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-13) 13)

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• Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9) 21:4-9)

• Would be rejected by Jews (Psalm Would be rejected by Jews (Psalm 118:22; I Peter 2:7) 118:22; I Peter 2:7)

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Die a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) Die a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53)

involving:involving:

• rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48) rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48) • betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-

4; John 13:18) 4; John 13:18) • sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah

11:12; Matthew 26:14-15) 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15) • silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7;

Matthew 27:12-14) Matthew 27:12-14) • being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew

27:31) 27:31) • beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26) beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26) • spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30) spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30) • piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16;

Matthew 27:31) Matthew 27:31)

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• being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38) Matthew 27:38)

• praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34) Luke 23:34)

• piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34) 19:34)

• given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36) 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36)

• no broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-no broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-36) 36)

• buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9; buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60) Matthew 27:57-60)

• casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23-24) John 19:23-24)

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• Would rise from the dead!! (Psalm Would rise from the dead!! (Psalm 16:10; Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31) 16:10; Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31)

• Ascend into Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Ascend into Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9) Acts 1:9)

• Would sit down at the right hand of Would sit down at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3) God (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3)

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Fulfillment by Jesus ChristFulfillment by Jesus Christ

• Messianic prophecy was fulfilled by Messianic prophecy was fulfilled by the Messiah, Jesus Christ. the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

• Although many Jews did not accept Although many Jews did not accept Jesus as their Messiah, many did, and Jesus as their Messiah, many did, and they became the Jewish sect later they became the Jewish sect later known as the Christians. known as the Christians.

• Christianity, based in dramatic part Christianity, based in dramatic part on the fulfillment of historical on the fulfillment of historical prophecy, spread rapidly throughout prophecy, spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire of the 1st Century the Roman Empire of the 1st Century

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What Are The Odds of Fulfillment What Are The Odds of Fulfillment Without God?Without God?

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Messianic Prophecy – Messianic Prophecy – The ChallengeThe Challenge

• Messianic prophecy is phenomenal Messianic prophecy is phenomenal evidence that sets the Bible apart evidence that sets the Bible apart from the other "holy books."from the other "holy books."

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Christian Christian

• Christian means "Christ-like." That is the Christian means "Christ-like." That is the origin of it. The early Christians were noted origin of it. The early Christians were noted by their neighbors to be like Christ, so they by their neighbors to be like Christ, so they called them Christians. The Bible states that called them Christians. The Bible states that they were first called Christians in Antioch. they were first called Christians in Antioch.

• Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Christians first in Antioch.

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EvangelismEvangelism

• Christianity encourages Christianity encourages evangelism, , as as Jesus did — convincing others to did — convincing others to convert to the religion; many convert to the religion; many Christian organizations, especially Christian organizations, especially Protestant churches, send churches, send missionaries to non-Christian to non-Christian communities throughout the world. communities throughout the world.

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Great Commission..

• Then Jesus said, “All authority in Then Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.have commanded you.

• And surely I am with you always to And surely I am with you always to the end of the age. Mat. 28:18-20the end of the age. Mat. 28:18-20

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Light of the worldLight of the world

• In John 8:12 Jesus said “I am the light In John 8:12 Jesus said “I am the light of the world”of the world”

• In Mathew 5:14 Jesus said “You are In Mathew 5:14 Jesus said “You are the light of the world”the light of the world”

• So we are the light of the world. Let So we are the light of the world. Let us be the shining light where ever we us be the shining light where ever we are.are.

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THANK YOUTHANK YOU

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A Bible handwritten in Latin, on display in A Bible handwritten in Latin, on display in Malmesbury Abbey, Wiltshire, England. This Malmesbury Abbey, Wiltshire, England. This Bible was transcribed in Belgium in 1407 for Bible was transcribed in Belgium in 1407 for

reading aloud in a monastery.reading aloud in a monastery.

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• The The tomb of of Abraham

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Circumcision Circumcision

• Orthodox Judaism practices practices circumcision for males as a for males as a matter of religious obligation, as does matter of religious obligation, as does Islam as a symbol of as a symbol of dedication to the religion. Islam also recommends this dedication to the religion. Islam also recommends this practice as a form of practice as a form of cleanliness. .

• Western Christianity replaced that custom by a Western Christianity replaced that custom by a baptism ceremony that varies according to the denomination, but ceremony that varies according to the denomination, but generally includes immersion, aspersion or anointment with generally includes immersion, aspersion or anointment with water. water.

• Because of the decision of the Because of the decision of the Early Church (Acts 15, the (Acts 15, the Council of Jerusalem) that circumcision is not mandatory, it ) that circumcision is not mandatory, it continues to be optional. continues to be optional.

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Christian Christian

• The sacred scriptures of most Christian The sacred scriptures of most Christian groups are the groups are the Old Testament, which is , which is largely the same as the largely the same as the Hebrew Bible, and , and the the New Testament, which comprises four , which comprises four accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus (the (the Four Gospels, traditionally attributed to , traditionally attributed to his his apostles Matthew and John and to Mark and John and to Mark the Evangelist and Luke the Evangelist) and the Evangelist and Luke the Evangelist) and several writings by the apostles such as several writings by the apostles such as Paul. Paul.

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• Christians consider the fundamental teachings of Christians consider the fundamental teachings of the Old Testament, in particular the Ten the Old Testament, in particular the Ten Commandments, as valid.Commandments, as valid.

• However, they believe that the coming of Jesus as However, they believe that the coming of Jesus as the messiah and savior of mankind as predicted the messiah and savior of mankind as predicted in the Old Testament would shed light on the true in the Old Testament would shed light on the true relationship between God and mankind by relationship between God and mankind by restoring the emphasis of universal love and restoring the emphasis of universal love and compassion (as mentioned in the Shema) above compassion (as mentioned in the Shema) above the other commandments.the other commandments.

• The vast majority of Christian faiths (generally The vast majority of Christian faiths (generally including Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, including Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, Anglicans and most forms of Protestantism, but Anglicans and most forms of Protestantism, but not Restorationism) derive their beliefs from the not Restorationism) derive their beliefs from the conclusions reached by the First Council of Nicaea conclusions reached by the First Council of Nicaea in 325, in a document known as the Nicene in 325, in a document known as the Nicene Creed. Creed.

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The Birth of Religion The Birth of Religion

• AdamAdam

• Garden of Eden Garden of Eden

• Cursed EarthCursed Earth

• Generations of Adam Generations of Adam

Genealogy of the Genealogy of the PatriarchsPatriarchs

Cain and the False Cain and the False SystemSystem

ShemShem Nimrod, Babylon Nimrod, Babylon and Animismand Animism

AbrahamAbraham

IsaacIsaac

JacobJacob

MosesMoses

IsrelIsrel

JudgesJudges

ChristChrist

ApostlesApostles

The ChurchThe Church

The Sun and The Sun and Mystery CultsMystery Cults

Mother GoddessMother Goddess

PaganismPaganism

Baal & AshtorethBaal & Ashtoreth

Aryan Invasion of Aryan Invasion of India – 1000 BCEIndia – 1000 BCE

Jainism & BuddhismJainism & Buddhism

PhariseesPharisees