Christianity

Origins

Of Jewish heritage – promise of the arrival of a Messiah Relative peace –

1st time in 100 years

Israel Reign of Caesar

Augustus Census -

Bethlehem, 4 BCE, Birth of Jesus

First Christmas

Conceived by the Virgin Mary who was betrothed to Joseph

Immaculate conception Angle Gabriel Census - Born in a stable in

Bethlehem. Birth announced to shepherds and Magi (Wise Men) by the Angle Gabriel / Star of Bethlehem

First Christmas continued

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:8-11

Jesus – Early Life

King Herod execution of the babies Holy family fled to Egypt

Raised in Nazareth, in Galilee, son of a carpenter.

Very bright, discussed issue of the covenant

Jesus – His Ministry Begins

Age 30, he was baptized by John the Baptist – The Holy Spirit, considered to be the life giving presence of God, came to Jesus.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven s aid, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus Ministry Lord of the Dance

I danced in the morning when the world was youngI danced in the moon and the stars and the sunI came down from heaven and I danced on the earthAt Bethlehem I had my birth

Dance, dance, wherever you may beI am the lord of the dance, said heAnd I lead you all, wherever you may beAnd I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced for the scribes and the PhariseesThey wouldn't dance, they wouldn't follow meI danced for the fishermen James and JohnThey came with me so the dance went on

Dance, dance, wherever you may beI am the lord of the dance, said heAnd I lead you all, wherever you may beAnd I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lameThe holy people said it was a shameThey ripped, they stripped, they hung me highLeft me there on the cross to die

Dance, dance, wherever you may beI am the lord of the dance, said heAnd I lead you all, wherever you may beAnd I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on a Friday when the world turned blackIt's hard to dance with the devil on your backThey buried my body, they thought I was goneBut I am the dance, and the dance goes on

Dance, dance, wherever you may beI am the lord of the dance, said heAnd I lead you all, wherever you may beAnd I lead you all in the dance, said he

They cut me down and I leapt up highI am the life that will never, never dieI'll live in you if you'll live in meI am the Lord of the dance, said he

Dance, dance, wherever you may beI am the lord of the dance, said heAnd I lead you all, wherever you may beAnd I lead you all in the dance, said he

Jesus – His Ministry Begins Retreated to the desert for 40 days where

he fasted and tested by Satan

3 year ministry: teaching

Although teaching in the Jewish traditions his message challenged accepted views

Disciples – spiritual apprentices

Appealed to common people and societies outcasts

Parables – vivid moral stories drawn from situations in life. – Parable exercise

Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus – Arrest

Many following and enemies The Jewish Sanhedrin, the

governing council under Roman rule, were unable to control the Jews that followed Jesus and feared angering Rome.

Jesus never denied claims he was the Son of God - considered blasphemous

Passover – Jesus was greeted in Jerusalem with Palm leaves.

The Arrest continued

Last Supper with the 12 Apostles (his closest disciples)

Judas’ betrayal

Council found Jesus guilty – would not deny he was the Messiah

Roman governor, Pontius Pilate

Death and Resurrection

Crucifixion - brought forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life

Mary Magdalene

Resurrection 3 days after his death

Ascension of Jesus

Visited his apostles – commissioned them to baptize all Nations

40 days after his Resurrection Jesus ascended bodily to heaven ending his time on earth – the “Ascension”

Then Jesus came to them and said “All authority in heaven and on earth has given been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:18-20

The Pentecost

50 days after Easter

The Holy Spirit visited the apostles during the meal of the Pentecost, empowering them with various spiritual gifts and abilities (eg languages) to help spread the “good news”

The Birthday of the Church