The first time the disciples were called "Christians" was in Acts 11:26 which says, "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." The term "Christian" was likely coined by non-Christian Gentiles because the suffix "-ian" is Latin and means "of the party of". This suffix was used to mean those who imitated or supported some figure and was probably given to mock the followers of Jesus. However, early church fathers like Ignatius and Polycarp went on to embrace the term and it has been used to describe Christ-followers ever since.

Therefore, to be a Christian is to be a "Christ-follower" or a "disciple." A Christ-follower is self explanatory but a disciple should be defined, and it simply means a "learner" — someone who follows the teachings of another by life and practice.

Jesus had a lengthy conversation with a religious leader, a Pharisee, in John 3:1-21 that gives insight into what it means to be a Christian. Jesus says in John 3:3, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." The Bible is one cohesive story of God's redemption of mankind and being "born again" means that you "die" to yourself and repent of your sinful actions, trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross and his resurrection three days later, demonstrating supremacy over all things, including death & Hell.

To summarize, this is what it means to be a Christian. A Christian is someone who:

1. RECOGNIZES that they're a sinner — that they have "fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and will be judged by a Holy & Righteous God for their sins. This recognition does not lead to despair but to...
2. REALIZES that Jesus Christ died on the cross for them — for your sins. The Bible tells us that, "God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8) This is the good news, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place though we do not deserve it — it is an act of amazing Grace by God.
3. REPENTS of their sins. The Bible tells us, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." (Acts 3:19-21) The word 'repent' means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him because we now recognize our need and realize His love for us.
4. RECEIVES Jesus Christ into their life. Becoming a Christian is not merely believing a creed or going to church (though that is important), it is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in..." (Revelation 3:20). Romans 10:9-10 brings both important aspects into how we receive the salvation of the Lord for it says, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." It is both confession and belief. It is both the head (mind) and the heart agreeing and receiving Christ. Christianity is about both a religion and a relationship with God.
5. RELINQUISHES control of their life to God. Relinquish means 'to give up control or surrender', and a Christian is one who confesses Christ as Savior AND Lord, essentially giving God the keys to your life. Don't worry, He's a good driver — not always safe — but good.

This is only the first step in a (new) life in pursuit of God!

There is a reason that you are still alive after becoming a Christian and that is because God wants to now use your life while you're still here on this earth! This is why we don't drop dead after receiving Christ and go straight to Heaven — God has a calling on our lives. He has a calling on YOUR life!

God has now called you to be His "Ambassador" or representative to the world. (2 Corinthians 5:20) You are now of another Kingdom ("not of this world") but you are here, in this world, and God wants to use you to communicate His good news to the world as a Christian, a Christ-follower, a disciple of Jesus.

Practically everyone who has ever lived has asked the question, “why am I alive?” Or, “what is my purpose on this earth?” This question has been answered most profoundly by a group of Theologians (people who study God & the Bible) and succinctly given to us in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Question 1 asks, "What is the chief end of man?" And the answer they give is, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever." Amen! That’s True! (Psalm 86:1-7, Isaiah 60:21, Romans 11:36, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 31, Revelation 4:11, Psalm 16:5-11, Psalm 144:15, Isaiah 12:2, Luke 2:10, Philippians 4:4, Revelation 21:3-4) The chief end, or goal, or ultimate purpose of YOUR LIFE is to know God as Lord, savior & friend, and to enjoy walking with Him starting now until forever. Just know...this knowledge will change your life in the best way possible, so let's GO!

God speaks in 2 ways, the 1st way that God speaks is via "general revelation". This means the revealed world around us which is available for everyone, Christian or not, to see and interact with. We would say that creation is general revelation, and it is all around us everyday. From the mind-boggling sub-microscopic level to the unfathomable expanse of the universe, God's creation is a marvel to behold! The Bible says that Gods creation (general revelation) shouts to us:

¹ "The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
² Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
³ There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard."
—Psalm 19:1-3

Romans 1:18-23 says it like this; "¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."

The Bible is teaching us that all people are capable of receiving revelation from God via His powerful creation, and that this is instinctive in us to know that God exists because of it. However, this revelation is limited and marred by sin. It can only give us enough knowledge of a vague and powerful Creator God but doesn't give us details to many of His other attributes, who He is, what He's done, and what He will do. This is why we need Special Revelation...

While creation = general revelation, the 2nd primary way that God speaks / reveals Himself to us is via "special revelation". Special revelation is the knowledge of God that He gives to us via His word, the Bible, and His Spirit (which gives understanding, 1 Corinthians 2:14). This is how we know the specifics about God, what He has done, as well as our origins, morality, meaning, and destiny. The Bible doesn't tell us every possible thing we can know (we will achieve that in Heaven), but it does tell us what we need to know. "...His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue..." (2 Peter 1:3)

We looked at the first 3 verses of Psalm 19:1-3 in “general revelation,” and what’s really cool is in that Psalm (which is almost perfectly in the middle of the Bible,) the second half of the Psalm transitions from “general revelation” to → “special revelation”! Psalm 19:7-11 says,

(Psalm 19:1-6 for reference)
 
⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

Did you catch it? Right after verse 6 to verse 7 is the transition and it’s so perfect. It goes from talking about the creation and world around us to the specifics of God’s revelation via His Word using the adjectives; law, testimony, statutes, commandments, and judgments. This is a powerful testimony of Bible describing itself as God’s word and this type of language is found throughout scripture.

You might say, “I don’t care if the Bible says it’s God’s word, how do I know it’s God’s word and why should I trust it?” This is a great question and one that every Christian will, or at least should, grapple with. Any serious and seasoned believer has spent years / decades studying this very question and since this is a FOUNDATIONS course we don’t have time to exhaust this question (upon which everything hangs) but we will give some reasons why we believe the Bible to be the Word of God.

(Note: Though it seems natural to want to benchmark the Bible off of other things to “prove” its veracity and divine origin, it should be noted that while this holds up to every scrutiny that has ever been leveled against it, one will inevitably come to the conclusion that if it is truly the Word of God, the power of its contents will be the ultimate proof for that since there remains nothing higher or more objective to compare it to at that point.)

This acronym has always been helpful for me: M.A.P.S.

Manuscript — We have more than 14,000 manuscripts and fragments of the Old Testament of three main types: (a) approximately 10,000 from the Cairo Geniza (storeroom) find of 1897, dating back as far as about AD. 800; (b) about 190 from the Dead Sea Scrolls find of 1947-1955, the oldest dating back to 250-200 B.C.; and (c) at least 4,314 assorted other copies. The short time between the original Old Testament manuscripts (completed around 400 B.C.) and the first extensive copies (about 250 B.C.) — coupled with the more than 14,000 copies that have been discovered — ensures the trustworthiness of the Old Testament text. The earliest quoted verses (Num. 6:24-26) date from 800-700 B.C.

The same is true of the New Testament text. The abundance of textual witnesses is amazing. We possess over 5,600 manuscripts or portions of the (Greek) New Testament — almost 800 copied before A.D. 1000. The time between the original composition and our earliest copies is an unbelievably short 60 years or so. There are thousands more New Testament Greek manuscripts than any other ancient writing. In fact, the ancient writing that has the second most amount of manuscripts is Homer’s Iliad which has ~643 with the earliest copy being ~500yrs after the claimed originally written date, and the Iliad is fairly impressive when compared with the next two which are Sophocles (193 manuscripts) and Aristotle (49 manuscripts). Furthermore, the internal consistency of the New Testament documents is about 99.5% textually pure when put through the science of textual criticism. In addition, there are over 19,000 copies in the Syriac, Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic languages which makes the total supporting New Testament manuscript base to be over 24,000! The overwhelming reliability of the Bible is clearly evident.

Many of the events, people, places, and customs in the New Testament are confirmed by secular historians who were almost contemporaries with New Testament writers. Secular historians like the Jewish Josephus (before A.D. 100), the Roman Tacitus (around A.D. 120), the Roman Suetonius (A.D. 110), and the Roman governor Pliny Secundus (A.D. 100-110) make direct reference to Jesus or affirm one or more historical New Testament references. Early church leaders such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, Julius Africanus, and Clement of Rome — all writing before A.D. 250 — shed light on New Testament historical accuracy. Even skeptical historians agree that the New Testament is a remarkable historical document. Hence, it is clear that there is strong external evidence to support the Bible’s manuscript reliability.

Archaeological — We have established the first principle, manuscript reliability. Let us consider our second principle, archaeological evidence. Over and over again, comprehensive field work (archaeology) and careful biblical interpretation affirms the reliability of the Bible. It is telling when a secular scholar must revise his biblical criticism in light of solid archaeological evidence.

Nelson Glueck, a biblical archaeologist, said, "I have excavated for thirty years with the Bible in one hand and a trowel in the other, in matters of historical perspective, I have never found the Bible in error". He also later said, "It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference". Wow.

For years critics dismissed the Book of Daniel, partly because there was no evidence that a king named Belshazzar ruled in Babylon during that time period. However, later archaeological research confirmed that the reigning monarch, Nabonidus, appointed Belshazzar as his co-regent whi1e he was away from Babylon.

One of the most well-known New Testament examples concerns the Books of Luke and Acts. A biblical skeptic, Sir William Ramsay, trained as an archaeologist and then set out to disprove the historical reliability of this portion of the New Testament. However, through his painstaking Mediterranean archaeological trips, he became converted as — one after another — of the historical statements of Luke were proved accurate. A few notable evidences were as follows:

• Luke is meticulous in naming historical figures and their official titles, which archaeology has confirmed. See Acts 13:7, Acts 18:12-17, Luke 3:1)
• Luke refers to "politarchs" as officials in Thessalonica (Acts 17:6). Scholars once doubted this term, as it was absent in classical literature. However, 19 inscriptions have now been found using this exact title, including one in Thessalonica itself, proving Luke was correct.
• Luke describes Iconium as a separate region from Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:6). Roman historians originally thought Luke was wrong, claiming Iconium was part of Lycaonia. Archaeological discoveries confirmed that Iconium was a Phrygian city, not Lycaonian, validating Luke.
• Luke describes a Roman census under Quirinius at the time of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-3). Scholars once doubted this, but inscriptions confirm Quirinius oversaw multiple censuses in Judea, supporting Luke’s account.
• Luke describes a warning inscription at the Jerusalem Temple, forbidding Gentiles from entering (Acts 21:28-29). Archaeologists discovered an inscription in Greek saying: "No foreigner may enter within the barrier surrounding the temple… Whoever is caught will be responsible for his own death." This exactly matches Luke’s description of Paul’s arrest for allegedly bringing Gentiles into the temple.

After decades of research, Ramsay abandoned his skepticism and wrote: “Luke is a historian of the first rank… this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”
He ultimately became a defender of biblical accuracy, confirming that Luke’s details align with archaeology and history. Archaeological evidence thus confirms the trustworthiness of the Bible.

Prophetic — The third principle of Bible reliability is Prophecy, or predictive ability. The Bible records predictions of events that could not be known or predicted by chance or common sense. Surprisingly, the predictive nature of many Bible passages was once a popular argument (by liberals) against the reliability of the Bible. Critics argued that the prophecies actually were written after the events and that editors had merely dressed up the Bible text to look like they contained predictions made before the events. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. The many predictions of Christ’s birth, life and death (see below) were indisputably rendered more than a century before they occurred as proven by the Dead Sea Scrolls of Isaiah and other prophetic books as well as by the Septuagint translation, all dating from earlier than 100 B.C.

Old Testament prophecies concerning the Phoenician city of Tyre were fulfilled in ancient times, including prophecies that the city would be opposed by many nations (Ezek. 26:3); its walls would be destroyed and towers broken down (26:4); and its stones, timbers, and debris would be thrown into the water (26:12). Similar prophecies were fulfilled concerning Sidon (Ezek. 28:23; Isa. 23; Jer. 27:3-6; 47:4) and Babylon (Jer. 50:13, 39; 51:26, 42-43, 58; Isa. 13:20-21).

Since Christ is the culminating theme of the Old Testament and the Living Word of the New Testament, it should not surprise us that prophecies regarding Him outnumber any others. Many of these prophecies would have been impossible for Jesus to deliberately conspire to fulfill — such as His descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen. 12:3; 17:19; Num. 24:21-24); His birth in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2); His crucifixion with criminals (Isa. 53:12); the piercing of His hands and feet at the crucifixion (Ps. 22:16); the soldiers’ gambling for His clothes (Ps. 22:18); the piercing of His side and the fact that His bones were not broken at His death (Zech. 12:10; Ps. 34:20); and His burial among the rich (Isa. 53:9). Jesus also predicted His own death and resurrection (John 2:19-22). Predictive Prophecy is a principle of Bible reliability that often reaches even the most hardened skeptic.

In his book “Science Speaks”, Dr. Peter Stoner, a mathematician and astronomer at Pasadena College, calculated that the probability of any man fulfilling eight specific prophecies about Jesus was 1 in 10¹⁷. (1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000) This is an insanely small number and to help us visually understand this Dr. Stoner gave this analogy, “Suppose that we take 10¹⁷ silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote using their own wisdom." Wow. Remember this is only for Jesus fulfilling 8 Old Testament prophecies even though he actually fulfilled more than 300!

“Any man who rejects Christ as the Son of God is rejecting a fact proved perhaps more absolutely than any other fact in the world.” –Dr. Peter Stoner.

Scientific — While the Bible is not a science book, it was inspired by God and He is the creator of all things so it should be scientifically accurate when it speaks, and it’s good to know that it is. Of course there are many miracles in the Bible but those are MIRACLES, the very definition of a miracle is something that defies the laws of physics and nature – which God is able to do as He pleases. Miracles are also rare in the Bible though it might seem like we read them on almost every page in some places. For context, the Old Testament covers a span of 4,000 years (conservatively) and records approximately 83 miracles, which equals 1 miracle every 48.2 years – hardly an everyday occurrence!

The Bible is not only scientifically fluent but the Bible, and Christianity laid the groundwork for a scientific method, proliferation and worldview! It was Christians who worship a God of order, reason, logic, consistency, power, etc. that we should thank and it’s a great irony that Bible believing Christians are sometimes mocked by those claiming “logic and reason” but yet have no epistemological basis for it. Well, those days are quickly fading in light of the truth of the scriptures becoming undeniable on practically every major podcast and free-thinking platform in the world. We will have more to say on this in the bonus section below.

Here are some scientific facts that the Bible spoke about thousands of years before we were able to verify them by the method:

• Earth's free float in space (Job 26:7, the oldest book in the Bible). Some in ancient times thought that the earth sat on a large animal. We now know that the earth has a free float in space.
• The Earth is round (Isaiah 40:22). Though it once was commonly believed the earth was flat, it was the Scriptures that inspired Christopher Columbus to sail around the world. He wrote: “It was the Lord who put it into my mind…There is no question the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit because He comforted me with rays of marvelous illumination from the Holy Scriptures…” (from his diary, in reference to his discovery of “the New World”)
• The first law of thermodynamics (Genesis 2:1). The Hebrew word used here is the past definite tense for the verb “finished,” indicating an action completed in the past, never again to occur. The creation was “finished”—once and for all. That is exactly what the First Law of Thermodynamics says. This law (also referred to as the Law of the Conservation of Energy and/or Mass) states that neither matter nor energy can be either created or destroyed. There is no “creation” ongoing today. It is “finished” exactly as the Bible states.
• The second law of thermodynamics (Psalm 102:25-26). The Bible tells us three times that the earth is wearing out like a garment. This is what the Second Law of Thermodynamics (the Law of Increasing Entropy) states: that in all physical processes, every ordered system over time tends to become more disordered. Everything is running down and wearing out as energy is becoming less and less available for use. That means the universe will eventually “wear out”—something that wasn’t discovered by science until fairly recently.
• The hydrologic cycle (Amos 9:6). The Mississippi River dumps over six million gallons of water per second into the Gulf of Mexico. Where does all that water go? That’s just one of thousands of rivers. The answer lies in the hydrologic cycle—something not fully understood until the 17th century, but so well brought out in the Bible. The Scriptures inform us, “All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again” (Ecclesiastes 1:7). Psalm 135:7 tells us, “He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain.” Ecclesiastes 11:3 states that “if the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth.”
• The science of oceanography (Psalm 8:8). The sea is just a huge mass of water; how could it have “paths”? Man discovered the existence of ocean currents in the 1850s, but the Bible declared the science of oceanography 2,800 years ago. Matthew Maury (1806–1873), considered the father of oceanography, noticed the expression “paths of the sea” in Psalm 8. Maury took God at His word and went looking for these paths, and his vital book on oceanography is still in print today.
• The origin of life (Genesis 2:7). While scientists in the 21st century admit they have “lots of theories, little science” about the origin of life, the Bible tells us clearly how life began, based on the word of the only One who was there at the beginning. “The likelihood of the spontaneous formation of life from inanimate matter is one to a number with 40,000 noughts after it…It is big enough to bury Darwin and the whole theory of evolution. There was no primeval soup, neither on this planet nor on any other, and if the beginnings of life were not random, they must therefore have been the product of purposeful intelligence.” —Sir Fred Hoyle, professor of astronomy, Cambridge University
• The origin of sexes (Matthew 19:4). Almost all forms of complex life have both male and female—horses, dogs, humans, fish, moths, monkeys, elephants, birds, etc. The male needs the female to reproduce, and the female needs the male to reproduce. One cannot carry on life without the other. But if evolution were true, which then came first according to the theory? If a male came into being before a female, how did the male of each species reproduce without females? How is it possible that a male and a female each spontaneously came into being, yet they have complex, complementary reproductive systems? If each sex was able to reproduce without the other, why (and how) would they have developed a reproductive system that requires both sexes in order for the species to survive?
• Countless stars (Jeremiah 33:22). The Bible asserts there are countless stars (described here as the “host of heaven”). When this statement was recorded, no one knew how vast the stars were, as fewer than 1,100 were observable. That’s as many as Ptolemy was able to catalog in The Almagest. Now we know that there are countless billions of stars—an estimated 1025 stars in the observable universe—and that they cannot be numbered.
• Blood is the source of life (Leviticus 17:11). The Scriptures declare that blood is the source of life. Up until two hundred years ago, sick people were “bled,” and many died because of the practice. We now know that blood is the source of life. It carries water and nourishment to every cell, removes the waste material from cells, and maintains the body’s temperature. This vital element also carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. If you lose your blood, you will lose your life.
• Everything is made up of atoms (Hebrews 11:3). While we now know how amazingly small the atomic and subatomic world is, this was not known to the ancients, even Darwin considered the cell to be complex but nowhere near the complexity and design that we have discovered, and are still discovering even more!

As you can see there is overwhelming external evidence as to why we should trust the Bible as God’s word – His “special revelation” to us. We encourage you to go deeper on all these aspects because the deeper you go, the more amazed you will be.

Now for some self-authenticating evidence from God’s word:

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Peter 1:21, "for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Isaiah 55:11, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Psalm 119:1-176 😅

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by over 40 authors, over 1,500 years, on 3 continents, in 3 languages, with ONE MESSAGE.

The Bible as we know it today developed over thousands of years, with its books being written, preserved, copied, and recognized as Scripture through a process of divine inspiration and human discernment. Here’s a high-level summary of how we got the Bible:

1. The Old Testament (Hebrew Bible)
A. The Earliest Writings (1400–400 BC)

• The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic by prophets, kings, and scribes.
• It includes books of law (Torah), history, wisdom, and prophecy.
• Moses is traditionally credited with writing the first five books (Genesis–Deuteronomy).
• Other books were written over time by figures like David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel.

B. The Hebrew Canon Finalized (200–100 BC)

• Jewish religious leaders recognized 39 books as divinely inspired.
• This canon was known as the Tanakh (Torah, Prophets, and Writings).
• The Septuagint (LXX), a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (including some additional books), was used by Jews outside Israel and early Christians.

2. The New Testament
A. Jesus and the Apostles (30–100 AD)

• The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (4 BC–30 AD) fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
• The apostles and early disciples wrote:
  • Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) – Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
  • Acts – Early church history.
  • Epistles (Letters by Paul, Peter, John, etc.) – Teachings to churches and individuals.
  • Revelation – A prophetic vision given to John.

B. Early Church Recognition (100–300 AD)

• Early Christians used these writings in worship and teaching.
• Church leaders (e.g., Irenaeus, Origen, Athanasius) recognized books based on:
  1. Apostolic origin – Was it written by an apostle or close associate?
  2. Orthodox teaching – Did it align with Jesus’ and the apostles’ teachings?
  3. Widespread use – Was it accepted by most churches?

3. The Bible Canon Finalized
A. The Old Testament Canon (Rejected Apocrypha)

• Jewish scholars (90 AD), confirmed the 39-book Hebrew canon.
• The Catholic Church later officially added the Apocrypha (Deuterocanon) in 1546 (Council of Trent). [The previous councils the Roman Catholic Church cites to: of Rome (382 AD), Hippo (393 AD), Carthage (397 AD) which had the Apocrypha in its canon lists were local / regional councils and non-binding as the final canon list to the entire Ancient Church because the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church have additional Apocrypha (Deuterocanonical) books in their canon lists.]

B. The New Testament Canon (Confirmed 367–400 AD)

• The first complete list of 27 New Testament books appeared in Athanasius’ Easter Letter (367 AD).
• Church councils (Hippo 393, Carthage 397) confirmed the New Testament canon.

4. The Bible Translated and Spread
A. The Latin Vulgate (400s AD)

• St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin, used for over 1,000 years.

B. The Reformation and Protestant Bible (1500s)

• Martin Luther (1517) removed the Apocrypha, keeping 66 books (39 OT + 27 NT). Martin Luther did this not only because the Apocrypha (Deuterocanon) was not recognized by the Jews to be Scripture, but also because St. Athanasius (300s AD in his Easter/Festal Letter) and St. Jerome (Translator of the Bible into the Latin Vulgate) rejected the Deuterocanonical (Apocrypha) books to be inspired Scripture.
• The King James Bible (1611) standardized English translations.

C. Modern Translations

• The Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) confirmed the reliability of ancient manuscripts.
• Today’s Bibles (NIV, ESV, NASB, etc.) are based on early Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts.

Conclusion
The Bible came to us through:

1. Divine inspiration – God guided writers.
2. Preservation – Faithful scribes and copyists.
3. Recognition – Church leaders confirmed its books.
4. Translation & Distribution – Making it available worldwide and the best-selling book of all time!

A few quotes are in order:

“To know the mighty works of God; to comprehend His wisdom, and majesty, and power; to appreciate, in degree, the wonderful workings of His laws; surely all this must be a pleasing and acceptable mode of worship to the Most High, to whom ignorance cannot be more gratifying than knowledge.” 
—Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) Father of the Scientific Revolution.

“For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance, he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.”
—Robert Jastrow, NASA Scientist

“Astronomers now find they have painted themselves into a corner because they have proven, by their own methods, that the world began abruptly in an act of creation to which you can trace the seeds of every star, every planet, every living thing in this cosmos and on the earth. And they have found that all this happened as a product of forces they cannot hope to discover. That there are what I or anyone would call supernatural forces at work is now, I think, a scientifically proven fact.”
—Robert Jastrow, NASA

“The first drink from the cup of natural science makes one an atheist, and at the bottom of the cup God is waiting.” 
—Werner Heisenberg, German Theoretical Physicist

There is a common misconception that faith & science are incompatible and while we will not try and defend "faith" in general, to say that the Christian faith & science are incompatible is patently absurd.

Historians are well aware that the entire scientific endeavor took off and flourished in a Christian worldview that predominantly took root in Western Europe. It turns out that the God of the Bible is the necessary precondition for reason, logic, mathematics, physics, truth, etc. and without first presupposing God, you don't invent and strictly adhere to the scientific method. Rather than there being a conflict between the Christian faith and science, science is one of the beautiful by-products of a Christian worldview. As our knowledge ('science' — originally came from the Latin word scientia which means knowledge) increases, we get to see more and more of God's genius. Science answers the HOW things work and Christian theology answers the WHY and they work beautifully in harmony.

One more quote ;-)

"If minds are wholly dependent on brains and brains on biochemistry, and biochemistry (in the long run) on the meaningless flux of the atoms, I cannot understand how the thought of those minds should have any more significance than the sound of the wind in the trees."
—CS Lewis, Oxford & Cambridge Professor

Who is God? God IS.

My favorite title for God in the Bible was given to Moses in Exodus 3:14 when Moses asks God whom he should tell has sent him and God replies, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

God is "I AM" which means the eternally existent one. Without beginning and without end. Timeless, spaceless, immaterial and eternal.

The Bible describes God as omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (all-present, everywhere), omniscient (all-knowing).

All of this only scratches at the surface of who God is. Finally we add to it that God is transcendent — that He is above and beyond the material world and human comprehension. Thankfully He has given us His Word so that we can know Him. It is the revelation of God to us, giving us what we need to know about Him.

When we say that God is transcendent, we mean that He exists beyond and independent of the universe, time, space, and all created things. His nature is completely distinct from His creation, meaning He is not bound by physical laws, human limitations, or anything within the material world.
Key Aspects of God's Transcendence:

1. Beyond Space and Time – God is not confined to the physical universe but exists above and outside of it (Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 113:5-6).
2. Infinite and Eternal – Unlike created beings, God has no beginning or end and is not subject to change (Psalm 90:2, Malachi 3:6).
3. Supreme Authority – His power and knowledge surpass human understanding (Job 11:7-9, Romans 11:33-36).
4. Holiness and Uniqueness – He is completely separate from sin and different from His creation in His purity and perfection (Isaiah 6:1-5).

While God is transcendent, He is also immanent, meaning He is present and actively involved in His creation. This balance ensures that while He is beyond human comprehension, He is also personal and relational, as seen in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working in believers' lives.

God is obviously beyond us, but Christian theology teaches that God has also made Himself "immanent" — that He is present and involved in the universe and world He has created—He is near to us. That He desires relationship with the beings that He has created. That He has placed us in a world full of beauty, truth and goodness, and though ravaged by the fall (sin), His redemptive power can now be displayed as well, and enhance everything in existence.

God is the Creator of the Heavens and Earth but has descended to make Himself near to us namely in the person of Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has come to the world He created to live a perfect and sinless life and to die upon the cross for the sins of the world. Through that sacrifice we can be found "righteous" and restore our relationship with God — which was the original reason we were created for.

When we say that God is immanent, we mean that He is present and actively involved within His creation and the lives of people. Unlike transcendence, which emphasizes God's separateness and superiority over the universe, immanence highlights God's closeness, care, and engagement with His creation.

Key Aspects of God's Immanence:

1. God is Present Everywhere – He is not distant but actively sustains the universe (Jeremiah 23:23-24, Psalm 139:7-10).
2. God is Personally Involved – He interacts with His creation, guiding history and individual lives (Acts 17:27-28, Isaiah 41:10).
3. God Reveals Himself to Humanity – Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and ultimately in Jesus Christ (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:1-3).
4. God Cares for and Provides for Creation – He is a loving Father who meets needs and invites people into a relationship with Him (Matthew 6:26-30, Psalm 34:18).

When we say that God is a Father, we mean that He relates to His people with love, care, guidance, and authority, much like a perfect earthly father—but infinitely greater. God the father is the first person of the Trinity. This fatherhood is seen in several key ways:

1. Creator and Sustainer

• God is the Father of all creation because He made everything and gives life to all beings (Malachi 2:10, Acts 17:28).
• He provides for and sustains His creation (Matthew 6:26-30).

2. Father of Believers

• Through Jesus Christ, God is a spiritual Father to those who believe in Him, adopting them as His children (John 1:12, Romans 8:15-17).
• He loves, disciplines, and cares for His children as a perfect Father (Hebrews 12:6-7, Matthew 7:9-11).

3. Father of Jesus Christ

• God is uniquely the Father of Jesus, His only begotten Son, who shares in His divine nature (John 3:16, Matthew 3:17).
• Through Jesus, believers are invited into a deep, personal relationship with God as their Father (John 14:6-7).

4. A Loving and Perfect Father

• Unlike earthly fathers, God is perfect in His love, wisdom, and discipline (Psalm 103:13, James 1:17).
• He invites His children to trust Him, pray to Him, and rely on Him for guidance and protection (Matthew 6:9, Proverbs 3:11-12).

By calling God "Father," we recognize His authority, love, provision, protection, and discipline—all of which reflect His deep desire for a relationship with His people.

When we say that God is the Son, in Christ, we are referring to Jesus Christ as God the Son, the second Person of the Trinity. This means that Jesus is fully God and fully human, eternally existing as God's Son while also becoming a man to redeem humanity.

Key Aspects of God the Son in Christ:

1. Eternal Sonship

• Jesus is not a created being but has always existed as the Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father (John 1:1-2, Colossians 1:15-17).
• His Sonship does not mean He is lesser than the Father but that He has a unique relationship within the Trinity (John 10:30, Hebrews 1:3).

2. The Incarnation: God Becoming Man

• Jesus, while fully God, took on human flesh to live among us (John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-8).
• He experienced human life, yet without sin, to be the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 4:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

3. The Savior and Redeemer

• Jesus came to fulfill God's plan of salvation by dying on the cross for the sins of humanity (Matthew 1:21, John 3:16).
• His death and resurrection defeated sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

4. Jesus as Lord and King

• After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and reigns with the Father (Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3).
• He will return one day to judge the world and establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16).

Why This Matters
Believing that Jesus is God the Son means recognizing Him as our Savior, Lord, and the fullest revelation of God to humanity (John 14:9). Through Christ, we have access to the Father and receive salvation, making Him central to the Christian faith.

When we say that God is the Holy Spirit, we are affirming that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine Person who works actively in the world and in the lives of believers.

Key Aspects of God as the Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit is God

• The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as fully divine, possessing the same attributes as God (Acts 5:3-4, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).
• He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-8), and omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

2. The Holy Spirit’s Role in Creation and Revelation

• The Spirit was active in creation, bringing life and order (Genesis 1:2).
• He inspired the prophets and the writing of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16).

3. The Holy Spirit’s Role in Salvation

• He convicts people of sin and leads them to faith in Christ (John 16:8-11).
• He regenerates believers, making them spiritually alive (John 3:5-6, Titus 3:5).
• He seals believers, guaranteeing their salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).

4. The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Christian Life

• He dwells within believers, guiding and empowering them (John 14:16-17, Romans 8:9-11).
• He teaches, reminds, and leads them in truth (John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:12).
• He produces spiritual fruit in their lives, shaping them to be more like Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
• He gives spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Why This Matters
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within us, empowering us to live holy lives, understand His truth, and experience His guidance and comfort. Through the Spirit, we are connected to Christ and the Father, experiencing God's power in a personal and transformative way.

The Trinity — God being three persons in one Godhead is taught throughout the whole of Scripture, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. The Bible is clear that God is ONE (Deuteronomy 6:4) and therefore we do not worship three Gods but ONE God, revealed to us in three persons — The Father, The Son and Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is in many ways beyond the human mind's ability to comprehend though we can and must apprehend it (receive and believe it.)

The church throughout history has held to and taught the doctrine of the Trinity as revealed in scripture, and perhaps nothing quite captures and condenses it like the Athanasian Creed — here is an excerpt of it (though the whole thing can be found here):

Now this is the catholic (universal) faith:

• That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence.
• For the person of the Father is a distinct person, the person of the Son is another, and that of the Holy Spirit still another.
• But the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal.
• What quality the Father has, the Son has, and the Holy Spirit has.
• The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, the Holy Spirit is uncreated.
• The Father is immeasurable, the Son is immeasurable, the Holy Spirit is immeasurable.
• The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, the Holy Spirit is eternal.
• And yet there are not three eternal beings; there is but one eternal being.
• So too there are not three uncreated or immeasurable beings; there is but one uncreated and immeasurable being.
• Similarly, the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, the Holy Spirit is almighty.
• Yet there are not three almighty beings; there is but one almighty being.
• Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God.
• Yet there are not three gods; there is but one God.
• Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord.
• Yet there are not three lords; there is but one Lord.
  

The phrase “imago Dei” (Latin for “image of God”) means that human beings are created to reflect certain aspects of God’s nature and character. This concept comes from Genesis 1:26-27, where God says:

     | “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

Being made in God’s image distinguishes humans from all other creatures and gives every person inherent dignity, value, and purpose.

Key Aspects of the Image of God in Humans:

1. Spiritual Likeness

• Humans are spiritual beings, capable of having a relationship with God (John 4:24).
• We have an eternal soul and a moral conscience that reflects God’s holiness (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 2:15).

2. Moral Responsibility

• Unlike animals, humans have a sense of right and wrong, reflecting God’s righteousness (Ephesians 4:24).
• We are accountable to God for our actions (Romans 14:12).

3. Intellectual and Creative Ability

• Humans have reason, wisdom, and creativity, reflecting God’s intelligence and design (Colossians 3:10).
• Our ability to create art, music, technology, and culture comes from being made in His image.

4. Relational Capacity

• Just as God exists in relationship within the Trinity, humans are made for relationships—with God and each other (Genesis 2:18, 1 John 4:7-8).
• Love, compassion, and community are essential to our nature.

5. Stewardship Over Creation

• God gave humans the responsibility to rule over and care for creation as His representatives (Genesis 1:28).
• This includes using resources wisely, protecting life, and acting justly.

How Sin Affected the Image of God

• The Fall (Genesis 3) corrupted humanity, distorting but not destroying the image of God in us.
• Sin leads to brokenness in morality, relationships, and our ability to reflect God properly.
• Through Jesus Christ, believers are being restored to the full image of God (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Why It Matters

1. Every human life has value—regardless of race, ability, or status.
2. We are called to reflect God’s character—living with love, wisdom, and justice.
3. Jesus is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15), and through Him, we can be restored to our true purpose.

Being made in God’s image means we are created to know Him, reflect His glory, and live in loving relationship with Him and others.

To say that humans are sinners means that all people have a fallen nature and are guilty of disobeying God’s moral law. This concept is rooted in Romans 3:23, which states:

    | “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Sin is not just bad behavior—it is a condition that affects every aspect of human life, separating us from God and leading to spiritual death.

Key Aspects of Human Sinfulness:

1. Inherited Sin (Original Sin)

• Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).
• As descendants of Adam, all humans inherit a sinful nature (Romans 5:12).
• This means we are naturally inclined toward sin, even before committing specific wrongs (Psalm 51:5).

2. Personal Sin (Our Own Actions)

• All people knowingly break God’s laws through thoughts, words, and actions (James 4:17, 1 John 1:8).
• Sin includes both wrong actions (lying, stealing, hatred) and failing to do what is right (unforgiveness, neglecting justice).

3. Total Depravity (Sin Affects Everything)

• Sin corrupts the mind, heart, and will, making humans unable to save themselves (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 8:7-8).
• Even good deeds are tainted by selfish motives apart from God (Isaiah 64:6).

4. The Consequences of Sin

• Separation from God – Sin breaks our relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2).
• Spiritual Death – The penalty for sin is death, both physical and eternal (Romans 6:23).
• Brokenness in the World – Sin leads to suffering, injustice, and evil in society (Romans 8:20-22).

The Hope: Redemption Through Christ

• Jesus came to rescue sinners by dying for our sins and offering salvation (Romans 5:8, John 3:16).
• Through faith in Christ, we are forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God (Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 1:9).
• The Holy Spirit transforms believers, helping them overcome sin and grow in righteousness (Galatians 5:16-17).

Why This Matters

1. Recognizing sin helps us see our need for Jesus.
2. It humbles us, knowing we cannot save ourselves.
3. It reminds us of God's grace, offering forgiveness and transformation.

Being a sinner means we are broken and in need of a Savior, but through Christ, we can be redeemed and restored.

Anthropology is the study of people, past and present, with a focus on understanding the human condition both culturally and biologically.

It is vital to have a correct view about human nature because people can have good intentions but if their understanding of human nature is flawed from the start then it can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

An example of this is communism and/or socialism. It might sound well and good for all people to be relatively equal and share all things but this has always gone bad when tried because of our human nature. When this is forced, and high producers are robbed of what they earn and it's distributed to low producers then this system will inevitably fail. The high producers will stop producing and settle for mediocrity and low producers will not even be able, or incentivized, to pull their own weight much less anyone else's. The opposite of "a rising tide lifts all boats."

This is just one example and many others could be given. Therefore it is important to understand that though humans are made in the image of God and intrinsically valuable, we are also corrupt sinners who are inherently selfish, prideful, and evil — in need of the saving and transformative grace of God.
 

Sin is any thought, action, or attitude that goes against God’s will and His moral law. It is more than just making mistakes—it is a rebellion against God, resulting in separation from Him. "Sin" is an archery term that means, 'to miss the mark'.

The Bible defines sin in several ways:

1. Breaking God’s Law – “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)
2. Failing to Do Good – “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
3. Acting Without Faith – “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)

Types of Sin:
1. Original Sin (Inherited from Adam)

• Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3).
• All humans inherit a sinful nature (Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5).

2. Personal Sin (Committed by Individuals)

• These are wrongful actions, words, or thoughts (Romans 3:23).
• Examples: Lying, stealing, hatred, pride, selfishness.

3. Sins of Commission (Doing What Is Forbidden)

• Actively choosing to disobey God.
• Example: Cain murdering Abel (Genesis 4:8).

4. Sins of Omission (Failing to Do What Is Right)

• Ignoring God’s commands to love, serve, or act justly.
• Example: Not helping someone in need (Luke 10:30-37).

5. Structural Sin (Sin in Society)

• Systems of injustice, oppression, and corruption in the world.
• Example: Exploitation of the poor (Isaiah 10:1-2).

Consequences of Sin

• Separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
• Spiritual Death (Romans 6:23)
• Brokenness in the World (Romans 8:20-22)

The Solution to Sin: Jesus Christ

• Jesus took the punishment for sin on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Through faith in Him, we are forgiven and restored (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• The Holy Spirit helps believers overcome sin and live righteously (Galatians 5:16).

Sin is humanity’s greatest problem—but through Christ, God provides the only solution: salvation and eternal life.

The Three Stages of Salvation: Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification.
Salvation is a process that unfolds in three key stages:

1. Justification (Past) – We are saved from the penalty of sin.
2. Sanctification (Present) – We are being saved from the power of sin.
3. Glorification (Future) – We will be saved from the presence of sin.

1. Justification – Declared Righteous (Past Salvation)

• What it Means: Justification is when God declares us righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ.
• Key Truth: We are forgiven and made right with God, not by our works, but by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1).
• How It Happens:
  • Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • We receive this gift of righteousness by faith (Romans 3:24-26).

   | “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

✔ Saved from the penalty of sin (Hell, separation from God).

2. Sanctification – Becoming Holy (Present Salvation)

• What it Means: Sanctification is the ongoing process of being transformed into Christ’s image.
• Key Truth: We grow in holiness and overcome sin’s power through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).
• How It Happens:
  • The Holy Spirit works in us to make us more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
  • We cooperate by obeying God, renewing our minds, and living by His Word (Romans 12:2).

   | “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

✔ Saved from the power of sin (sin no longer controls us).

3. Glorification – Eternal Perfection (Future Salvation)

• What it Means: Glorification is the final stage when believers receive perfect, resurrected bodies and live with God forever.
• Key Truth: We will be completely free from sin, suffering, and death (Revelation 21:4).
• How It Happens:
  • When Christ returns, our bodies will be transformed to be like His (Philippians 3:20-21).
  • We will live in God’s presence for eternity (1 John 3:2).

   | “When He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)

✔ Saved from the presence of sin (sin and death will be no more).

Salvation is not just about going to heaven—it is a complete transformation from sinners to saints, made possible through Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus Christ, God saves us from sin, its consequences, and eternal separation from Him. This salvation is a gift of grace, offered to all who put their faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

1. Salvation from Sin

• Sin is rebellion against God and leads to guilt, corruption, and death (Romans 3:23).
• Sin is like a disease that enslaves us in a bondage that we are unable to break (Romans 7:14-25).
  
• Jesus takes our sin upon Himself so that we can be made righteous and set free (2 Corinthians 5:21).

    | “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)

2. Salvation from God’s Wrath and Judgment

• Because God is just, sin must be punished (Romans 1:18, Hebrews 9:27).
• Jesus bore the punishment we deserved, satisfying God’s justice (Romans 5:9).

    | “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

3. Salvation from Eternal Death (Hell)

• Without Christ, we face eternal separation from God in hell (2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 20:15).
• Through Christ, we receive eternal life with God (John 3:16, John 10:28).

    | “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

4. Salvation from the Power of Sin and Satan

• Before Christ, we are enslaved to sin and under Satan’s influence (John 8:34, Ephesians 2:1-3).
• Jesus breaks the power of sin and sets us free (Romans 6:6-7, Colossians 1:13).

    | “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

5. Salvation from Meaningless and Hopelessness

• Without God, life lacks true purpose and hope (Ecclesiastes 1:2, Ephesians 2:12).
• In Christ, we receive new life, purpose, and hope (2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:3).

   | “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The Ultimate Gift: Salvation in Christ
Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from:
✅ Sin’s guilt and power
✅ God’s judgment and wrath
✅ Eternal separation in hell
✅ Satan’s control and deception
✅ A life without meaning

Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6), and through Him, we are reconciled to God and given eternal life.

I was lost in life and adrift without meaning until I found new & true life in Christ. It was like life was a hazy black & white before Christ and then infused with vivid color afterwards. Walking with God is the adventure of a lifetime because it leads us on a journey of transformation, purpose, relationship, and eternal hope. Unlike any earthly pursuit, following God offers an ever-deepening, unpredictable, and meaningful experience, as we learn to trust, grow, and participate in His plan. Here’s why:

1. A Journey of Transformation

• God shapes our character: Walking with God means He works in our lives to transform us into the people He created us to be. This process of sanctification is ongoing, where He refines us, challenges our weaknesses, and molds us more into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
• Personal growth: We face situations that stretch our faith, challenge our assumptions, and help us grow in humility, patience, and love. Each day is an opportunity to become more like Christ.

  | “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

2. A Journey of Faith and Trust

• God leads us step-by-step: Walking with God is not always easy or predictable, but it requires us to trust His guidance. He may lead us into the unknown, yet we can be confident that He is with us every step (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• Learning to depend on God: The adventure often includes moments of uncertainty, where we must trust that God will provide, protect, and fulfill His promises (Philippians 4:19).

  | “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

3. A Journey of Purpose and Mission

• God has a plan for us: Walking with God means living with a purpose that is far greater than anything we could imagine on our own. He calls us to be a part of His redemptive mission to bring hope to the world (Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:10).
• Impacting others: Through our relationships, work, and service, we can participate in God’s work in the world—sharing the love of Christ, bringing justice, and bringing people to faith (Matthew 5:16).

  | “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

4. A Journey of Relationship

• Closeness with God: The ultimate adventure is knowing God. Walking with Him means we experience fellowship with the Creator of the universe. He desires to have a personal relationship with us, guiding us, speaking to us, and comforting us (John 15:5).
• Walking through life with Him: Whether through prayer, worship, or the Word, walking with God deepens our connection with Him. This relationship brings peace, joy, and strength even in life's most difficult moments (Psalm 16:11).
• Eternal life begins now: In John 17:3 it says, “And this is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” This means that since we now KNOW GOD through our relationship with Christ, this life is part of eternal life. We don’t have to fear death any more than we fear a nap (which sounds better the older I get 😄), since our knowledge of the Lord will only get better in the next life, in Heaven, when we are with Him!
  

  | “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

5. A Journey Toward Eternity

• Eternal perspective: Walking with God is ultimately a journey toward eternal life. Our earthly life is just the beginning of a much greater adventure in His presence forever (1 Peter 1:3-5).
• Hope in Christ: In Christ, we have the certainty of salvation and the assurance that one day we will be fully glorified and experience the fullness of God’s love and joy (Romans 8:18, Revelation 21:3-4).

  | “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

Why Walking with God is the Adventure of a Lifetime:

• Unpredictable, yet fulfilling: Walking with God means stepping into the unknown with confidence in His guidance and provision.
• Transformative: It is a journey of becoming who God created us to be and living out His plan for our lives.
• Purposeful: Every moment has meaning when we walk with God, and we are part of His eternal mission.
• Eternal Hope: The adventure doesn’t end here—it leads to an eternal future with God in a perfect, sinless world.

In short, walking with God is the adventure of a lifetime because it is the only journey that brings ultimate fulfillment, lasting transformation, and eternal reward.

Prayer in its simplest definition is talking with God. Living a life of prayer means making prayer a central part of daily living, maintaining a constant and deep relationship with God. It goes beyond set times of prayer and becomes a way of life, where communication with God influences every thought, action, and decision.

Key Aspects of a Life of Prayer:

1. Continuous Connection with God – As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Christians are called to "pray without ceasing." This means having an ongoing awareness of God's presence, turning to Him in all situations—whether in joy, sorrow, or daily tasks.
2. Seeking God’s Will – A life of prayer means surrendering one’s desires to God and seeking His direction in everything (Proverbs 3:5-6). It involves listening to God, not just speaking, and allowing His wisdom to guide decisions.
3. Faith and Dependence on God – Prayer reflects trust in God’s provision and strength. Philippians 4:6-7 is one of my favorite verses and encourages believers to bring all concerns to God through prayer, receiving His peace in return. 🤯
4. Spiritual Growth and Transformation – Spending time in prayer deepens faith, shapes character, and helps believers grow in Christlikeness (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12). It allows God’s Spirit to work within, transforming thoughts and actions.
5. Interceding for Others – A life of prayer includes praying not only for personal needs but also for others, the Church, and the world. James 5:16 highlights the power of intercession in bringing healing and change.
6. Gratitude and Worship – Prayer is a way to express thankfulness to God, acknowledging His blessings and goodness (Psalm 100:4). A prayerful life is one filled with gratitude, even in difficulties.

Practical Ways to Live a Life of Prayer:

• Begin and end the day with prayer.
• Integrate prayer into daily activities (e.g., while driving, working, or exercising).
• Keep a prayer journal to track God’s faithfulness.
• Pray Scripture, letting God’s Word shape prayers.
• Be mindful of God’s presence in every moment.

A life of prayer is about staying connected to God always, allowing His presence to shape your heart, mind, and actions. The fact that when we pray we are talking with the God who created the universe, and He actually WANTS to hear from us, in fact, LOVES to hear from us, is a thought so staggering that I think we could spend the rest of our lives trying to grasp it.

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, it says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." The Bible gives us this principle so that we can learn to exercise the muscle of faith, which Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." This faith is not a 'blind faith' but rather a 'confident trust' in the God of the Bible. This is absolutely necessary because we don't have the full picture in this life but we know God does. Therefore, we trust in God’s guidance, promises, and character even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.

Key Aspects of Walking by Faith:

1. Trusting God’s Promises Over Visible Evidence
   • Faith is believing in God’s Word and promises, even when we don’t see immediate results (Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen").
   • Abraham is a prime example—he left his homeland, believing in God’s promise, despite not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
2. Living with Eternal Perspective
   • Walking by faith means focusing on God’s eternal kingdom rather than temporary worldly circumstances (Colossians 3:2 – "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things").
   • This means trusting that God is at work even when we don’t see the full picture.
3. Obedience Despite Uncertainty
   • Faith leads to obedience, even when God’s commands don’t seem to make logical sense.
   • Noah built the ark before seeing the flood (Hebrews 11:7).
   • Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water at Jesus’ command (Matthew 14:29).
4. Relying on God’s Strength, Not Human Understanding
   • Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
   • Faith means believing that God is in control even when life seems chaotic or difficult.
5. Persevering Through Trials
   • Faith is tested in hardships, but those who walk by faith endure knowing that God is refining them (James 1:2-4).
   • Job remained faithful even when he lost everything, trusting in God’s sovereignty.

What Walking by Sight Looks Like:

• Relying only on what is visible and logical, rather than on God’s Word. (Though God is the source of all reason & logic, He wants us to trust Him beyond what we can see so we can become who He's always wanted us to be. There are also many times when God's Word and God's will for our lives are what's logical.)
• Letting fear, doubt, or circumstances determine one’s actions instead of faith.
• Seeking instant results rather than trusting in God’s timing.

Conclusion:
Walking with God by faith means trusting Him beyond what our physical senses perceive, obeying His Word even when the path seems unclear, and believing in His promises despite temporary challenges. It is about living with confidence that God is leading, even when we cannot see the way forward.

In Scripture, the terms “flesh” and “the Spirit” represent two opposing forces or realms within the believer's life: the realm of sin and self-centeredness (flesh) versus the realm of righteousness and God's will (Spirit). These two concepts are crucial in understanding the Christian life and the battle between our old sinful nature and the new nature given through the Holy Spirit.

1. The Flesh
The flesh (Greek: sarx) refers to humanity's sinful nature—our desires, tendencies, and instincts that lead us away from God. It is characterized by self-centeredness, rebellion against God, and moral decay. The flesh can be understood both as our physical body (which can be used for sin) and as our unredeemed, sinful nature.

Characteristics of the Flesh:

• Desires of the sinful nature: The flesh is marked by selfish desires that oppose God’s will. These desires can include things like lust, pride, greed, and anger (Galatians 5:19-21).
• Weakness and inability to please God: The flesh is incapable of truly pleasing God. It is bound by sin and cannot achieve righteousness on its own (Romans 8:7-8).
• Living according to human desires: Those living in the flesh are ruled by their own selfish desires rather than by God's commands (Romans 13:14).
• The result of the flesh: Walking in the flesh leads to death, spiritual separation from God, and destruction (Romans 6:23).

  | “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5)

Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21):

• Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality
• Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy
• Fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions
• Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these

2. The Spirit
The Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit—God’s presence dwelling in believers. The Spirit enables Christians to live according to God’s will, guiding, empowering, and transforming them to reflect the nature of Christ.

Characteristics of the Spirit:

• Empowerment for holy living: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, helping them resist sin and obey God’s commands (Romans 8:9-11).
• Fruit of the Spirit: The Spirit produces godly character in believers, enabling them to reflect Christ’s love, peace, joy, kindness, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
• New nature and desires: Through the Spirit, believers receive a new nature and desires that align with God’s will (Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Guidance into truth: The Spirit leads believers into all truth, convicting them of sin, guiding them in righteousness, and revealing the will of God (John 16:13).
• The result of the Spirit: Living according to the Spirit leads to life, peace, and eternal communion with God (Romans 8:6).

  | “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):

• Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness
• Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
In the life of a believer, there is an ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh constantly tempts believers to live in self-centered ways, while the Spirit urges believers to live according to God’s will. This battle can manifest in internal struggles, as believers experience tension between their old sinful desires and the new life in Christ.

Key Scriptures on the Conflict:

• Romans 7:15-25 – Paul describes his own struggle with sin, expressing the conflict between the desires of his flesh and the will of God.
• Galatians 5:17 – “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
• Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Living by the Spirit

• Victory over the flesh: The Christian life involves daily choosing to live by the Spirit, relying on His strength to resist temptation and walk in obedience (Romans 8:12-13).
• Dependence on the Spirit: It’s only through the Holy Spirit that believers can bear fruit and live the righteous life God calls them to (John 15:5).
• Renewed Mind: Walking in the Spirit also involves renewing the mind through the Word of God, so that our thoughts, attitudes, and actions align with God's will (Romans 12:2).

Living in the flesh leads to death, while living according to the Spirit leads to life and eternal fellowship with God. The believer's goal is to daily choose the Spirit's guidance over the flesh's desires.

To live an overflowing life as a Christian means experiencing the abundance of God's love, joy, and power, which then flows out to bless others. It is a life that is not just about survival or self-improvement, but about being filled with God’s presence to the point where His goodness overflows into every area—our relationships, service, and witness to the world.

1. An Overflowing Life Begins with Being Filled by God
An overflowing life starts with God. Jesus said,

  | “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

This abundant life isn’t about material riches or worldly success—it’s about being filled with God Himself. Just as a cup must be filled before it overflows, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, and His love.

Ways God Fills Us:

• The Holy Spirit – God pours His Spirit into believers to guide, comfort, and empower them (Romans 15:13, Ephesians 5:18).
• The Word of God – Scripture fills our hearts with truth, wisdom, and life (Colossians 3:16).
• Prayer and Worship – Intimacy with God renews our strength and fills us with joy (Psalm 16:11).

  | “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)

When we are filled with God, our lives naturally overflow with His presence, impacting the world around us.

2. Overflowing with Love for Others
A Christian who is filled with God’s love will overflow in love toward others. Jesus commanded,

  | “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

This kind of love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It means:

• Forgiving those who wrong us (Colossians 3:13).
• Caring for the poor and needy (James 1:27).
• Encouraging and strengthening others (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

When we are full of God’s love, we don’t just keep it to ourselves—we pour it out onto our families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.

3. Overflowing with Joy and Peace
The overflowing life is one of deep joy and peace, even in trials. This joy does not come from circumstances but from God Himself.

  | “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

• Joy in trials – Even in difficult times, we can have joy, knowing that God is with us and working all things for our good (James 1:2-3).
• Peace in chaos – When the world is uncertain, we have peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

When others see our joy and peace, even in hard times, they are drawn to the source—Jesus.

4. Overflowing with Generosity and Good Works
A life overflowing with God’s goodness leads to a life of generosity. Jesus said,

  | “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38)

This means:

• Using our time, talents, and resources to serve others.
• Giving generously to those in need.
• Blessing others freely, just as we have been blessed.

The more we pour out, the more God fills us up again (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

5. Overflowing in Sharing the Gospel
An overflowing life shares the good news of Jesus. When we are filled with Christ, we cannot help but tell others about Him!

  | “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

Sharing the gospel isn’t just about words—it’s about a life so full of God’s light that others are drawn to Him. This can be through:

• Personal testimony – How God has changed your life.
• Loving actions – Demonstrating God’s love in practical ways.
• Speaking the truth – Boldly sharing God’s message of salvation.

6. Overflowing in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised:

  | “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38)

This living water is the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to:

• Resist sin and grow in holiness (Galatians 5:16-17).
• Walk in boldness and faith (Acts 1:8).
• Experience supernatural strength and wisdom (Isaiah 40:31, James 1:5).

Living an overflowing life means being so filled with the Spirit that He moves through us to impact the world around us.

How to Live an Overflowing Life

1. Stay Connected to Jesus – Abide in Christ through prayer, Bible reading, and worship (John 15:5).
2. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit – Rely on the Spirit’s power daily (Ephesians 5:18).
3. Live with Open Hands – Give freely, love deeply, and serve others joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:8).
4. Let Your Life Shine – Share the gospel through both words and actions (Matthew 5:16).
5. Trust in God’s Provision – Believe that as you pour out, God will refill you (Philippians 4:19).

Conclusion: A Life That Overflows
Living an overflowing life as a Christian means being filled with God’s presence so completely that His love, joy, peace, generosity, and power naturally spill over into the lives of others. It’s a life of deep intimacy with God, purposeful mission, and unstoppable joy—a life that not only transforms us but also impacts the world for God’s glory.

  | “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Living a life of worship as a Christian means more than just singing songs on Sunday—it means offering every part of our lives to God as an act of devotion, love, and obedience. Worship is not just something we do; it is who we are. It is a lifestyle of honoring God in everything we think, say, and do.

  | “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

1. Worship is More Than Music
While music and singing are powerful expressions of worship (Psalm 95:1-2), worship is much broader. Worship is a heart posture of reverence and surrender to God in all aspects of life.

Worship Includes:

• Obedience to God (John 14:15)
• Loving others (Matthew 22:37-39)
• Serving with humility (Colossians 3:23-24)
• Living with gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
• Sharing the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20)

Anything done for God’s glory is an act of worship.

  | “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

2. Worship is a Response to Who God Is
True worship begins with recognizing God’s greatness. The more we understand His holiness, love, and power, the more we are moved to praise and honor Him.

  | “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)

Worship flows from a heart that is:
✅ Awed by God’s greatness (Isaiah 6:3)
✅ Grateful for His salvation (Psalm 103:1-4)
✅ Humbled by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)

When we truly know who God is, our whole lives become a response of worship.

3. Worship is a Daily Surrender to God
A life of worship is a life of surrender—where we give every part of ourselves to God and trust Him fully.

  | “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

This means:

• Surrendering our desires to align with God’s will (Luke 22:42)
• Trusting God in trials and praising Him even in hardship (Job 1:21)
• Seeking God first in every decision (Matthew 6:33)

Living a life of worship means saying “Yes” to God in everything.

4. Worship is Loving and Serving Others
Jesus said that loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39). Worship is not just about what we do for God—it’s also about how we treat others.

  | “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” (James 1:27)

We worship God when we:

• Show kindness to the needy (Proverbs 14:31)
• Forgive those who wrong us (Colossians 3:13)
• Serve others humbly (Mark 10:45)

Loving people is an act of worship because it reflects God’s heart.

5. Worship is a Life of Gratitude and Joy
A worshipful life is one that is overflowing with gratitude, no matter the circumstances. Worship means rejoicing in God, even when life is difficult.

  | “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Gratitude is worship because it:
✅ Acknowledges God’s goodness
✅ Strengthens our faith
✅ Brings joy and peace

Even in struggles, we praise God, knowing He is faithful.

  | “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

6. Worship is an Everyday Lifestyle
Living a life of worship doesn’t just happen on Sundays—it happens every day in how we live, work, speak, and serve.

  | “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)

We worship God when we:

• Work with integrity
• Speak words of encouragement
• Honor God with our time and talents

Worship is bringing God into every moment of life.

7. Worship is Staying Close to God
A life of worship means staying connected to God through prayer, His Word, and His Spirit.

  | “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Ways to stay close to God in worship:
📖 Read and meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119:105)
🙏 Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
🎶 Sing praises to God (Psalm 150:6)
🛐 Listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Romans 8:14)

When we remain close to God, our lives become a natural expression of worship.

Conclusion: Worship is a Way of Life
Living a life of worship means offering every part of ourselves to God in love, gratitude, and obedience. It’s not just what we do—it’s who we are.

A life of worship is a life that:
✅ Honors God in all things
✅ Overflows with gratitude and joy
✅ Loves and serves others
✅ Is fully surrendered to God

  | “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

Every moment is an opportunity to worship God—not just in singing, but in the way we live, love, and serve.

What Does It Mean to Live a Life of Service as a Christian?
Living a life of service as a Christian means following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve others with love, humility, and selflessness. It is a lifestyle of putting God first, loving others sacrificially, and using our gifts, time, and resources to meet the needs of those around us.

  | “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

1. Following Jesus’ Example of Service
Jesus was the ultimate servant leader. Though He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself to serve others—even washing His disciples’ feet.

  | “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

This means that as followers of Christ, we are called to:
✅ Serve with humility (John 13:14-15)
✅ Serve with compassion (Matthew 25:35-40)
✅ Serve with sacrifice (Philippians 2:3-5)

Serving others is how we reflect Christ’s love to the world.

2. Serving God by Serving Others
One of the most powerful ways we serve God is by serving people. Every act of service—no matter how small—is an offering to God.

  | “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

This means that service isn’t just about doing big things—it’s about being faithful in small acts:

• Helping a neighbor in need
• Encouraging a friend who is struggling
• Volunteering at church or in the community
• Caring for the sick, lonely, or poor

When we serve others with love, we serve God Himself.

3. Serving with Our Gifts and Talents
God has given each of us unique gifts and talents to serve others.

  | “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Ask yourself:

• What talents has God given me? (Teaching, hospitality, encouragement, leadership?)
• How can I use my abilities to bless others?
• Where is God calling me to serve?

God doesn’t ask us to do everything—just to be faithful with what He has given us.

4. Serving with a Humble Heart
True service is about humility, not recognition or rewards. Jesus taught:

  | “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

Serving means:
✅ Not seeking praise from people (Matthew 6:1-4)
✅ Putting others’ needs first (Romans 12:10)
✅ Serving even when it’s inconvenient (Luke 10:33-35)

God honors a servant’s heart that serves for His glory, not personal gain.

5. Serving with Love and Compassion
Christian service is more than just doing good deeds—it’s about loving others deeply.

  | “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

This means:

• Caring for the poor and needy (Proverbs 14:31)
• Listening and encouraging those who are hurting
• Praying for and supporting others in difficult times

Serving with love demonstrates God’s heart to the world.

6. Serving with Joy, Not Obligation
Service should never feel like a burden, but rather a joyful response to God’s love.

  | “Serve the Lord with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2)

Instead of:
   ❌ “I have to serve.”
We should say:
   ✅ “I get to serve!”

When we serve out of joy and gratitude, it blesses both others and ourselves.

7. Serving as a Way to Share the Gospel
Our acts of service are a powerful witness to the world.

  | “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

People may not always listen to words, but they will notice our actions.

• Serving with love opens doors to share God’s truth.
• A life of service points people to Jesus.
• Our kindness and humility reflect the gospel.

Service is a way to live out our faith in a way that impacts others eternally.

How to Start Living a Life of Service

1. Pray for a servant’s heart – Ask God to give you love and humility (Philippians 2:5).
2. Look for needs around you – Serve wherever God places you (Galatians 6:9-10).
3. Use your gifts for God’s glory – Find ways to serve using your unique abilities (1 Peter 4:10).
4. Serve with joy, not obligation – View service as a privilege, not a duty (Psalm 100:2).
5. Make service a lifestyle – Seek to bless others daily, not just occasionally (Colossians 3:23-24).

Conclusion: A Life of Service is a Life of Purpose
Living a life of service as a Christian is about humbly following Jesus’ example, loving others selflessly, and using our gifts to glorify God. It’s a life of joy, impact, and eternal significance.

  | “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

True greatness in God’s kingdom comes not from power, wealth, or fame—but from serving others in love. A life of service is a life well lived — a life that looks like Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Live a Life of Giving as a Christian?
Living a life of giving as a Christian means generously sharing what God has given us—our time, resources, love, and talents—to bless others and glorify God. It’s not just about money, but about having a heart of generosity in every aspect of life.

  | “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

A giving life reflects God’s nature, deepens our faith, and brings joy both to the giver and the receiver.

1. Giving is an Act of Worship
True giving comes from a heart that recognizes everything belongs to God. When we give, we worship Him by trusting in His provision.

  | “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9)

Giving is not just about money, but about:
✅ Giving our time to serve others
✅ Giving our talents to build God’s kingdom
✅ Giving our love to those in need

Every time we give with a grateful heart, we honor God.

2. Giving Reflects God’s Generosity
God is the ultimate giver. He gave us:

• Life (Genesis 2:7)
• Salvation through Jesus (John 3:16)
• Every blessing we have (James 1:17)

Since God gives freely, we should also be generous with others.

  | “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

We give because He first gave to us.

3. Giving Demonstrates Faith and Trust in God
Sometimes, we hesitate to give because we fear we won’t have enough. But giving is an act of faith—trusting that God will provide for our needs.

  | “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38)

God promises that when we give with the right heart, He will take care of us.
✅ Giving breaks greed and builds trust in God.
✅ Giving reminds us that God is our provider.

We don’t give to get richer—we give because we trust God to take care of us.

4. Giving Brings Joy and Blessing
Giving isn’t a burden; it’s a blessing. When we give, we experience joy and fulfillment.

  | “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

True giving:
✅ Comes from a willing heart
✅ Is done cheerfully, not grudgingly
✅ Brings joy, not regret

Generous people are joyful people!

5. Giving Helps Those in Need
God calls us to care for the poor, the widows, and the needy.

  | “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Ways to give:

• Helping the poor (food, clothing, shelter)
• Supporting churches and ministries
• Encouraging others with your time and words

Giving isn’t about us—it’s about meeting the needs of others.

6. Giving Strengthens the Church and the Gospel Mission
When we give to the church and ministries, we help spread the gospel and make an eternal impact.

  | “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Giving supports:
✅ Church ministries and missions
✅ Missionaries sharing the gospel
✅ Helping the community

Every time we give, we partner with God’s work!

7. Giving is More Than Money
Generosity isn’t just about financial giving—it’s a lifestyle.
Ways to give:
💰 Financial resources – Tithes, offerings, supporting missions
⏳ Time – Volunteering, mentoring, listening
💡 Talents – Teaching, hospitality, creativity
❤️ Kindness – Encouragement, prayer, forgiveness

  | “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27)

A giving life is a fulfilled life!

8. Giving Leads to Eternal Rewards
Jesus taught that earthly treasures fade, but heavenly treasures last forever.

  | “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy.” (Matthew 6:20)

When we give with an eternal perspective, we:
✅ Make an impact beyond this life
✅ Invest in God’s kingdom
✅ Receive rewards from God

Generosity leaves a legacy that lasts forever.

How to Start Living a Life of Giving

1. Pray for a giving heart – Ask God to help you be generous and selfless.
2. Look for needs around you – Start where you are (family, church, community).
3. Give with joy, not pressure – Give freely and cheerfully.
4. Be faithful in small things – Even small acts of generosity make a difference.
5. Trust God’s provision – Give without fear, knowing God will provide.

Conclusion: A Life of Giving is a Life of Blessing
Living a life of giving as a Christian means:
✅ Honoring God with our resources
✅ Loving others through generosity
✅ Trusting in God’s provision
✅ Investing in things that last forever

  | “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24)

A giving life is a blessed life—one that reflects God’s love, impacts others, and brings eternal rewards.

Living life together as Christians means intentionally walking alongside one another in faith, encouraging and supporting each other in our journey with Christ. It reflects the biblical model of fellowship and community, where believers are called to love, serve, and build each other up in faith. Here are some key aspects of what it means to live life together as Christians:

1. Worshiping Together

• Gathering regularly to worship God, whether in church services, small groups, or home gatherings.
• Praising, praying, and studying Scripture together as a way to strengthen our relationship with God and one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

2. Encouraging and Holding One Another Accountable

• Speaking truth in love and helping each other grow spiritually (Ephesians 4:15).
• Holding each other accountable to live godly lives, avoiding sin, and pursuing holiness (James 5:16).
• Encouraging one another through challenges, doubts, and hardships (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

3. Serving and Meeting Each Other’s Needs

• Living sacrificially by sharing resources, time, and energy to support others in need (Acts 2:44-45).
• Bearing one another’s burdens and rejoicing together in blessings (Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:15).
• Demonstrating love through acts of kindness, hospitality, and generosity (1 Peter 4:9-10).

4. Discipleship and Growth

• Teaching and learning from one another in faith (Colossians 3:16).
• Helping new believers mature spiritually and guiding one another toward Christlikeness (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Encouraging one another to develop spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fasting.

5. Praying for and with One Another

• Interceding for each other’s needs, struggles, and spiritual growth (Ephesians 6:18).
• Gathering in prayer to seek God’s will and direction in life (Matthew 18:20).
• Encouraging a lifestyle of personal and communal prayer.

6. Living Out the Gospel Together

• Reflecting Christ’s love to the world through how we treat one another (John 13:35).
• Serving the community and making disciples through acts of service and evangelism (Matthew 5:16).
• Being a visible testimony of God’s grace and unity (Philippians 2:1-4).

7. Persevering Together Through Trials

• Supporting one another through difficult times with love, patience, and faith (Romans 12:10-13).
• Strengthening each other’s faith when one is weak (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
• Trusting God together and reminding each other of His promises (Isaiah 41:10).

Living life together as Christians is about forming a Christ-centered community where love, truth, accountability, and encouragement are foundational. It reflects the early church model in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, breaking bread, and prayer.

Jesus gave His life for the church (which has been described above), and He also left us with the Great Commission given in Matthew 28:18-20,

  | "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."

Key Aspects of Christian Evangelism

1. The Message: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Evangelism centers on sharing:

• God’s love and His desire for a relationship with humanity (John 3:16).
• The reality of sin and its consequences (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23).
• Jesus’ death and resurrection, which provides forgiveness and reconciliation with God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• The call to repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation (Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9-10).

2. The Motivation: Love for God and People

• Evangelism is driven by obedience to Christ and love for others (2 Corinthians 5:14).
• Christians desire to see others experience the grace and transformation they have received.

3. The Method: Different Ways to Evangelize

• Personal Witness – Sharing the Gospel in everyday conversations and relationships (1 Peter 3:15).
• Preaching and Teaching – Proclaiming the message in church, events, or public settings.
• Acts of Service – Demonstrating Christ’s love through kindness, charity, and helping those in need.
• Missions and Outreach – Traveling locally or globally to reach those who have not heard the Gospel.
• Media and Technology – Using books, social media, videos, and online platforms to share the faith.

4. The Power: The Holy Spirit’s Role

• Evangelism is not just about human effort; the Holy Spirit convicts and draws people to Christ (John 16:8).
• Christians are called to be faithful in sharing, while God is responsible for changing hearts (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

5. The Response: Faith, Discipleship, and Mocking...

• Evangelism invites people to trust in Jesus, but it does not end there.
• New believers should be discipled, learning to follow Christ and grow in their faith (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Our hope is that everyone who hears the good news of Jesus will gladly receive it but this is hardly the case and we should expect that. After all, when we share the Gospel we are shining a light on sin and people tend to love their sin, it takes a supernatural work of God to change a sinners heart and cause them to repent & believe the Gospel. Sometimes our evangelism will be met by mockery (we see this as one of the responses in Acts 17:32) and this should not bother or deter us but rather put a fire in us to share all the more as we see the day approaching!

Why Is Evangelism Important?

• It is God’s plan to spread salvation to all people (Romans 10:14-15).
• It glorifies God by making His name known and expanding His Kingdom (Psalm 96:3).
• It is a response to Jesus’ command, demonstrating love for God and others.

Evangelism in Daily Life

• Living a Christ-centered life that reflects His love and truth.
• Being prepared to share one’s testimony and faith with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
• Praying for opportunities to share the Gospel and for those who need to hear it.

The word “eschatology” comes from a combination of Greek words meaning “the study of last things,” or the study of the end times.

In the article “Eschatology” in the Lexham Bible Dictionary (LBD) Page Brooks writes that, “eschatology includes death, the intermediate state, the afterlife, judgment, the millennium, heaven, and hell, but it also refers to the time of Jesus’ second coming.”

For 2,000 years, Christians have tried to piece together what the Bible says about the end. A wide swath of orthodox interpretations are possible, and it’s easy to get confused by the different terms people use.

There are four main eschatological views, and each proposes a different take on three key aspects of the end of the world: the millennium, the binding of Satan, and the relationship between Israel and the Church – we will explore these four views below:

Preterism is a Christian eschatological belief that is gaining more traction in the evangelical world. It teaches that if not all, majority of end times prophecies in the Scriptures have already been fulfilled. It primarily teaches that Christ’s Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21) and the Book of Revelation have already been fulfilled in the first century particularly in AD 70 during the destruction of Jerusalem. It teaches that the kingdom of God has already arrived.

Preterism also teaches that the antichrist is the Roman Empire represented by Nero, the evil Roman emperor. He is the man of sin mentioned in 2 Thess 2:1–12 and the 1st beast mentioned in Revelation 13.

The Reign of Christ
Preterism like Amillennialism does not teach the literal Millennial or 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth. Instead, the 1,000 years mentioned in Revelation 20 is taken figuratively. So, there is no specific thousand-year period. But Instead, it’s a symbolic representation of Christ’s resurrection and ascension, and his second coming that culminated at the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem in AD 70. The Millennial Reign is already seen as fulfilled in the first century and not a future event.

The Role of Satan
Satan has already been cast into the lake of fire, along with the antichrist and the false prophet, as part of the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. So his influence over the world has been removed.

Israel and the Church
The church is the continuation of Israel. It basically teaches that the Church is the fulfillment of Israel at the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The Church is spiritual Israel.

Key Passages: Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21

Notable Representatives: Luis de Alcasar, Hugo Grotius , Jean LeClerc, Kenneth Gentry, Gary Demar, David Chilton, Scott Hahn, N.T. Wright.

Amillennialism’s name is a clear giveaway to its defining mark: “a-millennialism” literally means there is no literal, open, visible, 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth. Instead, the reign of Christ is understood in a fundamentally different way.

Amillennialism does not have a specific antichrist as advocated in something like the Left Behind series. However, there may be a man of sin (2 Thess 2:1–12), who could fit some kind of antichrist definition or archetype in the modern understanding of the term.

The Reign of Christ
Amillennial thinkers note rightly that the 1,000-year language describing the millennial period in Revelation 20 can be taken figuratively. So the thousand-year period isn’t a specific thousand-year cycle on an actual calendar. Instead, with his resurrection and ascension, Christ began his reign. He presently rules on Earth (the millennial age) through his people. And he will return physically, at any moment, to usher in heaven on earth.

The Role of Satan
Satan’s influence has been diminished because he has been bound by Christ. Satan himself is not presently exerting influence over the world.

Israel and the Church
There is not a stark contrast between Israel and the Church. Rather, the Church is spiritual Israel, because Christ is true Israel. This does not mean that the Church has replaced Israel but instead that the Church is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham that his offspring (Jesus) would bless all nations (people groups).

Key Passages: John 5:28–29; Romans 8:17–23; 2 Peter 3:3–14; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10.

Notable Representatives: Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Louis Berkhof, C. S. Lewis, R. C. Sproul.

Early in American history, postmillennialism was, in some sense, an American eschatology. Postmillennialism is a difficult system to quantify, at least in part because postmillennial thinkers tend to disagree about the details. We will take a look at the broad points of agreement here.

The Reign of Christ
Postmillennialists differ as to whether the reign of Christ is 1,000 years or simply a long period of time. At its core, the distinctive of postmillennial thought is the ever-expanding progress of the gospel until the world becomes markedly Christian. Then, Christ returns. The millennial age is ushered in by the unrelenting advance of the gospel.

The Role of Satan
There is no definitive position on the role of Satan within postmillennial thought. Some postmillennial theologians argue that Satan was bound by Jesus (similar to amillennialism), while others would argue it remains a future event (in agreement with premillennialism).

Israel and the Church
The postmillennial position agrees with amillennialism: the Church is the fulfillment of Israel. The Church is spiritual Israel.

Key Passages: Psalm 2:1-12; Isaiah 2:2–4; Matthew 13; 28; John 12.

Notable Representatives: Jonathan Edwards, B. B. Warfield, Greg Bahnsen, Loraine Boettner, Kenneth Gentry, Peter Leithart.

Premillennialism is often assumed to be the default view of Christians in America. This is understandable—it is presently the most common view of eschatology held by American evangelicals. While evangelicals are most familiar with the primary framework of premillennial thought, many are unaware that premillennialism has two major divisions: historic premillennialism (the traditional form, often called simply “premillennialism”) and dispensational premillennialism (usually called “dispensationalism”).

Historic premillennialism

The Reign of Christ
Christ will return physically and visibly in order to usher in the millennial reign—but historic premillennialists disagree whether the reign of Christ will be a literal thousand years or just a long period of time.

The Role of Satan
Satan is currently at work in the world, influencing affairs and deceiving the nations. At the return of Christ, Satan will be bound for the duration of the millennial age.

Israel and the Church
Historic premillennialism proposes that the Church is the spiritual fulfillment of Israel in a manner that is very similar to amillennialism and postmillennialism.

Key Passages: This position shares many of the same key passages as amillennialism and postmillennialism. The distinction between the systems has to do with interpretation. Premillennialism places a heavier emphasis on rigidly literal interpretations of key passages than either amillennialism or postmillennialism does.

Notable Representatives: Irenaeus, Wayne Grudem, Robert Gundry, Ben Witherington III, Craig Blomberg.

The Reign of Christ
For most dispensationalists, the millennial reign of Christ will begin after his return, at the end of a distinct seven-year period known as the tribulation. The millennial reign of Christ begins at the third coming of Christ. Dispensationalists propose a secret rapture concept in which Christ returns (prior to or midway through the tribulation period) to remove the Church from the earth.

Israel and the Church
Dispensationalism asserts that ethnic/national Israel is distinct from the NT church and remains significant in God’s purposes and will be so in the future. In addition to saving a remnant of believing Israel in this age, God will save and restore ethnic/national Israel as a whole in the future (see Rom. 11:26). Just as Israel as a whole rejected Jesus at His first coming (see Luke 19:41-44) Israel as a corporate entity will believe in Jesus around the time of His second coming to earth (see Matt. 23:39; Rom. 11:26-27). The nation that received covenant curses for disobedience will also receive covenant blessings for belief and obedience (see Deut. 30:1-10). This will lead to a reversal of the “times of the Gentiles” in which Gentile powers dominate Israel and its land (see Luke 21:24), and it will lead to greater blessings for the world (see Rom. 11:12, 15). Dispensationalism believes that Israel will have a functional role to the nations when Jesus rules the nations at His return to earth (see Isa. 2:2-4; Matt. 25:31).
 
The Role of Satan
Like historic premillennialism, dispensationalism argues that Satan is actively at work to resist the Church and undermine God’s people. He will be bound for the duration of the millennium and only released for a final confrontation following his thousand-year captivity.

Key Passages: While dispensationalism also shares premillennialism’s more literal approach to the key passages, dispensationalism holds Daniel 9:24-27 (on the 70 weeks) as a key passage for interpreting the arc of history. Additionally, classic dispensationalism proposes that the content of the Bible is divided along seven dispensations (or eras). While different schools of dispensationalism categorize these eras differently, one common structure is innocence, conscience, human government, promise, law, grace, and the millennium. Key passages are interpreted through this dispensational framework.

Notable Representatives: Lewis S. Chafer, John Walvoord, Charles Ryrie, Hal Lindsey, John MacArthur, Chuck Smith (and most Calvary Chapel's)

There’s actually quite a bit of agreement among the various eschatological views. Regarding the reign of Christ: amillennialists (and some postmillennialists) understand the number 1,000 in Revelation as a symbol and the character of Christ’s reign as spiritual; premillennialists (and some postmillennialists) take the number 1,000 literally and understand the character of Christ’s reign to be visible. Everyone agrees that Satan is bound during the millennium.

Postmillennialists stick out a bit here since they disagree over what constitutes the beginning of the millennium. Amillennialists, historic premillennialists, and postmillennialists agree that the Church is the fulfillment of Israel. Dispensationalists sharply distinguish Israel and the Church.

Complicating any effort to distinguish between each of these views is the fact that they share key passages but interpret them differently. History helps clarify areas of agreement and points of departure.

A COMMON HOPE
The great tradition of the Church puts a different emphasis on eschatology than many modern Christians do. Early Church historian Ronald Heine says this well:

No one ever seems to have been pronounced heretical solely on the basis of his or her understanding of Revelation 20. We should learn from that toleration of diverse views in the early Church and let that example guide us in our thinking about the millennial question.

It’s tempting to identify the oldest Christian position on the end times as the correct position. But we need to examine a position’s faithfulness to the Bible, not how old it is or how many people hold it. If the oldest Christian stance is the right one on every issue, we’re in trouble! During the time between Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, all of the disciples denied the resurrection of the dead. And surely the majority doesn’t determine right doctrine—otherwise, the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) would have decreed that all gentiles must be circumcised and follow the letter of the Torah.

Yes, we can rank the four approaches to eschatology according to their popularity throughout the Church’s life.

We can also emphasize their areas of disagreement. Despite differences [about] the millennial age, the events leading up to the return of Christ, and the relationship between Israel and the Church, these eschatologies agree [on] more than they disagree. None of these deny the basic eschatology of the Apostles’ Creed: “He will come to judge the living and the dead.” (More on the Apostles’ Creed in our "What We Believe".)

We share one central hope in Jesus’ victory. We should discuss which system(s) most faithfully and consistently interpret the Bible, but we must do so knowing that our hope is a shared hope. Our hero is the same. Jesus returns, and Jesus wins.