...the identity of Christ is being challenged by a rise in anti-Christianity and Gnostic thinking

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/benamon/061227

Joy to the World, the Lord Is Come, Let Earth Receive Her King!

So goes the Christmas carol celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. At Christmastime, Christians the world over gather to acknowledge that Jesus Christ, God's Son, came to rescue mankind from sinking into the pits of hell. Jesus became that bridge that connected mankind back to God again. Jesus offers hope.

The message of Christmas is just that, a message. About the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Too many people associate Christ's birth as a story to tell, but they don't connect with it. It is a necessary story, a true story of redemption of mankind. Without it, mankind would have no hope.

In a world where there is turmoil, Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Even as Jesus Christ has ascended into the heavens and gone back to the Father, He left us inspiration and His love through His word, the Bible. As a source of strength, direction, and truth, Christians rely on the Bible. And they believe what it says. They believe in Christ's words and follow His example.

Christians do not need other writings and scripts contradicting the Word of God and adding confusion. There is so much confusion put into the world today.

Gnosticism and anti-Christian teachings are on the rise that theorizes perhaps Jesus had a lover, siblings, or that he was only a teacher, etc.

USNews & World Report (Dec. 18), plastered on its cover, "In Search of the Real Jesus...New research questions whether he was more teacher than savior." The article in relation to the stunning headline on the news magazine's cover held the title, "The Gospel Truth...Why some old books are stirring up a new debate about the meaning of Jesus" (pg.70)
( http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061210/18gospels.htm )

The article seeks to throw a wrench into Christianity by questioning whether Jesus was divine, or just a teacher. It mentions how Gnosticism is being revived, and how it is playing a part in the cultural struggle of today. It also examines how Gnosticism spawned several interpretations of the Gospels, including an alternate way of achieving salvation.

In the article, a bible scholar at Emory University, Luke T. Johnson, was quoted as saying that this rise in Gnosticism "threatens the shape of the Christian faith." And it does.

The message of Jesus Christ is simple, just as Christ's apostles presented it in the Bible. There was no confusion, no need to add anything to the powerful message of Christ:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."--John 3:16 (NIV)

In the Bible, in the book of Matthew, the Christmas message is so plainly laid out, as Joseph, Mary's soon to be husband is visited by an angel:

"Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." --Matthew 1:20-21

Verse 23 in the book of Matthew says, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, "God with us."

That is pretty clear as to who Jesus was. IMMANUEL. The Bible BOLDLY declares Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

If anyone seeks to know who Jesus really is, all he/she needs to do is find a Bible. There's all the truth one needs in that one book.

Jesus Christ, who was so giving of Himself to reconcile mankind back to God, would not make it difficult for anyone who is truly seeking to know Him.

Beware of additional texts that seem to contradict Jesus Christ as who He is, the savior of mankind, God's only son. To be a Christian is to believe in the divinity of Christ.

It is my hope that Christians today would follow the example of the apostles. They were bold; they took the simple message of Christ to the far reaches of the globe with the help of the Holy Spirit. This crucial message is still in need of reaching those who don't know Jesus, or have had their thoughts clouded by untruths about Christ that are circulating today.

As we reflect on God's gift to mankind (Jesus Christ) during this holy time of year, let's be vigilant to spread the message of Christmas, to share it with others. God TRULY loves us, He sent His son to rescue us.

All one needs to do is to believe in and call on Him... Jesus Christ. There you will find the truth.

Previous Page :: :: Main Page