The basis of Christianity is framed around John 3:16 [this is the verse that is on the signs that the crazy multi-colored afro guy is always holding up at Vikings games]
"For God so loved the world
that He gave His only Son
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have everlasting life." John 3:16
This is a verse to know and remember. It's a huge deal. God sent Jesus here for many reasons, our salvation being the biggest, but the one that I like to continually remind myself of is that Jesus came to show us how to live in a way that is pleasing to our God, and thus results in His blessings. Jesus lived a life of humility, servitude, patience, authority, sacrifice, and prayer. All of these characteristics presented with the sole purpose of glorifying God.
So, now that we understand the "basis" for Christianity {if it can possibly be simplified in one biblical verse} I would like to share with you the basis of my personal faith journey.
Let's turn to the book of Acts. It's about 2/3rds of the way through the bible right after the gospel of John....(Jesus was crucified on the cross and the rock was removed from in front of the tomb, and then Jesus was seen several times by his best friends who knew him well, he even had breakfast with them.)
The book of Acts, written by Luke (a doctor, a former *non-believer*, and the same guy who wrote the gospel of Luke) is the account of the disciples receiving what Jesus received in order to do what Jesus did.
Just moments before ascending to heaven to be with His Father, Jesus told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. He explained to them that they would receive *power* when the Holy Spirit came. Pretty much he didn't want them trying to heal people, turn water into wine, part the seas, or raise up anyone from the dead until they had received the power of the Holy Spirit...presumably because they would not have been very effective in doing these good works, without the power of God to back them up.
This is something that I am continually aware of in my life. I am *nothing* without God backing me up. It is only by his grace that I have my children, my job, my finances, my marriage (especially that one), or any kind of peace and contentment in my heart. All that I have and all that I am I lay it down before Him as a living sacrifice. I want to glorify Him in all that I am and all that I do, because without Him I am nothing. I have nothing.
In Acts 2:2, on the day of Pentecost, there were about 120 people gathered together in waiting, not really knowing what would happen, but knowing that Jesus told them to stay there until it did, when "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:2-4
This is the bible's first account of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the people as was prophesied throughout the bible, and promised by God through Jesus Christ. Now you might be thinking...wow, that must have been really weird. Stuff like that doesn't happen today. Wrong. It happens EVERY day. God is living and breathing his Spirit into his people today. His power is yours for the taking.
Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matt 7:7
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