Origin of Christianity
77WHEN DID CHRISTIANITY START
A very nice woman, seemingly intelligent and educated, wrote to me recently to dispute some things I had said about the Life of Jesus.
She said her husband was a genius and a scientist; and that she had learned from him that Christianity was not "invented" until 300 years after Jesus lived, so no one could possibly know anything about Him.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY
The story of Jesus and His followers is an amazing story.
How could a person who was obscure during His lifetime became the most famous person of all time?
Two Billion people on Earth today believe Jesus was the Son of Father God, the Creator of the Universe.
The central belief of Christians is that Jesus was resurrected from the dead after His crucifixion, around 30 AD.
WHEN DID CHRISTIANITY BEGIN
The first Christians were the Jewish followers of Jesus.
It is worth noting that by following Jesus, they were kicked out of the Synagogue—essentially banned from their entire community and shunned by their society.
This is not a path anyone would choose without strong convictions about Jesus.
By 40 AD, the Believers in Antioch, Syria, were calling themselves Christians because Christ was the Greek word for Messiah.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Jesus had an inner circle of 12 Apostles; one of whom betrayed Him and was later replaced. These Apostles were given a commission to spread the Word about Jesus and His message to all the world. They were joined by many other Believers, especially St. Paul, and the story of Jesus' life, message, and resurrection began to spread throughout the Greco-Roman world.
Something about these few men and women, and the stories they told about Jesus, would eventually convince millions and then billions of persons that it was the Truth.
The Acts of the Apostles tells about the beginnings of this mission, ending about 60 AD. Over the next 20 years or so the books that comprise the New Testament were written. Much has been made of this delay by critics but in those times papyrus for writing was very expensive and there were not many books around of any kind, and most people couldn't read. As a result, people were much better at remembering and speaking stories word-for-word than we are today.
All of the 12 Apostles of Jesus were murdered for their beliefs except St. John. I will write a Hub about these Apostles at a later date, because their story is too incredible to be given justice here. I want to move on to the history of Christianity from 60 AD to 300 AD in this Hub.
NERO
The Roman historian Tacitus mentions Christians as existing in Rome in 64 AD, when they were wrongly blamed by the insane Emperor Nero for starting the "great fire" of that year.
Nero was typical of persecutors of Christians through the ages. He murdered his own mother and his wife and his mistress.
Thus began the persecutions and executions of hundreds of thousands of Christians that was to go on for 250 years. When St. Peter said to "respect the King" (1 Peter 2:17) he was referring to Nero. The tortures of Christians included being torn apart by wild dogs and set ablaze as human torches. Nero killed St. Paul and St. Peter. Nero eventually ended his own life in suicide.
ORIGIN OF CHRISTIANITY
By the year 100, Christianity had in place a form of Sunday worship service; certain people designated as deacons, priests, and bishops; and written Scriptures (sacred writings).
Fully in place by this time was the Eucharist (communion) taught by Jesus at the Last Supper; and Penance (contrition and a vow to change our ways) for our sins.
The spiritual leaders of this era used the word catholic (from the Greek word meaning universal) to describe Christians, out of their desire to have Unity among believers, as Jesus commanded. This is not the same thing as Catholic, as in Roman Catholic, which was developed much later.
APOSTOLIC FATHERS
The earliest "Church Fathers" were Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp. The big shift by then was that none of them were Jews. However, the Torah (sometimes called the Hebrew Bible but now called the Old Testament) was included as sacred Scripture by the earliest Church fathers.
Clement was the Bishop of Rome until approximately 99 AD and his extant writings quote both the Old and New Testaments of the modern day Bible.
Ignatius was the Bishop of Antioch and had studied directly under the Apostle John. He was martyred in 110 AD. A quote from Ignatius: "The prince of this world is eager to tear me to pieces, to weaken my will that is fixed on God. Let none of you who are watching abet him. Do not let your lips be for Jesus Christ and your heart for the world."
Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna and was martyred in 155 AD at 86 years old. His last words before being murdered by the Romans were: "How can I blaspheme my King and Savior [Jesus]?"
NEW TESTAMENT
The assembling of the New Testament was not a conspiracy as the popular book (and film) the Da Vinci Code would have you believe.
The writings that appear in the New Testament today were the same writings used before 100 AD.
In the 2nd Century new "books" were being written and declared to be sacred by some people; and new books were supposedly "found" that had been lost (though that was not true). It was in reaction to these first heresies (unorthodox teachings) that a movement ignited for the holiest men who could be found to come together and declare which books were to be used by Christians.
The most important heretical movement was that of the Gnostics—people who claimed "special knowledge" apart from Scripture. Gnosticism persists to this day and its adherents are referred to as "New Agers."
There was never any question about the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the 13 Epistles (letters) by St. Paul. There was much debate about some others, particularly Hebrews and Revelation. Modern day Christians believe that God Himself settled these questions by revealing to the minds of His leading Believers of the day—through the Holy Spirit—what books He wanted in the final canon of His Words—the New Testament. The idea being, that since God created the universe, he could certainly reveal Himself in Words to and through humankind—and He could certainly make sure the correct Scriptures ended up in the New Testament.
JUSTIN MARTYR
One of the most frequent arguments of modern people, who some believe might be unwittingly serving Satan, is that Believers are just a bunch of blind, uneducated, ignorant idiots. That is patently false.
Many of the most brilliant human beings of all time have been Christians. Justin Martyr (100-165) is a good early example. He was a leading intellectual and philosopher of his times. He said that Christians were the philosophers of the Truth; the True worshippers of God founded their belief in the resurrection; that Jesus has revealed the True moral code for humanity; and that demonic forces would always work against these Truths.
IRENAEUS
Irenaeus (130-202) was the Bishop of France (Gaul) in Lyon. He was a student of Polycarp. We should note that all of these Church fathers were intimately connected to men who were intimately connected to Jesus Himself or His Apostles. There is a clear line of succession.
Irenaeus taught that God had intentionally made our world a difficult place so that we would be forced to make moral decisions, and so we could mature as moral agents. He taught that Jesus was God incarnate and lived the only sinless life in human history, thereby setting an example for all people to follow. In his own words: "Though it is not an easy thing for a soul under the influence of error to repent, yet, on the other hand, it is not altogether impossible to escape from error when the truth is brought alongside it."
TERTULLIAN
Tertullian (160-220) was from Carthage. He coined the term "Trinity." He also taught the necessity for Christians to live a moral life.
Tertullian spoke about abortion all those years ago when he said: "We may not destroy even the fetus in the womb. To hinder a birth is merely a speedier man-killing; nor does matter whether you take away a life that is born, or destroy one that is coming to birth."
CHRISTIAN MARTYRS
By the year 200 Christianity existed throughout the Roman Empire—from Britain to Africa—despite the fact that being a Believer often was a death sentence.
303 was the year the killings of Christians reached its apex. The Emperor Diocletian ordered that all Christian Scripture be burned; all their churches be destroyed; their property confiscated; and any confessing Christians be killed or made into slaves. He had so many Christians arrested that he had to release thousands of real criminals because of prison overcrowding. All Christians had to do to escape these punishments was say that they did not believe Jesus was resurrected. But very few did. Most went to martyrdom peacefully.
It must be pointed out that this is in no way related to the current trend of Islamic martyrs who blow up buses full of women and children. These Christians had not killed or harmed anyone. They were willing to die gruesome deaths solely for believing Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. These martyrs in fact were a leading cause of the conversion of millions of people. Those who witnessed these public executions of Christians were moved to the core of their being by the countenance of these martyrs, willing to die rather than renounce Jesus.
ORIGEN
Origen (185-254) was a scholar from Alexandria (Egypt), who said "I desire to be, and to be called, A Christian, in my works as in my thoughts."
Origen taught that history contains deep spiritual Truths; that Christian Scripture is not merely written by men but is divinely inspired; and that Christianity is a complete theory of the universe. He wrote that this temporal life exists alongside an eternal world of much greater significance.
Origen said that some people will only experience this world through their senses; but that it is possible for humankind to pierce this veil and perceive God and His plans for humanity.
Freedom of will was an important part of his theology—that God made us free to choose His way or the Highway to Hell. Origen taught that Jesus was God walking the Earth and that God would inhabit us, too, through His Holy Spirit, if we invited Him to do so.
Origen debated the Atheists of his day. Speaking of Creation he said: "I cannot understand how so many distinguished men have been of the opinion that matter was uncreated; thinking that so great a work as the universe could exist without an architect or an overseer."
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
By 300 AD, the basic Doctrines of Christianity were in place that still are believed today. Doctrine simply means what a follower of Jesus Christ believes, teaches, and confesses as the Word of God. Christian Traditions are the living Faith of the dead. These basic doctrines include that Jesus broke the power of demons and ushered in a new age of divine judgment, grace, and mercy; that adult Baptism was a powerful public sign that one was committed to the Faith; that renunciation of one's past sinful life was required to be "born again"; and that we must obey—and teach others—the commands of Jesus. Another central doctrine was and is that Believers will be resurrected from the dead after this life, and live forever with Jesus and His Father in Heaven. In other words, that Jesus offers Salvation and that He is the Savior of humanity, for all of those who perceive Him and follow Him. It is a Promise of forgiveness of our sins (the many times we have missed the mark).
PEOPLE JUST LIKE US
Just think if YOU had an executioner's sword pressed against your neck and all you had to do was say you did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead to save yourself from death.
Let us not countenance those who today discount the convictions of these early Christians, who were, after all, people just like us.
I have continued this story from Constantine to Augustine in my Hub: "History of Christianity." Then I continued the story further with my Hub "Roman Catholic."
I wrote the story before this story, from the death of Jesus to where this Page begins, in my hub "When did Christianity Start"
MY SOURCE FOR THIS ARTICLE
![The Christians: Their First Two Thousand Years: The Veil Is Torn A.D. 30 to A.D. 70 Pentecost to the Destruction of Jerusalem [Vol. 1]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RMG3j9hfL._SL75_.jpg) | Amazon Price: $16.22 |
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Interesting hub, however, what about James the Just, Bischop of Jerusalem Church stoned in 62 A.D., or Symeon appointed after him, both brothers of the Lord; were they not representing the original Christian church?
What about Flight to Pella, escape of Christians of Judea in 64A.D.
Will you not consider them to be the original Christians?
Levertis Steele— Thank you very much for taking the time to read this article, which is one very close to my heart.
Like you, I find the stories of Christian martyrs nearly beyond belief. I mean, I do believe them but I find it hard to comprehend such a deep and profound level of Christian Faith. In the West today, I doubt many would give their lives for Jesus. But in Muslim countries, in China, and in Africa, Christians are still killed for their Faith and many die for not recanting their belief in the Resurrection of Christ.
This reads like the truth, and is also my belief. I will read what you wrote about Constantine after I return from visiting my son and his family.
I often wonder what I would actually do if I were confronted with a decision to deny my Lord or die. I believe that I would claim Him, but I surely do not want to prove it. I suppose that it is normal to have difficulty contemplating a bitter cup. Jesus did, but He still wanted to please His Father, and He did.
Galladeia— Thank you for bringing that to my attention about the Torah. This article is one of my earliest efforts and I have just now applied some editing, including to add in the proper word for the Hebrew Scriptures.
I am glad you enjoyed this Hub and its pictures. Thank you for visiting and for your kind compliments.
Very well-written, and I do enjoy your choice of pictures :) I do have to say, though, that the fact that you called it the 'Jewish Bible' really bothers me, it's called the Torah.
Other than that, I enjoyed it.
Sun-Girl— You are quite welcome. I am well pleased that you enjoyed this article, and that it reflects your beliefs. Thank you for reading and commenting. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! :-)
Interesting and nice information you actually shared in here which i believe all you said and mentioned in here because its practically in line with by believe. Thanks James for sharing this.
Billrrrr— I just checked out this book by way of a dozen reviews of it. I was not aware of it so thanks for telling me. Of course, reincarnation is against the entire belief system of the Christian Faith under any and all denominations. I appreciate you for reading my article and for leaving comments.
The Apostle Paul who was so important in spreading Christianity, never met Jesus (prior to execution). He avowed that his knowlege was received when he encountered the resurrected Jesus.
An author named Nick Bunnick claims to be a reincarnation of Paul and he has published an account detailing his former life. His book is 'Time For Truth'. It is not particularly convincing but is somewhat interesting.
John Sarkis— Thank you very much, John, for your gracious words. I sincerely appreciate your recognition of my work. And you are most welcome.
James
This is an excellent essay James; I always refer to your articles as essays, because of the high level of detail you put into them....
Thanks,
John
Lila Sharma— You are welcome. Thank you for reading it. I agree with you that the church in America has grown quite comfortable. It does appear, historically, that the church grows under persecution. Not sure we should pray for it though. I am not terribly courageous.
Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
I find the following passage interesting:
"[E]veryone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12
I live in America where the Church (in my humble opinion) has become very comfortable. I have heard some very devout Christians declare that the Church always grows under persecution and stagnates at other times. If this is true, perhaps we ought to be praying for persecution now.
Anyway, thank you for this article, again, nicely done.
oceansnsunsets— Thanks to your prompting by way of your comments, I just now read this Hub for the first time in a year and a half. I must humbly admit: it is pretty good! :D
I thank God for guiding my word processor that day. I surely could not have spoken on my own with such eloquence. I see another author of this work—not me.
Thank you for coming to visit this particular Hub. I am grateful for your gracious remarks and compliments. I appreciate you and you are most welcome.
James, I found this to be a wonderful hub, full of all kinds of interesting history and observations. Thanks for sharing this. I have been studying these things for many years, and I am a Christian myself. I am continually amazed at the battle we continue to see in the world. I am further amazed at how God continues to make sure people have access to the hope and truth as given to mankind through Jesus Christ. I think Jesus is the hope of all mankind and what life is all about. If Jesus existed and all he said was true, then I think all of history and the universe would look just exactly as it does.
I appreciated all the facts on the early church fathers as well. Excellent hub! I look very forward to reading more from you in the future!
skye2day— Hello Sister! Thank you. You are never late. You are right on time. Thank you for your blessings and your gracious comments.
I do hope you are right that our Hubs will be read more and more as the end times draw near. Yes, many are hurting, suffering, and lost as you wrote. Many are seeking the light and the truth. Amen!
Let us continue to pray for those who seek God that they may come to Jesus and be saved.
The Holy Spirit was obviously at work in the spread of the Christian Faith. The truth is simple at its core, yes. We are under grace now, yes.
I love you, my sister in Christ. Thank you for this note of encouragement. :D
Hello Brother. Excellent hub. I would say I am late but since God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow my timing is just right. It appears I missed a 'battle of principalities and powers' You and JD presented the truth and May GOD Bless you both for your perseverance in HIM. ALL Glory to GOD.
I believe our hubs will be read more and more as the birthing pains get closer and closer. Many are hurting, suffering, lost. They are looking for the light and the truth. So keep on brother.
May GOD help those that do not have eyes to see or ears to hear. We can pray they come to Jesus and understand by the Holy Spirit in them.
It is really quite simple on how and when Christianity came about. One with the Spirit can not miss the simplicity of the truth as written in your hub and the scriptures. Acts. Christ told the disciples to sit and hang out until the Spirit come on them so they could go and teach the good news. Prior to the the brutal death of our Savior it was the Law. We are in grace now and Children of God forgiven. The time is drawing closer. Keep on it James. There is no mistake whatsoever Christ put you at the hubs of love. Keep on sharing and teaching. Love you Brother. Your sister in Christ.
You are welcome. Happy New Year to You!!
Yes you did. Thank you and happy new year.
OmNaser— Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my Hub. I sincerely appreciate your gracious compliments.
Jews and Christians do have their own Bibles. The Hebrew Bible is the same as the Old Testament. The Christian Bible is technically the New Testament. Jews do not use the New Testament, because, as you say, they do not believe in it.
The New Testament is often printed by itself. I have a couple of them. But most Christian Bibles include both testaments because Christians do consider the Old Testament to be sacred writings, Authored by the same God; therefore useful for instruction.
You asked an outstanding question. I hope I have answered sifficiently.
Hello James , it's a great hub as usual. Very informative and useful.
But I have a question. Why do the Bible and Torah are joining together in one book that is named old testament or as refered as hebrew bible? Is not it supposed that Judiasm and Christianity have thier own separate books? Although I believe that christianity is the religion that continues the message of Judaism and all prophet were sent by the same God.
But Jews do not believe in the prophets that are after Abraham, Moses , Isaac and Jacob . And they do not believe that Jesus is the son of God either .If so, Why would they agree on believing in a book that has bible verses and Jesus?
olgakhumlo— You are most welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my article and leave your gracious compliments. God Bless You! :-)
Thanks James ,so beautifully portrayed insights!
God bless you.
Shahid Bukhari— Yes. Yes. Thank you for these sagacious words. I appreciate this visitation.
Religions are ascribed to Prophets ... and
Prophets have Stated, The Ordained ...
lionswhelp— You're welcome. No worries.
Thanks James - Cauterized it is.I could not find my dictionary to make sure I got it right.
lionswhelp— Cauterized, right. What you say makes sense to me. I appreciate your keen insights. As I move this series into the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, there will plenty of discussion about the various sects that have splintered off from orthodox Christianity. I just published last week the latest installment:
http://hubpages.com/hub/History-of-Christianity-17
Thank you very much for your comments.
Errol Kane— Yes, when that glorious day comes, God will eliminate the disparity between His heavenly throne room and Earth. God will bring redeemed humanity into a new creation. Then the Will of God will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
The old earth will be gone and the new earth created. Probably this means that the old earth will be not annihilated but transformed into the new earth. Either way, it is out with the old and in with the new. Just as these perishable earthly bodies will transformed, so will the earth itself. Just as I will still be James, though in a new body I can't imagine; the earth will be the earth but a new, transformed earth.
Thank you for your excellent comments. I have several friends who are JWs. I sincerely respect your beliefs.
Well James,
The apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 3:19-13, that this earth and the surrounding heavens will be corterized and purified before the Father comes to earth to live with all his new sons and daughters, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18.
This is after the 1,000 years when Satan has finally been cast into the lake of fire and then the Great White Throne Judgment commences, Revelation 20:7-10, 11-15. Revelation 21 pictures the time when the New Jerusalem comes to earth. God is moving his Kingdom headquarters to the earth to make room for further expansion out into the Universe for the addition of still more sons and daughters, Hebrews 2:6-8.
God has 144,000 elected that survive alive on the earth, Matthew 24:22 but these are few compaired to the multitude that are purified and made white through the Great Tribulation and will rule on the earth with Jesus Christ for a thousand years with the 144,000, Revelation 7:1-8,9; 20:1-6, Isaiah 66:18-24, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15,23.
There is of course the many other faithful ones mentioned in Hebrews 11: 39-40 that are now dead and will be ressurected when Christ returns.
Haha...Ok sir
I did present scripture as to what the Bible says what will happen to the earth but, as you said, you think that this means the end of the earth. Hmmm...have to stay with the Bible for I know that to be true. Must read those scriptures given.
But you must ask yourself this too, if the there is going to be new heavens and new earth, why the heavens where God resides, why destroy the heavens if you think that is what that means?
Nothing wrong with where he lives.
Hmmm...Also, how can fire a physical thing, destroy heaven, which is in the spiritual realm and invisible if the world will be destroyed by fire as people think? No one is ever able to answer that.
Remarkable indeed.
God put Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Even though they became disobedient and died, God has made it possible for their children, including us today, to live in Paradise. The Bible promises: "The righteous themselves will posses the earth, and they will [live] forever upon it." Psalms 37: 29.
The Bible tells us about a "new heavens" and a "new earth." Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13.
The [present] "heavens" are made up of today's [human governments], but Jesus Christ and the 144,000 will make up the "new heavens." Now that is a wonderful prospect to look forward to when this new heavens, which is God's righteous government of peace, rules the earth!
What then is the "new earth"?
The new earth will be righteous people who love Jehovah. You see, when the Bible speaks of "the earth," it sometimes means the people who live on the earth, not the people itself. Read if you will (Gen. 11:1; Pslams 66:4 and Psalms 96:1)
So the people who make up the new earth will live right here on this earth.
The [present] world of wicked people then be gone. Remember, the Flood of Noah's day wiped out a a wicked world of people. This present wicked world [people] will be destroyed at Armageddon.
Please understand, my words are not my words but as a follower of Jesus Christ, this is what I do as commanded by Jesus. Teach about his Fathers Kingdom government.
And this is what he commanded his followers almost two thousand years ago, "Matthew 28, 19 and 20.
I do that with people I speak to on the street and in their homes, stores and everywhere, as I do here over the computer. I am speaking to you about God's Kingdom which christendom does not mention sir.
What I just wrote to you and just explained, is what will happen in God's Kingdom and the post before this one.
I hope you examine the scriptures closely with what was given. Need more clarification, I'm here or an e-mail away.
Errol Kane— Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Now, I do understand this only means that earth as we know it will pass away. A closer study reveals "pass away" apparently comes from the original Greek word parerchomai, which is also used to describe death of humans. So it means to change into a new state of being, much as we will give up our mortal bodies.
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
21:5 He who was seated on the throne said,
"I am making everything new!"
I think this means it will be the end of the world—as we know it. A transformation.
So . . . yes, what you are saying is true and at least what I meant to say to Opinion Duck is also true. :D
Thank you for your wonderful comments. I appreciate you engaging me on this. I enjoyed your words and my Bible study on them this morning.
Hello Mr. Watkins,
I wanted to elaborate on a topic you had discussed with 'Opinion Duck' 16 months ago that I found on your Hub here. You stated below:
opinion duck— I appreciate your thoughtful commentary. In my view God is the Creator. The Earth had a beginning and will have an end.
I am assuming from your statement here sir, that in your opinion, the world will end.
I wanted to present to you the Bible views of whay will happen to the earth as well as people living on the earth.
Here is what the BIBLE says about where righteous people will live, how long the earth is going to be here beginning with Jesus Sermon on the Mount. Jesus made it very clear when he said,
Matthew 5: 5, Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.
Inherit has a meaning, take that into consideration. He said Earth, not heaven.
And Yes, Jesus did say in verse 10 of Matthew, Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.
That had another meaning in itself but, it doesn't cancel out Earth. Now we have two things working here. Heaven and Earth.
Yet, people cancel the earth out and all assume that heaven is the place where the righeous is going. Yes, heaven means something in that statement that jesus made but, not all are going to heaven. We need to keep certain words in mind such as(Inherit).
be sure to read this from your Bible sir. Let's continue and see if when you die, people are going to heaven or if the Earth will be destroyed by fire.
Psalms 37: 9, 10, 11, and 29 tells us: For evildoers themselves will be cut off, But those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth.
(Again, the Bible tells you that the righteous hoping in God are going to possess the Earth)
Verse 10, And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; And you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be.
(No more wicked on the Earth the Bible tells us)
Verse 11, But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth,
And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace
(Once again, the Bible tells us that the meek (which means teachable) will posses the Earth.
Verse 29, The righteous themselves will possess the earth,
And they will reside forever upon it.
(Forever the Bible tells us)
What else does the Bible have to say about the Earth?
What does the Bible Really Teach?
Let's examine that'
Ecclesiastes 1: 4, A generation is going, and a generation is coming; but the earth is standing even to time indefinite.
Truly, it is a wonderful thing when you have the Bible's clear and simple teaching, other than hearing what a person believes, or feels, or assume.
Yes, the Bible tells us that God has made the earth to be here forever and what's more, that righteous people will be living on the Earth.
And here is why.
Let's go to Psalms 115:16, and let the Bible give it's reason why.
The reason?
Psalms 115: 16, As regards the heavens, to Jehovah the heavens belong,
But the earth he has given to the sons of men.
Isaiah 45: 18,For this is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the [true] God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: “I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.
Did Jesus say that some will be going to heaven? Of course he did. However, that is another story.
This was about where the Majority of people would be living, which is on the earth.
Yes, in Revelation 11:18, Jehovah says what he would to to the people ruining the earth. Instead of tearing down the house, why not evict those destroying the house.
Rev. 11: 18 reads, But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time for the dead to be judged, and to give [their] reward to your slaves the prophets and to the holy ones and to those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”
This is when the earth will become a Paradise again and a most wonderful thing will take place on the earth for those who will be living on it.
Yes! The Bible explains this too.
Here is what will take place on the earth.
Revelation 21: 4,
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Isaiah 35: 6, At that time the lame one (person) will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness. For in the wilderness waters will have burst out, and torrents in the desert plain.
It mentions the Desert being plenty of water. People will walk again who are crippled and the mute will speak again. Such as my nephew who cannot speak.
Isaiah 35: 5, At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped.
That doesn't happen in heaven, it happens right here on the earth.
John 5: 28, 29, Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs (Graves) will hear his voice, Verse 29, and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.
You have to ask yourself, if everyone is going to heaven, what logical reason would there be for a resurrection?
Isaiah 33: 24, And no resident will say: I am sick. The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error.
Yes, all these wonderful events will soon take place on the earth as Jehovah had originally intended. And they will all come true. That is his Purpose for the earth.
You see, God doesn't plan as many say he does. Man plans, God Purposes and his Purposes always come true.
In fact, that is what Jehovah name means, 'He Causes To Become'
Food shortages will be a thing of the past because, God's promise to the righteous living on the earth is:
Psalms 72: 16, There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; On the top of the mountains there will be an overflow. His fruit will be as in Lebanon, And those who are from the city will blossom like the vegetation of the earth.
I ask you, does that sound like an earth that is preparing to be destroyed? No, it sounds like an earth that is preparing to evict those destroying the earth and getting ready those that will take care of the earth.
John 17:17, Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word ( The Bible ) is truth
All of these thing will happen through God's Kingdom rule that Jesus will be the King of. And that Kingdom will do something to all these kingdoms here on the earth. Daniel 2:44.
As you can see, that Kingdom is not something in your hearth that is taught in christendom, it is a real administrative governement that most so-called christians have been praying for in Matthew 6: 9, and 10. Read it for yourself, slowly and think about what you are praying for that you want to happen to the earth. Read it and discern it's meaning.
Put it all together and you are praying for Daniel 2:44 out from Matthew 6: 9 and 10. and that Kingdom was ushered in finally in 1914. The world was totally unaware of Jesus return because, that return was invisible. After all, Jesus did say that 'The world behold him no more.' Jesus is now ruling in the Midst of his enemies.
Coming of Age— You are welcome. The Apostolic Church is a model for us to at least consider emulating, methinks. Thank you very much for the kind compliments. It was a pleasure to do the research on this topic and put this together. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
James, thank you for a great hub on the early church. I have actually been spending some of my own time lately reading in various places on this very subject. I'm not intending to write a hub on it, and that is a good thing because what you have written would put my efforts to shame anyway, but I love learning everything can about the early Christians......Thanks again, and Godspeed!
drpastorcarlotta— Thank you, my dear, for the affirmation. I always look forward to hearing from you. God Bless You!!
I love the way you presented this Hub to your readers, and your apologetic (defending the faith) remarks as well. Be Blessed my friend! Luv Luv
masaa— Thank you for coming to visit and leaving your thoughtful comments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Anushika— Thank you for your kind compliments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
good answer you gave. you can defend the faith well.
Good work, I really enjoyed the hub, it's very informative.
Barbara Kay--- Thank you! I am glad you are enjoying them. Welcome to HubPages, my fellow Michigander!
Well done. I am enjoying these hubs.
stars439--- I must say, my friend, this is one of the nicest messages I have ever received. Thank you very much for your graciousness and friendship and huge heart.
Your knowledge in regard to God is always timeless, beautiful, educational, truthful, honest, and a refreshing delight as well and a wonderful devotion to our Lord in Heaven. Your words of political impact serve to educate society in and honorable fashion. Your books that you write and will write will be a great contribution to the world, and a mental wealth for us all. God Bless You.
AEvans— I apologize for not responding to your gracious words sooner. I have been in Israel for nearly 2 weeks and just got home.
You are welcome. I appreciate the visit from you and I hope all is well.
Thank you for acknowledging that we are intelligent human beings and also clarifying when Christianity began, I have had this argument over and over and now I can share this with the ones who are arguing with me. :)
Timely— I have been blessed by your comments. Thank you very much for the affirmation and encouragement of your wise words.
Did I see that you wrote a Hub about the Cubs!? I will be reading that one soon. :D
James, after finishing this hub I started to read comments. I have to say you have got it together. Not reading far into the comments I had to stop and comment myself.
Not to mention which comment follows the obvious I describe in the following...even non-believers in Christ know there is good and evil, which I believe is recognition of Satan. One cannot deny that "ignorance is not knowing", "stupidity is knowing and acting ignorant". So much for the ranting. You are blessed with your ability to teach.
Universal Laws— "the word saint means "a person who is after death formally recognised by a Christian church as deserving special honour because of having lived a very holy life".
That is something to be proud of. I don't understand your disagreement. If I was honored by the Rotary Club for having lived a very holy life, would that be Ok for you?
I think Mother Teresa, for an example, did not live with riches or pomp among those lepers in Calcutta. You seem to have a twisted view of what a Saint is. We need more of them.
I agree with you that a person can be saintly with any religion or no religion. Does that mean we have to slam Mother Teresa and others like her while we are at it? Why?
Tina Irene - quoted from your comment ", Pope Pius XII is going through the process of sainthood and NOTHING on Earth can stop the occurrence of miracles, etc., necessary to move the process forward.
You talk as if Sainthood is something to be proud of!!! If you care to look in your dictionary you will see it only means "formally recognised by the Christian Church as a Saint" the word saint means "a person who is after death formally recognised by a Christian church as deserving special honour because of having lived a very holy life".
It means nothing more and is only recognised by the church.
Personally I have met people who truly live holy lives and need not the pomp and ceremony of what the church offers. They know themselves and feel the bliss and revere all of life regardless of beliefs and personal choices. They surround themselves with the basics of life and are in service to others without the riches and hypocrosy of the church. In fact, much as Jesus the Nazarene did.......
Namaste
Tina Irene,
A friend of mine, Eric Metaxas, is writing a book about Bonhoeffer right now. His previous book was on William Wilberforce.
That is amazing he was a friend to your uncle. And I agree, he could have been less confrontational. His Letters from Prison were powerful reading.
Thank you for the visit and the fine comments. I look forward to reading your words soon.
James
Dear James,
Thanks for your very courteous reply. Funny you should mention Bonhoeffer. He was a friend of one of my uncles. Too bad Bonhoeffer didn't cover his tracks well enough. Losing him broke my uncle's heart. Kind of reminds me of the words to the song "The Gambler":..."You gotta know when to hold them" but when you HAVE to hold them, when forced to hold them, you gotta know HOW to hold them. That's the other "secret to surviving". Bonhoeffer didn't know HOW; Pius XII did...by the grace of God.
Blessings,
Tina Irene
SirDent— You are a pleasure to have as company. Stop in and visit any time. You are always welcome.
Sufidreamer— I look forward to hearing what you think of the sequel. There are several "fathers" of Eastern Orthodoxy in it. And I will be very interested to see your Hub about this topic when it comes out. I am sure your photography will add a lot to it.
I love your description of the Faith. I mean, that IS what it is all about. Sometimes the simplest, most direct explanations are the best.
Thanks for adding so much to this discussion. Nice to hear from you again.
Sufi, I appreciate your comment. No offense was meant in my previous comment. I also look forward to your hub.
Thanks, James - You are always polite, too. I look forward to the upcoming Hub. I have skimmed through the sequel to this one, and will have a proper read through later, when I finish work for the day!
Hi Sir Dent - no offense taken at all! Polite disagreement keeps life interesting. I am deliberately not saying too much, because I want to keep my powder dry for an upcoming Hub or two :)
Basically, Greek Orthodox Christians strive to become 'Little Jesus Christs within Christ, or little Gods within God.' It means striving to reach perfection through becoming a better person and emulating Jesus. That is a bit of a crude description (difficult to translate literally), and just explaining that could take an entire Hub!
Of course, I am a fairly recent convert, and still have much to learn. Especially theological language - they use an archaic and difficult form of Greek!
Kim Garcia— Thank you so much for the affirmation and encouragement. I also enjoy your work. I am blessed by your visits. :D
Wow!! Another fine Hub James!! You really know your history when it comes to religion and theology!! Very informative, I'm going to download this one!
Thanks for posting! Be Blessed! ~ K
SirDent— I think Eastern Orthodox is a very fine, old, big, strong branch of Christianity. So, Sufi is in good company. :D
Sufi, no matter what you think of Jesus or what you think of me, He is the only way. All the philosophy in the world is not nearly as good as a relationship with Jesus. I mean this with all due respect also.
Sufidreamer— You know, that's not bad—the Middle Path. I am intrigued by Eastern Orthodoxy. I will get into that more soon with the Filioque and the split of the Church into East and West.
Thanks for checking in and leaving your wise words. You are always so pleasant.
Interesting debate, folks.
I might not agree with James and Sir Dent about everything, but I will vouch for them both as avid readers of history books!
We tend to have a different angle over here - Greek Orthodox Christians, perhaps because of the strong background in philosophy, and the influence of Eastern ideas passing down the Spice Road, have a more introspective and mystical view of Christianity.
Guess that I am between the two views - certainly, addressing the inner spirit is part of the spiritual journey. It is certainly interesting :)
SirDent— THANK YOU!!! :-0
Sorry . . . was I shouting?
Universal Laws— Am I shouting? Am I afraid? Do I only read religious books? Have I made you feel unwelcome?
I do appreciate your commentaries.
Universal Laws, Jesus died for you too. You speak of giving historical references and you say that the books are in the Vatican, but you have yet to name one title, show one weblink, etc. . . Why are you afraid of us?
Also, no one is shouting at you.
I am sure that intelligent people who view this hub and its comments will read what I said and not what you and one other have insinuated that I said. When you read my comments and make of it what you have in the last comment then you are truly showing where you are really at in yourself. You welcome nobody here unless they also have been completely programmed by religious books. You have nothing to say unless its been written in a religious book.
There is no debate here it is a hub for those completely taken in by the religion called christianity. This debate has nothing to do with who Jesus really was and what he taught.
James, any answer or historical research reference I could give you are not acceptable to you because they were not reported in the bible, it would be pointless. You have not checked up on anything I have already said because you do not want to know, you would rather just shout them down. You would learn a lot from all those who have questioned your total belief in a book rather than your inner spirit.
A huge amount of people know that there are miles and miles of corridors of books in the Vatican including Dead Sea Scrolls which only a very very select few have ever had access to - lest the people know the real truth. You shout so fiercely with your words at any of these truths that I tell because you are afraid.
Namaste
Deltachord— You are welcome and thank you!
Thanks James and keep up the good work.
SirDent— Great point! And if they reject God the Father and Creator, that is indeed sad. Thanks, Brother!
Even if they reject it, we must tell the truth. They do not reject me and you, but they reject God Himself.
ALB21467— Thank you very much! And welcome to the Hub Pages Community. I am glad you are well grounded. I agree, the Gospels and the Apostles are the source of Christianity.
Very Good education for us James! I believed in GOD the FATHER Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything in it! So myself, I don't need to know the origin of Christianity. As I believed Christianity started as soon as Jesus Christ started his Ghospel and his twelve disciples are the first Christians!
More power to you and may God blessed you always!
pejupu— Thank you for your affirmation of the Truth. I appreciate it. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community.
SirDent— You, on the other hand, are shot full of wisdom and grace. I thank you, sir, for your comments. But there are no answers coming. Only more insults from a higher evolved being than ourselves. And that might be true. Beelzebub is much older and smarter than we are and he is the source of this poor woman's words.
Universal Laws— I am not angry or defensive. I am flabbergasted at your repeated use of straw men and nonsense, all of which I have asked you back up and you ignore that because you have no knowledge or wisdom.
1st you claimed the Dead Sea Scrolls were in the Vatican. Then you claimed a whole other history of Jesus life had been written that I just don't know about. When I asked you for your sources; you said I was angry. You said 24 manuscripts had been cut from the Bible; I asked what were they? No answer except "I am programmed." Then you said Christianity is a hoax. I asked on what proofs do you base that assertion? No answer. Then you claimed Christianity was founded by a great political power and I asked "What political power? You said I am a very angry man but ignored my question. You quoted right out of the Da Vinci Code and when I observed this and asked if you had any other sources you said I was ignorant and that you were a higher being—but you had no answer for my question. Then you claimed the Epistles of Paul were added to the New Testament later on when in fact they were the first books used. You claimed Jesus was married to Mary Magdelene and believed in reincarnation—the latter certainly in direct opposition to everything Jesus taught. When asked to supply the sources for these delusions you only answered that I don't understand history or time. Then you claimed Paul was the puppet of political powers—a complete absurdity—and that the Catholic Church backed Hitler. Where is the backup for all of the figments of your imagination? You provide zero.
So, now you say the most beautiful story in history is a horror story believed by sleeping, anesthetized, rigid, ignorant, angry, defensive people who just haven't evolved as you have. Incredibly you claim Christians are not spiritual when Christianity is the very definition of spirituality. Finally you claim Christianity is both devoid of "feelings" and has too many "feelings." Yes we revere the Truth. And the Bible. Because the Bible is the Truth. Vibrations notwithstanding.
Deltachord— Thank you for your incisive comments. It is amazing that the Bible survives after the countless attempts to destroy all existing copies in the first three centuries. It is also amazing that our very days are numbered from the Birth of Jesus on our calenders.
This is really insightful article about origins of Christianity. It helps to build a good foundation for one's personal faith. Thanks!
Universal Law, while reading what you said in your comment, I couldn't help but notice how you talk of consciousness. Exactly what does that mean? What is your consciousness?
I also saw that you wrote about intellectual levels and vibrational levels.
Here is what I see from your comment. You are your own God. Only you can be God. Jesus taught that only you can be God. Maybe I am wrong, but I believe this is what you mean.
Jesus did in fact teach tha all men are sin ners. He not only taught it, but he also proved it. David wrote, I was concieved in iniquity and born in sin. Show me one person who has never told a lie in their whole life, other than Jesus.
I have a completely different take on your hub now James, keep on commenting and hubbing your programming and I say this to all the others commenting and backing you because it is waking up more and more of the people who know the real truth!!!
Reading what has been written here and the vein in which most of it is written is a pure horror story but tells us how many people are still so asleep, anaethatised by programming and misinformation. This is all intellectual argument there has been no spiritual understanding or any feel of spirituality or real inner experience from any of the so called "christians". It appears that all of you are totally mind controlled by a book called the Bible and other books that back it up!!!!! How do you feel inside, you in particular appear angry and defensive most of the time and I dont think we need to mention the rigidity of your mind.
It has certainly pushed me to tell more and more of the truth as I know it and as I read I see others who are being prompted to be pro-active in their missions. We have the ability to experience the truth and knowing within inside of ourselves and this is true teaching. Others learn through feeling and experiencing how another is not through the words they speak. We all relate on a vibrational level and you can only appease those who also operate on a purely intellectual level of 'I am told this therefore it is true - and if I dont believe this I will go to a place called hell.'
This hub has shown the absolutely huge gap now between those "who know" and those "who believe" and this is how it was predicted all those years ago. Jesus the Nazarine taught others "to know". The contrived christian religion taught people to believe in a doctrine which kept their consciousness undeveloped, in fact it continues to be a sin to develop your own sense of self?
Do any of you not question this.
Namaste
Great explanation, James. Pagan historians mentioned Christians in their writings and there are many more extant copies of different books of the Bible than any ancient book.
This despite the effort to destroy the Bible in ancient times It speaks for itself. God's word won't be destroyed.
nightlymistress— I think it means all of them. :-)
Jooce— And I am made up and you are made up. And we never went to the moon. And aliens planted people on Earth. And there never was a Roman Empire, Sir Isaac Newton, or Vladimir Lenin. The whole world is just made up. I am glad you have it all figured out for us. Thanks!
Banker— Christianity is no cancer, friend. It has been the greatest gift ever to humankind. That is self evident by any intelligent consideration of history.
Yes, I know about "Zeitgeist." While there may be some truth to its last argument, that a cabal of bankers play a large part running the world—a theory that has been around for centuries, by the way; nothing new to see there . . . the other two parts about Christianity and 9/11 are utter nonsense. You may read my Hub "The Origin of Christianity" where I put the former to bed, just for people like you.
Which ones jooce?
You guys know these are made up people, right?
People what the story is obout? Haven't you see the "zeitheist" film. Religion is an cancer on a body of humanity
ftgfmom— Thank you and Welcome to the Hub Pages~
Awesome
annaw— You are absolutely right. But . . . I'll keep dragging those horses to the water anyway. Who knows? They might drink secretly. And if ONE does, I have accomplished my purpose. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Tina Irene— I have been to Catholic Mass and I enjoyed it. I enjoy all church services regardless of denomination, where the faithful are gathered together in His Name.
Pius XII may be guilty of not volunteering for modern day martyrdom—but who isn't? I don't want to be executed for my beliefs either. I think we should all read the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to learn what a real Christian looks like.
Thank you for adding your wisdom to this thread.
Universal Laws— How little you know about the Apostle Paul if you think he was backed up by the "political powers" of his day. Are you kidding? He was whipped, stoned, repeatedly arrested and imprisoned and finally beheaded. Good God Almighty. Where do you get this "secret knowledge?" Please share with all of us "dummies" your sources so we can be enlightened, too. Don't keep us all in the dark! :(
And no, the Catholic Church was not aligned with Hitler. I agree they should have done more to stop him. But so should have the peaceniks around the world, and Neville Chamberlain and the French!
arafel93— I did consider deleting some of the comments by the trolls above. But I believe in Free Speech and have never deleted a comment during my time on Hub Pages. I know it creates some unpleasantness for readers. But what can I do?
Thank you for your kind comments and welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
GRIM REAPER— I have not exactly been looking forward to your visit—though I knew it would come. :(
Just Kidding!
Thank you for your comments.
James
I agree with you in the sense that both a God and Religion is very useful for the world. Someone, I believe said that if there was really no God, then we would invent one. The reason, I believe is that believing in God is a comfort for us.
Again, my original comment contained my questions and I still don't have answers to them.
I just have more questions.
I do believe that Religion and Science should have the same answers.
I will leave it at that.
Thanks for letting me visit.
Very informative hub!Thank you for adding to my knowledge base. I refuse to debate the existence of God, Jesus, Satan and all the rest.I am comfortable in my beliefs and understanding...mother always said you can bring the horse to the well, but you can not make him drink.
Fantastic work, James...and beautifully done! Too bad the same ole pack of anti-history nonsense always has to rear its empty head. The historic facts are too the contrary: Based on a sufficient number of eyewitness accounts during World War II (including a Time Magazine article dated at THAT time, in favor of Pope Pius XII), reputable historians have totally rebuked that nonsense. Therefore, repeating it, like a parrot, only serves to demonstrate a lack of historic knowledge. In addition, Pope Pius XII is going through the process of sainthood and NOTHING on Earth can stop the occurrence of miracles, etc., necessary to move the process forward. By the way, the option of attending Church (Mass) everyday of the week is so COOL because it keeps one completely out of that worn out Saturday-Sunday "argument"! And I know about "arguments"...I'm into Catholic apologetics and I debate in a history forum. It's good to see your fantastic work, James.
Religious teachers of the time were not what they seemed but as today have political and power agendas. The christianity from Paul was completely different right from the beginning, he never met Jesus the Nazarine! He repeated compilations of what he heard and was promoted by the political powers of the time because his version suited them - people would become victims of a religion and its rules rather than find "the way" which empowers people and enables them to grow spiritually not religiously.
You will be telling me next that the Catholic church had nothing to do with Hitler in the war!!!
Disciples of "the way" know the truth by personal experience as the gnostics did, believers of religion are just that believers of what others tell them.
I rest in peace in my knowing.
Namaste
James, I liked your article. I enjoyed the way you put this together and the way it was presented. I learned something, and I am thankful for your effort. I found it mind numbing to read through the comments however. Possibly this type of exchange is the main reason I cannot venture into these waters on any religious topic. A good effort however on your behalf.
James A Watkins Hub Author 3 weeks ago
Sagittarius 2012— Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I appreciate your fine comments and excellent questions.
After publishing this Hub, I realized I should fill in the backstory and so I published another Hub, which includes a section on James the Just. Here is a link to it:
http://james-a-watkins.hubpages.com/hub/When-Did-C
Since my Hubs have to be short for MTV-Generation audiences (if I want them to be read) I can only include the highlights of the story. I am sorry that I did not include the Flight to Pella, which saved the Jerusalem Christians from death and destruction when that city was destroyed.
Of course, most Christians, or Followers of the Way, were not in Jerusalem by that time but scattered around the Roman Empire.
You made a good point and you certainly know your history. It is a pleasure to meet such a learned scholar. I look forward to reading your Hubs.
James