Why do Christians place such an emphasis on Jesus Christ? Wasn't he just one of many great religious leaders?

Certainly, Jesus was a great religious leader and teacher. But the key fact about Christ that separates him from Buddha, Mohammed, and other spiritual leaders is that Jesus claimed to be more than a teacher--indeed, more than a man. Jesus identified himself as equal with God and the only way to spiritual salvation. His contemporaries understood the radical nature of this claim, and it led directly to his death. John 5:18 says, "For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God."

Of course, this claim in itself is not enough. Anyone could claim to be divine, and in fact people have often done just that. However, we generally label such individuals as unstable and consign them to mental institutions. Did Jesus give evidence of having an unstable personality? No. Quite the opposite. His life and teachings evidenced tremendous depth, power, compassion, and wisdom. A group of men sent to arrest Jesus returned empty-handed and could only offer this reason: "No one ever spoke the way this man does" (John 7:46).

Millions of others have agreed since the time of Christ and have followed him as Savior and Lord. History itself is divided into the time before he arrived on the scene, and the time after. Even non-Christian religions revere Jesus as among the most spiritual and insightful person who has ever lived. Unstable? Deluded? No one familiar with his life could come away with such an impression.

And there is also evidence beyond Jesus' earthly life and ministry. His first followers were a small, motley band of first-century Jews. Like all members of their faith, they were fiercely monotheistic. Yet somehow they came to believe that this man Jesus was God, and they believed it with such certainty that they overcame their own preconceptions, fears, and internal squabbles to, in the words of one observer, "turn the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). There is no adequate explanation for the acceptance and spread of Christianity apart from the fact that Jesus was who he said he was, and that his divine power rested upon his followers.

So the Christian emphasis on Jesus is not false veneration of a great human teacher. It is not a narrow-minded swipe at other religious leaders. Rather, it is a willingness to take this unique man on his own terms. Those who have done this have found, like his first followers, that their lives are never the same again.

Source: www.creatingfutures.net

The Sacrifice made void

In the Old Testament, the Jews were required to bring a sacrifice to the tabernacle once year to roll back there sin. They were required to bring a "spotless" lamb to be sacrificed for this sins of the family. This sacrifice was not a complete cleansing sacrifice. It only covered one year. The sacrifice had to be made each year. The problem with this was that it was insufficient to meet the righteous requirements needed to be in the presence of God. Something had to change in order for man to be made righteous in Gods sight.

God had made the way, before all the world was set in motion. He knew that man would sin and there would be a need for a savior. Jesus, became that Way. The book of Hebrews says that Christ was a "once, for all" sacrifice. He would cover the sin completely for all time. It was by His death, burial and resurrection that this was made possible. This is what is referred to as "The Gospel" or the good news. The Bad news, being, that all have sinned and fall short of Gods standard. God showed us His standard in the Ten Commandments. If you fail at even one point of the law, the book of James says that you become guilty of the whole law. So even ONE lie, brings the sentence of death upon you. The Gospel shows the way out.

When Jesus came and gave His life for mankind, he did away with the old way. No more would man need to bring a sacrifice. They would simply need to admit, confess and turn form all their sin (repent) and place their full trust in Christ to save them. Jesus Sacrifice voided the old sacrificial process. It became about God working in man by Grace, rather than man working to earn Grace from God. No one can do good, no matter how hard we try. It is only by the saving power of Christ, that we are made right is God's sight.

Evolution: Fact or Fiction?

In Utah and elsewhere, it all depends on your presuppositions

by Dr. Georgia Purdom, adjunct AiG–USA lecturer and researcher

February 2, 2006

In Utah, like many other places in America today, a firestorm has erupted over what can be taught in the state’s public schools concerning evolution.¹ The Utah legislature is currently considering a bill requiring public school teachers to inform students that the state does not endorse a particular theory of human origins.

A writer for the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper declared that scientists believe there are “no legitimate contenders” (meaning evolution is supreme) and that the debate concerning evolution is really about how it happened, not that it happened.²

The writer then discussed problems with the definitions of the word “theory” as understood (or misunderstood) by the general public vs. what scientists say: “Scientists reserve the word theory for a hypothesis, or idea, that has withstood rigorous examination to explain something that can be observed” (emphasis added). Later in the Tribune piece, a scientist is reported as saying that “Science demands testable explanations for observable occurrences” (emphasis added). The key word in both quotes is “observed/observable.”

There is a general misunderstanding of the differences between “origin science” and “operation science.” Origin science is based on events which happened in the past and are, therefore, not observable today. Operation science, though, is based on science currently being done in laboratories that is observable today. While it is true that operation science can help us understand what may have happened in the past, it is an extrapolation or best guess based on the evidence that we observe today.

Scientists are biased just like everyone else in that they bring their preconceived ideas about the past and how life originated into their research. For example, if a scientist’s presupposition is that God does not exist and that living organisms are the result of evolution over millions of years, then his interpretations of the outcome of operation science will seem to support his view of the past. When a scientist’s presupposition, however, is that God exists and that living organisms are the result of His creative powers within a six-day period, he can use this to properly interpret the results of operation science which support the Bible's claims. Because all scientists are working with the same data, the battle is not over the evidence but rather the interpretation of that evidence in light of the scientist’s presuppositions. Origins science, because it is not testable, tends to be more influenced by a scientist's bias, and therefore tends to be more subjective rather than objective.

Human and chimp similarity?

The Tribune article then touched on the often-cited similarity of the human and chimp genomes as evidence from operation science that supports the presupposition of molecules-to-man evolution/millions of years. One University of Utah biologist who was quoted declared that human/chimp similarity is “absolutely, completely, totally convincing. It is proof [of evolution].” This is an astonishing statement, for nothing in science ever proves or disproves a theory. The evidence either supports or does not support a theory; proof is too strong of a word, and instead the word support is always preferred. This same scientist then went on to say that, “Anyone who has examined the evidence can see that the similarities point toward an ancient common ancestor that links all species.”

I am a scientist, a molecular geneticist, and I have examined the same evidence, and I believe the similarities point towards a common Designer that created animal kinds and man.

And how similar are the human and chimp genomes really? The often-quoted numbers of 96–99% similarity are only for regions of the DNA (DNA is the molecule of heredity) that code for proteins. If a particular protein serves a function in one organism and the function was needed in another organism, wouldn’t we expect to find the same protein?

In addition, the remainder of the genome consisting of “junk” DNA and highly repetitive sequences has not been examined for similarity. Why? Because in the evolutionists’ mind, they are not important.

“Junk” DNA, for example, is thought of as an evolutionary leftover. However, there is increasing evidence to support a role for so-called “junk” DNA. It may serve a role in regulating how much protein is eventually expressed from the DNA. “Junk” DNA may also serve as a spacer between genes (protein coding sequences) much like the function of the spaces between the words in this article—without them the letters wouldn’t make any sense.

Differences between humans and chimps

Here are some other interesting differences between the human and chimp genomes which are often not reported:

• The chimp genome is 12% larger than the human genome.
• Only 2.4 billion bases have been aligned between the two genomes, leaving a maximum similarity of 68–77%.
• In many areas of the genome, it appears major rearrangements of DNA sequences have occurred, accounting for another 10–20% dissimilarity.
• Chimps have 46 chromosomes and humans have 44 chromosomes (excluding sex chromosomes for both species).
• To save money and time, the chimp genome was assembled using the human genome as a template (because of the presupposition that humans evolved from the same line as chimps); it is currently unknown if the pieces of the chimp genome “puzzle” were put together properly.

To address these concerns and others, comparisons of the human and chimp genomes will be a part of “GENE” project sponsored by the Institute for Creation Research (ICR).The bioinformatics team (of which I am a part) will be analyzing different aspects of the human genome with special emphasis given to the comparison of human and chimp genomes. As stated by project leader Dan Criswell of ICR, “GENE’s” goal is “to provide scientific evidence supporting the Biblical position that man was created distinctly different from the animals, and that each ‘kind’ of animal was created distinctly different from other ‘kinds’.” Again, it all depends on one’s presuppositions.

The interpretation of scientific evidence from operation science informs our beliefs about origin science. What must be understood is that scientists’ presuppositions determine their interpretation of the evidence—God or no God; six 24-hour creation days or evolution/millions of years; accepting the authority of the Bible or not adhering to the Bible.

A biologist in the Tribune article is quoted as saying, “It’s very difficult to be a biologist and not recognize the importance of evolution.” I would like to rephrase that: “It’s very difficult to be a biologist and not recognize the importance of God and His creation.”

Why would God Punish Me, I am a Good person?

First of all, we need to define the word "Good". The dictionary defines "good" as being morally excellent. Can you be described by others as morally excellent?

Another thing we need to determine is, the standard of "good" God is going to judge us by. Proverbs 20:6 says "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness". You ask anyone, "Do you consider yourself to be a good person?", and what do you think will be their response? I have asked that question many times, and have never heard anyone say they were a bad person. The problem is we base our idea of good on our own definition of good, "Well I am better that the next guy!".

If you were to stand in a court of law and the judge asked you why you ran that stop light, and you respond with "At least I'm not a Rapist!" The Judge will look at you with confusion, because he is going to judge you based on your crime not what someone else has done. God, the righteous judge, is going to judge us based on His law (the Ten Commandments).

Have you ever lied, just once? What do you cal someone who lies? It starts with"L" and rhymes with"fire". Have you ever taken something that doesn't belong to you, value is irrelevant? What do you call someone who steals? Did you always obey and honor your parents? Be careful, you've already admitted that you've lied. Have you ever looked with lust? Jesus said, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." You see, God will not only judge our physical actions he will judge the thoughts and intents of the heart. This is just four of the Commandments, there are six others you will have to answer to.

You will stand before God on Judgment day, and he will judge you according to your works, which the Bible says are "evil". Your only hope will be, faith in Jesus Christ. By The Way, if you're standing before God, it's too late. The Bible tells us you must Repent of (turn away from) your sin, and then put your faith and trust in Jesus to be your savior. Then Read your Bible, every day. Find a Church that preaches the word, soundly. Find someone to disciple (train you) in the truth. Then on the day of Judgment, you can be presented blameless.

So, Do you consider yourself to be a good person?

Are Catholics Christian?

Well, that depends on whether or not they have repented of their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus, and receive him as their Lord and Savior. First we have to know what they believe about Heaven and how to get there. Most Catholics believe that if their "good" outweigh there bad then they hope to go to heaven. What does the Bible say? First of all Romans chapter 3 talks about what is good. "there is none righteous, no not one", "there is none that doeth good, no, not one." , these passages speak clearly on the matter of good. Isaiah 64:6 says "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags", To God our righteousness does not measure up, to his standard. What is God's standard? In Genesis we read the story of Moses and mt. Sinai, when he was on this mountain God gave him the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are Gods standard for "goodness". We have to measure ourselves up to that standard. If you would like to see how you would measure up, click here.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.". Our Salvation has to be through Jesus, God cannot be glorified through our own goodness. If our works can save us then Jesus' death on the cross was all for not.
What about Purgatory? First of all the doctrine of purgatory is not a scriptural doctrine. The Catholic church finds the doctrine of purgatory in the apocriphal books. These books are historical in nature, and that is why all other biblical scholars exclude them in the canons of scripture. Only the Catholic church uses the apocripha. Nowhere in scripture are we commanded to pray our dead love ones into heaven.
Basically, if a Catholic person were to beleive in Salvation by grace through faith, and the other essential doctrines then they could be christian, but the Catholic religion does not teach this. Scripture is the key. Man cannot be trusted, it all has to come back to what the Bible says.

Understand, this is not an easy topic for me, since most of the people we have contact with are Catholic, and by simply writing this I stand to offend someone. That is not my goal. I want to win them to Christ, and my prayer is that they see the truth. If you can get a Catholic to read the Bible, then you have made a giant leap in winning them.

Without Excuse

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who 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. Romans 1:18-20

Let me take a moment to explain these verses of scripture and how they may relate to you. Did you notice that the passage stated that men "suppress the truth"? What exactly does that mean? To supress carries the meaning of pushing something down. What is this truth that men push down and purposely ignore? It's the knowledge God has put in every human being that there is a creator.

Let me ask you a question. Is it wrong to steal? Is it wrong to murder? Universally among all cultures of the world these things are known to be wrong. Even by those societies that regularly practice such things. God has placed in us an acute awareness of right and wrong that genetics or evolution cannot explain away. Listen to your conscience, It screams that there is a God.

This portion of scripture also states that all men intuitively know two things about God.

1. The very exisience of God.

2. The power of God.

We know by looking at creation and observing that it has divine design that it was created, and that the creator is powerful. WhatIf you had never seen a watch before and someone showed you one? Would you reason that it was formed over billions of years or would you surmise without even knowing the maker that this object was created by a maker? If you are an honest person, you would admit that an object of that design would be absolute proof of a maker. In the same way creation, in all it's complexities is absolute proof for a creator.

Take that same watch smash it into a thousand pieces. Put the pieces in a box and shake that box for a million years. Open the box again. What are the chances that after a million years that the watch would be put back together perfectly? That sounds foolish doesn't it? Our universe is so much more complex than a watch and yet many people believe that it got here by chance.

Here are some final things to think about. Because God has revealed himself to you through conscience and creation, you will stand before him one day without excuse. One day you will stand in God's courtroom. You may think that you have nothing to worry about. After all you've never murdered anyone right? What if I told you that God's standard is so high that he even considered hate to be equal with murder? (1John 3:15) What if God viewed lust the same as he does adultery? (Mathew 5:27-28) Have you ever lied? What do we call people who lie? Liars right? Isn't it true that if we are honest that we are all liars, thieves, adulturous murderers at heart? Be honest. Listen to your conscience.

The good news is that while we are guilty, God sent Jesus Christ to pay our penalty. The Bible teaches that the penalty is death. (Romans 6:23). You see you broke the law but Jesus paid your fine. (Romans 5:8). He did this by being born on this earth, living a sinless life ,sacrificing himself on the cross, and being raised from ther dead. Read Mathew, Mark, Luke or John in the Bible to read about his story.

Just knowing this doesn't help you though. You must respond in faith. If you will repent (turn from) of your sin, and call upon God to save you, he will. (Luke 13:3, Romans 10:13). Don't wait, you wil one day stand before God without excuse.

Do you have more questions? Disagree with something I've said? Want to know more? We'd love to hear from you.

Charles Lowry

What Is Sin?

Sin is the breaking of God's law. If God says "Do not lie" and you lie, then you have broken His law and sinned. When you sin, you offend God because it is His law that you have broken. Also, the reason God says to not lie, not cheat, etc., is because these laws reflect the moral purity of His nature. Therefore, the Law is a reflection of the character of God. It is wrong to lie because God cannot lie. It is wrong to steal because God cannot steal, etc. The moral law is not arbitrary. It is based on God's holiness.

The law, then, is a standard of moral purity. The Old Testament contains the Law of God. It is a perfect standard because it is God's standard. When we fail to keep the law, we sin. When we sin, we offend God. This offense against God results in a judgment. Laws are laws because they have penalties. There is no law without a penalty. Therefore, breaking God's law brings judgment which is eternity in hell. "But your sins have made a separation between you and your God," (Isaiah 59:2). And, "the wages of sin is death..." (Rom. 6:23). So, to sin, to break God's law, results in judgment. The judgment is known as damnation which is the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner. If God did not judge the sinner, then He is not upholding His holiness and he would be allowing sinners to go unpunished.

Of course, Jesus came to take our place and die for our sins (1 Pet. 2:24). This means that Jesus bore our sin in His body on the cross and paid for them. He took the judgment upon himself. This further means that anyone who trusts in what Jesus did on the cross will have his sins removed; he will be saved from God's future judgment.

So, replying to the question "What is sin?" is best answered by saying that it is breaking God's law. All people have sinned. Therefore, all people are under God's judgment -- except for those who've trusted in God's provision to escape that judgment.

Where are you? Are you in the place of God's judgment or of salvation in Christ?

Source: www.carm.org