Introduction
An introduction to Christianity and these docs.
Overview
Welcome to Christianity.dev. This project is designed to provide a well structured, and well documented framework around the fundamentals of the Christian faith, with the intention to be used as discipleship and teaching material for those who are truly surrendered to God.
See About These Docs to learn more about this documentation and how to use it.
Christianity
What is a Christian?
The word “Christian” literally means “little Christ”, and it originated during the time of the early church when people started calling the disciples of Jesus "Christians" (Acts 11:29), because they were outwardly looking like Jesus with their words and actions, even permorming many of the same miracles. In other words; they were "Christ-like".
A Christian is someone who has completely surrendered their life to God, someone who is a wholehearted follower and disciple of Jesus Christ. A Christian's life will reflect the life of Jesus; with the same words, the same works, and the same love.
What isn't a Christian?
Someone who simply believes in Jesus, but does not follow Him or act like Him does not qualify as a Christian in the true sense of the word. The bible says that even demons believe, but faith without works isn't true faith, because true faith will automatically produce works and fruit like Jesus' (James 2:14-26).
The sad reality is that today many people who call themselves a Christian does not seem to live it out to the full extent or even desire to. And for many others there may well be some level of faith and some level of fruit, but it's less radical than what the bible calls us to. On the other hand there are many people who claim to be a Christian out of a religious obligation, upbringing, or culture. None of those should be reasons to be Christian, nor will they produce fruit.
Warning
Don't let this reality distort your view of people.
In regard to Christians today who don't seem to live it out all the way; a lot of the time it's because of a lack of understanding, especially if they are sincere, and if they knew what was available many would probably go after it.
Whether it's lack of understanding or lack of surrendered, it's no one's place to look down on them or critisize them, but rather out of love share the truth of what's available, and even better show them what's available by living it out yourself.
The Fundamentals of the Faith
The Gospel
The good news about the hope we have in Jesus Christ, and what God did for us to know Him.
Identity in Christ
Our brand new identity in Christ; who we are and how God sees us as a result of being born again.
Relationship with God
The centre and priority of our Christian life now and forevermore; to truly know God. Not just know about God, but to know Him intimately.
Christian Living
What it looks like to live and to walk like a Christian. The practical day-to-day side of living by faith, especially in the face of adversity.
The Mission
The outward focus and the ultimate reason we are here on the earth as Christians.
For context we've placed these topics before the fundamentals: