Christianity 101
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About this ebook
This is a book for new Christians to read so they can better understand the church, their faith and where they fit in and what to avoid. The Question and Answer attempts to ask and answer the type of question a new Christian may have. I have had over 50 years experience of being a part of the church and have leant heavily on my own experiences. Questions like: How do I fit in? or What is a cult?
Maxwell R Watson
I am now retired. I spent 20 years as a Pastor and then worked in International Humanitarian Aide work. In 2004 I survived a massive stroke and like to encourage people to not give up in their life circumstances.
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Book preview
Christianity 101 - Maxwell R Watson
Christianity 101
or
Know who you really are
by
Maxwell R Watson
Copyright 2014 Maxwell R Watson
ISBN: 9781311869364
Published at Smashwords.com
max@maxwellrwatson.com
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Notes
Introduction
God
The Bible
Holy Trinity
Jesus
Questions and Answers
Conclusion
About the Author
Dedication
This book is dedicated to God’s Church. I have been in love with the church for over 50 years now, even though it is full of both weird and wonderful people. I still am drawn to it as the best thing this side of heaven; for I truly believe that is just what the church is supposed to be.
I also add here a dedication to my wife Christine Watson. Chris has stood by my side as a true partner through every part (the beautiful and the extremely difficult) of life for over 33 years; she is an amazing woman of God a wonderful mother to our four, now adult, children and now an ideal loving and caring Grandmother. Whilst juggling these she also wears the cap as my Carer as I live with a disability.
Acknowledgements
I wish to acknowledge those who have had critical input into my life. Those who have been mentors in my life include: the late Mr Bob Weeding; Mr Frank Kimpton & the very much still with us Mr Kevin Craik, Dr Keith Farmer, Dr Lionel Berthelsen and Mr Dennis (professor) Nutt. These men saw something in me that was worth bringing out. For some, it was leadership, while for others, it was to excite or challenge my thinking. I am truly grateful to each of them; and yes those who have gone before me, I still miss. To my wonderful amazing wife of over 33 years, your uncanny ability to love me regardless of what life has thrown at us, and to challenge my thinking to rise to a higher level. To my Heavenly Father, who seems to be always waiting for me to catch-up, get the plan and to move me to act on that plan!
Notes
All Scripture references are from the NIV (New International Version) unless otherwise noted. All quotes whether they be Scripture or other authors are in italics so they stand out as a quote.
Introduction
I will use the occasional large, difficult to get your head around, word; however, I will also define and explain them. In my defence for these ‘big’ words, when we commit a meaning to our mind, then we cannot only use fewer words, but we can give deeper meaning to what we wish to say.
The second part of this book is in a Question and Answer format, which I feel could be helpful to a new Christian. So:
Question? Why would I spend so much of my time writing a book on basic beliefs for people who are already Christians?
The Answer is fairly Simple; far too many Christians I have encountered over the course of my lifetime as a part of God’s church for some 57 years, have no real concept of what they have in grace and in authority, not to mention their crazy concepts of why people suffer, or does God really love me? Furthermore, my calling from God was very clear to be to His existing church. I love to see the church grow in size and in wisdom. I love teaching people, so they can take a step up to greater things. These days it seems to me that people are flitting from church to church from conference to conference, not to mention following this teacher or that one.
Pastors are constantly asking me for a single resource to help people in their struggles with what are basic questions.
I have some web links in this book, but for my sanity I have removed the actual working link as that function is a big issue in publishing eBooks, sorry you will have to type them yourself.
God
Attributes of God (see also: www.blueletterbible.org and/or www.josh.org/video-2/attributes-of-god/ )
God is Eternal: God had no beginning, and will have no end.
This is one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity. If God is not eternal, then eternal life is not His to give to anyone. Also if God had a beginning, He too would have to have a creator, at which point he is not the one true God. Without God being eternal, Christianity is futile. God's eternal Nature is very important to us because it ensures that God will always be there for us. Whenever we need Him, no matter when we are troubled, our eternal God will always be there for us. There are numerous references throughout scripture about God's eternal nature. In fact, the Bible never attempts to prove God’s existence or His eternality, but simply begins with the statement In the beginning God…
(Genesis 1:1), indicating that at the beginning of recorded time, God was already in existence. Here are some other references:
1 Kings 8:27
But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom
Isaiah 57:15
For this is what the high and exalted One says he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God is Holy
Holiness is synonymous with God's total purity and separation