The Importance of Christianity

By Mark Schoenfeld

Have you ever wanted to read the Bible but didn't know where to start or how to make sense of it? Have you wondered what Christianity is about, and why Christians believe Jesus is so important? Do you want to know how the Bible and Christianity relate to our modern time and you personally?

This book addresses these questions and many others. It offers a straightforward, biblically based explanation of the Christian faith and shows its eternal value. The reading is suitable for both individual and small group study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638742173

Book preview

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The Importance of Christianity

Mark Schoenfeld

ISBN 978-1-63874-216-6 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63874-217-3 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Mark Schoenfeld

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface

Foreword

Chapter 1

Yes, There Is a God

Chapter 2

The Creation: Earth, Heaven, Good Angels, Fallen Angels, and Hell

Chapter 3

The Brokenness

Chapter 4

From Then to Now

Chapter 5

God's Solution for the Brokenness

Chapter 6

The Last Days

Chapter 7

God's New Eternal Creation

Notes

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Preface

This book serves as an introduction to Christianity, showing both its primary tenets and vital importance.

Included in the text is a collection of biblical verses to confirm the points being made and to give a taste of what the Bible offers. The Bible is divided into two main sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament; verses are taken from both. Most of the stated biblical citations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

The content of this book is condensed to reduce pages. To compensate, an endnote section is included for directing further study and developing a deeper understanding. Each chapter is also followed by a short set of questions intended for pondering and discussion.

Foreword

Of all things important to understand, Christianity is monumental. It is by far the best knowledge a person may acquire.

Christianity is not a religion, but it is the reality about this world and us. Religions are sets of rigid practices and rituals that people go through in hopes that their efforts will help them reach supposed higher states, a more fulfilling life, or satisfactory afterlife.

Christianity, in contrast, is about knowing God, His truth, and acting accordingly. Its biblical base provides an accurate accounting of the world and history, placing the purpose of life into proper perspective. It is by no means outdated or a relic from the past. More accurately, it is alive and very relevant to our time.

Due to its expression of truth and correct moral values, Christianity is transformative. It transforms both individuals and societies for the better once they embrace its wisdom and principles.

The Holy Bible

The Holy Bible is the book that explains Christianity and Christ from whom Christianity derives its title. The Bible explains why there is a world, how it came to be, why it's the way it is, and what will happen in the future. Though written by the hands of men, every word in it was guided by divine inspiration (God speaking through men). This sets the Bible apart from all other writings.¹ Its content contains far too much detail, continuity, and applicability to have come solely from humans, and there exists abundant archaeological and historical evidence to substantiate its authenticity.²

In our time of vast information, conflicting beliefs, and never-ending arguments, the Bible breaks through with truth from God. It's accurate, trustworthy, unchanging, and from this comes reliable clarity. This clarity then lifts a person above the fray of uncertainty in both understanding and security.

But perhaps most importantly, the Bible spells out what happens to people after they die. It tells how to prepare for death before it occurs and provides comfort for those who know and follow the guidance.

Chapter 1

Yes, There Is a God

There is a God who created this world and us. This world didn't just come about by chance or mere physical forces.

The Bible makes clear that the earth, the numerous life forms found on earth, the larger universe, and human beings are all creations of God.

The Bible commences by stating, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

A modern scientific rendering of this verse is In the beginning God created time, space, and matter.

God existing as original Creator is then echoed throughout the Bible as foundational for everything else. All of human science, art, technology, and production arise from the world that God beforehand made. The physical laws, chemical and biological processes, and all else that underlie the creation's existence are part of His design that result in the completed world we now experience. And, if God had not created this world each of us are part of, none of us would exist. This awareness leads to a sense of humbleness in all who recognize it.

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust (Job 34:14–15).

The Bible additionally states that God maintains the world. Without His intent for it to operate and continue, it would end.

He [God, Christ] existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. (Colossians 1:17)

For in him [God] we live and move, and have our being. (Acts 17:28 NIV)

* * * * *

There are four obvious ways in which we can know there is a God over us who created this world.

First, the Holy Bible states from start to finish that there is a God. Practically every page mentions Him in one way or another, and it's impossible to read the text without noticing His preeminence. This is because the Bible is a letter of explanation and an instruction manual from God to all people.

The second way of knowing there is a God is by way of biblical prophecy. The Bible is full of prophetic writings, of which many have already been fulfilled.³ Prophecy includes predictions of what will occur in the future, and the only way for prophesies to be correctly stated and