What is the Christian community?

The Christian community refers to the body of believers who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This community is made up of people from all walks of life, brought together by their common faith. At its core, the Christian community is centered around living out the teachings of Jesus Christ and spreading the gospel message to all nations.

Beliefs and Teachings

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and rose again to give new life (John 3:16). Accepting Christ as Savior and Lord is the basis for salvation and entry into the Christian community (Romans 10:9). Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and provides guidance for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16). Some key teachings emphasized in Christianity include:

• There is only one God who exists in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
• All people are created in God’s image but sin separates people from God (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23).
• Forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God is possible through Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross (Colossians 1:20).
• Jesus Christ was crucified, died, buried, and bodily rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• A life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit is key to following Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• The church is the Body of Christ and the community of believers (1 Corinthians 12:27).
• Jesus Christ will return again to fully establish God’s eternal kingdom (Revelation 22:20).

These core beliefs shape the practices, values, and mission of the worldwide Christian community.

Practices and Traditions

There are certain practices and traditions commonly associated with Christianity:

• Prayer – Communicating with and worshiping God (Philippians 4:6).
• Bible study – Reading and reflecting on God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Baptism – A public declaration of faith in Christ (Matthew 28:19).
• Communion – Remembering Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (Luke 22:19-20).
• Fellowship – Gathering as a church community (Acts 2:42).
• Evangelism – Spreading the gospel message (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Discipleship – Helping others grow in spiritual maturity (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Service – Demonstrating love through meeting needs (Matthew 25:35-40).
• Worship – Expressing adoration of God through music, singing, etc. (Psalm 150:1-6).

These practices nurture faith and unite Christians in purpose and community. Different denominations have additional traditions but many core practices unite all Christians.

Denominations and Groups

While united in Christ, there are differing denominations, traditions and groups within Christianity:

• Catholicism – Has its origins in the early church, led by the Pope and Roman Catholic hierarchy. Emphasizes tradition, ecclesial authority, liturgy, sacraments.
• Protestantism – Formed during the Reformation by those protesting Catholic doctrine and hierarchy. Focuses on Bible, grace through faith alone, simplified worship.
• Eastern Orthodox – Formed in 1054 split with Roman Catholicism. Led by patriarchs and emphasizes mysticism, icons, interconnectedness of beliefs.
• Pentecostalism – Began in 1906 emphasizing gifts of the Holy Spirit like speaking in tongues, prophecies, healing. Expressive worship.
• Evangelicalism – Movement within Protestantism that places emphasis on the gospel message, conversion experiences, Bible as sole authority.
• Adventism – Formed in 1860s believing in Jesus’ imminent second coming. Keep Saturday Sabbath. Promote healthful living.

There are many other traditions but these represent some of the major divisions and emphases within Christianity while still holding to core tenets.

Church and Leadership

Within Christianity, the concept of church refers to the global body of believers as well as local congregations. Key aspects include:

• The universal church encompasses all Christians worldwide across history (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
• Local churches are specific congregations in a particular geographic area (1 Corinthians 1:2).
• Church discipline and accountability among believers helps discipleship (Matthew 18:15-20).
• Churches uphold Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples and teach them (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Leadership roles in church include pastors, ministers, elders, deacons, bishops, etc. (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
• Leaders are responsible for teaching, preaching, pastoral care, counseling, and administering the church (1 Peter 5:1-4).

While practices vary, churches provide community, accountability, and leadership to accomplish the mission of Christianity.

Mission and Outreach

Flowing from Christ’s example, Christians aim to:

• Fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples and teaching them to obey Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Demonstrate and share the love of Christ locally and globally (Matthew 22:37-40).
• Meet physical and spiritual needs of others through humanitarian work (Matthew 25:35-40).
• Pursue justice, righteousness, fairness, and caring for the vulnerable (Micah 6:8).
• Share the gospel message with gentleness, respect and through good works (1 Peter 3:15-16).
• Send and support missionaries taking the gospel worldwide (Acts 13:1-3).
• Live Christlike lives that glorify God and point others to Him (Matthew 5:16).

Fulfilling the Great Commission undergirds the global outreach, evangelism and social concern that Christians pour themselves into.

Key Gospel Message

At its core, the gospel message Christians uphold and proclaim is:

• God created mankind for relationship with Him but sin separates people from God (Isaiah 59:2).
• Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came as Savior to redeem mankind through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• When people repent of sin and believe in Christ, they receive forgiveness and new spiritual life (Acts 3:19).
• Anyone who puts faith in Christ alone for salvation becomes part of God’s eternal family and receives eternal life (John 1:12-13).
• Life in relationship with God begins now and continues for eternity in Heaven (John 3:16).

This gospel message is the bedrock that Christians rely on and rally around. Their identity, purpose and mission flows from what Christ accomplished.

Christian Influence

Christianity has profoundly influenced society and culture for over 2,000 years in many ways:

• Concepts of human dignity, sanctity of life, justice and compassion arise from the biblical worldview.
• Education, healthcare, social services and other humanitarian efforts have Christian origins.
• Seminal movements like abolition of slavery, child labor laws, and civil rights were led and fueled by Christian ideals.
• Christianity played a pivotal role in the development of art, music, literature, architecture and culture.
• Christian morals and ethics have provided a foundation and stabilizing influence for families and society.
• Holidays like Christmas and Easter, names of cities, iconic symbols and phrases have Christian roots.
• Governments and politics have been shaped by Christian philosophers and reformers promoting freedom.

Regardless of one’s beliefs, no one can deny the formidable impact Christianity has made through its sweeping influence.

Christian Lifestyle

While imperfect, Christians strive to live out biblical principles and values such as:

• Loving God above all and loving neighbors as oneself (Luke 10:27).
• Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Pursuing spiritual disciplines like prayer, bible study, fellowship, worship (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Living with integrity, ethical conduct, honesty, generosity and self-sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).
• Promoting justice, defending the oppressed, caring for the poor (Isaiah 1:17).
• Being wise stewards of resources, caring for creation (Genesis 1:28).
• Evangelizing others with sensitivity and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16).
• Exalting Christ, living for God’s glory alone (Matthew 5:16).

These principles entail both personal piety and public action to advance Christ’s Kingdom.

Christian Relationships

Christian relationships are centered on Christ and intended to help people grow in faith and godliness. Key aspects include:

• Marriage between a man and woman is viewed as sacred (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31).
• Singleness and celibacy are also honored callings (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
• Parents have responsibility to raise children in the nurture of Christ (Ephesians 6:4).
• Children are urged to respect parents and family authority (Ephesians 6:1-3).
• Believers are brothers and sisters united in God’s family (Romans 12:10).
• Christians are called to mutual edification, accountability and spiritual friendship (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
• Relationships exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Believers are equal before God regardless of gender, race, status (Galatians 3:28).

Christian relationships marked by agape love provide life-giving community. They point to Christ’s relationship with the church.

Persecution and Growth

From its beginnings, Christianity was persecuted by governments and religious leaders:

• Jewish leaders opposed early Christian preaching of Jesus as the promised Messiah (Acts 4:1-3).
• The apostles were imprisoned, beaten, threatened and killed for their faith (Acts 12:1-2).
• The Roman empire severely persecuted early Christians, executing many in brutal ways.
• Persecution continued through the Middle Ages during the Inquisition that punished heresy.
• Even today, millions of Christians face persecution in anti-Christian cultures.

Despite dire opposition historically and today, the church continues growing worldwide:

• Persecution caused early Christians to scatter and spread the gospel to new areas (Acts 8:1).
• Christian martyrdom often inspired greater gospel commitment (Tertullian).
• Times of persecution strengthened and refined believers’ faith and witness.
• The Christian church has proven indestructible, continuing to grow rapidly worldwide.
• By some estimates there are 2.5 billion Christians in the world as of 2020.

Attempts to destroy Christianity have always failed. The church continues advancing Christ’s Kingdom.

Christian Hope

Christians have hope in God’s faithfulness and Christ’s return:

• God promised to complete the work He began in believers (Philippians 1:6).
• Christ’s resurrection guarantees victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live victoriously (Romans 8:11).
• God works even painful trials for believers’ good (Romans 8:28).
• Believers can entrust themselves to God amid life’s troubles (1 Peter 4:19).
• Eternal life and reward awaits believers in heaven (John 14:2-3).
• Jesus Christ will visibly return to fully establish His Kingdom (Titus 2:13).
• God will create a new heavens and earth free of sin, death and suffering (Revelation 21:4).

This biblical hope sustains Christians amid life’s challenges and tragedies.

Conclusion

In summary, the Christian community refers to believers united by faith in Christ globally and locally. Christianity revolves around Jesus Christ – His sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection and return. Believers seek to live Christlike lives, share the gospel, care for others and find hope in God’s faithfulness. Despite opposition, Christianity continues growing worldwide by God’s grace and for His glory.