“Christianity 101”

Cascade Covenant Church Sunday Morning Teaching Series:

Spring, 2010

“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about this new life.”  Acts 5:20

“Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ”The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14-15

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:16-17

Christianity is a historical, huge, growing and international faith. It has many different forms and representations. It is a volatile word for many people. When you hear the word Christianity you might ask:

• What is at the core of this faith? What is it all about, really?
• Does every “Christian” Church reflect authentic Christianity?
• How is Christianity similar or different from other world religions?
• What are some common myths and realities about Jesus and the life he promised?
• Is Christianity synonymous with a specific culture, country or political movement?
• What is sin? Is this a damaging and harsh word or is it a word of hope like no other?
• How aggressively have I explored the message of Christ and this Christian faith? Do I understand it? Do I know what I am embracing, ignoring or rejecting?
• Is Christianity for me? Have I accepted or rejected the gospel and life Jesus invited people to experience or am I responding at some level to a distortion or myth?
• How can Christianity impact my vision for life, my future and even our global destiny?

CCC Lead Pastor John Jenks will help us explore these and other questions in this 5-week Sunday morning teaching series. One of our goals is to explore the heart of what the bible calls the “gospel” and “salvation”. There are many different understandings of Christianity today. This does not mean we need to be discouraged by confusion! Rather, let’s roll up our sleeves and take a thoughtful look at the center of the historical, biblical Christian faith.

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey we hope you will join us for this teaching series. We want to engage in this series with humble and open hearts and minds. We will be talking about some of the most important questions and essential dimensions of life. Our prayer is that God will bless each of us as we participate in this journey together. Here is our schedule:

April 11:  God and Creation: A World Designed for Good (Genesis 1-2)

April 18: People and Problems: A World Damaged by Evil

(Genesis 3 & Romans 3:23, 6:23 & I John 1:8-9)

April 25: Jesus Christ: Bringing Restoration & Life

(John 10:10/20:31, Colossians 1:15-23, Revelation 1:4-6)

May 2:  Life and Vision: Living with Hope

(Matthew 12:15-21, Romans 5:1-5 & 15:13, Ephesians 1:11 & 18, Galatians 5:13-26, I Peter 1:1-9)

May 9: Life and Mission: Sent Together to Heal

(Matthew 5-7 & 28:16-20, John 20:21, Acts 1:1-8, I Corinthians 5, I Peter 1:3-9 & Revelation 21-22)

Book Recommendations:

“Simply Christian” by NT Wright 

“Mere Christianity” by CS Lewis

“The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” by Tim Keller  

“The Incomparable Christ” by John Stott

“True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In” By James Choung