Christians Believe (1): The Universe

Today we are going to start a series which will delve into what Christians believe. Do you consider yourself Christian? Lets explore what scripture has to say.

Scripture is very clear that this amazing universe we live in was created and is sustained by God (Genesis 1:1-2). The Genesis account details the aspects of creation: God creates the Sun (let there be light), the sky, land and vegetation, the moon and stars, animals and finally, the pinnacle of his creation- humankind made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Not only has God made humans in his image, but he has carefully formed and moulded you in your mother’s womb. God states that all he has made is good, very good to be precise (Psalm 139:13).

We clearly see God and his Spirit at work in creating everything. Scripture attributes God the Father as authoritative behind creation and the world being made through the Son (Jesus - Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:3) and we see his Spirit working, by giving life while hovering over the waters. Scripture is Trinitarian in language and relationship orientated from the beginning of Genesis.

But why would God do this? What are his motives? Scripture states that God created the Universe to display his majesty and glory, and through this we know that God exists, leaving all humans without excuse (Psalms 19:1; Romans 1:19-21). Additionally, God made the universe because he is a good, loving and powerful God. This goes along way at explaining why as humans, we love art, singing, music etc. We are created in the image of the one and only creative God (Father, Son and Spirit). We belong to God. This is so important to understanding the world we live in and the story behind the scriptures. If God made everything, should we not pay attention and listen? Look at the awesome power and creativity behind this great God; and he would love you so much that he would come into the world to rescue us.  

But what has gone wrong? How come all of humanity doesn't worship God? Additionally, if God is so good, then why do we experience pain and suffering? In our next post, we will examine the problem that has engulfed creation. I will also post some amazing facts about our universe.

Stay posted till next time.

Our Righteousness

One must consider where the Christians "righteousness" derives from? Christians for some time now, have received the 'hypocrite' label for stuffing up like everyone else, but I ask you, what is Christianity really all about? Are Christians called to be self-righteous do gooders or is it deeper then that?

One of my most favourite passages in the Bible:

To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1b).

A true Christian, convicted by the Holy Spirit, has been drawn to Jesus' death on the cross as an act that acquits them of guilt before God the Father and see's us enter into the awesome presence of God. A Christian (a true Christian) is one who trusts not in the (so called) good actions of their life, rather, on the acts of Jesus, God, the Son, who died on the cross for our mistakes and rose to life to give us eternal life in paradise!

But is that it? Yes, in terms of God's justice towards our stuff ups. Jesus died to pay your fine, which you acquired when you disobeyed God, which we all have done, Christian or not. The bible speaks of this as 'grace'- receiveing a gift you do not deserve, this being heaven. And why did he do this?? For God so loved the world (YOU), that he gave his only Son (Jesus- God the Son), that whoever believes in him (Jesus) shall have eternal life (John 3:16). Why? because he loves you.

From this gift, and the outworking of God's Spirit, rather then living to disobey God, who loves you, you live with Jesus (God) as your King- and I asure you that it is a great life! Challenging most of the time but it is life that has true purpose.

I would love your comments. Is Jesus your King? Are there things holding you back from living for Jesus? Do Christians know how to have fun?