Theology 104 Reflection Paper

Theology 104 Reflection Paper

I. Introduction

Christianity has been under scrutiny from non-believers since it's beginning. Often being describe as a religion; yet to those know have experienced God's fatherly love regard Christianity as a way of life. Most non-believers try to denounces Christianity and reshape the ultimate influence of this way of life; Jesus Christ. As a Christian whose faith as been tested; After applying the material learn in this class, I now have a new found love for Jesus Christ and his sacrifices for his people. In this paper I will reflect on some points that were crucial to my reintroduction and new found commitiment to God such a valid points that confirm the return of Jesus Christ, how personal testimony is important to the gospel, and what local churches can do to better communicate God's love to the community.

II. Confidence in Jesus return

Jesus Christ is the foundation for Christianity. Born into the most hated ethnic minority group; yet Jesus displayed perfection in character that modern day Christians could only pray for. He had no deficiency, weakness or no single strength; he was the epitome of a 'Good Christian'. Jesus character shows that he wouldn't promise return without meaning it. Jesus nature shows that he didn't lie or cheat, his want emotional or harsh; he was the perfect balance of man exuding God like qualities. Before Jesus physically walks the Earth he was preexisting with God. In John 1:1 the bible states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In the passage John let us know that Jesus existed before his physical walked among his people. The bible also states in John 1:3 that Jesus was the Creator of the world with the Father and The Holy Spirit. Jesus was the creator of the world; who could display such qualities and create the world? Surely not a mere mortal man, Jesus was God too!! All of these are example of Jesus Christ nature and genetic make-up that gave me insight on what type of person Jesus Christ was. I can imagine Jesus walking among liars, cheater, murders, perverts, and immoral people and remaining perfect in character. A person so perfect in character would not lie about returning for his people.

Prophecy from the authors of the bible is a strong indication the Jesus will return again. In the New Testament, Peter talks about prophecy "For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, 'This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him.' We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain. Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place - until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:16-19 (NLT). The Holy Spirit guides prophets with work in concert with God and His son Jesus Christ. The points is crucial in understanding how prophecy is develop and how it translate into becoming " fact" for Christians. The Holy Spirit communicates a though the authors of the bible; these same thoughts are orchestrated by Jesus Christ and God. In the bible there are prophetic scriptures in the Old Testament and evidence of it being fulfilled in the bible later in the New Testament. Below are examples of Old Testament Prophecies Concerning The Messiah and the fulfilled prophecy in the New Testament:

* Be Born in Bethlehem
OT Prophecy: Micah 5:2 'But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old.'
NT Fulfillment: Matt 2:1 'After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea...'

* Preceded by a messenger 
OT Prophecy: Isaiah 40:3 'The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.'
NT Fulfillment Matt 3:1-2 'In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

(http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/prophecy.htm)

Prophecy only scratches the surface; where fulfilled prophecy confirms the greatness of God's love and the glory of Jesus Christ, and the absolute certainty that promises yet unfulfilled will come to be.

III. Important of personal testimony in sharing the gospel

The Gospel of God is an essential part of being a Christian. It's the guideline for every Christian to live by. Within its text God gives directions and strong suggestion