Touchpoint Bible Study

The Origins of Christianity

Christianity is an Abrahamic religion organized in the bible among predominately Jewish authors in the Old Testament (representing the law of Moses, Tabernacle, and 10 commandments) and the New Testament (faith through grace of the personal sacrifice of Jesus Christ). Jesus preached his gospel to a mainly Jewish audience throughout his ministry.  After his resurrection, he sent out his disciples to all the nations which eventually led to 3000 Jewish converts that practiced a form of Judaism known as 'the way.' [1]

Heaven Awaits [1]

 "And Jesus came and said to them (11 disciples in Galilee) 'All Authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matt. 28:18-20)

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles 'Brothers, what shall we do? ' and Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.' And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.' So those who received his word were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts. 2:36-41) 

The early Christian church was formally recognized by scholars as early as 40 A.D. with the church of the family of the Roman centurion Cornelius in Ceasarea being established in Acts Chapter 10. 

At Cornelius house [2]

"And they said, Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you (Peter) to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." (Acts. 10:22)