A Reference Guide of ‘Who’, ‘What’, ‘Where’, ‘Why’, and ‘How’ for Christian Life

Here is Christianity at its core:

(This is regardless of how people want to subjectively interpret these texts to fit their own comfort and lifestyle. It’s also regardless of any past experiences with “Christians” that were less than ideal or off-putting.)

[What is our purpose? Why are we here? And How are we supposed to live?]

We exist to know, love, and serve God, and know love and serve others.

[Who caused What, Why?] Genesis 3; Romans 3:23, 6:23; 1 John 1:10; Galatians 5:19-26 (ALL have sinned, deserving of judgment.)

[Who made What possible, and How?] John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9 (God bridged the gap WE created between Him and us, Love CAN win over justice.)

[What now, How, and Why does it matter?] John 1:1-9,14, 14:6 Matthew 28:18 (Christ is Truth, the ONLY way, trancending time, death, with all authority, giver of life.)

[Who are we, and Why does it matter?] John 1:12, 11:25-26 ; Romans 5:1-2, 6:1-5, 8:28-29; 1 Corinthians 12:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:9 (Made new, Our received identity, and promise of eternal life is secured)

[What do we do now?] Once we are saved, here is our purpose in life: Love, share, obey, and teach others to obey.

The 10 C’s of Christianity:

Christ, Commandment, Calling, Commission, Cross (or Commitment), Cast, Childlike, ‘Courage Challenges Comfortable’

[Who and Why?] John 1:1-29, 10:30, 14:6; Romans 8:2; Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 1:21, 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-6; 1 John 5:13-14 (Christ is our salvation and source of all power and strength. Chris this our truth, hope, and life. Christ is the ultimate authority, even power over death. The term Christian literally means “Christ-like” therefore being a Christian is by definition the PROCESS of learning to live as Christ lived and obey his commandments. This is where most non-Christian’s fail to understand true Christianity. We are not Christ, but we strive to be like him. We are not perfect, in fact we admit we are sinful and in need of a savior. A church is people gathering to worship and give praise to the only One who is praise worthy, to get to know, serve, and love God and each other. But the Church is a hospital for the broken. Many Christians get this wrong as well, and can become judgmental, but that is not being obedient to Christ’s teachings. This is fundamental to understanding Christianity. Christians are imperfect and often fail to always live like Christ in every circumstance in life. It is a process, and typically does not change overnight. But now back to the scripture references.)

[Do What, When, to Whom, for Whom?] Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-19 (Commandment to LOVE)

[Who and How?]

Calling: Collective vs Personal

Acts 13:1-4 (Collective calling, church to send those who are set apart, led by the Holy Spirit)

1 Corinthians 12:11 (Personal calling and ‘role’ within humanity, AKA identity)

[Who, What, Where?] Matthew 28:19-20 (Commission-make disciples, teach then to obey Christ’s commandments)

[What to do, Why it matters?] Luke 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Commitment to taking up your Cross, daily. 3 S’s-Submission, Sacrifice, and Servitude. Submit to God’s will, Sacrifice (die to self/no selfishness) and Serve others)

[Who promises? How to have Peace?] Psalm 55:22, Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 4:19; Ephesians 6:15, Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 8:12; 1 Peter 5:7 1 John 4:18 (Cast. Cast away burdens and fear, and become fishers of men. Have peace.)

[What to do, How do we know?] Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 9:22, 14:31, 17:20, 18:3; Mark 5:34, 10:14,52; Luke 7:50, 8:48, 17:19, 18:17,42; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-10, 6:16; James 2:14-26; (Childlike Faith, Faith and Trust matters)

[How to be ok, What to keep in mind?] Joshua 1:9; Matthew 5:11-12; 18:3; Luke 6:22; 9:23-24; John 15:18-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Ephesians 6:10-18; James 1:2-4; 2:14-26; 1 John 3:19-24; (‘Courage Challenges Comfortable’, we are called to be uncomfortable, this is the harsh reality of the battle we face.)

[How do we know? How do we find the strength?] Joshua 1:9; Matthew 5:11-12; Mark 9:23; Romans 8:18,31,38-39; Philippians 1:21; 4:13; 1 John 4:18 (Motivation and a backbone-for fearlessness)

[What we look forward to, Why it’s all worth it] Isaiah 25:8; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 21-22 (End Goal)