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Be Strong and Courageous

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY: JESUS CHRIST AND THE EARLY CHURCH 

Christianity has origin in Judaism; 

Christianity began as a movement within Judaism by Jesus of Nazareth in the 1st century AD. The religion originated among Jews in the Roman Province of Judea but spread rapidly throughout the Mediterranean region. Abraham as an Ancestor of faith in Judaism had his name changed from Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:4-6). Jesus himself alluded that Abraham looked forward to his coming to perfect Judaism into Christianity (John 8:56; Matthew 5:17).

A SUMMARY ON JUDAISM

Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, dating back over 3,000 years. It is centred around the belief in one God, Yahweh, and the teachings contained in the Hebrew Bible, especially the Torah, which is considered the most sacred text. Judaism emphasizes ethical conduct, social justice, and the importance of community.

Key practices include observing the Sabbath (Shabbat), keeping kosher dietary laws, and celebrating religious festivals such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. Jewish life is guided by commandments (mitzvot) and a strong sense of tradition passed down through generations.

Jewish identity can be religious, ethnic, or cultural, with a diverse range of traditions and practices among Jewish communities worldwide. Throughout history, Jews have faced periods of persecution and diaspora, but they have also made significant contributions to culture, science, and arts globally.

A SUMMARY ON CHRISTIANITY

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It originated in the 1st century CE in the Roman province of Judea and is the largest religion in the world today. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the Saviour who was crucified, died, and was resurrected to offer salvation to humanity.

The Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the sacred scripture of Christianity. Central practices include prayer, worship, baptism, and communion. Christianity emphasizes love, forgiveness, and living according to Jesus’ teachings.

There are many Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy, each with its own traditions and interpretations. Christianity has had a profound influence on Western civilization and has played a significant role in history, culture, and moral thought worldwide.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND JUDAISM

The relationship between Christianity and Judaism is complex and historically intertwined. Christianity emerged from Judaism in the 1st century CE, rooted in Jewish beliefs, scriptures, and practices. Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, was a Jewish preacher, and the early Christian movement was initially seen as a sect within Judaism.

Over time, theological differences developed—most notably, Christianity’s belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God contrasts with Jewish teachings, which do not accept Jesus as the Messiah. These differences led to a gradual separation between the two religions.

Despite this, Christianity has been influenced deeply by Jewish tradition, scripture (the Old Testament), and ethics. Historically, relationships have ranged from periods of cooperation and mutual respect to tension and conflict, often influenced by social and political factors.

Be Strong and Courageous

What’s the Meaning of “Be Strong and Courageous”

Have you ever had a time in your life, when you felt so afraid that you screamed inside of yourself, “I just can’t do it!” Are you there now? God knows that there will be times when you will feel afraid to move forward or do something that is totally out of your comfort zone. He knows that sometimes fear will try to paralyze you from doing that very thing that you know you should do. Yet, in spite of the apprehension, that’s when He encourages you and me by saying, “Be strong and courageous.”

And these words are not cliché words. No, no, no. They are taken straight from the Bible  Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” So if you were to break this Scripture down into bite-size pieces and meditate on each line, you will become stronger and stronger in your faith. It’s powerful!

How To “Be Strong and Courageous” In Spite of Fear

Being courageous doesn’t mean that you won’t be afraid. That wouldn’t be realistic. Instead, it means to press through the fear when you feel afraid. In fact, sometimes your knees will shake or your anxiety will rise. Your mind may even start racing away with all kinds of “what if” thoughts. But when this happens, that’s when you have to kick into overdrive and let the word of God take over. That’s when you have to plunge through your fear and trust in Him. You have to trust God beyond your fears.

For fear is just F – false; E – evidence; A – appearing; R – real

Trust me. This is far from easy. This can be tough.  When things have looked dark, scary, or intimidating, you have to trust God beyond your fears. And it wouldn’t be  easy. However, that’s when the Lord would remind you, “Be strong and courageous…(your name), I am with you.” And you would have to repeat those words over and over again, and then walk in His strength and courage.

Inspiration from Scripture

Do your possible best to ask God, “Who am I in the Bible, Lord?” And He will clearly whisper it to you. Do you have a “life” Scripture that you can hold onto when tough or fearful times enter your life?   

I also want to mention here, that not only does the Lord tell us to be courageous, He also tells us to be strong. Meaning to be strong in Him. Because He will be our strength when things are tough. And He will be our protector in times of need. He can be trusted.

Actually, it has a lot to do with trusting Him. Whether it’s through trusting Him for tough circumstances or for people. He wants us to trust Him. Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” And Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” In other words, it’s like He’s saying, “Go forth. I’m here with you. I will supply. I will protect. You are safe with Me.”

Focus on God and Be Strong and Courageous

Have you heard, “If God is for us, then who can be against us?” Well, it’s true as well. It’s found in Romans 8:31. When we keep our focus on Him and trust in His word, there is safety in Him. We have to always keep in mind that our Father has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind as 2 Timothy 1:7. And the word also reassures us that, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3). He’s got us. So let’s be strong and courageous!

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