Memory Scriptures Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 1 Timothy 4:12 Don ’ t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity

New Scriptures Hebrews 10:26-27 Hebrews 12:11

Comparative Religions Purpose/Goal To answer questions about man ’ s existence Why? What is our purpose? Dogma vs Beliefs What happens to us in the end?

Zoroastrianism and Dualism Zoroaster 6 th C. BC Official religion of Persia (Cyrus Ahura Mazda vs. Angra Mainyu Good vs. Evil Day of Judgment Saoshyant – Messianic figure 50,000 to 70,000 followers today

Zoroastrianism to Christianity Zoroaster Dualism Magi Man makes choice to do good or evil Day of Judgment Saoshyant Jesus One God No way but through Jesus John 14:6 Blood of Christ leads to Salvation Romans 3:24-25 Day of Judgment

Characteristics of Islam Muhammad A.D Billion followers One God – Allah Qur ’ an/Hadith (traditions) Salvation through the confession of faith and following the five pillars Paradise or Hell Mahdi (messianic figure)

Confession of Faith 1 – Belief in Allah as one God, the only God 2 – Muhammad is the last prophet of God 3 – Believe in the resurrection of the soul and body and the coming day of judgment

Five Pillars of Islam 1 – Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca 2 – Ramadan (a month of fasting from sunup until sundown 3 – Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) 4 – Alms (giving of 1/5 of income for charity 5 – Do good/prevent bad

Chart Comparing Islam and Christianity Allah Muhammad last prophet Salvation is through confession of faith and following 5 pillars Day of Judgment God Jesus is way to Salvation Works are a result of grace not a way to Salvation Day of Judgment

Judaism Monotheistic – Yahweh Abraham (Semitic people – related to Arab peoples) Jews trace descent through Isaac

Five Important Characteristics of Judaism 1 – Absolute obedience to God 2 – Covenants 3 – Messianic Salvation 4 – This World Focused 5 – Yahweh is true creator

Evolution of Old Testament Mosaic Law = Torah Prophets = Neviim Writings = Ketuvim T a N a Kh = Tanakh

Judaism to Christianity Yahweh Law of Moses Synagogue Focus is on receiving reward in this world Still awaiting Messianic Salvation God Salvation through Grace via Jesus Focus is on eternity Awaiting the Second Coming and the Day of Judgment

Characteristics of Hinduism Monotheistic, polytheistic, pantheistic, atheistic One supreme reality (Brahman) can be manifested in many ways Salvation is obtained by breaking the bonds of ignorance and illusion Goal is liberation from the cycle of existence Dharma – social duties that all must perform in accordance with their class before the withdraw from this world

Chart Comparing Hinduism and Christianity Eclectic Salvation is obtained through meditation leading to a breaking of the bonds of ignorance and illusion Must perform social duties before attempting to withdraw from world Monotheistic Salvation through Jesus Works are proof of Jesus as Lord, not a way to Salvation Must live in this world while not being of this world

Characteristics of Buddhism Atheistic there is no god/gods Life has no purpose Only hope is to escape suffering Doomed to be reincarnated Salvation is obtained by becoming non- existent Actions have consequences

Chart Comparing Buddhism and Christianity Buddhism No God Life has no purpose – Humans are trapped in an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation). Every human action carries consequences – good deeds lead to a better life in the next cycle. Christianity Personal God who wants man to seek a relationship with him Jeremiah 29: Man has been given a special purpose Matthew 28:18. Man cannot save himself through his actions, but only through the blood of Jesus Romans 5:9

Conclusions Only Christianity allows for Salvation through Grace Only Christianity shows God reaching out to man Other religions Salvation is earned through obedience to deity, laws, or by works of man Only Christianity offers a free choice to be saved no matter one ’ s previous condition. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin is forgiven and forgotten