INTRODUCTION

I. THE GOSPELS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

II. LETTERS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
Acts- The beginning structure of early Christianity
Romans- The development of Christian doctrine
Corinthians I & II- The concept of rebirth and doctrine of love

III. THE BOOK OF REVELATION
The statement of the decline of mankind and the future of mankind

IV. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Ecclesiates- Solomon's view of the meaning of life
Proverbs- The affect Proverbs has on the Christian view
Deuteronomy- The development of law, the Covenant God made with Israel.
Isaiah- How Isaiah foretells the coming of Christ and his earthly mission for mankind.

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Christianity plays a major role in society. Christian doctrine is a primary source of how we govern our lives and what we view as being right or wrong.

The Bible in particular provides a look into the development of Christianity and the doctrine that holds true today. Christians mostly use the Bible as a road map or guide of how we should live our lives.

An examination of certain books in the Bible provides a better understanding of the development, structure, doctrine, purpose and message of Christianity.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are descriptive writings of the observance or witness of the works, divinity and purpose of Jesus Christ's sufferings, death, and resurrection. Each has its similarities, yet subtle differences in the presentation of Jesus.

The book of Matthew is a witness of Jesus as the Messiah of the Old Testament from the birth of Jesus to his death and resurrection. Matthew gives his account of Jesus' baptism by John, the various parables, His transfiguration, the miracles He performed, the betrayal by Judas, the crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

The gospel of Mark has a character of Peter, which is quick in movement and active. The gospel of Mark has been call a moving picture of the ministry of Jesus Christ. The book of Mark provides more detail of the same works as found in the other gospels, with more emphasis given to the looks and gestures of Jesus. Also there are eighteen miracles of Jesus in this book with only four parables. This book gives witness to His works and power. The purpose of the book of Mark is primarily the Gospel of Jesus Christ, salvation through His atoning death.

The overwhelming theme of the Gospel of Luke is that Jesus Christ is the Divine Savior. A message of the Gospel of Luke is symbolized in Luke 19:10, "the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost". This book shows Jesus came to save all ages, sinners, the poor as well as the rich. The Gospel of Luke proclaims that good news that Jesus revealed Himself as the Almighty redeemer who is the only begotten Son of the Father.

The fourth gospel's purpose is clearly stated in the verse John 20:30,31. Through the reading of this gospel you feel a true desire to worship Jesus. The Gospel of John gives an account of Jesus as the Divine Savior who has come for Jew and Gentile, through crucifixion to resurrection offering eternal life.

The early structure of Christianity is exhibited in the book of Acts as it gives an account of the development of the church. The book begins with the ascension of Jesus Christ and the apostles being sent forth to continue His ministry.

Acts takes us through the ministries of Peter, Stephen, and Paul. We see how each ministry developed, was challenged and with the power of God and through Jesus their ministries grew. Acts gives examples of the miracles performed through these ministries and the profound growth as a result. We find in particular the ministries being challenged due to the growth and the Divine intervention of the Holy Spirit that delivered them from their enemies.

The Church grew in multitude by expanding the ministries through the calling of associates into the ministry. Acts gives account of the saving of souls and baptism, through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior.

Through the examining of the book of Acts you see the development of Christianity and the church as we know it.

The development of Christian doctrine comes from the book of Romans. Paul gives us direction in regards to how to be Christ like, how to live a Christian life. Paul tells us how God is impartial, that we all are His children and how Jesus came to fulfill the law that we might be saved. Paul further tells what we must do to be saved in Romans 10:9-10.

The book of Romans is a letter regarding Christian behaviors and attributes, giving guide to the calling of ministers and others in regards to the church. It gives doctrine regarding the duties of a Christian and how a Christian should live, reminding us of the commandments. Paul reminds us that we are all held accountable and will have to attest to our actions. We should be guided by love, love of God, love of Jesus, and love of our neighbors. Paul warns us of the condemnation associated with judging others, seeking revenge, being not lazy in the business of serving the Lord. Paul reminds us that we are all one body of Christ with many members each fulfilling a purpose to the overall edification of Christ Jesus who is the exemplar of our faith.

Paul wrote the church of Corinth with love and compassion. Corinthians I and II are letters written by Paul back to the church of Corinth. These are letters of instruction and edification of God and Jesus Christ.

The concept of rebirth is being born again through the accepting of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Just as Jesus died and rose again, so shall we that believe in Him. we are reminded in Corinthians I of the Lord's Supper, that He shed his blood and gave His life for us, and that we should always remember through observance. This love is illustrated in cross reference with "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son". John 3:16

The concept of love is shown throughout Corinthians II. The book is an example of Paul's love for God, Jesus Christ, and the church in general. He told of his ministry and how he was a living sacrifice of service for the Lord. And through love or charity our reward is great in Heaven. We are reminded that we are one body in Christ and that we should love each other as we do Christ Jesus.

John writes in the book of Revelation the decline and future of mankind. John writes the prophecy revealed to him regarding how mankind through our sinful nature will be destroyed unless we repent and accept Jesus as our Savior.

John gives us a look at the returning of Jesus Christ for the saints. He gives the vision of how mankind will miss the return of Jesus if we don't repent and accept Him now, as "he will come as a thief in the night". I Thess. 5:2

John describes the years of tribulation and how Satan and the antichrist will come to deceive and destroy. The book of Revelation also tells of the war waged on Satan and his workers by Jesus and the fall of his kingdom. Revelation is rich with symbolism, as John describes what is revealed to him. As we interpret this symbolism we can see how those things foretold in Revelation are coming to pass. Many can give account to how mankind in the present day is suffering with various famines such as aids and cancer, the problems in the middle east as well as the problems we face each day.

The future of mankind is told as the destruction of the earth and heaven, and the establishment of a new earth and heaven is provided by God, where the saints shall live with Jesus forever.

Solomon's view of the meaning of life is illustrated in the book of Ecclesiates. Solomon feels that it is important we not submit to foolish acts of worshipping idols, such as money, power, etc. Solomon preaches that we must be careful in our so called joy that we not give ourselves credit. Also Solomon believes that we should be joyful in the Lord and not celebrate our own works. Solomon also explains how there are certain times or seasons for everything illustrated in Solomon 3:1-9. Solomon preaches that the race of life is not given to the swift, strong, wise, skilled, nor rich. The book of Ecclesiates illustrates that we should remember God and give him all of the credit in our lives.

Solomon concludes this book by stating that we should "fear God and keep His commandments", and "God shall bring every work into judgment. Solomon 12:13-14 In this statement Solomon is pointing out that we should always reverence God and live by His commandments because we shall be judged by the way in which we live our lives.

The book of Proverbs has affected the Judaic Christian view by reinforcing the commandments and the importance of living by what we believe is Christian. The book of Proverbs is a guide as to how we should behave as Christians and treat one another. Solomon reiterates several times in this book the point that we should be upright, honest, loving, and fear God. He encourages Christians to turn away from wickedness and things that can cause us to fall into wickedness, such as envy, lust, and riches.

The modern Christian view is basically a direct descendant of the afore mentioned development of the Judaic Christian philosophy. We turn to the book of Proverbs as a guide to appropriate conduct of a Christian. Several churches use some of the scriptures of Proverbs in their church covenants. Proverbs provides a basis for which we a Christians should aspire to live. Solomon's purpose is to give a guideline of Christian living.

The development of the law is illustrated in the book of Deuteronomy by the sins of Israel after being delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh. The people of Israel began to doubt God and started worshipping false gods and idols, and giving way to self delights. God became angry with Israel and put forth the Ten Commandments by which they and we are to abide by.

If it were not for the Covenant of God the people of Israel would have perished. But God made a Covenant with the Fathers of Israel that they were the chosen people of God and He would give them favor. His promise was to the generations of Israel that through His Covenant He would be forgiving.

The book of Deuteronomy gives a foundation for which Christians attempt to live their lives. As Christians we try to be Christ like therefore follow and live by the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy provides a basis by which Christians can hold themselves accountable to God.

The book of Isaiah foretells the coming of Jesus Christ most clearly of any of the other books in the Old Testament. The book of Isaiah gives special emphasis on the doctrine of God and His redemptive love. God gives a warning that the ungodly will perish and His chosen people will live on to glorify His name.

Isaiah tells of the coming of a Divine Messiah who will provide deliverance. This Messiah will establish universal peace, goodness, and truth over the world. Christ's earthly mission is to come as a servant of God, to be rejected and despised by His own people, and to present His sacred body as a living sacrifice for our sins. Deliverance not only to the true believers of Israel, but also to the Gentiles who open their hearts to receive his truth.

Isaiah gives a testimonial statement or illustration of the coming of Jesus and foretells of His greatness and power. Isaiah tells of Jesus' arrival and purpose of deliverance for Jew and Gentile.

Through the evaluation of various Old and New Testament scripture, we find how Christianity was formed and how it applies to modern life. It is important to look at the foundation and development of Christianity to understand modern Christianity and how Christians should live their lives. Also through study each person receives a better understanding of their purpose or calling in their Christian walk. As God reveals Himself through each book and scripture there is a closeness that is developed and a longing to grasp His word and apply it to life.

While there are those who have not accepted Jesus and are searching for their purpose it is important that Christians have knowledge of Jesus and His redemptive love in order to convey that message to others.

Christianity affects many aspects of our lives, socially, economically, and professionally. Our Christian faith leads us in our daily decisions and choices that we make. We attempt to live the example of Christ as what we do affects those around us.

HOLY BIBLE, King James Version, Nashville, Tenn., Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1985.