Abstract
The paper discusses how three of the four synoptic gospels reflect the events of Christ's baptism in culturally differing ways. The paper explains that although they agree that Christ was baptized on the Jordan by John, the purpose and scope of the gospels reflects differing audiences in which Mark, Luke, and Mathew were preaching their message. The paper discusses how in the case of Mark, he provides the first and foremost message of Christ's baptism to the Romans, revealing Christ as a man of power, not necessarily as the messiah as written in the accounts of Mathew to the Jewish people.

Tags:christ, luke, matt

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to take an in-depth look at Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of Christ," about the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. The paper focuses on the debate that has accompanied the movie. This debate involves whether Gibson's movie was a work of art that made the spiritual message of the crucifixion of Christ come alive for viewers or whether it was an overly violent movie that promoted antisemitism. The debate is examined from several angles. These include examining reviews of the movie as well as discussing it in relation to religious studies, history, philosophy, art and violence in film.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to take an in-depth look at Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of Christ" about the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. The paper focuses on the debate that has accompanied the movie. This debate involves whether Gibson's movie was a work of art that made the spiritual message of the crucifixion of Christ come alive for viewers, or whether it was an overly violent movie that promoted anti-Semitism. The debate..."

Tags:crucifixion, of, Christ, Movie, Mel, Gibson, The Passion of Christ.

Abstract
The paper maintains that Stott's book, "The Cross of Christ," is an important book. For those Christians who want to further explore the meaning behind the Cross and behind Christ's death, it is a thought-provoking resource. The paper explains how Stott makes a very good case for the Cross being more than simply important, but rather that it is a vital part of Christianity. Without the Cross, Stott argues that Christianity as we know it would not exist. The paper is of the opinion that after reading this book, it is difficult to argue with this perspective.

From the Paper
"John R. W. Stott takes the position that the Cross is essential to Christianity. He makes his convincing argument by dividing the discussion into four parts, discussing the Cross as a symbol, the need for forgiveness, the spiritual benefits that the Cross has provided to believers and finally, on the practical and earthly teachings that the Cross can offer. Stott does not have all the answers on the subject of Christ's Cross. However, the book is a thoughtful and complex study offering suggestions on the subject of the Cross upon which Christ died. The Cross is important, Stott states, because it performs more than the single function of being the method of execution favored by the Romans."

Tags:christ, cross, theology

Abstract
This book review strongly recommends Thomas Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" and claims that it is a life-changing book for Christian readers. The paper summarizes the book and discusses some of the issues it addresses, such as self-assessment, resisting temptation and the willingness to change. The author concludes by stating that the book helped him to become more self-reflective and aware of the changes that need to be made in his life.

Table of Contents:
The Benefits of Reading "The Imitation of Christ"
The Importance of Self-Assessment
Resisting Temptation and the Willingness to Change
Personal Relationship to Christ
Putting God First and the Willingness to Change

From the Paper
"Throughout Kempis's meditations, the focus is on self-reflection and being willing to make changes when needed. The third book of Kempis's writings is different in that the disciple speaks and then the voice of Christ. One of the stories in the Old Testament is about Samuel hearing the voice of God. He is told to ask the Lord to speak to him. The second chapter in the III Book says, "Speak, therefore, Lord, for your servant listens. 'Thou hast the words of eternal life. Speak to me for the comfort of my soul and for the amendment of my life" (Kempis IIIii para. 7). When I read this, I asked myself if I was willing to listen. Am I willing to hear his voice? Sometimes we are so busy that we fail to hear his voice."

Tags:Christ, Christianity, devotions, meditations, self-assessment, humility, temptation, change, self-reflection

Abstract
This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.

From the Paper
"As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."

Tags:christ, crucifiction, resurrection, god, testament, teachings, baptism, miracles, apostles, paul, saul, spiritual

Abstract
This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.

From the Paper
"As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."

Tags:christ, crucifiction, resurrection, god, testament, teachings, baptism, miracles, apostles, paul, saul, spiritual

Abstract
This paper discusses the four phases of the work of Christ, examining each phase individually and then the four phases as a whole. Many scripture references are included.

From the Paper
'In Christ's earthly ministry, the four key phases of His work-His death, burial, descension, resurrection and ascension-were pivotal in accomplishing His purpose on the earth. From the earliest stages in Biblical history, it was clear that man needed a savior and God had one prepared and waiting in the wings. Just as He provided the ram in the thicket to spare Isaac's life, He provided the Lamb of God to spare the eternal lives of all mankind. Presaged thousands of..."

Tags:Christ, four phases, work of Christ, religion, resurrection, ascension, descension, crucifixion

Abstract
This paper discusses what it means to live a Christ-like life, quoting Mother Teresa and Chuck Swindoll as well as the Bible. The paper argues that people do not grasp what is significant about the Christian life. Misconceptions about a Christian life are also addressed.

From the Paper
"Pastors deliver sermons on it: ordinary people-saved and unsaved alike-provide their opinions about it, but few people make a habit of doing it in everyday life. Living a Christ-like life is something that many aspire to but few achieve and this is in part because many people fail to grasp what it is about the Christian life that is significant. Many Christians believe that attending church is the highest calling they need to attempt and others become embroiled..."

Tags:Christ-like, Christ, Christian, Langston Hughes, Mother Teresa, forgiveness, love, Bible, Chuck Swindoll

Abstract
This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.

From the Paper
"As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."

Tags:christ, crucifiction, resurrection, god, testament, teachings, baptism, miracles, apostles, paul, saul, spiritual

Abstract
The paper first discusses the depictions of Jesus Christ's resurrection in the Bible and how each account given in the four Gospels differ slightly. The paper then goes on to describe the historical evidence of the Bible and examines possible explanations for the validity of Christ's resurrection.

From the Paper
"The Resurrection of Christ is usually considered to be a matter of faith: Christianity believes that Christ was crucified, and then resurrected (returned to life), in order to be taken into heaven. This resurrection is an article of faith: if Christ did not return to life after death, then he is no different from other heroes of Christianity, or from other prophets, such as Muhammad. However, the issue of the return to life is complicated by the question of historical proof: did the historical person Christ (whose existence is verified by Roman and Jewish sources), actually rise?"

Tags:jesus christ, resurrection history, the bible, faith, the gospels