Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region I
Pangasinan Division II
FLORES INTEGRATED SCHOOL
San Manuel, Pangasinan

Introduction to
World Religions &
Belief Systems

CHRISTIAN RELIGION

Quarter 1- Module 5

Most Essential Learning Competency:

Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental
beliefs, practices, and related issues of Christianity
 LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

“Text Me You”

Directions: Imagine you are texting your classmates about your recently-
concluded lesson. Write a summary of your key learning of the past lesson in text
message form (LOL, IMO, BTW).

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Christian Faith

Christianity is a single largest and most widely practiced religion in the world
to date which has about 2.5 billion followers with diverse representations, beliefs
and practices. It began as an offshoot of Judaism during the first century. It all
originated with Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christian religion who lived
about 2000 years ago in Palestine and who was prophesied savior of not just His
people, the Jews, but also of the Gentiles.

Christian faith is mainly rooted in the life, death, resurrection and teachings
of Jesus who began his public ministry at the age of 30. For the next three years, He
preached, taught, performed signs and wonders and later commissioned his
disciples to go and to preach the world, baptizing and teaching them to observe all
that He had taught them.

In this module, we will discuss the unfolding of the main events which led to the
birth of Christian church and its growth from Biblical accounts.
DISCUSSIONS

Lesson
The Ushering
1 of Christianity

Historical Background

In 63 B.C., Judah, also called Judea, was subjugated by the Roman Empire, which was the
last in a long line of invasions starting with the Assyrians and the Babylonians, then the Persians and
the Greeks with Alexander the Great. Though Jews were governed by their own king approved by the
Rome, they still lived a miserable life from their conqueror. Their faith clashed with the polytheistic,
and pagan belief of the Romans. Many yearn to be delivered from captivity, and be free from the
oppression of their foreign rulers. So Jews at this juncture, resorted to different means in facing their
predicaments. Some became religious zealots who staged pockets of guerrilla resistance against their
oppressors while others were expectant of the eventual coming of the promised Messiah, whom some
believed then to be an earthly king, who would descend from king David, ruler of Israel in 900 B.C.,
and would set them free and led the re-establishment of Israel’s kingdom. Others went to Judean
wilderness, practiced ascetic lifestyle and devoted their lives in the study of the holy scriptures as they
also had their hope for the promised Messiah. From this general historical context Christianity
gradually unfolded.

Source: Conforming to Jesus.com

 How did Christianity ensue? It ushered when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at the
Jordan River near Bethany (John 1:28). Jesus was then publicly presented as the Messiah which
means the Anointed One or the savior. This event initiated also His public ministry and the calling of
His disciples.

One of those who followed and recognized Him as the Messiah was Andrew whose brother
was Peter whom he immediately relayed the news about the Messiah upon the testimony of John the
Baptist and his personal encounter with Jesus (John 1:29-42)

Jesus gathered a core band of Jewish followers to form his twelve disciples. The word disciple
refers to a learner, or a pupil of someone. It implies that the person not only accepts the views of the
teacher, but that he is also in practice an adherent (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, n.d.).
To be a disciple of Christ according to Easton's Bible Dictionary one must believe his doctrine, rests
on his sacrifice, imbibes his spirit, and imitates his example.

Jesus taught His disciples and exposed them to his public ministry - preaching the Kingdom
of God while also performing wonders and signs, healing, and resurrecting the dead - and eventually,
He commissioned them to be His witnesses right before His ascension.

Highlights of Jesus pubic ministry can be found in the New Testament, particularly in the four
Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Four Gospels’ Records on the Life and Ministry of Jesus

Events Note Scriptural Accounts

The Baptism  Multiple Gospels note the Matthew 2, Mark 1, Luke 3
baptism of Jesus by a relative
named John the Baptist at
around the age of 30. This
marked the beginning of His
public ministry.
The Calling of  The first to follow Jesus and The First two disciples (John 1:35-51)
His Disciples recognized Him as the
Messiah was Andrew, the Matthew Called to be a Disciple (Matthew
brother of Peter. 9:9; Mark 2:13, 14; Luke 5:27, 28)
 Jesus Ordains the Twelve Disciples (Mark
3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16)

Miracles  At least 35 miracles by Jesus First Leper Healed (Matthew 8:2-4;

are recorded in the New Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16)
Testament. He healed the
sick, the blind, and the lepers. Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man
(Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke
5:17-26)

Jesus Heals a Man with a Withered

Hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-
6; Luke 6:6-11)

Jesus Heals the Two Demoniacs of

Gadara (Matthew 8:28-9:1; Mark
5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)

Jesus Heals a Blind and Dumb

Demoniac (Matthew 9:32-34)

Jesus Heals a Roman Officer’s

Servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-
10)

Jesus Feeds 5,000 Men (Plus

Women and Children) (Matthew
14:13-21; Mark 6:33-44; Luke 9:10-
17; John 6:1-14)

Jesus Heals a Canaanite Woman's

Daughter (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark
7:24-30)

Jesus Feeds 4,000+ More (Matthew

15:29-39; Mark 8:1-10)

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at

Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26)

Jesus Heals Demon-possessed Boy

(Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29;
Luke 9:37-43)

Jesus Heals Man Who was Born

Blind (John 9:1-41)
 Jesus Heals the Ten Lepers (Luke
17:11-19

 On three occasions, he raised

individuals from the dead. Jesus Heals the Suffering Woman &
Raises Jairus' Daughter from the
Dead (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-
43; Luke 8:40-56

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son (Luke

7:11-17)

The Death and the Resurrection of

Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

 He also showed power over Jesus Calms the Wind and the
nature, including stopping a Waves (Matthew 8:18, 23-27; Mark
storm and walking on water. 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew

14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:15-
24)

Teachings  The New Testament records (Matthew 7:28-29)

people's amazement at the
teachings of Jesus

 Large portions of the Gospels Jesus Gives the Sermon on the

include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 - 8:1; Luke
Mount (Matthew 5-7) and many 6:17-49)
of the parables, which were
stories with a spiritual purpose.
Jesus Teaches in the Temple (John
7:14-52)

Jesus Preaches from Peter's Boat

and Calls for Disciples (Matthew
4:18-22 Mark 1:16-20 Luke 5:1-
11)

Suffering and  In fulfilment of Isaiah 53 and Matthew 26:2, 19; 27:31-56

Death other prophecies, Jesus Mark 15:24-41
suffered at the hands of His Luke 23:24-49
enemies. John 19:16-37
 He was arrested, beaten, and
nailed to a cross after the
Jewish leaders handed Him
over for a death sentence at the
approval of the Roman leader
 Pilate.

 The death of Jesus was made

clear due to both the impact of
His sufferings, His pierced side
(John 19:34), His death cry
(Luke 23:46-48), Pilate's
confirmation (Mark 15:44-45),
that He was embalmed in about
75 pounds of spices (John
19:39), and that He remained in
the tomb three days
The  The New Testament records on Matthew 28: 1-20
Resurrection multiple occasions that the Mark 16
tomb was empty on the third Luke 24:1-7
day and that many John 20 and 21
eyewitnesses claimed to see
Jesus alive again.

The Great  In Galilee, at a certain Matthew 28:16-20

Commission and mountain, the eleven disciples
the Ascension met with Jesus to worship him
and were given the command to
preach and make disciples.

 After 40 days, Jesus ascended Mark 16:19-20

into heaven with the promise Luke 24:36-53
that He will be with them until Acts 1:6-111
the end.

The Birth of Christian Church

In the book of Acts, you can read the dramatic founding of the Christian church which began during
the day of the Pentecost.

Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there

filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

From this account, there are several significant things you can note according Don Stewart (2007):
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy
On the Day of Pentecost prophecy was fulfilled. Acts 2:1 literally reads, "As the Day of
Pentecost was being fulfilled." What was fulfilled was the prophecy given by both Jesus and
John the Baptist concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit. John had earlier said of Jesus: Ten
days before Pentecost Jesus reiterated the prediction and the coming of the Holy Spirit was
also to give power to the believers: When Pentecost occurred, the Holy Spirit came as
promised, baptizing the believers into Christ and giving them power to be His witnesses.
2. Beginning of The Church Age
Pentecost was also the birthday of the church. The Old Testament period of law was
concluded and a new era began. Those who believe in Jesus as Messiah during this present
age become part of the body (or bride) of Christ known as the church. The church age began
at Pentecost and will conclude when Christ comes back for His own.

3. Signs Following
The Day of Pentecost also witnessed signs which followed the coming of the Holy Spirit. As
Jesus had predicted those who believed spoke with new tongues:

And these signs shall follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with ne

4. First Converts

The Day of Pentecost also saw the first converts to the Christian church. When Simon
Peter delivered his sermon proclaiming that Christ had risen, some three thousand people
became converted.

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to t

ACTIVITIES
Activity 1.1 Scripture Survey
We now know for a fact that Christianity was founded in the life and teachings
of its central figure, Jesus. His public ministry which last for about three and
a half year (BibleTimeLines.com) paved the way for the birth of the Christian
church. The New Testament Bible, particularly the four Gospels and the book
of Acts, provided accounts on the public ministry of Jesus and the eventual
 birth of the Christian church on the day of the Pentecost.

Objective: Trace the key events from the New Testament Bible which led to
the ushering of Christian faith.
Directions:
1. Secure a copy of the New Testament Bible.
2. Arrange the events listed below which led to the inauguration of the
Christian faith and identify supporting passages from the New
Testament Bible that account for it.
3. Use the graphic organizer below.

The Events in the Inauguration of Christianity

 The Day of the Pentecost

 Baptism of Jesus
 The Great Commission and the Ascension
 The Passion Death and Resurrection
 Public Ministry (Preaching, Performing of Signs and Wonders)

Initiating Events

Event 1
Scriptural Accounts:

Event 2
Scriptural Accounts:

Event 3
Scriptural Accounts:

Event 4
Scriptural Accounts:

Event 5
Scriptural Accounts:

The Inauguration of Christian Faith

 Activity 1.2 Letter Writing (Critical thinking, Character, Communication)
Objective: Articulate ones’ thought in the public ministry of Jesus
Directions: Imagine you are a resident of Judea during the time of Jesus.
Write a letter to a friend describing Jesus’ public ministry, particularly, His
preaching and performing of signs and wonders.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

5 W’s and 1 H Chart of Christianity Directions:

Considering the knowledge you have acquired in this lesson, identify names, terms,
date and other information you could list to fill the 5 W’s and 1 H chart below. Use
the information you have listed to write any of the following as your final output for
this lesson: (Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity)
1) News Paper Article
2) Flyer or advertisement
3) Diary or Journal Entry
4) Comic Strip
5) Infographic
 Christianity – it ushered in the public ministry of Jesus which lasted about
REMEMBER
three and half years by preaching, teaching, performing signs and wonders
and commissioning his disciples to preach the gospel, to baptize and to make
disciples of all nations. It was given birth in the day of the Pentecost which
account can be found in the New Testament Bible, particularly, in Acts 2:1-
41.
 Jesus is the central figure of the Christianity. In His life, death and
resurrection, and teachings, were Christian faith is founded.
 John the Baptist – precursor of the coming messiah.
 Andrew – the first disciples who believed in Jesus as the Messiah.
 Peter – brother of Andrew whom he sought right after he found the Messiah.
 Disciples – refers to the followers of Jesus whom he taught and
commissioned to preach the gospel.
 Messiah – meaning the savior or the anointed one.
 Zealots – religious group who carried out series of pocket resistance against
the Roman Empire.
 Church – referring to the assembly of people.
 Great Commission – the order of Jesus to His disciples to preach the
gospel, to baptize and make disciples of all nations in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).
 The day of the Pentecost – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to indwell the
disciples as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled on the same event
as accounted in the New Testament Bible, particularly in Acts 2:1-4, and said
to be the birth of the Christian church.
 Gospels - The names of the books about the life of Jesus in the Bible:
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.