The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ serve as the basis for the modern Christian church and its belief system. However, Christianity is a vast subject spanning thousands of years. The religion includes a core set of values and principles, a connection with the histories of entire nations, and the devotion of more than two billion followers—more than any other religion in the world.

Jesus's Life

Jesus Christ lived sometime between 2 and 7 B.C. He was born to Jewish parents, Mary and Joseph. Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, which underscores the miracle of his existence and sets the stage for the extraordinary events of his life. Nothing of Jesus's early life appears in the Bible or any known historical records. It wasn't until Jesus was about 30 years old that he started his ministry, traveling with 12 disciples to share the Word of God, and preaching the "good news" that the Kingdom of God was at hand and available to all who believed. These teachings were considered revolutionary at the time, so much so that sometime between 30 and 33 A.D., Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers.

Early Christianity

Early Christians were persecuted for their faith. In 64 A.D., a catastrophic fire nearly destroyed Rome. Emperor Nero blamed the Christians, and many were summarily tortured. Under subsequent Emperors Domitian, Diocletian, and Galerius, persecutions intensified, with scores of Christians executed for their beliefs. However, the Roman Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity and lifted the ban on it. By 380 A.D., Catholicism was the official state religion of the Roman Empire.

The Crusades

Between about 1095 A.D. and 1230 A.D., the holy wars known as The Crusades took place. These battles involved Christians fighting Islamic forces to reclaim the holy land of Jerusalem. The mission was ultimately unsuccessful, but the influence of the Catholic Church grew nonetheless.

The Reformation & Beyond

In 1517, a monk named Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church and the authority of the Pope. This began the Reformation, which reformed the Church from a strictly Catholic institution into one of many denominations. As a result, the church grew—and continues to grow—in ways that most help its followers, ensuring Jesus's message finds, and saves, the largest number of people possible.

If you’re interested in Christianity, let Dr. Michelle Corral in Yorba Linda, CA, introduce you to the Word of God. Since 1978, Dr. Corral has been bringing the church to believers through her books, humanitarian ministries, and Sunday worship services. Call (714) 694-1100 or visit her Facebook page for more information.