New Life Christian Church International

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WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER RELIGIONS?

People throughout the world hold many different beliefs about God, life, truth, and what happens after death. Christianity is one of many faith traditions people encounter, so it is reasonable to ask:

What makes the Christian message different?

At New Life Christian Church International, we believe questions about faith should be approached with respect, honesty, and a desire to understand the truth. People of different religions should always be treated with dignity and respect, even when our beliefs differ.

This page provides a brief overview of several major religious worldviews and compares some of their teachings with the Christian faith. Our purpose is not to criticize people who hold other beliefs, but to explain why Christians place their faith in Jesus Christ and believe that salvation is found through Him.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6

Hinduism

Hinduism is a diverse religious tradition with many beliefs, practices, and schools of thought. Hindu traditions may understand God or ultimate reality in different ways, including devotion to particular deities and belief in Brahman as the ultimate reality.

Many Hindu traditions also teach concepts such as karma, reincarnation, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The particular understanding of these teachings varies among Hindu traditions and practitioners.

Christianity differs in several important ways. Christians believe in one God who created humanity, that each person has one earthly life, and that salvation is not achieved through repeated lives or spiritual attainment. The Christian faith teaches that salvation is God's gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

At New Life Christian Church International, we respect people of every religious background while clearly proclaiming our Christian belief that reconciliation with God and eternal life are found through Jesus Christ.

New Age

New Age spirituality is a broad and diverse collection of beliefs and practices rather than a single organized religion. Some New Age teachings emphasize personal spiritual growth, higher consciousness, the interconnectedness of life, meditation, and the belief that individuals can discover spiritual truth within themselves.

Because New Age beliefs vary widely, people may draw from different religious, philosophical, and spiritual traditions. Some may believe in a universal spiritual force or higher consciousness, while others may incorporate ideas such as reincarnation, karma, meditation, energy, or personal spiritual transformation.

Christianity differs from New Age spirituality in several important ways. Christians believe that God is the Creator and is distinct from His creation. Christianity teaches that human beings are created by God and need reconciliation with Him rather than discovering divinity within themselves.

At New Life Christian Church International, we believe that spiritual truth and salvation are found through Jesus Christ. Our faith rests not upon achieving a higher level of consciousness or discovering divinity within ourselves, but upon God's grace and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

Buddhism

Buddhism is a diverse religious and philosophical tradition that began with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha. Buddhist traditions generally focus on understanding suffering, overcoming harmful desires and attachments, and pursuing wisdom, compassion, and inner transformation.

Many Buddhist traditions teach concepts such as karma and rebirth and seek liberation from the cycle of suffering. Practices may include meditation, ethical living, mindfulness, study, and devotion. Beliefs and practices vary among Buddhist traditions and cultures.

Christianity differs from Buddhism in several important ways. Christians believe in one personal God who created humanity and desires a relationship with us. Christianity teaches that humanity's deepest problem is sin and separation from God and that reconciliation with God cannot be achieved solely through personal discipline, meditation, or spiritual enlightenment.

At New Life Christian Church International, we believe forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life are gifts of God's grace made possible through Jesus Christ. We respect people of different religious traditions while faithfully proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion whose followers, called Muslims, believe in one God, whom they refer to as Allah. Muslims regard the Qur'an as their sacred scripture and Muhammad as the final prophet in a line of prophets that includes figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims honor Jesus as a prophet and the Messiah, but do not believe that He is God or the Son of God in the Christian understanding.

Islam emphasizes submission to God, prayer, charity, fasting, and faithful living. The Five Pillars of Islam traditionally include a declaration of faith, daily prayer, giving to those in need, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.

Christianity differs from Islam in several central beliefs. Christians believe in one God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is more than a prophet: He is the Son of God, God manifested in the flesh, who died for our sins and rose from the dead. Christianity teaches that reconciliation with God and eternal life are gifts of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than something we can earn through religious works.

At New Life Christian Church International, we respect Muslims and people of every religious background while faithfully proclaiming our Christian belief that salvation and reconciliation with God are found through Jesus Christ.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

Christianity — Faith in Jesus Christ

Christianity is centered on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Christians believe in one God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came into the world to bring salvation to humanity.

The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and need reconciliation with God. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. Through His death and resurrection, forgiveness and eternal life are offered to everyone who places their faith in Him.

Christian salvation is not earned through good works, religious rituals, or human achievement. It is God's gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. Good works and Christian living follow salvation as the result of a life being transformed by God.

At New Life Christian Church International, we believe the Bible is God's Word and the foundation for Christian faith and living. Through prayer, worship, biblical teaching, fellowship, and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to grow in their relationship with God and demonstrate the love of Christ to others.

Our purpose in presenting these different religious beliefs is not to disrespect people of other faiths. We believe every person should be treated with dignity and love. At the same time, we faithfully proclaim the message at the heart of Christianity:

Jesus Christ is Lord, salvation is found through Him, and God's invitation of grace is open to everyone.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16

Is there a difference?

we find tremendous diversity

In looking at these major belief systems and their views of God, we find tremendous diversity:

Hindus believe in 300,000 gods.
Buddhists say there is no deity.
New Age followers believe they are God.
Muslims believe in a powerful but detached God.
Christians believe in a God who is loving and approachable.

Are all religions worshiping the same God? Let’s consider that. New Age teaches that everyone should come to center on a cosmic consciousness, but it would require Islam to give up their God, Hinduism to give up their numerous gods, and Buddhism to establish that there is a God.

The world’s major religions (Hinduism, New Age, Buddhism, Islam, following Jesus Christ) are each quite unique. And of these one affirms that there is a personal, loving God who can be known, now in this life. Jesus Christ spoke of a God who welcomes us into a relationship with Him and comes along side us as a comforter, counselor and powerful God who loves us.

In Hinduism a person is on their own trying to gain release from karma. In New Age a person is working at their own divinity. In Buddhism it is an individual quest at being free from desire. And in Islam, the individual follows religious laws for the sake of paradise after death. In Jesus’ teaching, you see a personal relationship with a personal God — a relationship that carries over into the next life.

Can a person connect with God in this life?

The answer is yes. Christianity teaches that God desires a personal relationship with us and has made that relationship possible through Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches that sin separates humanity from God, but God did not leave us without hope. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. Through Him, forgiveness and reconciliation with God are offered to everyone who believes.

At New Life Christian Church International, we believe salvation is not something we earn through religious works, personal achievement, or spiritual perfection. It is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Through Christ, we can experience forgiveness, freedom from the guilt of sin, and a restored relationship with God. This relationship is not limited to the life to come. We can know God, worship Him, pray to Him, receive His guidance, and grow in our relationship with Him today.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16

God Wants Us to Know Him

God created us to know Him and live in relationship with Him. Christianity teaches that God is not distant or unreachable. Through Jesus Christ, we can know God personally and experience His love, forgiveness, guidance, and presence in our lives.

Jesus did more than teach people about God — He revealed who God is. He said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6

Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. Because of what Christ has done, everyone who places their faith in Him can be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Knowing God is more than knowing facts about Him. It is a living relationship that grows through faith, prayer, worship, reading God's Word, and following Jesus Christ.

At New Life Christian Church International, our desire is to help people know Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, and experience the transforming power of a relationship with God.

It’s a Two-Way Relationship

A relationship with God is not simply about knowing about Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are invited to know God personally, speak to Him through prayer, hear from Him through His Word, and follow His direction for our lives.

God welcomes us to come to Him. The Bible says:

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18

As we grow in our relationship with God, we can experience His love, peace, guidance, strength, and forgiveness. Jesus came so that we might have a full and meaningful life centered on Him.

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10

Following Christ does not mean that life will be free from difficulties. It means that we do not face those difficulties alone. Through faith, prayer, God's Word, and the Holy Spirit, we can seek God's wisdom and trust Him through every season of life.

Our relationship with God begins with His grace. We do not earn salvation through religious works or personal achievement. Salvation is God's gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Would you like to know how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

Beginning a Relationship with God

You can begin a relationship with God today. The Bible teaches that sin separates us from God, but through Jesus Christ we can receive forgiveness, salvation, and new life.

God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again. Salvation is not something we earn through good works or religious effort. It is God's gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13

If you desire to receive Jesus Christ and begin a relationship with Him, you can speak to God sincerely from your heart. A prayer may be as simple as:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my old life and place my faith in You. Forgive me, come into my life, and help me to follow You. I surrender my life to You and receive You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Prayer itself does not save us; Jesus Christ saves us through faith in Him. Prayer is simply a way of expressing to God the faith and surrender of our heart.

The Bible says:

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” — John 1:12

If you have made the decision to follow Jesus Christ, we encourage you to begin reading the Bible, pray regularly, and become connected with a Bible-believing church where you can grow in your faith.

At New Life Christian Church International, we would be honored to pray with you, answer your questions, and help you take your next steps in your relationship with Jesus Christ.