The 9 C's of History

The "9 C’s of History" is a framework that outlines significant events and periods in the history of Christianity as described in the Bible. The 9 C's are often used as a helpful mnemonic for remembering the key stages of Christian history. Here they are:
1. Creation: As described on page one of the Bible (in the Book of Genesis), God created all things in 6 days and rested on day 7. This creation marks the origin of the world and humanity.
2. Corruption: This refers to the “fall of humanity” into sin, as depicted in the Bible's account of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Corruption highlights the separation of humankind from God due to sin.
3. Catastrophe: This refers to the great flood and the account of Noah's Ark. According to the Bible, God sent a great catastrophe – a worldwide flood – to cleanse the earth of its wickedness and start anew. Noah, his family, and pairs of animals were saved on the Ark.
4. Confusion: After the flood, humanity united to build a tower (Tower of Babel) that would reach the heavens, seeking to make a name for themselves. In response, God brought confusion on their language, causing them to speak different tongues, leading to a dispersion of people across the earth.
5. Covenant: Represents God's establishment of covenants (promises) with various figures throughout the Old Testament, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. These covenants play a crucial role in shaping God's relationship with humanity. The greatest covenant being that a Savior (Jesus) would come from the line of David to reconcile mankind back to God.
6. Christ: The central focus of Christian history is Jesus Christ. This period includes Jesus' life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. It is the foundation of Christian faith and the establishment of the Church.
7. Cross: The death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross represents the redemptive act (His sinless blood) that offers forgiveness of sins (salvation) and reconciliation back to God. It is the pivotal event in Christian history.
8. Church: The establishment and growth of the Christian Church, from its early formation after Jesus' resurrection to its spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The Church's development includes the work of the apostles and early Christian leaders.
9. Consummation: This refers to the future return of Jesus Christ (Second Coming) and the final fulfillment of God's plan for humanity. He will cast out death and the disobedient, and dwell with those who placed their trust in Him. This consummation event will mark the end of earthly history and the beginning of eternity.
The "9 C's of History" provides a concise overview of the major themes and milestones in Christian history, belief and theology. They serve as a helpful tool for understanding and remembering the foundational elements of the Christian faith and its historical development.

The $1 Million Dollar Question:

Will you go to Heaven when you die? Here’s a quick test:
Q. Have you ever told a lie?
Q. Have you ever stolen anything?
Q. Have you ever used God’s name in vain?
Q. Have you ever lusted over someone?
Q. Have you ever hated someone?

If you have done these things, God sees you as a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, an adulterer-at-heart, and a murderer-at-heart. And this is only 5 of God’s Ten Commandments (a/k/a “God’s Law”). And the Bible warns that on the Day of Judgment, God will punish you in a terrible place called Hell. But, there is “good news”! God is not willing that any should perish. Sinners broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid their fine by shedding His sinless blood on a cross ~2,000 years ago. This means that God can legally dismiss their case (and yours!): “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Today, repent (turn away from your sins), put your complete trust in Jesus, and confess Jesus as your Lord & Savior… and God will give you eternal life as a free gift.

The $1 Million Dollar Myth:

Contrary to popular belief, being a “good person”, doing “good deeds”, or being “religious” will not get you a ticket to heaven! Many people are hoping God will dismiss their sins because their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. They further hope that because God is “good” he will let them go unpunished and enter heaven. However, because God is “good” he must by nature punish sinners (i.e., God would not be a good judge if he let criminals go free). The Bible states: “There is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) The Bible also states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) And finally, think about this, if your goodness could save you, Jesus would have died in vain (i.e., for no good reason). The Bible states: “I (Jesus) am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me. (John
14:6) Friends, please don’t “roll-the-dice” and gamble your eternal life on the life-threatening lie that being a “good person” will get you to heaven.

Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus:

Here is a prayer you can use to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior. It is a suggested prayer – the key is that you are speaking from your heart.
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me turn away from sin going forward. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus into my heart and I confess him as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for sending your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Congratulations! And welcome to God’s family!

Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus:

Please tell us your story, ask us a question, or send us your feedback using the “comment” field below. Your privacy is protected. We will never sell your information to any third party. We greatly appreciate any encouraging words you would like to share with us.

The 9 C’s of History

The $1 Million Dollar Question:

The $1 Million Dollar Myth:

Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus:

Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus:

I still have questions: