Sermon Central
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The Uniqueness Of Christ
Contributed by Jerry Flury on Apr 19, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: When we compare the religions of the world, we quickly see that biblical Christianity is an unique faith because Christianity stems from the uniqueness and superiority of its founder Jesus Christ.
The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
When we compare the religions of the world, we quickly see that biblical Christianity is an unique faith because Christianity stems from the uniqueness and superiority of its founder Jesus Christ, the greatest man who ever lived. The psalmist declared “Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; nor are there any works like Your works.” In every aspect Jesus Christ stands far above man’s religions and their founders. Three of the most noted founders of the world’s religions are Confucius, Buddha, and Muhammad. This morning we shall see in comparing these men with Jesus Christ the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in His birth, His teachings, His life, death, and resurrection. When we are through I hope that you will clearly see that there is a wide chasm between man’s religion and our wonderful savior Jesus Christ.
I. The Uniqueness of His Birth
A. Buddha was born in India in 563 B.C. Siddhartha Gautama the son of an aristocratic Hindu chieftain.
B. Mohammed, the founder of Islam, was born around 570 A.D. in the city of Mecca, the son of Abdullah, who died weeks before Mohammed’s birth
C. Jesus Christ the virgin born Son of God was born around 3-4 BCE, the Son of Mary.
D. Luke 1:26-32 “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. ‘He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest’.”
E. It’s interesting to note that in the Koran, in Surah 19:16-22, the virgin birth of Christ is acknowledged.
F. C. S. Lewis says, "When you beget, you beget something of the same kind as yourself. A man begets human babies, a beaver begets little beavers, and a bird begets eggs which turn into little birds" (Beyond Personality, 1948, p. 5).
G. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
II. The Uniqueness of His Teaching
A. Human relationships
1. "Buddha said, ‘If someone is suffering, that is his karma.’ You are not to interfere with another person’s karma because he is purging himself through suffering and reincarnation! Buddha said, ‘You are to be an island unto yourself.” – Dr. Ron Carlson
2. Mohammed –
a. “slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem of war” Sureh 9:5
b. “O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he among you that turns to them for friendship is of them.” 5:51
3. Christ
a. Matthew. 22:37-40 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and all the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
b. Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
c. Luke 23:34 “"Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
B. The Role of Women
1. Buddha – The Buddhist view of women is one which puts them on a lower level than men. Women are looked down upon especially by monks who view them as merely dangerous objects that provoke sexual interest in men. Buddha advised his disciples not to look at them or talk to them.
2. Muhammad commanded his male followers to beat their disobedient wives. He gave men the right to beat their wives who persistently disobeyed them. Sureh 4:34 “As those you fear may be rebellious admonish, banish them to their couches, and beat them."
3. Christ's teachings show that women and men are equal in God's sight.
a. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
