21. Wise Men
All Christians believe that at the birth of Christ, wise men set us all an example because they “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” (Matthew 2:10)
22. Called a Nazarene
All Christians agree that Jesus grew up in Nazareth, because His stepfather Joseph, “... came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’ " (Matthew 2:23; cf. Luke 2:39b)
23. Great Understanding
All Christians believe that even at the age of twelve, Jesus could hold His own in discussions with scholars. “All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:47)
24. John’s Message
All Christians believe that John the Baptist’s message centered on “preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.” (Luke 3:3b; cf. Mark 1:4; Matthew 3:2)
25. Fruit of Repentance
All Christians believe with John that we ought to “bring forth fruit worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8 cf. Luke 3:8) and that “Every tree therefore that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire." (Luke 3:9b cf. Matthew 3:10). Every Christian believes that such fruit of repentance is evident in deeds like charitable giving, ceasing extortion and avoiding wrongful accusation. (Luke 3:10-14)
26. Holy Spirit Baptism
All Christians believe that, like John, men baptize in water but “He [Jesus] will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 3:11b cf. Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16)
27. Unquenchable Fire
All Christians believe that “he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Luke 3:17b cf. Matthew 3:12b) Jesus spoke more and more often about hell than anybody else in the entire Bible.
28. Father, Son and Holy Spirit
All Christians believe that Jesus’ baptism involved “the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him” (Matthew 3:16b cf. Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22) and the Father saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17b cf. Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22b)
29. Forty Days
All Christians believe Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness and passed the slanderer’s temptations in three areas: bread, tempting God and political power. Each time, Jesus quoted scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4); “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” (Luke 4:12b) and “You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10)
30. Law and Grace
All Christians believe that “the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
