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An Orthodox priest blesses baskets of eggs, bread, and sweets that are given to those participating in an Easter morning service in Ukraine. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through which he paid for the sins of humanity, is the most important belief held by Christians. 1 What Do

Christians Believe? C hristians believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus was a teacher and preacher who grew up more than 2,000 years ago in Galilee, a region that is now part of Israel. Jesus said he had come to teach the true meaning of the religious teachings of the Jews. These teach- ings had been given to the Jewish people over many cen- turies. Jesus taught that all the rules and teachings about how to live could be summed up in a few short sentences. First, Jesus said, was for believers to acknowledge that, “God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul , with all your mind, and with all your strength.” His second most important message was, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

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