What is a Christian? Why I am a Christian?

Hi I'm Jon. I'm thirty years of age and I was raised in a Christian family but that doesn't make me a Christian. I certainly wasn't born a Christian and I wasn't christened either, out of a personal conviction in obedience to God I was baptised at twenty one. I'm English and I go to church and that still doesn't make me a Christian. I read the Bible and pray and that still doesn't make me a Christian either!

So what is a Christian?

A Christian is someone who has...

Repented of their sins (that means turn away) from what you are doing that is contrary to God's will and live by His rules and requirements.
Believes in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. This doesn't just mean believing in His existence, as the Devil believes that there is also one God but fears and trembles! (see James 2: 19) Jesus said 'I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Me'. (John 14: 6)
Received Jesus into their life by asking Him to come and live in them by the power of the Holy Spirit. (see John 1:12)

Why I am a Christian?

The three most important questions in life for me are: How did I get here? what am I doing here? and where am I going? The Bible answers these questions decisively! The Bible is my favourite book and I am not ashamed to declare that I am obsessed by its content, but more importantly application, as it is also the most useful book in the world. Basically I have investigated its claims and believe them to be entirely true if interpreted in its correct context and intended meaning. I know that Jesus died for my sins for which I can never be grateful enough and I look forward to seeing Him in heaven and hearing Him say to me 'Well done good and faithful servant.' (Matt 25:21)

Are all beliefs just the same?

A Christian is saved by grace. Grace is unmerited favour. The empahasis and the distinction here is Jesus work on the cross rather than our efforts to try and be good and earn our salvation. Being good will not make you blameless before God. We need to be righteous which simply means right standing before God. God's grace is GOD'S REDEEMING ACT AT CHRIST'S EXPENSE. All other beliefs are based on works i.e what we must do to obtain our salvation rather than choosing to follow and accept that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins past, present and future.
Jesus is still alive. If He wasn't we might as well just eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die. The ressurection of Jesus is the greatest miracle. No other religous leader has risen from the dead. The ressurection of Jesus also gives us the assurance that if we follow Him we will go to where He is when we die.
Jesus is unique.We can only be saved through Him. Sorry but the Bible does't agree that all roads lead to Rome. Many religions have similar principles but disagree on who God is, how they will obtain salvation and have completely different principles. They can't all be right as SOME ALSO have mutually exclusive principles, and anyone with a shred of intergrity and honest logic should concur with that also.
Proof!! There is overwhelming biblical,historical and archeological evidence in favour of the Bible. I recommend a visit to either the British Museum in london or the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem. In addition Josh McDowells 'Evidence that demands a verdict' is a rigorous academic defense of the Bible and the Christian faith.

Something to think about

'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but will receive everlasting life'. (John 3:16)

C.S Lewis argued that as Jesus claimed to be the Son of God then He is either the LORD,a LIAR or aLUNATIC. Those are the only honest conclusions if you think about it. But more importantly I'll let you decide.

If you want to know more please drop me an email, or you are most welcome to come to

Waters Edge Elim Church at 10.30 Sunday morning
Douglas Road
Parkstone
Poole
Dorset, UK

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