What is a Christian?

There are lots of people today who would call themselves Christians just because they were born in England or because they think that we should all be nice to each other.  But actually, being born into a Christian family or getting christened or going to church or doing nice things doesn't make you a Christian.  The word literally means 'little-Christ' and was in fact first used as an insult for people who were just like 'that man Jesus'. But really the early Christians were quite proud of the name, and it stuck.  The point is, no matter what you might see of priests and rituals and church buildings, the heart of Christianity isn't a religion, it's a relationship with Jesus.  It's not about what we do, it's about putting our trust in what Jesus has done for us.  So what did he do?

The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple-simple enough to be outlined in a few pages.  It is a message from the Bible about God and his son Jesus.  It is about life and death, and the choice that we all face.  And it all starts with a loving creator God...

At the heart of the Christian faith is a living relationship with God. The Bible tells us that becoming a Christian is about finding forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Entering into this ‘new life’, as the Bible calls it, is actually what it is to be a Christian. None of us is born a Christian, we have to become one.

Christianity involves living for God daily and looking to Him for guidance and direction. It is not a set of rules or regulations but a relationship based on God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. It makes all the difference in this world and the next.

We regularly run a group for those enquiring about Christianity called BBC1 DISCOVERY. This course seeks to answer the big questions such as:- Can the Bible be trusted? How do we know God exists? Who is Jesus? What is a Christian?

If you’ve ever asked these or any other questions about the Christian message or if you want to re-examine your own beliefs, then sign up for BBC1 DISCOVERY. The group runs for ten weeks and starts with a meal and a chance to get to know others starting the course. Sessions include an icebreaker and a short talk, after which we break up into smaller groups for tea or coffee, cake and discussion. You are more than welcome to sit and observe, or to fire any questions that you have.