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Who or what is a Christian?
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That is a very good question!
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If you asked more then one person this question you would probably get a
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different answer from each of them. Possible replies might be:
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“A good person”
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“A follower of Jesus Christ”
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“Someone who believes in God & Jesus”
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“Someone who goes to church”
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To some extent, all the above answers are correct.
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If you then asked a Christian or some other ‘religious person’ this question, you would probably get many different answers too! Possible replies might be:
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“Someone who places their faith in Jesus as their Lord & Saviour”
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“Someone who has decided to follow the teaching & example of Jesus Christ”
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“Someone who goes to church regularly”
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In fact, being a Christian is about a relationship... A relationship with the one, living & true God.
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It’s not about keeping rules & regulations, performing rituals, or even going to church.
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Becoming a Christian is about entering that relationship.
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This may seem a bit one sided, a personal relationship with God & nothing to do with other people. This is far from true.
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Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul & all your mind.’
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And ‘ You must love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Matthew chapter 22, verses 37-39).
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Being in a relationship with God & other people means loving God & other people, irrespective of whether they are Christians themselves.
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What about Church?
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In the 2001 Census, 72% of the population of England said they were Christians.
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But nowhere near this number attend church on a regular basis.
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Research today suggests that people fall into one of the following categories:
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Someone who attends a church regularly (at least three times over a two
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month period).
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Someone on the fringe of church membership (attending at least three times a year).
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Someone who used to attend church, but no longer does.
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Someone who has never been to church, except to attend a baptism, wedding or funeral.
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Many people have pre-conceived ideas about what church is like.
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‘Church’ is not just about buildings!
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Church buildings are places where Christians gather together & focul points in their communities, meeting a variety of needs, especially of a spiritual nature.
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There are a great number of churches across the Christian denominations, providing a wide variety of worship styles.
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It is highly likely that you would find a Christian community you would feel comfortable with - Why not give Church a try?
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Would you like to know more?
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If so you might like to consider taking one of these steps:
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Talk to someone who is a Christian. Not necessarily a vicar or minister.
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Consider attending a course for Christian enquirers, such as Alpha.
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Do some more research of your own, perhaps on the internet or read a book (see book list below).
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Go to a local Church (they can be found in the telephone directory under places of worship).
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