People have different ideas about what it is to be a Christian. The three most common answers might be; someone who goes to church; someone who does good things; or someone who is born in a “Christian” country.

The Bible teaches a true Christian is someone who has put his or her faith and complete trust in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that the only way people can know God is by having a relationship with Jesus. They accept the fact that he died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins (humanity’s rebellion against God) was buried and rose from the grave after three days. This means he conquered death and is able to forgive sin and give eternal life to everyone who will believe in him.

While it is good to go to church, and highly important to love and respect others by the way we live our lives, the thing that should come in first place is to have a real relationship with Jesus. When we receive him as our rescuer and friend, ask him to forgive us for all our wrong-doing against God and other people (which the Bible calls sin) and put him at the centre of our lives he promises to give us a fresh start; a clean slate.

If you would like to know Jesus in this personal way as your rescuer and friend, you can pray this prayer,

“Father God, I know that my sins and mistakes have offended and upset you. My sins have separated me from you. Without you I am lost and can never be in heaven. Please forgive me for living my life in my own way and not in your way. Thank you that Jesus took my punishment when he died on the cross. I want to be born again. Lord Jesus, please come into my life and make me a Christian. Be the leader of my life forever more. From now on I belong to you. Amen.”

If you would like more information, to discuss this further or have prayed the above prayer we would love to hear from you. Please contact Louis Kinsey at louis@stcolumbaschurch.org.uk.