What is a Christian?

Lots of misunderstandings here! A person who's been christened as a baby or confirmed? A person who's been brought up in a Christian home? A person who doesn't belong to any other religion? Or simplest of all, anyone who calls himself/herself a Christian?

We can't sort out all the misunderstandings here. But here are some of the ways the Bible defines a true Christian. True Christians are those who:

• Fear God: who are aware of the reality of God and live accordingly.

• Have repented: who have realised that they have broken God's commandment and deserve his punishment; who are sorry for their sins and who have turned from them.

• Believe in Jesus Christ: who have trusted themselves to him alone, believing in his power and willingness to forgive them and change them.

• Have been born again: who have received a new life from God and who know him as the Father whom they love and trust.

• Live a holy life: obeying God's commandments, walking with him day by day, using all their abilities to serve and please him.

Now is the time to ask yourself whether you are a true Christian - whether you fit this description. For further help or information e-mail: Stephen Rees. Why not listen to the "Building Blocks" Introduction to the Christian Faith series or the series "What is a Christian". Of course, week by week, you'll hear in our meetings more explanation of what it means to be a true Christian.

"Just 31 Days": A month of Bible Readings to introduce you to the Christian faith. (These notes can be reproduced freely for personal, non-commercial use.  Anyone wishing to distribute them more widely should contact the website and request copyright permission)