How to Be a Christian

Have you felt the tug of the Spirit and Love on your life? If you believe in Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior, you begin to live in Christ by "grace through faith, saved unto good works". If you have chosen to become a Christian, but you don't know if there is more for you to do or not, this article will shed some light on receiving your new life and living in God's love.
Becoming a Christian is easy and does not require any rites or rituals, though some churches have classes and confirmation by a pastor or priest. Your new beginning in your new birth, however, leads into the personal development of serving others and living in Christ as discussed below.

Steps to Become a Christian

Accept God’s love and know that you were created in His image. Acknowledge your sins, seek forgiveness, and commit yourself to Christ. Live a gracious life through prayer, worship, and loving others.

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Getting Converted to Christianity

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When Christians experience problems, they also experience strength through Jesus. You will also experience amazing forgiveness, grace, healing and miracles including the miracle of Salvation and everlasting life. Faith is an essential part of your personal life as a Christian.^{[1]XExpert SourceZachary Rainey
Ordained MinisterExpert Interview. 19 May 2019.} When you have faith, you don't get fooled by fear.
Every Christian is to preach the Gospel in word and deed, but do this with gentleness and respect. Christ did not preach what people wanted to hear. If He had, our Lord wouldn't have been crucified. People will get offended, but make sure, if they do get offended, you don't stir more emotions to aggravate the issue instead you calm them or loosen up the conversation.
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Even if you can walk alone with Yehoshua or Jesus, it will help more if you find a group of supportive Christian believers who can help eachother and encourage you in your new faith.^{[2]XExpert SourceZachary Rainey
Ordained MinisterExpert Interview. 19 May 2019.} You may find it helpful to talk to a Christian. Choose someone that you respect for his or her integrity and knowledge as a Christian. Learn the difference between churches of the Gospel. Choose a Christian meeting to attend and fellowship. Consider and decide on the Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Nondenominational, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Mormon, etc. denominations in order to decide which one is the Church that Christ started, the "Pillar and Foundation of Truth".
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Be baptised.^{[3]XExpert SourceZachary Rainey
Ordained MinisterExpert Interview. 19 May 2019.} Baptism is about coming into the community of Christ. This is the second step of salvation, after repentance. It may be thought of as a self portrait of your joining with Christ in the death and resurrection in your heart (core of your being) and in the eye of the observer. “Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts‬ ‭2:38).^{[4]XResearch source} Baptism was described by the apostle Paul as: "Therefore we are planted together (united) with Him by baptism into death: that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Roman 6:4).^{[5]XResearch source}
- Remember when you get baptized it is an act of obedience but cannot grant you salvation by itself. You must repent, believe and place your faith in Jesus Christ.
Repent for your sins. When you in your mind or deed are convicted of sin, make penance so that you can be forgiven, and you can keep on living as a Child of God. Verbalize your belief in Jesus' forgiveness and your regret for all the ways you have fallen short in obedience. This is a good time to admit your personal failure and disobedience to God. Believe that Jesus Christ forgives you. Repentance always expresses itself in a changed life; you turn from sin and to Jesus Christ; then, accept your free gift of salvation by faith in Jesus' redemptive death through grace from God. As Son of Man, Jesus said, "Father, if it is your will, let this bitter cup pass from me - nevertheless, not my will but thine be done", giving Himself freely to His Heavenly Fathers will for He loves His Father.
Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus, the one mediator between God and man, with the Spirit of God as your friend and comforter.^{[6]XExpert SourceZachary Rainey
Ordained MinisterExpert Interview. 19 May 2019.} These things reflect your changed heart, and love one of the most important aspects of a Christian life. You should hate the sin and not have anything in your heart against anyone even a sinner. God will give you a new heart with new strength when you seek and find the Holy Spirit.
^{[7]XResearch source} "For it is "by grace" you have been saved, through faith and this "not of yourselves", it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."(Ephesians 2:8--10)

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Growing with Obedience

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When you become a Christian, you will have a new attitude towards God. When reading the Bible, don't just read pages of words, just to look good and think you're doing a good thing. Study small portions at a time, or as much as you can. Absorb mentally without being overwhelmed. You will find it helpful to continue to study who Jesus is and what He has done. The Bible states that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). In other words, each and every person has done wrong. Romans 6:23 continues, "The wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord." His love is perfect, with the power to overcome through His all sufficient grace, abundant, that His Holy Spirit should reside in you, and His blood, as your Father flow within your veins as a child of The King. Thus, you yourself, then "walking not with but in Him" by receiving His measure of faith, a free gift -- that you may serve Him (by loving others, thus showing Him forth).
Remember it isn't just prayers. After your repentance you can receive the Holy Spirit and the power to live a Christ-like life. You will begin to understand what you need to do with your walk with the Lord. In order to become a Christian, you need to grow in Christ. Learn about Jesus.^{[8]XExpert SourceZachary Rainey
Ordained MinisterExpert Interview. 19 May 2019.} Believe that He died, rose from the dead as your Savior and then pray for repentance to the one, true God. You might say: "Father, God, I turn from my sin, all my wrong doing; I want to change, and I truly thank you for everything you have done and that I am now freely forgiven and saved from the penalty for my sins -- as a free gift, and you do place a new life in me. Thank you for your gift for me of receiving the Holy Spirit in Jesus's name.
God loves obedience more than sacrifice for His sake. When you obey what He said, you avoid sin and hatred. With sacrifice you give up something. Understand fasting or any other act of giving away something should be done with knowledge. Because Jesus said, "If you do not love one another, you are none of mine." And so, Jesus explained God's amazing gift to us when He was asked about not loving each other: 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' He answered, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of my children, you did not do it to Me. These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."(Matthew 25:44-46)
Reading on religion will help you, but it is only a beginning. You can find God by following in His path and keeping silent in prayers for some time every day. Jesus said follow me and "I and my Father will come to you and live with you." Be mindful and allow your full being to calm down as you sit to pray. In a hurry or with a lot of words, you may just do ideal work but to fulfill your purpose as a Christian for which you were called to be a Christian will seep in slowly as you don't talk, don't worry and trust yourself with Jesus.

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Being a True Christian

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If you feel the need for change in your life and want to be free from the oppression of your sins, then see God's love for you. If you want to learn to live a better life without the burdens of your past, then visit a Christian church and take a look at the Bible verse John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son [Jesus], that whoever believes in Him shall not die but will have everlasting life." This means that God sent His son to free us through our trust and belief in Him. Following Jesus Christ shall include going to Christian meetings with people of like faith, being Baptised, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as a sign of accepting your new life.
After you have accepted Christ by receiving the Holy Spirit, follow Him in your daily life by praying, reading the Bible, and following Christ's example. Walk in love, telling others, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5) the Son of God, who is Lord and Savior for everyone who believes, repents and follows Him. So, walk in the Spirit, and live to do good to others, according to God's law of love.
Reflect God's love by kindness, forgiving others, making peace, having a faithful and loving relationship with believers. When you come across conflicting views, don't go by feelings; judge no one harshly, not even yourself, and walk in Christ's Spirit. "Whatever you do to the least of my children, you do to Me" said Jesus. When you fulfill the purpose you were created for, you experience deep fulfillment, peace and joy even through the tougher times in life.
Remember that all human beings are incomplete, and sinful including you. There are many non-believers, but that doesn't mean you can't be friends with them. Be an example with your attitude which should be like that of Christ. Although Christ sat and ate with sinners, He taught and lead them to become saints. Think of Saul who once persecuted Christians was made Paul who became an iconic follower of Jesus. We all stumble in many ways. Remember the height from which you've fallen! Forgive as Christ God forgave you.
The Spirit of God, stirs faith, hope and charity. So, live in the Spirit, following truth and goodness and no one can snatch you out of Jesus' hands. Feel safe believing that God is your refuge. God's love is perfect and casts out fear. God created you to be joyful in life. Don't mistake Christianity to be a set of moral codes to live by that takes away happiness from life. Don't be ashamed, live freely, approach God at all times, come into a personal relationship with Him, and be transformed as His own. Accept God as your source of happiness with exceeding joy and He will lead you to find true happiness in Him. God is most glorified when you thank Him after you find you are most satisfied in Him.
Don't curse unnecessarily. If somebody says something that hurts you, don't let them get into your skin. After all, when the Lord Himself was accused of guilt (even though He didn't do anything wrong as He is holy), He didn't retaliate or even get angry. Act wise when someone accuses your faith or speaks unkindly of God. Jesus drove away those who made His Father's temple as a marketplace. Follow His example. God does not make mistakes. Don't think He did something wrong or bad. He knows exactly what He's doing, and all of His plans for you are good and attainable. If you walk in the straight and narrow path He places before you, He becomes your refuge.

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What does it take to be a Christian?
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Expert Answer
The word Christian has become an incredibly broad term. Originally, only disciples were allowed to be called Christians. A disciple is a follower and student of Jesus Christ. In order to lead a good Christian life now, one must be a follower of Jesus Christ. Know what Jesus did and said and obey His teachings. That’s all you need to do to be a Christian.
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How do you devote yourself to God?
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Expert Answer
If you feel God is important, you will be willing to invest some of your time and resources into knowing Him better. Dedicate a portion of your day to reading and memorizing Scripture, meditation, prayer, and journaling. Become part of a community in which you pray and worship with others who share your faith and provide mutual encouragement to focus upon God. Find a place of Christian service as a follower of Jesus Christ.
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How often should a Christian pray?
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Expert Answer
A Christian should “pray without ceasing.” You should begin your day with focused prayer, continue to pray in your heart as you perform your activities throughout the day, and retire to bed with another time of prayer. A conversation with God never ends.
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Read and be encouraged by inspiring examples of God working in lives of people who have become Christians and have received miracles and healings -- that can help you to believe what God can do for you, being a Christian.
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As often as you receive the Holy Communion -- as a gift from Christ, do so in remembrance of Jesus Christ giving His life's blood and body as explained by He, Himself, concerning the bread and the wine at "The Lord's Supper." "Holy Communion" is the Jesus for us all to live in us.
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The Holy Bible documents the redemptive works of God in this world. The Christian Bible is divided into two categories of Old Testament and New Testament. The Protestant Bible contains 66 and Catholic Bible contains 73 books, and different Eastern Orthodox Bibles have varying numbers of books. That difference is in the number of books of Jewish writers included in the Old Testament. The number of books in the New Testament volume does not vary but is the same among those denominations.
- The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels (the "good news") because they present the life-changing Gospel that brings you the new life in Jesus Christ. The book of John is generally recognized as a good place to start to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- The book of Revelations is the last book in the Bible and is a very interesting book to read, but jumping right into it can be distracting and scary by giving the reader only one large piece of the Biblical message that may seem to give mystical thrills, not whole saving faith that you need. Be sure you understand its place in the context of the Gospel before reading this complicated book of the Bible.
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