Christianity and the Church
What is a Christian
A Christian is someone who believes in God and Jesus Christ as the son of God. A Christian also believes in the bible and in trying to follow God’s commandments here on earth.
Hang on, that’s a very broad description.
Yes it is, there are many different ways of understanding the bible, and many different ways Christians worship God. Many centuries ago, Christians decided what the basic points of faith were that meant you were a Christian. Most churches have adopted this statement – called a creed.
There are other creeds, but this is the original one.
Notice that the creed doesn’t say how we are to worship God or how we are to follow his commandments. Well that’s because there isn’t just one way. Different churches look, sound and feel different. Different styles of church suit different people. We’re all Christians though, in the end.
What is the Church?
The church is both the building and a group of Christians who worship together. Most Christians are members of a church and meet together in a particular building. Not all Christians meet in a church building though, some meet in each others homes, some meet outside – they are still the church.
What do you believe?
At St Matthews we believe the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is Good News, because it encourages each one of us to realise that God loves us, that he has gone out of his way to meet us in the person of his Son, in whom he accepts us as we are. He asks us to draw on his strength to live life to the full, and to bring healing to the world.
I want to pray, how do I do it?
Praying is simply talking to God, and so there is no special formula that you must use. Jesus gave us a good example of prayer to use.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
If we break that down we are following a prayer pattern we call
A. Adoration – accepting that God is the most powerful and that we love Him.
C. Confession – saying sorry for the mistakes we have made and asking for forgiveness.
T. Thanksgiving – saying thank you for all the good things we have received.
S. Supplication – Asking for God’s help with something in particular.
I’m not sure I believe in the Bible, can I still come to church?
Absolutely, everyone is always welcome to come to church at St Matthews. If you do decide to come, make yourself known to the welcomers at the door and they will offer any help you need.
Believing is a journey. No matter where on that journey you are, you will be welcome here.
Links
https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/faith/what-is-a-christian
Prayer
https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/faith/prayer
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/lords-prayer
https://www.24-7prayer.com/how-to-pray/help-me
Bible
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/read/eng/NRSV/Luke/1