Every movement attracts imitations and counterfeits. Christianity is no exception.
Being a Christian is not the same as
being a member of a big church (though big churches want you to think it is),
giving lots of money to charitable causes (though charitable causes want you to think it is),
living a better life than other people (though people who think they're better than others want you to think it is).
The Bible defines "Christians" in Acts 11:26, "the disciples were called Christians." A Christian is a disciple, a follower, of Jesus Christ. His teachings don't authorize big institutions, or organizational hierarchies, or power politics. What does he require of his followers?
He wants us to understand that we have broken God's law and must repent of our sin. "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," Luke 13:3,5.
He wants us to recognize that he died to redeem us from our sin. "The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many," Matthew 20:28.
He wants us to know that he rose from the dead, victorious over the power of sin and hell. "I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father," John 10:17,18.
He wants us to receive his free offer of salvation. "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life," John 5:24.
He wants us to expect that when we follow him, he will give us spiritual power to live lives that exalt him. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me ... unto the uttermost part of the earth," Acts 1:8.
He wants us to love other Christians and care for them. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them," Matthew 18:20.
Becoming a Christian is a personal transaction between you and the Lord Jesus, but it will make you a member of his body, the company of those who seek to follow him in simplicity and sincerity. If we can help you on your pilgrimage, please feel free to contact us at the email address below.