WeLcOmE to 2Neighis2B.NeT-About Him

So you want to know why I am a Christian and what it means to be a Christian? Maybe I'll start with what it means to be a Christian.

Here's the dictionary terms: a. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. b. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings. c. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
Pretty basic, huh? But being a Christian is anything but basic. Beleive me, I know. Rather than the flat, boring dictionary terms, let's use my terms: a. falling deserately in love with the Savior of my soul. b. Living for God in all that I do. Or at least, attempting to. Not for show, not because I think that if I'm good enough I'll go to Heaven, or that God will like me better, but because I want to be like Jesus because I love Him so much.
Sure, being a Christian means praying, reading the Bible and going to church. But you can do all those things without actually BEING a Christian. You can't actually become a Christian by acting like one. To become a Christian, you have to ask Christ into your heart and ask forgiveness of your sins. I'll get into that in a minute. What I'm saying is that a person can go through the motions of acting like a Christian, but true Christianity is following Jesus with all your heart, and seeking desperately to know Him. Why? Because I love Him. Why? Because He first loved ME. It's an adventure, and I love it!

Here's my story: I've been raised in a Christian family. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was young, but then I didn't really understand what it meant. I knew that if I wasn't one, I wouldn't spend eternity in Heaven when I died. That I would, in fact, go to hell. But there's more to being a Christian than eternal life (although it's certainly a plus!). There's a saying "God has no grandchildren" which means that you can't be a Christian just because your parents are. It's personal. I came to realize that when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I didn't really know what to do about it. So I started spending more time in prayer. And prayer is really just having a conversation with God. Like a diary, but He listens and answers. Which is REALLY awesome and comforting after a bad day. As I talked to Him more I got to know Him more. Just like in any relationship. But I wanted MORE. So then I started reading the Bible more, and now I read it every day. It's awesome. It's not just an old storybook. It's a love letter from God to me. It's full of poetry, adventure, romance, war, proverbs, and so much more. but mostly I find comfort in it, and I learn a lot about God and how to be like Jesus. So anyway, as a Christian I have gone through a lot of growing and learning, ups and downs, but God has been with me though it all. It's not always easy to keep up with Bible reading and stuff, but God gives me strength to keep going. Because I can't get enough of Him!

Okay, so I've given you a taste of what it means and why I'm a Christian, now I'll tell you how anyone can become a Christian. (including you!)
So, do you want to become a Christian, have eternal life, and enjoy your time in this world with all God has to offer? You may ask, what does it entail? And why would God want to forgive my sins, accept me as His child, and let me be a Christian? One word: Love. When I became a Christian, I became a child of God. He forgave all my sins, everything wrong I'd already done, everything wrong I've done lately, and everything wrong I will ever do. Cool, huh? Well anyhow, here I go: Are you, personally, a reallyreallyreally good person, or someone who's running their life regardless of what the Bible or anyone says? Doesn't matter either way. You won't spend eternity in Heaven unless you ask Christ to take control of your life. Even if you are a good person, it's still not good enough because God demands that we be totally cleansed from the inside out. He's holy, right? And what if you're a bit on the wild side? Well, the awesome thing about God is that he forgives and forgets. So it doesn't matter how bad your past is. He wants to forgive! The Bible says we all have a natural desire to rebel against God. (all of us.) This is called sin. We were born with it. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". (Romans chapter 3 verse 23, in the Bible) Even you, even me. We aren't good enough on our own. But, although we've sinned, God still loves us. In fact, He loves us so much that He wants to give us new life full of meaning and joy. Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10)

Salvation (being saved from our sins) is a gift from God. He offers it through His son, Jesus Christ. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) So, how can you get this gift? All you have to do is ask for it. (in other words, believe that God is telling the truth and trust Him to save you.) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

Yeah, it's that easy. No religious ceremony. Christianity isn't really a religion anyhow. It's more like a love affair. But anyway, all it takes to become a Christian and receive God's free gift of eternal life is a faith and a prayer. I prayed it in the backseat of a car. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing. If you'd like to become a Christian, just have faith that God loves you, that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and ask Him into your heart. Here's a good prayer to pray. Or at least pray one like it: "Jesus, please forgive me, 'cuz I realize I'm a sinner. I beleive you died so I could be forgiven, and right now I want to turn my life over to You. I submit to your authority. Come into my life and make me a brand-new person inside. I accept your free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Thank you for forgiving all my sins. From this day on, I continuously choose to follow You."

Guess what! If you prayed that prayer, you're a Christian. Your name is written in the book of life. But it doesn't end there. It's only the beginning of that adventure I talked about. Now it's time to grow in your faith like I did, and am still doing. This means going to Church. Why? Because we need support and instruction from other Christians. Find a local, Christian, Bible-preaching church, and visit every Sunday if you can. Also, read your Bible. Why? Because it's God's love letter to you! Think of it is a map for life. "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching , rebuking, correcting, and training in rightiousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thouroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, parenthetical statement added) I suggest you start reading in the new Testament. After you find a church, I recommend getting baptized as a profession to others of your faith. And of course, don't forget that prayer is important. It's just talking to God, whether you're lying in bed, walking down the hall at school, or wherever. God hears you, and he wants to answer your requests, questions, and comfort you when you're troubled.
Whew. That was a lot to type. But if you have any more questions, or just want to tell me that you've just become a Christian so I can rejoice with you, just email me! I'd love to talk.

Some help was taken from an article in Brio magazine. Thanks, Brio!