the pastors say you have to pray and ask Jesus to forgive you. But if I haven't done that yet, am I a Christian? or is that part mandatory.
2007-10-10 06:35:45 · 19 answers · asked by Not-so-angelic (MWAHAHA) 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, just going to a church meeting does not mean that you are "saved" or a Christian. You have to be a part of the Church. In order to be part of the Church you must Hear, Believe, Confess, Repent, and Be Baptized.
If you want more information on this please feel free to EMAIL me. Going to church though is a great start and a noble thing to do!
2007-10-10 06:41:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is so much more to being a Christian than going to church. Church is where you learn about God and all the wonderful things he has done and how he still works in lives today. Read Romans Chapter 10. It clear states what you must do to be saved. But once saved, you then become a new creature. You will change how you live, how you think, where you go, who you associate with. You will need support, love, and understanding to make it through this world. That is where church comes to play. Church is a group of people having the same problems as you are, looking for the same answers your are, struggling to be what Jesus wants you to be, and will support and share their victories. Church is a comfort, a place you can go where you are not made fun of, where people believe as you do. Asking for forgiveness is an everyday prayer. We all sin daily. We can't help it. It is the nature of the world. The best part is God forgives us everyday. But we have to be sincere in our walk with God. Keep going to church, keep reading your bible, keep talking to God, and you will know when the Holy Spirit fills your heart and you are ready to make a commitment to God. Bless you.
2007-10-10 07:01:53 · answer #2 · answered by deanna b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
going to church does not make you a christian, nor does a little prayer for Jesus to come live in your heart either. You have to have true repentance and give your whole self to Christ. You will change...not be the same you wanting to stay in sin but a new you desiring the things of God. If you are not desiring God then no, you are not a christian. If you are sitting in Church every Sunday and do not know what it is to be a Christian then I am afraid for your pastor. If you can I would look for a new Church that is teaching the bible and uplifting its members in Christ. I highly recommend everyone listen to this amazing sermon...It is a bit long but so worth it and will give you the biblical based answer you are seeking. God Bless
http://64.34.176.235/sermons/SID12975.mp3
2007-10-10 06:46:24 · answer #3 · answered by rayneshowers 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you had a boyfriend, and every Saturday night you went out together for a couple hours, would that make you married?
Before you are married, there has to come a time when the two of you exchange vows of commitment to each other, and then alter your lives so that are living your lives together 24/7.
It is the same thing that makes a person a Christian. There has to come a time in their life when they make that vow of commitment to Christ. That is done through prayer in which you acknowledge (or the King James uses the older word "confess") him as the Lord of your life. Then you begin to live together 24/7, not just on Sunday. (See Romans 10:9 for a verse that says all that).
Going to church is something a Christian does, like married couples spend time together. But it is not what makes you a Christian (or them a married couple). It is the vow (or prayer) of commitment which does that.
2007-10-10 06:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Sin cannot enter heaven, that is why forgiveness is required. Jesus paid quite a high price for you to be able to have that forgiveness, because we can't make it on our own. Why refuse such a generous gift? Do you sincerely repent for your wrongs? You will be freed of a very load that you possibly never even knew you were carrying.
Once you ask for God's Spirit to guide you, you will have help living a life that's pleasing to God.
2007-10-10 06:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to church is the least part of your walk with Christ. It isn't mandatory but you should want to. Why would you have a friend you never talked to. Following the teachings of Christ is what a Christian wants to do. Read what Jesus said, find out what his words mean to you.
2007-10-10 06:41:23 · answer #6 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Being a Christian means believing in Christ and following all of his teachings. It has nothing to do with going to church. Like someone said earlier, sometimes religion gets in the way of being a Christian (or something like that).
2007-10-10 06:46:07 · answer #7 · answered by Jacee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That part is the most important part.
If you have not done that, you are not a Christian.
Going to church has nothing to do with becoming a Christian.
You have to accept Jesus into your heart.
Then you try to follow Jesus. Treat others as you want to be treated. Read the Bible.
"Religion" can get in the way sometimes.
2007-10-10 06:40:57 · answer #8 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you have to ask Jesus to help you want to say that prayer. Your prayer may be as simple as , I know this is what I am told that I am required to do , but for whatever reasons I do not / have not done it. Please help me to find you and to love you in the way that you love me.
You have to say those words / mean them
there is not a requirement to go to church / but a requirement to be in touch with God
YOUR bible is your roadmap / set of daily instructions and processes / best standards for living . Your heavenly father has done it / seen it all and knows what is best for you / wants only the best for you
Keep praying / going to church and learning . You will find your answer.
2007-10-10 06:54:02 · answer #9 · answered by Mildred S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually- you're probably doing the most important part.
Enough studies have shown that having a sense of community, good friends and relationships make people happier (and healthier)
Believing in a magical deity that can hear your thoughts is a bit far-fetched for those of us who graduated the 6th grade, but going to church can be rewarding.
so- just do the part that you enjoy and that makes sense to you.
2007-10-10 06:41:12 · answer #10 · answered by Morey000 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋