1. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions

2. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ?

3. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ? Sometimes, well-meaning Christians include in the “package” everything that they believe. This can cause problems for some people sincerely seeking Jesus!

4. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ? On the other hand, Church history shows us that not everyone who declares that they “follow Jesus” is helpful to the Kingdom. Some essentials are valuable!

5. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ? Stating the basics clearly helps guard against those who make optional ideas a requirement of faith – e.g. “speaking in tongues”, no alcohol

6. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ? While “creeds” are important in defining faith, they often include far more than the earliest church required for belief!

7. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ? Sorting out the “essentials” in our own minds helps Christians explain their faith to others.

8. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions Why ask ? For many people today, the language we use to talk about following Jesus needs to be made more accessible.

9. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? “… come, follow me …” Mark 1 17 Tough Questions Change of purpose Jesus focussed

10. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? “… The time has come: the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the Good News” Mark 1 15 God’s authoritative rule Change the direction of your life Put your trust in Tough Questions

11. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? “ … you will be saved, if you honestly say, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death.” Romans 10 9 Public affirmation Put your trust in Tough Questions Acknowledged authority; God Resurrection of Jesus accepted

12. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? God’s promises have been fulfilled … … in Jesus’ birth’ life, ministry, death and resurrection … … after which Jesus returned to the Father … … His work is now evidenced by the Holy Spirit. Jesus will return at the end of the age. The “kerygma” (The Good News preached to Jews) Tough Questions The “kerygma” (The Good News preached to non-Jews) You are seeking … God is not an idol … Change direction … There will be judgement … … by the one raised from the dead.

13. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? (Implied) accept the message “Repent” (= change direction) Be baptised You will receive the Holy Spirit What should we do ? Acts 2 Tough Questions

14. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? (Implied) accept the message “Repent” (= change direction) Be baptised You will receive the Holy Spirit What should we do ? Acts 2 Tough Questions

15. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #1 There is a God, who cares about me one God … one God … … as in the Bible … as in the Bible loving us, as described by Jesus loving us, as described by Jesus Jesus is God Jesus is God Tough Questions

16. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #1 There is a God, who cares about me  you don’t have to believe that everything the Bible says about God is literally true  you don’t have to believe that science is wrong about the big bang & evolution  you don’t have to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, or understand the Trinity  you don’t have to have a perfect answer to the problem of suffering Tough Questions

17. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #1 There is a God, who cares about me Tough Questions Fundamentalist Fred Conservative Charlie Evangelical Eve Liberal Larry Post- modern Pippa

18. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #2 I have been off course – my direction, not God’s my choices have not been God’s best for me my choices have not been God’s best for me I have not been what I feel I should be I have not been what I feel I should be I cannot get my life straight on my own I cannot get my life straight on my own Tough Questions

19. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #2 I have been off course – my direction, not God’s  you don’t have to believe that you are a wholly bad person  you don’t have to deny the good in you, or the good you have achieved Tough Questions

20. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #2 I have been off course – my direction, not God’s Tough Questions Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour. In Your Name. Amen. What about the “sinner’s prayer” ?

21. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #2 I have been off course – my direction, not God’s Tough Questions Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour. In Your Name. Amen. What about the “sinner’s prayer” ? Jesus didn’t ask for this! We need to understand that we have fallen short – but the word “sinner” may carry unhelpful ideas.

22. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #3 God took the initiative - in the death and resurrection of Jesus - to rescue me I am welcomed back into God’s family through the death and resurrection of Jesus I am welcomed back into God’s family through the death and resurrection of Jesus Tough Questions

23. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ?  you don’t have to believe that your wrong-doing deserves the death penalty  you don’t have to believe that God’s greatest characteristic is punishment  you don’t have to believe that God had to punish someone for your wrong-doing  you don’t have to be “good enough” to qualify Tough Questions #3 God took the initiative - in the death and resurrection of Jesus - to rescue me

24. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ?  a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins  the punishment taken by Jesus  victory over sin and death  repaying the honour denied to God  a necessary fulfilling of the demands of justice  the way God draws us to ask forgiveness  reconciliation of broken relationship Tough Questions #3 God took the initiative - in the death and resurrection of Jesus - to rescue me

25. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #4 I must change course – God’s direction, not mine a decision to trust a decision to trust  you don’t have to promise to be perfect from now on. That won’t happen. But you must be willing to change, and to be changed.  you don’t have to have deep feelings of regret – simply to recognise where you are. Tough Questions

26. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? #1 There is a God, who cares about me I have been off course – my direction, not God’s #2 I have been off course – my direction, not God’s #3 God took the initiative - in the death and resurrection of Jesus - to rescue me #4 I must change course – God’s direction, not mine Tough Questions

27. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? Tough Questions

28. What is the minimum I have to believe to be a Christian ? After you become a Christian …  you find out more!  God gives you His Holy Spirit - who will oversee your process of growth and change  you are invited to be baptised  you embark on life-long learning Tough Questions

29. What is the minimum I have to believe to become a Christian ? #1 There is a God, who cares about me I have been off course – my direction, not God’s #2 I have been off course – my direction, not God’s #3 God took the initiative - in the death and resurrection of Jesus - to rescue me #4 I must change course – God’s direction, not mine Tough Questions