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> WHO IS THIS JESUS?
People who consider themselves 'Christians', or followers of Jesus Christ, believe a whole lot of stuff about God and interestingly, in a guy named Jesus Christ...
Basically... Christians believe that God, the only God, created the heavens and the earth and everything in them, including people. He made 'man' in his own image. There was however, an unfortunate situation involving Adam and Eve eating a certain forbidden fruit they had been asked not to. This threw a spanner in the works. Because they 'sinned' and disobeyed God, there were consequences. Sin entered the world, along with death and all the baggage sin and death bring. Mankind was in a sense 'polluted' and corrupted by his actions, as was the world. People would now 'die' because of sin. The relationship between God and man was altered although God did not want this, man chose it // Because God so loved the world and His people, He came to earth in the form of a man, the guy we know as Jesus Christ. He was supernaturally born of a virgin named Mary, born fully man but yet somehow fully human. He came to live a perfect life without sin and to 'die' for mankind's sin on a cruel cross. He came to be our sacrifice, to take the punishment we deserved, in order that we might be 'saved'. That is, to be free from sin, able to be forgiven, able to live under grace, faith, hope and love, in restored relationship with God. That we might live an abundantly good life with Him now with the promise of an eternity in His presence later // Jesus didn't just die though, he rose again and ascended to heaven, where he waits to one day return and collect those who are His when the earths time is up. Christians today wait in hope, living for God through the power and gifts of His Holy Spirit, sharing the 'good news' with those who don't yet know Christ as the way, the truth and the life. It's more than just a belief, it's a whole new way of living life, a life lived to the full on earth with God! Maybe it's the life for you?
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> BECOMING A FOLLOWER
Anyone on the face of the planet can become a Christian. All this requires is for you to believe in your heart and confess that Jesus is Lord (God, the way, the truth and the life, saviour). This gift is free, you don't have to earn it or pay for it. It's only by the grace of God that we can receive the gift of God. It's for you if you want it today.
It's important to recognise that making a decision to live life for God as a follower of Jesus Christ is huge. It's not just a decision you make lightly, it affects EVERYTHING. It will be hard at times, people might disagree with you or even persecute you. It involves sacrifice, living not for us but for God, rolling His way. It will however, be the best decision you ever make. You'll be part of God's family, once lost now found, restored, renewed, forgiven, set free, and God will be with you and for you always...
If you're ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour, you might like to pray through the prayer below and hold on.
PRAYER // Jesus, I come to you with a heart that fully believes you are God. I believe you died and rose for me, so my sin could be forgiven and I might have life. I confess you to be my Lord and saviour. Please wash me clean of all sin, make me new and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to grow in you, to learn your ways, and to share the good news I have found in you. Let's rock this life. Amen.
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> GETTING CONNECTED
Making a decision to follow God is only the beginning. The adventure of getting to know Him and putting His word into practice is an amazing life long mission. To get started:
// PRAY! Chat to God, He is available 24/7 for any and all conversational needs, requests, questions and rants so feel free to sit down and have a good chat. Remember that God answers prayer and speaks to us in different ways but he does answer and He does speak. Take some time to listen as well as talking and tune in to God. Go for it!
// BIBLE! God's living and active word. It's a world wide best seller in most parts of the world and illegal to read in other parts. It's packed with stuff from historical records, helpful tips for living, ethical and moral guides, prophecy, songs, letters, eye witness accounts, end times predictions, graphic violence, juicy scandal and more. Grab a bible and get reading today, God will speak, inspire, encourage, give you wisdom and deeply challenge you... A great place to start reading if you have a bible: The book of 'Genesis' or the book of 'John' or one of the many 'Psalms'.
// CHURCH! Join a church and get connected with a youth group of other young believers. Church is not a building or Sunday club but a living and breathing body of people who also love and worship Jesus. Having a community to belong to is great for worship, fellowship, support and growing in God. The Kingdom of God is made up of people with a passion to reach people so go meet the local peeps!
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> THE WORD AKA THE BIBLE
THE BIBLE IS A C OLLECTION OR LI
> FACTS ABOUT THIS INTERESTING BOOK
INCLUDES HISTORY, POETRY, SONGS, PROPHECY AND LETTERS
IT'S CALLED A BOOK BUT IS ACTUALLY A COLLECTION OF BOOKS
IT WAS WRITTEN BY APPROX 40 DIFFERENT AUTHORS
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN ARAMAIC, HEBREW AND GREEK
CHRISTIANS BELIEVE THESE WRITERS WERE INSPIRED BY GOD
IT WAS FIRST TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH IN 1388
THE COMPLETE BIBLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1560
THE OLD TESTAMENT COVERS ISRAEL'S HISTORY BEFORE JESUS
THE NEW TESTAMENT COVERS JESUS AND HIS CHURCH
IT IS ALWAYS A BEST SELLER WORLDWIDE
IT CONTAINS FULFILLED AND STILL UNFILLED PROPHECIES
THE BIBLE HAS APPROX 1189 CHAPTERS AND 31173 VERSES
THE LONGEST BOOK IS PSALMS AND THE SHORTEST IS 2 JOHN
THE SHORTEST VERSE IS JOHN 11:35
THE LONGEST VERSE IS ESTHER 8:9
THE WORD 'BIBLE' DOESN'T APPEAR ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE
TO READ THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR = READ 4 CHAPTERS A DAY
READ 12 CHAPTERS A DAY TO READ IT ALL IN 100 DAYS
SURPRISINGLY, FEW PEOPLE HAVE READ THE ENTIRE BIBLE
> BIBLE READING CHART
CLICK HERE
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> MEETING THE PEEPS
It's great to know you're not alone out there as a young follower of Jesus. Below are some ways in which you can network and meet others who believe in what you do:
// YOUTH GROUP IT
Some churches have a specific youth leader or 'youth pastor' who can give you information on their youth group and introduce you to some key people. Belonging to a youth group is a fun way to work out what faith is all about with a supportive group of other young people. You'll make friends, you'll learn about Jesus, you'll have the opportunity to head away on camps and activities, you'll have a blast. All you need to do now is either drop by or give the youth leader an email or call or text. For a list of Anglican churches and youth ministries in your area, check out the parish section of this web site ok.
// SCHOOL GROUPS
Have you checked out if there's a Christian group at your school yet? Definitely worth doing so you can meet those who share your faith in the place you'll spend most of your time over the next few years and the perfect setting in which to chat questions and thoughts with your peers.
// DIOCESE AND NATIONAL YOUTH EVENTS
These are great for hanging out with a larger crowd of young people and can be really inspirational and encouraging for you and your group. Check out the events below as a starting point and enjoy.
> SPRING CAMP
The annual Nelson Diocese youth camp where all our youth from across our regions gather for one huge weekend. More info under our 'Youth events' section.
> EASTER CAMP
Happens near Christchurch every year over the Easter weekend and attracts thousands of south island youth.
> GET SMART
A national youth conference with international speakers that happens in Christchurch every July holidays.
> PARACHUTE
The music festival of music festivals. A fair way to travel as it happens near Hamiltron but so worth it if you can go.
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