Become a Christian
Maybe you’ve heard about Jesus growing up. Maybe you’ve heard His name, but would like to know more. Most people have some sort of opinion of Jesus and who He is. Many can agree that Jesus changed things.
We believe Jesus wants to change you… and he’s even made a path for doing so.
Jesus said – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes through the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” (John 14:6)
Jesus is saying that there is only one way back to God, and that is through Him. No matter what you’ve done in life, how or where you grew up, or where you are now, you can have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Everybody is included in this promise, including you. Not only has Jesus always loved you, He loves you right now.
How to become a Christian.
Many people imagine it may be difficult to begin following Jesus, that we have to somehow change who we are to follow Him. In fact, He changes us when we experience His love. It’s really as easy a a few simple steps.
First, know that everyone needs Jesus, even you.
The scriptures say “There is nobody living right, not even one” (Romans 3:15)
This means that there is no one that can live right with God on their own – we have all “sinned”.
The scriptures also say that there is consequence to not living in a right relationship with God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
After knowing this, there are really two things you need to do to become a Christian, which means a follower of Jesus.
Look at the scriptures again –
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
These two steps – declaring that Jesus is Lord – which means He is the king and ruler of your life, and believing in your heart that Jesus Christ rose from the dead (1 John1:9) and you are saved! You are now a Christian!
Becoming a Christian is the first step of the greatest journey of your life. But don’t stop now – you’ve just begun!
Have you recently trusted Jesus with your life? If so, tell us!
If you are still searching and wondering about following Jesus, we really encourage you to try out Alpha, a small group that meets in homes throughout Shanghai. Here you will meet others who are searching, and go through a short series of teachings on the basics of Christianity.
Get Baptized
Baptism is an ancient tradition, a public symbol that you have repented (turned) from your sins and have confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
The scriptures say that all should be baptized –
“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
This baptism is a declaration of the new life that we are now living with Jesus.
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:4)
Shanghai Community Fellowship would love to walk with you on your Christian journey and help you take this powerful step of baptism in our church building. We hold baptism classes throughout the year. If you would like information on the time and date of the next class, email [email protected]
Read Scripture
As a follower of Jesus, we should strive to know God more and live the life Jesus taught. There is no better way to do this than to pray and read the Bible.
When we pray, we can do so directly. We can approach God in the name of Jesus, and He will hear us.
We also need to hear back from God – one of the best ways is to not only listen when you pray, but also read the Bible, which is His living Word to us. This is an amazing way to follow Jesus on a daily basis. If you really want to know God more and learn about following Jesus, then reading the Bible is your next step.
SCF highly recommends downloading the YouVersion Bible app for your Android, iPhone or tablet. You can also access the YouVersion Bible on your desktop here .
We also recommend starting with The Book of John.
Worship, listen, make friends.
When you become a Christian and declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior through baptism, praying to God and reading the Bible are the most important things you can do on your walk with Jesus.
It is also important to worship (show adoration and honor through song and church wide prayer) together with local believers. Learn more about our Sunday worship experience here.
Another step on your journey is growing in your knowledge of how the Bible applies to your life. You can do this from listening to sermons (public teachings about the Bible). SCF has a team, led by our senior pastor, that teaches every Sunday. You can listen to the archive of sermons here.
We believe it’s important to make friends that will help you along your new walk with Jesus. Community Groups exist as a way for you to form friendships within Christian community, meeting other believers like you as we walk together with Jesus. Learn more about Community Groups, and join a group today.