ST PHILIP THE APOSTLE
SOUTH TOTTENHAM
Become a Christian
You might be reading this page because you are curious about what is involved in becoming a Christian, or because you firmly desire to join The Church. You probably already have an opinion about Jesus. Maybe you think He’s a great teacher or a prophet. Maybe you think He didn’t exist at all. Whatever you believe, we can probably agree that Jesus changed things. And we believe that Jesus wants to change you too, and that he’s paved the way back to God for you. Jesus himself said:
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. (John 14:6)
Trusting Jesus as the way to God is not an exclusive path to God, it’s completely inclusive. No matter who you are, what you’ve done, no matter where you were born or the colour of your skin, Jesus is the way for you to have a relationship with God. Everybody’s invited. Everybody’s included. Everybody’s important.
If you think you’re an exception to the rule, you’re wrong. Jesus loves you. Yes...you.
We are so happy that you are here and asking these question but we want to assure you that at no stage will we put you under any pressure to sign up and become a Christian or a full member of The Church. In fact, you may find the process of becoming a Christian somewhat slower than you would like… because membership involves making a firm and infomred decision to commit to God and to the local Church community, and is not to be undertaken lightly!
So how do you actually become a Christian?
You just have to follow a few simple steps.
Saint Paul tells us in his letter to the Church in Rome, that to be saved you need to declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God the Father raised him from the dead, then you will be saved.
Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Lord and believe that the Father raised him from the dead. That's it! If you do, you will be saved, and you will have started in your relationship with God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Don't I need to become a better person first?
No, you don’t. You don’t change in order to gain God’s love, you change because you’ve experienced his love.
When you trust Jesus as your Saviour, you walk into the fullness of God’s love. Gradually, over time, God’s love changes you as you follow Jesus. You change because you’re loved, not in order to be loved.
Through His death on the cross, and then coming back from the dead, Jesus took all of your wrong and gave you all of His right.
If you believe that and commit to following Him, your life will never be the same. It’s as simple as repenting of your sin, declaring you want to follow Jesus, and believing He is who He says He is.
Believing in Jesus is the first step on the greatest journey of your life. You haven’t finished the race you’ve just gotten started! The process doesn't end there. To become a Christian we need to come to know God in the Scriptures, in the Sacraments and through getting to know his Christian Community, The Church.
Read your Bible
So you want to get to know God. But how?
Start by talking to God...God hears you! But prayer really comes alive when you pair it with reading your Bible.
You can’t have a close relationship with someone who you know nothing about. It’s impossible. God’s word, the Bible, is the primary way we come to know God's love for us.
If you want to know more about God and His promises, reading the Bible is your next step. The Bible Society has some great resources to help you get started, or come and speak to us on a Sunday and we would love to help you.
Get Baptized
Becoming a Christian is one of life's most joyous experiences. To become a full member of The Church you will need to receive three Sacraments; Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. The first sacrament
you will receive is Baptism.
Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, cleansing, strengthening, and welcoming.
Baptism like all sacraments, makes visible an invisible reality. In other words, we use physical signs and rituals to express our experience of God and his grace in our lives. Baptism uses symbols of water, oil, and fire.
Baptism welcomes us into the community of Christian believers. It offers us a new life in which we become the adopted children of God, followers of Christ, and temples in which the Holy Spirit dwells.
Baptism leaves a permanent spiritual mark on our soul that makes us holy and opens us to salvation and eternal life with God.
To get baptized at St Philip's, click here
Come and Visit
The best way to come to know about the Christian faith is not by questions and answers, but by meeting with other Christians and hearing their storieis and testimonies of faith.
Likewise, the best way to experience God's love is to see it in action when the Christian community comes together to worship and to share in fellowship and service.
Being around other Christians is a great way to help sustain you on your journey as a Christian. The Church is waiting to pray with you and for you and to support you.
You can find out what times we have services by clicking here.
Join a Course
We offer courses to help you deepen your faith, strengthen your relationships, and receive support whatever life stage.
Please click on the links to see when the next course is being run and to register your interest.
Alpha
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith.
The Pre-Marriage Course
The Pre-Marriage Course is designed for couples considering marriage and wishing to build a strong and lasting relationship.
