What Christians Believe and Do
Wallace (Shaun) Shaunfield Copyright 2013
Posted February 6, 2013
Christian Beliefs
There are many different denominations within Christianity that have variations in their beliefs. However, there is a set of core beliefs that are common to most all denominations. They are described as the list of essentials. A typical list of essential beliefs includes:
- God Exists; God created all there is.
- Jesus has two natures, one divine and one human.
- Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead for our sins.
- We are saved by the grace of God not our own works.
- The existence of heaven and hell.
- The Christian Bible.
- Jesus will come again.
Now various churches may have additional beliefs, but most are associated with specifics on how worship is conducted. I do not mean to trivialize the different beliefs but rather to focus on the fundamental beliefs of all Christians. If there is anything that sets the Christian apart it should be the love we have for God and each other. Jesus gave us instructions about love:
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important? The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31, NIV
Be aware that I have discussed just the basic Christian beliefs and that there are others which would fill volumes on theology. You may want to explore beliefs to a greater depth as you mature as a Christian, but be aware it is not necessary and it is up to you.
Christian Actions
A complete list of Christian activity would also fill volumes, so I will give just the most basic and then you will observe even more as you become active in your church. I will list the most basic and then give a description of each:
- Attend Church – this is the most fundamental for most Christians. I attend, not because I should, but I want to. In fact I look forward to Sunday morning for that reason. The reasons I attend include: worship and praise of God, learning about my God, the inspiration from the message and the songs, Christian fellowship and the place where I give my offerings to God. You should find a church which you are comfortable with. I recommend visiting various churches to see what options are available.
- Sunday School – In my mind this is second after attending church services. The reasons I attend include: Love through Christian fellowship; learning through Bible study and then planning future events.
- Bible study in small groups – I attend a neighborhood small Bible study group. Again, the reasons are the loving fellowship, the learning about the Bible and God and experiencing the joy that comes from being a Christian.
- Reading a daily devotional – You will find these in books and online. I receive a daily devotional by email from the Upper Room. I start the day with this and it helps set the mood for the rest of the day.
- Service to those in need – This comes in countless forms from working in a local food bank, to visiting patients in the hospital, visiting those confined to home, to working on a team to repair homes in need of repair, to working to help restore an area damaged by storm, to teaching Sunday school, to working at the church for mother’s day out or in the church nursery, to mentoring local school children, to acting as a usher or greeter for the church service, to going on a mission trip overseas. What you do and how much is totally up to you. The Bible says we each have our individual talents that we can us to help others. I have knowledge of building and repair of homes, however at my age I get tired after a few hours and need to lie down. Therefore, my personal passion is to help bring people to Christ and I do that by writing books and maintaining this website.
- Learning about Christ and God – If you like to read, there are thousands of books of all types that are educational and inspirational. This may be in addition to the reading you do for Sunday school and Bible study. I have a joy in learning more about my God.
- Reading and studying the Bible – Eventually, yu will probably want to read the complete Bible. Last year I did by reading The Daily Bible, which is a chronological order of 365 daily readings. However, I would recommend starting with The Story – The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People. This book covers the complete Bible stories in an easy to read format. There are 31 Chapters designed for one to be read each week. I am also reading The Joshua Code, a book of 52 key scripture verses, one for each week of the year.
I can only touch the surface of what Christians believe and do in just a few pages. It would take volumes to do a complete job, but this should give you a start to learn about God’s love, grace and mercy and begin experiencing the joy of being a Christian. May God bless you.