Things Christians don't believe...
Many people think they know what Christians believe from things they have seen on TV or read in newspapers - BUT are they right?
Here is a list of things that people think Christians believe but actually they don't...
God is like an old man
Often people imagine God to be like an old man with white hair sitting on a throne in the sky - But God is not distant from us he is near to us and God does not grow old and tired like an old man but he is very clever, very wise and very powerful.
God is like a magic genie
When we pray we can't force God to do anything for us, it's not like rubbing a magic lamp and being granted wishes by a genie. God knows what is best and he will only act on prayers that fit in with what he knows is best for all concerned. We cannot force God to do anything.
All good people go to heaven
To deserve to go to heaven we need to be as good as God and none of us can ever be that good! By ourselves we can never get rid of being guilty for the bad things we have already done!
Christians shouldn't spend time with people who don't agree with them
A Christian may not like what other people believe or do but they should still love and care for them. God even said that Christians should love their enemies and pray for them!
Christians are the best
Christians are not people who think they are better than other people - in fact a Christian has realised that they are bad and need Jesus to help them.
You can be born a Christian
There isn't anywhere in the world where you can be born a Christian. A Christian is not a description of your nationality.
Church is a club to join
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian. Church is not just another club to join. Christians go to church to help them grow in their faith but they aren't a Christian because they go along!
Christians will believe anything
Just because Christians believe in a supernatural God who can do miracles doesn't mean they will believe anything. Christians believe what the Bible teaches about God and the supernatural. There is logic behind what a Christian believes - it is not that they have decided not to use their brain and reason.