A Christian isn’t a church or a denomination, nor one who wears a cross; but one who has partnered with Jesus Christ and embraced his teachings and his way of life. They were first called Christians in (Acts 11:26) Antioch; and this was not a term of endearment. We too today are sometimes looked down upon, talked about, and teased because we walk around carrying the name of Christ on our chest.

There is no greater group for us to be apart as children of God. If you are interested in becoming a member of the body of Christ, here are some initial steps to take.

1. Acknowledge your faults before a holy God.

Rom 3:10, 12  as it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; all have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccles. 7:20
Rev 20:12 Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

Rom 3:23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

2. Acknowledge your need for help from this holy God.

Matt 9:12  On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick people do.

Matt 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

3. Accept the finished work that Jesus has completed for you.

John 17:2-4  "as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.  "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

Col 2:2-4 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge

1 John 2: 2-3, 5  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him.

4. Begin the process as a child (spiritually).

Heb 5:11-14 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

2 Tim 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. Find a well balanced church with a bible teaching pastor and ministries that will cater to you and your family.

Acts 2:42-44 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1 Cor 3:11-13 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work

Heb 10:25 25 Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.

All scriptures are given in the NIV, except Heb 10:25 Living Bible.