What is a Christian? Can a dictionary help?

I figured the first place I would look to find out what a Christian is, the dictionary. I know maybe the bible might be better but since there are so many denominations and they can't seem to agree neutral territory might be good. Here is what Bing Dictionary has to say:

1. believer in Jesus Christ as savior: somebody whose religion is Christianity
2. from teachings of Jesus Christ: based on or relating to a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Messiah, and acceptance of his teachings, contained in the Gospels
3. relating to Christianity: relating to Christianity, or belonging to or maintained by a Christian organization, especially a church

Well that fairly straight forward right? Do I believe in Jesus as my saviour? Well yes I do its true. But here is something I didn't count on. Somebody whose religion is Christianity. Now maybe they didn't mean this but I have a question now. Can your religion be Christianity and you not be a Christian? I really had to think about it. In the way I understand being a Christian once you are, your everything changes. Nothing is the same. Doesn't matter what culture, generation, gender or anything your over-riding core is Christ which helps you to be better. The question however still remains can you put on the religion without having it at your core?


Well ask the average church member. I have had some terrible experiences at the hands of other members and I know from people that contact me all the time I am not alone. There are two explanations of this. Firstly the church like any other place is full of hurting people like anywhere else. People who need Jesus who make mistakes and are still on a journey. Second reason could be that people have put on a religion but have not accepted Jesus.


That second reason is a dark bleak reality. I could be sitting next to people who have merely put on the religion for a number or reasons but really have not accepted Jesus. Seriously?! That's a harsh truth. I am gonna dig a little deeper to find out what makes a person a Christian. Because if it is as simple as accepting Jesus why does that look so different to so many people in different nations, denominations and places!


My quest continues to figure out what a Christian is and specifically what an Adventist is.

Genesis 1:1

It should come as no surprise that a pastor is reading their bible. But knowing how busy most pastors are it's actually tremendously difficult to spend time studying. The studying of the word is one of the most important tasks for a minister of any denomination. The reason correct theology for teaching. Seriously that's the reason. 

Have you ever heard one of those sermons that makes you think twice about the speaker. They say something that makes you feel uncomfortable for the wrong reason. That is because of wrong theology. Without diligent study it's easy to say stuff that's off key. So it's important to study. So I am trying this out. Here I am sat on a train....

Yep headphones on listening to Fred Hammond you know I love him right?! 

And I am trying to study. Bible open... 

Reading genesis. I know you think I am stuck at the beginning of the bible. Truth is I am. I think if you learn about the beginning the more the end makes sense. Seriously. 

Well something occurs to me as I read. Did God say plural or single in the beginning for heaven and earth. Turns out I am not the only one who has this thought as I discover online so I look for a translation from Hebrew to English.... 

Feeling like I should be enlightened I read on. It seems that heavens is always plural. So my thought is this. Isn't it great to not be alone. To realise that God is with us but he is also busy up there with lots of others who love him and made better choices than us. Quite frankly it made me smile. 

Christian first Adventist second

I describe myself as Christian first Adventist second. In terms of my faith. This hasn't been a challenge up till recently. I am challenged more and more on my Adventism. Do I believe? What do I believe? What difference does it make if I sign up to some not all? I dunno I really don't. 

So I decided after a conversation with my bestie to actually investigate this maybe get some clarity. Since I know that I am not alone I thought I would write it down so when I get asked I can direct them here. 

But here is thing in deciding to do this every time I try to post something goes horribly wrong. Should I take a hint. Like seriously is God using technology to stop me? Well I am gonna keep going and see what I do! I have been writing online and it's not posting. Quite sad really. Frustration is not good. But I guess patience is better. 

A new day

My name is Tabitha. I am Pastor Purple. I am a Christian. I am a Pastor. I am an ordained Adventist Elder. I am a member of the Adventist Church. I am a person waiting. 

Over the past few years since starting Pastor Purple and becoming Pastor Purple I have been on a journey to understanding who I am and how that fits with the world around me. I became an Adventist at 12 years old. Before that I was a Christian. In my late late 20's I went on the road to becoming a minister in the Adventist Church. In my mid 30's I became an independent minister. I am now thinking I would like to reconcile my life a little and move on to my next phase of work. 

So here is my challenge What is a Christian? What is an Adventist? What am I doing to fulfill God's calling in my life. So for the next year or so I am gonna look at that. I am going to ask as many Christians as I can find what makes them a Christian. I am going to do research into what makes people there particular denomination. 

In the end of my little study reading books and speaking with people I hope to be closer to god. That is my aim. If you come along for the journey please feel free to participate. Please be respectful if participating on this blog abuse and swearing will be removed. Thanks. 

Christmas Traditions

I didn't grow up in a house with traditions as such. We were all together and we watched movies and ate good food. No particular food had to be served other than roast potatoes yum yum. 

Now that I have a family of my own I really have been giving thought to what I want my children to have as Christmas traditions. It seems to have manifested in the following ways which I think are actually not bad. I wanted to give my children a taste of the values we hold dear as adults. Faith, love, charity and hope. 

First tradition is buying the kids Christmas presents in the January sales. Throughout the year when we see things the kids and their friends and family would like we buy them and put them down so that we don't have to rush at the end. Also means we don't spend excessive amounts or have to rush at the end and pay over the odds. Plus the kids have to trust their parents to buy what they would like. No lost for me ha ha ha. But the thing is that I am sure will get more difficult as they want more technology but for now it works wonders and if it's not broke I am not fixing it for now lol. 

Charity is the second thing we do. This year we got out all the toys the kids don't really play with and they picked the ones they would take to the charity store. We wanted to give it to a toy drive but couldn't find one anywhere taking second hand toys. Real problem when all they want is new ones. The children then took the toys in themselves and handed them over. Trick was in getting out the shop without then buying anything in the place of those handed in. I want to give the kids a sense of reality in the world. You might not be able to fix everyone's problems but you should help where you can. Even if that is handing in a few little toys. 

Now that I have energetic storms it's important to challenge them in a fun way. So we try each Christmas to play a game together. Lots of people tell me how wonderful this is so I am sticking with it. We never played games in my household. But others tell me it's fun to get together over a board game. While trying to teach my little ones how to lose graciously is challenging I am sure it will be worth it in the end lol. 

The last two years this is the Christmas book. Next year I am gonna find a Christian one to add to the mix. But it's definitely nice to have a story to read with no pressure. They really loved seeing this one again and lifting out all the letters and seeing what was inside. 

Our final tradition is going to church before opening our presents. I love the idea of starting the day with God and keeping that focus throughout. My little way of not being so self absorbed at a time when it's difficult not to be. 

So as you embark on your own Christmas traditions and Christmas celebrations I urge you to think about those who are smaller than you. What will they learn about life at the time of great excess by most of us. 

Have a blessed season 

The Crossroads

I feel at a cross roads today. What do I do with my life now. I am listening to God when he speaks? Am I following the path he has cut out for my life? In the end of I make a poor decision now will bite me in the butt for many years to come? What about my family? Shouldn't my family always be at the front of what I am doing? How do you do God first family second and not sacrifice the people on earth that you love? How as a parent can I ensure that I am helping to be the best witness of Gods love so that they can pick salvation while putting Gods work first? These are difficult questions. 

To be honest I am not sure I have the answer to any of them. Everyday one or more of those questions is a burden on my heart. Everyday I worry that the decisions I am making now will permanently damage those that are dearest to me. But what can I do? I can only do my best in the circumstances I am given and hope, pray and trust that it is enough. 

I know that at some point you might have questioned what your doing? Why your doing it? What the real cost is? But no matter what the conclusion of that matter  I know that Hod can, will and does give you strength to make the right decisions. 

God bless

Sunshine Sabbaths

So it's beautiful weather in my part of the UK. I know your shocked and surprised but its true. So I am thinking we don't get outside often what can we do outside on a church day. So here are some of my quick thoughts on sunshine activities. 

Church in the park

Lunch in the park 

Trip to the farm 

Trip to the zoo 

Visit an elderly member and sit with them in the garden

Get the kids together and play games outside 

Go to the beach 

Have a mini tent picnic

Train spotting 

Go for a walk

Fly kites 

Make kites and then fly them 

Bug finding 

Remember the sun is too hot for those more fragile so consider the fact kids and elderly need regular breaks. 

These are just done quick ideas. Stay safe have fun and have a brilliant weekend.