There are many groups who call themselves Christian, but which appear to be different. Some of those differences are simply about the style of worship or church government. Generally speaking, those differences are not very important compared with different beliefs about how to have a relationship with God.

The key to understanding these differences is to ask, "On what authority do people believe what they believe?"

Some say that the church itself is the authority. Others say that the priest is the authority. Others say that God speaks directly to prophets, who then become the authority. However, the Bible claims to be God's written Word, and every lesser authority should agree with what the Bible says.

The Bible says that we come into a direct relationship with God only through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible explains how we can find that relationship, and how to grow as a Christian. That is why the BeaconLight team send thousands of Word@Work messages every day all over the world.

Of course, when a person becomes a true Christian (through repentance from sin and faith in Christ), they should become part of a church that teaches the Bible; and learn to worship, witness and work for Jesus together. The members of the BeaconLight team are all leaders in Bible-teaching churches in the UK.

BeaconLight is aware that many people are confused about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. We have therefore prepared a presentation on the internet, CrossCheck www.crosscheck.org.uk, which explains what the Bible says about Jesus and how we can come to know Him for ourselves. Do have a look at it, but note that it works best with a broadband connection.

You may be interested in another answer on this site entitled "Why are there so many different denominations?", which examines this question from a different viewpoint.