1600 years ago a group of Christian Leaders got together to agree a definition of the essentials of the Christian faith. They came up with a summary of New Testament teaching called "The Apostles Creed" and we can't put it any better than they did. This is what it says...

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again,
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

1. The Bible is the Word of God and our guide as Christians in terms of belief and practice.
2. The thing that makes us acceptable for God is our faith in Him.
3. That God commands us to repent (ie turn around) and start to obey him.
4. The sign of that repentance is full immersion baptism.