Tim, To be a Christian is to believe in Christ. It has nothing to do with an icon or church membership or for that matter baptism. The thief on the cross was not baptized. I am not saying it is not a thing that we should do but rather it is for a witness to others.
God looks on the heart:
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
There is no doubt in my mind what has been in your heart and I am sure, beyond any doubt, that God knows and approves also.
I am very happy that your life is better now that you and your wife are in church together. I do not believe it is as much you are in church but rather that you are together.
I have been in church all my life but Jesus Death for remission of sins, His Burial for change and His Resurrection for our Eternal Life, is the Only thing that has ever made me feel like I am worthy of being His Child. All because I believe in what He did for me.
I pray this Easter season that you will experience far more than you have ever imagined.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/a/alasand.htm
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
[
originally, For such a worm as I?]
Refrain
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine
And bathed in its own blood
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creatures sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can neer repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
Tis all that I can do.
Carol