Learn About the Christian Faith

 

When asked this question, I have found that many answer, "Be good and kind to others" and maybe "go to church". Now, I certainly am not going to say that these things aren't good, but doing these things really is not what it means to be a Christian. If people think these are what being a Christian means, I have also found that they often feel that they have to measure-up in order to earn God's favor.

 

Let me tell you, there is nothing you can do to make God love you more than God already loves you. You are precious to God. And what I think God yearns for is to have a living, loving relationship with you and all other people.

 

This is what God sought to show us by sending his son, Jesus, who was and is and always will be the very embodiment of who and what God is. John said it very simply in his first letter in the New Testament -- "God is Love". When Jesus was asked what is the most important thing in life, he said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." It's all about love.

 

But some ask when they face a tragedy, "How could a loving God allow such horrible things to happen?" I know when they ask this in the midst of their pain, they're not really asking for a dissertation on God, but let me share just a bit here to help you think about this important question ... that has blocked many people from turning to God.

 

As I have already said, I believe God and creation are all about love. So let me ask you, if God pre-programmed everyone and everything to always do just what is right and "loving" ... would that be real love? Of course, it wouldn't. Real love cannot be forced, and God understands this very well. For this reason God took a big risk -- God chose to allow you and every human being to choose whether to love God or not. In God's design in creation, God also made the world in such a way that we would be reminded of our own inability to save ourselves ... which then points to our need for God.

 

For a fascinating discussion of this take a look at Romans 8:18-28. In this passage the Apostle Paul mentions that God can make all things work together for good, but he does not say that everything that happens to you is good in and of itself. To understand how this works, listen to verses 20-21: "For the creation was subjected to futility (something that is impossible for us to do), not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." In other words God wants you to face your own limitations in order that you might realize your need for God. God doesn't do this to be mean or manipulating. On the contrary God does this in the hope that you would genuinely fall in love with God.

 

A little later in his letter to the Romans (10:8-9) the Apostle Paul says, "The word of faith is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mount, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." There are several things I hear this saying...

Simply talk to God in your own words and ask for the faith to be able to believe that Jesus is indeed your Savior and Lord. And as you do this realize that God is adopting you into his family. This not a purely individual thing. On the contrary it enables you to become part of something much bigger than yourself. The Apostle Paul talks about this as being a member of the Body of Christ (See Romans 12:1-8). So, contact someone you know who is a Christian and ask for their help in becoming a part of Christ's Body -- I and our Church would be glad to help you. You may contact me (Chris Denson) at cwdenson@huffmanumc.net or by calling 205-833-7636.