My story illustrates the symptoms. I was born into a “Christian” family. We believed in God and attended church when convenient— and always on Christmas or Easter. And when we did attend, it was always boring. 1 Groeschel, Craig; Groeschel, Craig. The Christian Atheist: When You Believe in God But Live as if He Doesn’t Exist (pp. 17-18). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
No, it’s not my story. It’s Craig Groeschel’s. It could also be yours.
If you’re thinking – “I can relate to that feeling”. Being born into a “Christian family” doesn’t make one a good Christian. In fact, being born into what the book describes as a “Christian family” can really turn people off.
Now – if you’re thinking – “Wow – that’s really me!” –
then you should also consider this:
Craig Groeschel is the founder and senior pastor of Life.Church which is considered the largest church in the United States with twenty five locations in seven states.
Craig Groeschel turned into the pastor of an extremely successful church.
If he did that – starting off with feelings like these – where could you end up?
Don’t live the “Christian” life of your family and friends – the “Christian” life that you don’t want.
Do live the true Christian life that Jesus offers.
How This Became Personal
I wrote this back in 2016. That’s when I thought, No, it’s not my story. It’s Craig Groeschel’s. It could also be yours.
Now, I realize part of it is my story. As I reflected on his story, I remembered something God had been doing in me long before I recognized it.
Me and my brother used to get dragged to church when we were little. Christmas and Easter, sure. But it also felt like the hottest days of the year as well. It also felt, even in early grade school, it had nothing to do with our lives.
Decades later though, I remembered something. Two passages. One was a single verse.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit 🔍
…
Jn 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
…
and
Ask, Seek, Knock 🔍
7:7-11 pp — Lk 11:9-13
Mt 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Mt 7:9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
I couldn’t remember what book they were in, let alone which passage. I just knew there were two things I thought back then, in second grade:
- I wanted that peace. No that I knew how awesome it would turn out to be – I only knew I wanted some peace. Even then.
- When those highlighted questions came up from what turned out to be Matthew 7:9-11, I thought, “Mine would”. And I wanted that Father.
And now? I have that Father. And I’ve had, and I know that peace.
No, I’m not a Pastor. But I’ve been writing and publishing online for at least 15 years. Plus, I’ve been leading the adult Bible Study at church for nearly that long.
If you haven’t caught on yet, part of the reason I write is to let people know that the “brand” of Christianity that so many of us can’t stand – it’s not the Christianity that Christ taught and that bears His name. Jesus’ Christianity truly is Good News – especially for those of us who need it so much!
Footnotes:
- 1Groeschel, Craig; Groeschel, Craig. The Christian Atheist: When You Believe in God But Live as if He Doesn’t Exist (pp. 17-18). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
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