BELIEVING IN GOD ISN'T FOR SISSIES

Satan has tried to deal a lethal blow to God's system.  He has done so by intimidation to the extent that those who ponder the idea of whether faith is legit tend to back off due to noting our anemic style.  Christianity, overall, is misread by those who too easily dismiss us.  They see us as timid, silly, fearful, and unnecessary.  The problem with this is that much of their evaluation is accurate.

To many, ministers are believed to be the weakest of any community, churches are assumed to be mainly for women, and ministry is viewed as projects for the do-gooders.  Nice is how the church of Christ is perceived by those who are not so sure about us.

But the truth is that following the real Jesus in real faith is not easy terrain.  For one, the paragraph above describing the assumption toward us is difficult enough.  And while there is an abundance of just be nice, don't be radical, and stay out of trouble sorts of faith among us, God calls believers to risky depths.

I look forward to seeing what God does with the new-found attention of Ebola recovered Dr. Kent Brantly. This man has a message from God and the world is rushing to give him a microphone.  Get ready.  Talk shows, magazine interviews, speaking engagements, books and a movie or two are in the works....by faith I think this to be true.

Wonderful!

Skeptics, I believe, wonder about the reality of God.  These endure hardships and disappointments just as all do.  Of course, the big question of looming death is on every person's mind; whether homeless, celebrity, or in the middle.  Death is an issue that only the one resurrected from the dead can solve.  That would be Jesus, the one whom calendars continue to date themselves two thousand fourteen years since his birth.

So I speak to those very good people who are not so sure about churches and those who lead them.  I don't blame you.  I came from such a background of wondering if the lot of us weren't suspect.  I found out we are...but in a good way.  We are stumped by life's twists and turns.  We have found we cannot do life without God.  We are courageous enough to admit it.

Therefore while I rarely promote a book, I do this time.  John Alan Turner's Crazy Stories Sane God is written with exciting simplicity.  I believe everyone would benefit from the remarkable way he fits words and phrases which sets the heart on fire.  I urge you to order a copy as both believers and seekers will be blessed.

Believing in God isn't for sissies.  It takes focus, concentration, and eventual sacrifice to dare be bold enough to give faith a shot.  Go for it.