Faith
When I First Focused on What It All Means ...
When I was a teenager living on Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, my father, Pop, would take us each Sunday to a Presbyterian Church in the north part of the city. The pastor was Dr. Ray Campbell. Each Sunday during the service we would all recite the mission of that church ... a statement that included the thought that God created each of us to seek to find His will in our life ... and then to DO IT!
That fundamental thought sort of stuck with me despite the wild and crazy days of High School, College and early AF career.
My faith matured the most when I fathered Christine & Monty with my first wife Barbara; then later married Cathy and was blessed with two more children: Stephanie & Jennifer.
While I understand other viewpoints, I am deeply pro-life and believe that one of God's greatest blessings is the miracle of life. You cannot hold your own baby and not experience what God's love is all about.
My Favorite Scripture
John 20:26-29 NIV
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
What This Has Meant in My Life
There are many "religions" in our world. I make no judgments about yours or anyone elses except this: ultimately one's belief system has to reconcile issues like where did we come from, who or what created our universe and life as we know it. And given the many mistakes/sins I have comitted in my life, can I ever be forgiviven ... In essence it comes down to faith. Faith in what? Faith in who? Forgiveness? By who?
The above scripture reminds me that I am not alone in having normal human doubts, just like Thomas had. But my study of the Bible and the rich history surrounding many of the stories has led me to accept by faith the story of the resurrection of Jesus to show us there is something called eternal life after our human days are over ... and forgiveness for our many mistakes.
I hope and pray that readers of these words will find comfort in knowing that I believe we all can live lives that seek to love each other in ways our Lord desired for all of mankind. Selfish, self-centered lives are empty and void of the faith and love that those who put God at the center can enjoy.
It's really not complicated. Just a quiet prayerful thought asking God to forgive your selfishness can lead to remarkable blessings. Blessing that do not end when your life ends.
Is that worth finding out more about? If so, find a *Christian church nearby that fits your cultural preferences and go and allow yourself to be welcomed. Your life will likely change. For the better.
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Please understand the biggest single difference between Christian and other "religions" is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Worshipping Spirits/Nature/Whatever may be popular and helpful ... but is really not the same. Belief in eternal life after human death is crucial to understanding what it means to be a Christian. Such belief is not hypothetical ... I sincerely believe it is REAL!
If You Want to Learn More ...
"Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
Here' s a link to a wonderful classic book that I will be glad to buy for you as a gift:
Send me your name & address and I'll have this book shipped to you. Email me at: al.blair.buff@gmail.com