ME - go to church, NOT LIKELY!
When I was a lad of 21 this would have been my response had someone invited me to church. My life consisted of girls, bars, fast cars and airplanes. If God had been driving a Lamborghini or flying a Pitts Special I might have taken notice of Him.
So here I was, completely immersed in the shallow exploits of the world, oblivious to a whole wonderful life that is common for those who are called the children of God. I wondered what kind of folks would get up on a Sunday morning, dress like they are going to a wedding and go off to church to hear a lecture. Sunday mornings were for sleeping in and I practiced this with conviction.
God assures us that He calls each of us throughout our lifetime. He tells us that He stands at the door of our heart and knocks, waiting for us to open to Him, and He promises that if we search for Him with all of our heart, we WILL find Him.
I was a rough and vulgar Navy man with no time for God. Then He called me. I fought, argued and complained, but in the end I could see the wisdom in giving up that which I could not keep (my life in this world) for that which I could not lose (eternal life). At age 25, I surrendered to Jesus. I was serious about God, and discovered that those who would be serious for God will experience life as they never dreamed it could be.
God began to chip away at my old self as He molded me into a new creation, commensurate of my new title as “child of the King.” I learned to pray, and have spent the rest of my life enjoying His friendship. I found God to be personal, gentle, sensitive and fatherly. I was quite surprised to find that Christians were having way more fun than I used to in the bar and could remember to tell about it! Before I knew God, I was often lonely. Since then, I have never been alone. Jesus became my hero and I have tried hard to become like Him. He gave me thousands of positively answered prayers, miracles, healings and wisdom that only He can give. God did all that for me, and promised that those who are in Christ cannot be condemned and will not be ashamed.
Now, I invite you to come to Church so you too may discover this new life in Christ. You might ask, who will I meet there? The people in our church are ordinary folks, just like you. It is a family atmosphere where we teach love, understanding, patience and forgiveness.
Do I have to give money? Each Sunday an offering plate is passed around. This money is used to pay the heating bill, maintain the building and fund programs and ministry to people. You are not expected to give money unless you want to.
What would I be expected to do? When you visit us, nothing is expected of you, so sit back and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, the music and the message of that day. We are here to love and support each other, not to judge people.
Church is where people of all walks of life come to learn about God, develop a friendship with Jesus and learn how to live a victorious life. See you Sunday.
Doug Greenfield © 2009