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Question:

“I live in fear that the Lord wont take me before any other loved ones…when does this fear become sin? Does it mean that I’m not really a Christian if I haven’t placed this fear fully in God’s hands?” Did you ever hear of such dilemma? Am I losing it?

Answer: 

No, you aren’t losing it. You would be surprised how similar your fears are with many others.

I think there comes a point in life where you just come to a place where God is enough – that you drink deeply of him and are satisfied fully in him. I see your fear as something common among Christ followers but something, nevertheless, not excusable. God doesn’t want you to live gripped in fear – why? – Because he deeply loves you. You can trust that he has your best interest in mind  regardless of who does and doesn’t “go first”.

It is the love of God that compels us to ‘let go – surrender’ and rest (abide) in His strength, power and wisdom. This doesn’t belittle or undermine the very real pain of losing loved ones but it does give you ability to navigate the pain in a way that reflects God as trustworthy in your life. In simple terms – find your rest, peace and strength in Christ alone. All other relationships are just an expression of His Grace in your life but they are not the ultimate source of your well being — ONLY GOD can fulfill that in you.

Drink Deeply of God – How? By taking all your temptation to fear and turning it into conversation with the Lord – and remember that conversation is both ways – not a monologue but a dialogue of talking and listening.

I trust this helps you.

All is Grace,

Pastor John

On a fairly regular basis I will get questions on various topics…most have some kind of theological implication. I’ve decided to share my responses to some of those questions…of course keeping the names of the questioner anonymous. My thought process kind of went like this; I’m putting time and energy into answering these questions via email between just me and the person asking the question – why not answer the question in a broader setting and maybe bring answers to others that might have the same question but never asked? So here we go – I was ask this question via text the other day:

“Question on thoughts that have been picking my brain: Why is our “religion” the right one? What makes a person choose Christianity? I was raised to always believe that our beliefs are the only ones God approves of. Why not pentecostal, lutheran or catholicism? All claim to have the Holy Spirit…I want to know why I am a Christian. The research and reading I have been doing has confused me and has me questioning. So now I’m looking for answers in the church…hope my ramblings make sense.”

Answer: 

I don’t think in terms of religion, rather in terms of relationship with creator God. I’m always super suspicious of folks who claim that they have an exclusive market on religion, church and/or Jesus. Unfortunately, many so-called Christians claim that their way, style of worship, history, experience is the only genuine expression of christian faith…sounds proud and divisive to me. There are many sincere, genuine, and yes even right expressions of Christian Faith – like the ones you mentioned – Pentecostal, Lutheran, and Catholic. Yes, there are differences and some of the differences are extreme…but I choose to concentrate on what unites us rather then what separates us…in most cases we have more in common then uncommon.

As I’ve matured in my walk with the Lord I’ve come to better appreciate and value diversity within the body of Christ. I actually enjoy learning from other expressions of Christian Faith. I only part ways with folks when we disagree on primarily two things: 1. Divinity of Jesus (He is God in the Flesh) 2. Faith in Jesus as the only way of salvation (grace not works).  Interesting that most cults deny the divinity of Jesus and claim that they are the only way. Also any church that claims to be the only right ones (Unfortunately many do this) I raise an eyebrow to and say “Watch out for them”

Unfortunately, many grow up in the church by name and denomination only – and never have a real life changing personal relationship with their creator God – they are devoted by denominational and family history only but not by a living real relationship with Jesus. This can be dangerous because you can become cynical/wearisome of Christianity or maybe worse live your whole life in the church but never really know God – have the lingo down, serve, attend, tithe but never really cross the line – this kind of lifestyle only breeds self righteousness and hypocrisy.

Christianity has many distinctive’s compared to other world religions (IE. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) – the primary one being the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – it is this historical act that substantiates all that Jesus said and accomplished in the 4 Gospels.

I hope this gives you some food for thought and sets you on a healthy journey of knowing the Savior Jesus in a deeper and even more intimate way then ever before in your life.

In Grace & Truth,

Pastor John