Is there More?
Today as I was contemplating my blog topic I decided to post on one of the most important things that has happened to me in my life.
Last Fall I began what I believed to be a “bible study” that I had heard was very good. St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake was offering it.
As a life-long Christian, born, baptized and raised in my Lutheran faith, the first few weeks did not jump out as anything above and beyond my current knowledge. The fellowship during dinner and our small groups was great. Later what I began to experience through the videos by Nicky Gumbel was the way he made Christianity relevant to today.
By the 4th week I could feel my faith becoming more relevant to my every day thoughts and actions. I grew profoundly as a Christian in the following weeks; my relationship with God was on a much more personal level.
Our God is a living God and he is with us today, and he will be with us tomorrow. It is so simple and yet it still eludes some that he is a God that loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us. (John 3:16) The price has been paid, how truly glorious is that! Our life here on earth is just the beginning, He has prepared a place for each of us in His Heavenly Kingdom. What joy there will be when we reunite with loved ones that have died. When we will be perfect and the pain and worries of mortal life are vanquished.
Let me share a bit of Alpha according to Alpha’s web site, including some information behind it -
People attend from many different backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. They attend for a variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church all their life, but feel they never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
Alpha is the course for everyone who thinks there may be more to life than meets the eye. It is low-key, friendly and fun – and is supported by all the main Christian denomination. The course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues related to the Christian faith.
The typical format is below:
· Meal – at our Church this was offered Free- Nice bonus!
· Video presentation by Nicky Gumbel
· Small group discussionThere are 10 weeks and a weekend retreat- no one is obligated to attend every session.
What The Media Says…
The New York Times
“A novel approach to Christian education that has been catching on nationwide.”Time Magazine
“…Many claim Alpha has changed their lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience.”Two Congregations offering this course locally are-
St. John’s Lutheran Church
625 12th Ave.
Howard Lake, MN 55349
(320) 543-2227Evangelical Lutheran Church – Cokato
P.O. Box 448
Cokato, MN 55321
(320) 286-5924
How can someone be born Christian? I know our culture often refers to it that way, but that’s not what the Scriptures teach. We only become Christians (”Little Christs”–a derogatory term used against the first century believers) when we accept God’s salvation and live our lives in grateful thanksgiving to his free gift.
I know this concept may be troubling for those who were taught infant baptism as a means of entry into “the Church”, but not all who claim the name of Christ are, in fact, Christians.
I’m glad Alpha has been helpful to you, and has helped stir your faith. I, too, was raised in a Lutheran church, and I benefitted from the best Christian education (both Sunday school and K-8 Christian schooling) and was confirmed at age 13. Although I knew a lot about God and his son (so many Bible stories and so many memory verses, for which I am grateful), I was never made to westle with the simple teaching of Scripture that we must repent of our sinfulness and put our trust in the death and resurrection of Christ if we are to truly receive his salvation.
As a young adult, I came to wrestle with verses where Jesus said “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” and “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”
While growing up, our pastor taught that the ‘water’ of that verse was infant baptism, and that the ‘Spirit” of that verse was confirmation. Jesus’ words could not have had that meaning to Nicodemus (a religious leader of Jesus’ day to whom Jesus was speaking). Being born of water refers to our physical birth (in a bag of waters)–even Nicodemus understood that since he asked how it would be possible to re-enter his mother’s womb. The second birth, that part which many Evangelicals refer to as “being born again” refers to a spiritual birth. Thus, we are born once of a natural birth, but if we are going to be part of God’s kingdom, we also need to be born of a spiritual birth, and that spiritual birth is only possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
These teachings come out of the same section of Scripture that you mentioned in your post: the third chapter of John. It’s well worth re-reading! May God encourage you as your faith continues to grow in his marvelous work.
Hicking Stick You are so right- I was NOT born a Christian- I was born a poor miserable sinner.
My thought I was stating was the fact that I HAD- PRIOR to Alpha believed I was a true life long born and baptized Christian (Because my parents were and they raised me that way) Perhaps I did not state that clearly- Thank You for pointing that out.
I do realize that at baptizm the Holy Spirit entered my life- yes as an infant- But I truely did not acknowledge the Holy Spirit and how it lives in me and guides me until Alpha. Hence I believe I was born again of the Spirit, when I asked the Spirit to fill me.
A friend reminded me – Alpha offers FREE Child care too- so having little ones at home, doesn’t have to make it hard to attend- Bring them with!