Wondering About God?

Plenty of us say we believe in God, and even say a prayer or two if the situation calls for it. But we may wonder if faith in something so abstract is rational. "How can I know if God really exists, and if He does… does He really have time for me and my problems?"

Most of us have, at some time or another, felt that there must be something more to life than just getting more money, a nicer car, a bigger house. Or, perhaps we’ve felt that if we could only experience this or that, we would have a sense of purpose. But then, after climbing the mountain, so to speak, we look back and say, “Is that all there is? Isn’t there a purpose to life, something that will give me meaning?”

Others of us might have been brought to the end of our rope by the stresses of life. It could be marital or family responsibilities, illness, infertility, money woes, the loss of a loved one, or something else out of our control. We try to put up a good front. But on the inside we know that, as strong as we may try to be, we really feel helpless. We long for strength beyond ourselves to help us cope.

Still others realize that the problems in their life are of their own doing. Whatever it might be, we can look back and see that we are living with the consequences of our own choices, and may feel we deserve the misery we’re living in.

These feelings of wanting help, strength, and purpose are all part of a natural longing for God and the desire to know Him.  When we have these feelings and look for these answers, it is a truly spiritual seeking. As you seek, consider the following: we believe that every human being is on a spiritual journey. We believe that you matter to God, and that the answers to your questions are within reach.

“I go to church regularly… Doesn’t that make me a Christian?”

It may help to make a distinction between having a relationship with God and practicing the religious aspects of Christianity. There is also a difference between an intellectual knowledge of Christ and having a relationship with God. Many of us seek God through a process of inquiry, and that may include church attendance. But at some point in our spiritual seeking, we come to a decision: will we trust in Jesus Christ? Faith is personalizing the message of Christ. It is trusting in what He did for us personally by dying for our sins.

The outcome of our faith is sometimes referred to as spiritual birth. Just as physical growth follows physical birth, spiritual growth follows spiritual birth. The learning environment found in church is an important part of the spiritual growth process. But spiritual growth follows a decision to trust Christ, and Him alone, as our means of forgiveness and relationship with God. It is this faith decision that makes us a Christian.

At Liberty Corner Church, we’re all about this spiritual journey, helping each other move toward God. If you have further questions about this exciting journey of faith, please contact the church via phone or e-mail. We would be honored by the opportunity to communicate with you, pray for you, and help you on your spiritual journey. We believe there is nothing more important than finding answers to these key spiritual questions. Here are some suggestions for you as you are seeking:

• Start reading the Bible. Start with a New Testament book, like the Gospel of Mark. You will begin to see a beautiful story unfold, of God's love for all people. Paul the apostle, author of part of the New Testament, describes this:

"In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets... His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:4-5, 10-12

• Talk to someone who professes to be a Christian. Ask them questions about what they believe and why. Write down your spiritual questions and present them to a knowledgeable Christian.

• Keep seeking after God. David, a king of Israel, wrote these words in a psalm about his own experience of seeking God's help: "But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears." Psalm 18:6

If you have questions about your faith, please feel free to contact one of our pastors.