 | Rev. Patrick Notley is the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church located at 525 N. Broadway in downtown Wichita. Reverend Notley received an MA in Divinity at San Francisco Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. Born in Denver, CO and raised on the East Coast, Reverend Notley along with his wife, relocated to Wichita in 1997 to join the church, where he is responsible for Evangelism Educational programs. You can reach Reverend Notley at (316) 263-0248 ext. 22 or by email at pwnotley@firstpresbywichita.org |
QUESTION: My husband and I are in are mid 30s. We have two children. Neither of us have ever been baptized nor the children. We feel like something is missing from our lives but we're not sure.
We feel no matter who we talk to, he or she will proclaim that his or her religion or church is the best one for us. We read the Q & A Times each month and we would very much like to read your comments on our situation.
ANSWER: It is natural, especially as parents, that you feel this way. We all "have a God-shaped vacuum" in us.
We sense that we are more than biology and psychology. We are Spiritual beings with a need for purpose and moral guidance. "If a person has a why for his life, he can endure almost any how."
Thus: people are "religious".
And you are right: each of us will tell you that our brand of religion is right -or best. If we don't think so then we shouldn't be writing answers. So I suggest that you investigate Christianity as presented in the Bible. Decide at the start that you will not settle for a little religion to add to your lives. This won't satisfy your deepest need but might inoculate your kids against religion. A relationship with God is the only worthy goal for you and your children. Start reading the Bible in the New Testament at the Gospel of John. This is the fourth book in the N.T. and tells some of the life and teachings of Jesus.
The author tells why he has selected these events and words: John 20:30-31 "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples which are not written in this book, but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." So..... this was written for people like you.
Not knowing your religious background (if any), I suggest reading two books by English authors which are approved by most Christians: "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis and "Basic Christianity" by John Stott. These are
available in most libraries, or certainly in Christian bookstores in paperback. This is Christianity without specific denominational emphases.
You will find that Jesus taught that God is knowable, that He loves people and wishes us to have life here and in Heaven with Him; He has made us for Himself. But we are self-centered, rebellious creatures who sin against Him and other people. We need to be forgiven and begin being changed into the kind of person
that has peace with Him, with others, and with ourself. Christ is the key to meeting this need, as you will see in the readings I suggested. We need forgiveness and a perfect, loving Lord to follow. Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins and will forgive them if we trust Him as Savior and receive Him into our lives as Master. Then, His rising from the dead will give us confidence that we too will rise to be with Him in heaven.
But being a Christian is not a private thing. You belong with others who have this relationship with God. These are grouped in churches having some differences in activities, worship styles, and even beliefs. Many of the differences are not in essentials, but some are serious differences. Be sure that you find one where the emphasis is on knowing God through Jesus Christ and has people who are serious about this. Becoming a Christian is somewhat like getting married. It is very personal, but
not private. Public baptism is like a public marriage; a "secret marriage" is a contradiction in terms.
You may also look for an opportunity to join a small group for Bible study and sharing of needs and joys....a prayer-and-share spiritual family. Many churches have these in Sunday School classes, others in "cell" groups or neighborhood Bible studies. In such groups we discover that we have joined a family. And your children need to be with peers who are seeking to follow the Lord. They are growing up in a dangerous world, where temptations to actions with disastrous consequences are presented to them constantly. They need to see joy accompanying obedience to a living Lord.
I will pray that you carry through with this and that God will lead you to the right church.