I Love Jesus

A friend very near and dear to me confessed to me over the phone that he is now an atheist. When met with my shock and confusion, he went on laughing and giving me all of these b/s excuses as to how there couldn't possibly be a God. He tried telling me that evolution explains too much in order for there to be a higher power. What does this kid even know about evolution? He tried feeding me regurgitated nonsense as though I were going to nod my head and say, "Yes, Zak. You're absolutely right. How did I not think of that?!"

Really, Zak. Really???

I'm the one that got him into FCC to begin with. Did he really think he was going to explain it all away to me like that?

I recently started talking to some old friends from home that were follow devout FCC goers, and to my surprise, many of them are under the impression that I am no longer a follower of Christ. When asked where they would come to this ridiculous conclusion, all three of them brought up my departure from FCC.

I suppose I might have went slightly overboard. The verbal war with the youth leaders. Blatantly telling off the youth minister in the parking lot. All in front of parents, members, and youth leaders. But I was fed up with their views, new rules, and blatant disrespect for anyone disagreed with them. I had been attending that church for quite some time. I had very personal relationships with the youth minister and other members. I was more than willing to help out. I had been on mission trips and never missed a conference. I loved those people and respected them more than I did some of my own family members. I recruited numerous kids into their youth group. But things changed. I no longer agreed with the direction they were going in. And I felt stifled. I was no longer growing in Christ the way I felt I should. I disagreed with what they were feeding these new comers. All glitz, bright lights, and celebrities.

But just because I disagreed with their views doesn't mean that I turned my back on Christ all together. I tried a few other churches. None ever filled the void. So I started doing my own Bible studies. I discussed the Word with fellow Christians and non Christians. I wanted to hear as many views as possible. I took a few religion classes in college as well. I love coming across new Christian literature that stirs something in me.

I may not dress myself up and make the trip to church every Sunday, but I don't believe that is what sets a person apart as a Christian.

Sure, I make mistakes. I do things I know that I shouldn't. But I love Christ with all I have.

It really saddens me to witness those I love falling away from that.