Hello ,

In a recent (2014) interview, actress and social activist Susan Sarandon talked about having long-given up on "organized religion." Sarandon who "nurtures her spiritual self" by practicing meditation had this to say on what drove her away from the church:

I was in trouble from the very beginning in school, not because I was a rebel but because I asked what were deemed to be inappropriate questions. I remember in third grade being told that the only people who were really married were those married in the [church]. I said, "Then, how were Joseph and Mary married, because Jesus didn't create the church till later?" Original sin didn't make any sense to me ... And, as I got older, a wrathful God didn't make any sense, or a God that would condemn someone to hell for their sexual orientation.

But at the close of the interview, Sarandon confessed, "The only thing I'm really afraid of is death. I still haven't gotten to the point where I think that's cool."*

Ms. Sarandon is not unlike so many people out there in the world that you and I encounter everyday.  She has questions, received answers that didn't make sense to her, and seems to be still searching for something "out there" that will give her the peace that passes all understanding...whether she may recognize that or not.  If she admits that she's still afraid of death, she has definitely not found what Jesus promised so long ago.

How do we reach out to people with questions like her?  How can we even hope to bring something to them that will make sense?  Can we merely reel off some "pat" answer to their legitimate questions regarding life?  Will it do any good to hand them some material about what we believe?

I'm of the opinion that amazing things can happen through prayer, and through loving interaction with others.  Jesus said the He is the way, the truth, and the life. Would anything but a real encounter with Him bring any lasting change to anyone?  

When we allow Him to work in us and through us,  I believe that people can see it written on our faces.  It shows in the way that we talk, and in the manner in which we conduct ourselves during the mundane, "daily-days" of life.  It's not out-there somewhere, it has to be "in here," in the inner most part of our beings.

People have questions.  Spiritual questions.  Are we effectively showing them "The Answer?"

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word