Religion

I had a much needed sermon at church today, and couldn't wait to get home to think about it. I have been struggling with a lot of church issues, and 2 of them were addressed. You know those times when God has put you right where you needed to be? Yep...that was today....I was really considering not going because Tim has the kids, and I'll be honest, sometimes it's just nice to be home and revel in the quiet when they aren't here. However, I bit the bullet and went to the church I enjoy, not the one the kids prefer.
The first issue was baptism. The church the kids and I attend together is one for a long time I have considered joining, but one of their policies for joining is that you are baptised as an adult, or a consenting child. Well, I was baptised in the Lutheran church as an infant, which in case you are wondering is considered a full immersion type of baptism, and have always believed this was enough. I understand what the other church is saying about not making the decision myself, but as a teenager, I was also confirmed in the Lutheran church, which is in essence the same, committing myself to the church and God, etc. So, I have had a problem with being re baptised to join a church. The pastor today addressed that issue for me, in a very clear, comforting manner.
The second issue is one that is more recent. I have been struggling with being saved because of something ONE pastor said to me this summer. It hit me really hard, and I've been wresting with myself since. Today's sermon also reminded me that as a Christian, and as one who has been baptised and taken Christ as my own, to go to Heaven, I need to just repent and embrace my baptismal promise. After all, grace is simply God's Riches At Christ's Expense. He died for me. He died because He knew I would sin. He died to wipe my slate clean. Wow. Ok, intellectually, I knew this. I told myself this over and over this summer. But it really took hearing it from the pulpit to make it sink in. God was there this morning. He touched me, again. I do acknowledge I've sinned and failed God again. But I'm forgiven. I'm still going to Heaven!
I also decided the reason I enjoy this church. It is so much like my church back home in so many ways. I need that consistency, that structure to feel embraced and comforted. The other church, although touches me and provides for me in other ways, does not comfort me. Now, I'm beginning to understand that church is not all about me. In fact, I'm reading a book by that title. But, I do think we need that from a church in order to reach out and church others. We have to be touched to touch. Am I totally off base here?
Anyway, off my soapbox. God loves you too!!! What a feeling!

Pictures later today (if I get the bills paid, that is!)
-Missy