I was just returning to my walk with the Lord when...

I was just returning to my walk with the Lord when I was searching for a church family to call home. A few colleagues of mine were members and I decided to check it out. The first time was a little overwhelming because I had never been in this type of environment before (coming from a particular religion that I discontinued at age 15). I never thought I'd actually LOVE attending church. It's so much different than what a religious church could offer. "Come as you are" is absolutely the atmosphere I have recognized there. If you need answers, this is the place to be. It really solidified my belief in Christ and I couldn't be more thrilled that I've been born-again in this experience. I was baptized for the first time ever in my life. It's been beautiful and I feel fulfilled now that I have Jesus with me all the time.

There are some folks commenting about the church being "money hungry". I don't think they realize how much it takes to maintain a structure that has about 3,000 people in and out of it every Sunday. They have NEVER demanded money and I have never felt like I absolutely needed to contribute something. It is encouraged, but they clearly say that if you can't, that's ok! Keep praying to God that someday you will be able to have some extra to help out His church. Tithing is in the Bible so I'm not even going to touch that, but just the cost of running such a wonderful place does require some help. I pray for those who only see through a small frame and not the big picture. I pray that their walk continues and that they can really see what God wants them to see. He needs us to help Him build His church.

Also, I've never heard any condemning of another religion. Pastor has simply talked about what it really takes to be saved. And it's simply believing in your heart that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and confess it with your mouth. That's it. Listen to the song "The God I know" by Love & The Outcome. The first few verses explain why religion isn't what God wanted for us. We'll never be perfect, and that's ok. As long as we believe and honor Jesus, as long as we do what we can to try and help others to believe as well, that's really all God wants. For us to lean on HIM. Only. And all of the time. We can't do anything without Him. He loves us so much. I'm SO blessed to finally know these things and pray God can use me for what He needs to help others come to know Him, too.

Thank you God for leading me to Abundant Life Christian Center. I see this as my home for quite some time.