There is a story of a farmer who went to hear a noted professor of religion. The professor proved:

• that the resurrection was impossible
• that the story of Jesus was constructed by a well-meaning but misguided group of believers
• that the myth of Jesus as the Son of God is useful for instilling social values, but it is really just a myth

The farmer stood up and took the first bite of his apple. "I have one (CRUNCH CRUNCH) question."

The professor told him to continue.

The farmer finished the apple, threw away the core and asked, "The apple I just ate, was it sweet or sour?"

"You ate the apple, " replied the professor. "How would I have that information unless I had at least one bite of it?"

"Exactly," stated the farmer. "And for the same reason, it is clear that you do not know the Jesus I know."

Religion, including the religion of atheism, is about agreeing with someone else's opinion of God.

Jesus taught us to seek a personal relationship with God. He said we could do this by passing through the door He opened. This door takes us through the limitations of our senses and into the light and love of God's presence.

Through Jesus I have started this journey.

When I finally agreed to hand over all the trappings of religion and to really seek the face of God, I found a joy, peace and strength that I cannot begin to express. I am sure beyond any shadow of a doubt that God is and that He rewards those who seek Him by bringing them into His presence. I am inviting you to begin your own journey to know him.

The first step for most of us is unloading the baggage of religion. That means setting aside all that we think we know about God.

This is the part where I'm going to ask you to trust me as one who has already started the journey. All you need to do is ask God to show you what to do next and then follow as He shows Himself to you. Prayer is just talking to God (out loud or in your mind). You can even start out like this: I'm not sure I believe in You, God. But if You are there, I want to know You. Show me what is true about You.

God will not turn down an honest request to know Him. You'll have to work a bit to keep your request honest though. Listen for God's answer to you and follow through on what you know you should do next.

If you don't want to be influenced by my story, stop reading here. You can come back after you and God have worked things out. If you are not afraid of my influence, read on. You don't have to believe what I say - just believe what God shows you in your own spirit.

Many people think that Christians are people who try to be more righteous that others. Real Christianity (following Jesus' teachings in a personal relationship with Him) teaches us that our righteousness comes from our relationship with Jesus - not from anything we do or don't do.

Christians are free to do anything but instructed not to do anything that would hurt another person, themselves or the world that God created for us. A Christian who is really following Jesus will know that he/she is a work in progress. Far from perfect but righteous in God's sight through the work of Jesus.

This poem by an unknown author says what I want to say about Christianity (real Christianity, not the religious version) much better than I could say it.

When I say I am a Christian

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting, "I am saved."
I'm whispering, "I get lost."
I need help along the way.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I am weak
I need strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
Which is why I seek HIS name.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority
I only know I'm loved.

--Author unknown.

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