Believe it or not, I grew up 'in the church' but fifty years later, I still can't quite make heads or tails of all the 'sermons'. In a way, the 'presentation' has been made way too complicated.

I try to remember that it had to be so simple that even the 'woman at the well' could understand it. Even roman slaves could figure it out. And rich greek women (true) would get excited about it. Here's my take on it ... see if you agree.

1. God: First, you need to believe there's someone 'in charge' of everything you know. If you don't believe this, then probably you need not proceed further!

2. Wrongness: Your life is not what you want it to be. Almost always this translates to 'pride'. And that translates to all kinds of things going wrong. The religous call this 'sin'. More accurately though, it means not taking God seriously.

3. Fix things: You're not real happy and you'd like to 'get back on track'. Peacefulness. Confidence. You want to feel goodness inside. And after you die? ... well, not dieing! Of course!

4. Change: Realistically, you have to be convinced that what you are now is not what you want to be. And what God is, is what you do want to be. The religious word for that is 'repenting'.

Now here's the interesting part. If you know a lot of Christians, how many of them have made it through step '4'? I'd say not very many! I haven't met any, anyway. That brings us to ...

5. Being Perfect: You're just not going to make it without some help from God. Face it. Not even the 'Christians' will make it alone. So along those lines, God sent someone to help you out ... Christ.

6. Belief: One message seems to repeat over and over. You have to believe that Christ can help you. Else (and this brings us back to 'step 1'), what's the point? What's your other choice?

Now, if you're intelligent, and I know you are (smile), you'll want to investigate for yourself. See if you agree. My recommendation? Read what Jesus actually said. Churches are fine, but if Jesus Christ is the question, maybe you ought to review his arguments! Pretty simple. Easiest (and smallest) book to read: Mark. It was one of the earlier books and most straightforward about Jesus. Limited the mumbo-jumbo!

And want to discuss more? Have questions? Even vent a little? Sure thing! Send us a note. We're always happy to take the time! Meet, if you'd like.