My "Religious" Excursion

Believe it or not - today I entered a Roman Catholic Church for the first time in my life. I was waiting in the church's garden studying for my two finals tomorrow, and I decided to wander into the sanctuary.

The first thing I noticed were the kneeling benches in the pews. I couldn't help thinking how amazing those would be at Parker Hill. Evangelical Churches just don't have kneeling benches. Why not?

The next thing I noticed was the unbelievable architecture of the building itself. I immediately crossed my arms behind me in respect for the grandeur that surrounded me. The decor is insane - I couldn't help but stand in awe at the majesty of Jesus Christ as he stared at me from the largest crucifix I've ever seen in my life.

Strange, the Christ I know isn't on the cross anymore.

The choir loft and the organ are placed behind the congregation up on a second level balcony. The congregation doesn't get distracted from the worship leaders. How cool is that?

There were about 10-12 marble carvings that encircled the sanctuary telling the story of Christ's death. As I followed these marble carvings, I ran into Mary's Altar. There she was - the Mother of Christ. Oddly enough - across from Mary's Altar was a statue of Christ himself.

There was NO prayer altar for Christ. Only Mary.

That broke my heart.

In a sense, I wish that I had more respect, awe, fear, and trembling when I go to church. This building fostered an incredible sense of respect, awe, fear, and trembling. I would be a fool to not acknowledge this spiritual weakness in my life. In that sense, I wish I was Catholic - to foster that respect, awe, fear, and trembling before God.

There's a problem though...

My God is alive - no longer on the cross.
My God paid the price - I don't have to.
My God answers my prayers - not Mary.

The Glory of Jesus Christ

My church - Parker Hill Community Church - has been going through a study of the Trinity over the past few weeks. Today we started focusing on God the Son - Jesus Christ.

I've never been so enthralled with Christ my Savior as I was this morning.

Colossians 1:15-18, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things were created BY him and FOR him.

He is before all things and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead,

so that in everything he might have the supremacy."

That's MY God.