bcsco,
I am in awe of your post. I am a 47 y.o., newly baptized (Mothers Day 08) Christian. You said all that could be said. You are so correct. Our Belief is not about this world, but the next. The Word says what it says, and is constantly twisted by those who would see it diminished.
Welcome to the community of Believers. As we say in our church, “God’s blessings. Peace be with you”.
I’ll be 65 next month and am a life-long Lutheran. I’m not saying that because of conceit, just to announce myself. You see, Christianity isn’t about the sect, it’s your personal relationship with your Savior. We commune together to help support one another because we know that even as Christians, we’re still humble sinners in need of help. And, to paraphrase what Christ said “Where two are together, there am I also”.
This “humble sinner” stuff is all too often missing in today’s Christian message. But we were born in sin and will die in sin; unless, that is, we truly accept God’s grace through the sacrifice of His Son. That’s the gift He offers. And only through it will we find salvation. Also, there’s nothing we can do to attain that salvation. It’s freely given to all who will accept it. (If it weren’t it would diminish Christ’s sacrifice on the cross). For those who don’t (or won’t), they will be judged by the Law (which is God’s Law).
I don’t know whether Barry Obama is in the “don’t” or “won’t” category. I don’t know what message he’s been given these 20 some years from that Rev. Wright (except for snippets). But it’s clear he’s going to be judged by God’s Law. As will the good Rev. Wright.