To the editor:
I am writing in hopes that this brief explanation may help to cast light on some of the concern and confusion about Christian neighbors and believers associated with Youth for Christ in Leelanau County. Loving our neighbor is a primary call for Christians and is referenced in the Bible over and over again. We are not to judge others but to love them. As Christians who believe in the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, we trust that the Bible is the timeless, inerrant and never changing Word of God. Specifically, we believe that Jesus Christ, himself, is the Word: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God.” John 1:1-2 Biblical Christians believe the command that we are to go and make disciples. We also believe that God planned for each person to have free will. Determining your faith, or no faith, is a choice and people should never be coerced or pushed into a belief in God. It is very important for others to understand that an invitation to learn about and know God is just that, an invitation, an open door. As Christians, a key part of our faith is that we are compelled out of love to seek out and invite others. We completely respect the rights of others to decline this invitation and not be pursued if that is their preference.
Wishing our community a peaceful and joyful New Year!
