April 97
1) A BEGINNING
Greetings. My name is Scott Coombe and I want to tell you about a life-changing event that happened to me. I was searching for something that gave life meaning. I was not satisfied with what the world had to offer. I also did not see any reason to really apply myself to something meaningless. I don't think I was alone in this area.
Three years ago I accepted Christ as my savior. Previously I know God had worked on my heart but I never gave Him any recognition. I had seen glimpse of His power and beauty, but I never acknowledged Him. Have you?
Then one day I was attending a weekend business seminar. On the Sunday morning function they had an altar call. I don't know if your familiar with these but it was the first time it ever happened to me. The speaker was speaking in words I did not know: wages of sin is death, salvation from sin through grace, etc. I had no clue what was being said but God was working on my heart once again. Sweat was pouring down my face and I made a decision for Christ.
I don't know if I can tell you all the obstacles I put in the path to Christ. I think the main one is the question 'does God exist?' I know if God existed there was going to be some sort of judgement. I also had enough sense to know I wouldn't pass. I was also scared that if I came to be a Christian I would have to obey all these laws and do things I really did not want to do. I didn’t want to give up my life. It all changed that day.
As I drove home that night I was amazed. I kept telling myself I was a Christian now. I made a resolution to never doubt what had just happened and never again deny God's existence. I have kept true to these but came close to losing it because all I had was my ignorance.
I was living in Eugene at this time and I know for some reason I needed reinforcement. An incredible thing was happening, instead of sleeping in on Sunday mornings I was getting up to go to church. Church was something I was very skeptical about. I had been to church a few times and 'experienced church' but it never had any meaning. Unfortunately this was no different. I visited about ten churches the only qualification it needed was to be within walking distance and has a steeple.
Boy did I walk into some weird churches. I saw men dressed like the pope with incense things and candles and a lot of ceremony but I had enough understanding that this was man trying to be Holy and not of God. I think if you expect something in a church: religious outfits, ceremonies, speaking in tongues, or a tight family unit, you can find it.
In the next six months I had given up on church. I had moved to Myrtle Creek and was trying to stifle God's influence on me. Then a new friend of mine, Lori, invited me to her church. It was December, Christmas time so I went. I fell in love immediately. There was a great worship and a lot of love. I had a great lady adopt me and another wanted to be an aunt. I met the pastor and he invited me to work on the basics of Christianity.
Needless to say I've been going most every Sunday since Dec '94. I now attend two or three bible studies and work with the junior high at church. All of this has come because I kept learning what Christ has done for me and I feel great love and gratitude to Him.
My latest project is a Christian newsletter. I want to put out a monthly letter describing first the basics then all sorts of areas of Christianity. I know how ignorant I was of the Bible and what God wants for our lives. In talking to my family I realized that ignorance is with a great many people. I want to share some insight as to what Christians believe without being threatening or shoving Christ down anyone's throat. If you know anyone who would enjoy reading this newsletter then send me a name and address and I'll include them. Are there any questions you are asking about God, Jesus, or Christianity? Please send them my way and I'd love to answer them.
I hope you enjoyed this and I look forward to more letters.
Scott Coombe
May God Bless You