"To Whom Can We Go?" I Corinthians 15: 12-19; John 6: 66-71

At some point in the last year or so, I read the John passage and thought that it would be a fun passage to explore.  Since I am between the stewardship series and the Advent series that will begin in two weeks, I decided to explore this passage.  I paired it with Paul's words to the Corinthians reminding them that they are to be pitied if the Christ is not really raised from the dead.

Leading up the passage in John is the following:  the feeding of the 5K; Jesus walks on water to join the disciples in the boats; Jesus tells the people that instead of manna in the wilderness (an allusion, of course, to the lifesaving act of God to feed the desperate Israelites), they have him, the bread of life.  Pretty heady stuff.

But, some of the disciples find this hard to accept and leave.  When Jesus asks the others if they want to go, Peter responds, "to whom else can we go?"  Is a powerful statement of Peter's faith in Christ, or is it the desperate cry of someone who has tasted the fruit of faith in Christ and realizes that nothing else will satisfy his hunger?

Any thoughts or stories about why you decide(d) to believe in Christ?

Can you imagine not believing in Christ?  

I'm not sure how this fits, or if it does, but I have been reminded of this news story I saw recently:  A hotel in the United Kingdom has placed a copy of E.L. James’s erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey in each room instead of the Bible.  Defending the switch, the hotel manager said, ‘”The Gideon Bible is full of references to sex and violence, although it’s written using more formal language.  EL James’s book is easier to read.”  Guests who would like a Bible can ask for one. Christian Century, September 5, 2012 (9)

Another thought that came to mind:  “I’m tired of playing by that dull and pedestrian set of rules, which has everything to do with a litigious, factoid-hungry culture and nothing to do with following Jesus.  I don’t come to church for evidence or for a closing argument.  I come to experience the presence of God, to sense the mystery of things eternal, and to learn a way of life that makes no sense to those stuck sniffing around for proof. .”  Lillian Daniel, when “Spiritual But Not Religious” Is not Enough (166)