Since we are gathered here in a church, I suspect that there are not many of you present who do not believe in God, at least to some degree. In fact, some of you may not be able to recall a time at all when you didn't believe in God. Others may remember a time — or perhaps several different times — when you questioned or even outright doubted the reality of this whole idea of God (and I'd have to put myself in that group).

But now, here we are, gathered in church for another service of worship. That may or may not signify that you have settled the matter of belief in God, but it probably indicates that you are at least open to thinking about it.

Would it surprise you if I said that as your pastor, I'm not terribly concerned about whether or not you have resolved your questions about the …