1990, 20.4 percent of the population attended a Christian church on any given weekend. In 2000, that percentage dropped to 18.7 percent and to 17.7 percent by 2004. Rainer explains that while church attendance numbers have stayed about the same from 1990 to 2004, the U.S. population has grown by 18.1 percent—more than 48 million people. “So even though the number of attendees is the same, our churches ARE NOT KEEPING UP WITH POPULATION GROWTH.” Church researcher and author Thom Rainer.
Why am I sharing this? Because just as Satan LIED TO EVE and got her and Adam to TURN AWAY FROM GOD. “Satan comes only to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY.” (John 10:10a) He wants to STEAL our confidence in God, KILL our desire to worship God and DESTROY our relationship with God. But Jesus has something else in mind for us, “I have come so they can have LIFE (zōē: the absolute fulness of life, which belongs to God). I want them to have it more ABUNDANTLY (perissos: going past the expected limit) (John 10:10b)
“So let us COME NEAR TO GOD with an honest and true heart. Let us COME NEAR with a faith that is sure and strong. Our hearts have been sprinkled. Our minds have been cleansed from a sense of guilt. Our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us HOLD FIRMLY to the hope we claim to have. The One who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER on toward love and good deeds, NOT GIVING UP MEETING TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and ALL THE MORE AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) The day of Christ’s return.
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom TEACHING AND ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER WITH PSALMS, HYMNS, AND SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) “Not forsaking (giving up) the assembling of ourselves together…” Paul said, “Until I get there, read and explain the Scriptures TO THE CHURCH; preach God’s Word.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
“Christ is the head of the body, which is the church…Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (Colossians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 12:27)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham