Survey conducted by Dr. George Barna and the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that most Americans feel that mankind is “basically good, seven out of ten — or 69% —responded that they believe man is BASICALLY GOOD. No need for outside help” When God was asked, He said, “…ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is NO ONE WHO DOES GOOD. The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, ANY WHO SEEK GOD. ALL have turned away, ALL have become corrupt; there is NO ONE who does good, NOT EVEN ONE.” (Psalms 14:1-3) Romans 3:10-18 verify this as well!
In 2000, 45% percent of all those sampled claimed to be practicing Christians. That share has consistently declined over the last 19 years. Now, just one in four Americans (25%) is a practicing Christian. In essence, the share of practicing Christians has NEARLY DROPPED IN HALF since 2000.
The American church is not much different from the world in just about every way you can measure it. Whether you look at a George Barna poll or someone else’s, Christians think and act pretty much like those who either openly reject Jesus Christ or JUST DON’T CARE one way or the other. So many Christians are taught today that it does not matter WHAT YOU DO or HOW YOU LIVE you will be OK as long as you got saved sometime in your life.
Remember this, “EVERYONE who sins breaks the law. In fact, breaking the law is sin. But you know that Christ came to take our sins away. And there is no sin in him. NO ONE who remains JOINED TO HIM KEEPS ON SINNING. NO ONE WHO KEEPS ON SINNING HAS…KNOWN HIM.” (1 John 3:4-6) “For this is the love of God, that we KEEP (téreó: guard, obey, observe) HIS COMMANDMENTS. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
“…one said to Jesus, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, FOR MANY, I SAY TO YOU, WILL SEEK TO ENTER AND WILL NOT BE ABLE. (because of sin in their lives)” (Luke 13:23-24) There is no other way because Jesus alone is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to DESTRUCTION, and THERE ARE MANY who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT IS THE WAY which leads to LIFE (eternal life), and there are FEW WHO FIND IT.” (Matt. 7:13-14) “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain (and forgiven) shall be CAUGHT UP (harpazō: to snatch away) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
JUST TO BE SURE ASK THE LORD FOR FORGIVENESS, JESUS SAYS, “Now when these things begin to happen (ALL THE “END OF TIMES” THINGS GOING ON), look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham